I’m going to settle this debate once and for all.
After installing thousands of roofs and seeing how different materials perform in real-world conditions, I can tell you this: there’s no single “best” roofing material.
But there IS the best material for YOUR home.
Let me explain.
Why This Question Is More Complicated Than You Think
Here’s what most homeowners don’t understand: the “best” roofing material depends on five critical factors:
- Your climate(a roof that works in Arizona will fail in Colorado)
- Your budget(both upfront and long-term costs)
- Your home’s architecture(some materials look terrible on certain styles)
- Local building codes(some materials aren’t allowed in your area)
- Your roof’s pitch(slope determines which materials will work)
I’ve seen homeowners in Northern Colorado choose beautiful slate roofs that cost $40,000, only to discover that hail damage required replacement within five years. The best roofing company in Northern Colorado will tell you the same thing: climate matters more than aesthetics.
The right choice balances all these factors. Let’s break down each major roofing material so you can make an informed decision.
Asphalt Shingles: The Popular Choice For Good Reasons
Asphalt shingles cover 80% of American homes. That’s not an accident.
The Advantages
Cost-effective: $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, you’re looking at $7,000 to $11,000.
Easy installation: Most roofers can complete the job in 1-3 days. This keeps labor costs down and minimizes disruption.
Variety: You get hundreds of color options and styles. Want the look of slate or wood? Architectural shingles can mimic these at a fraction of the cost.
Proven track record: Modern asphalt shingles last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
The Drawbacks
Vulnerable to extreme weather: High winds can lift and tear shingles. Hail creates granule loss and cracking.
Shorter lifespan: Compared to metal or tile, you’ll replace asphalt roofs more frequently.
Not eco-friendly: Most asphalt shingles end up in landfills. They’re petroleum-based and difficult to recycle.
When Asphalt Shingles Make Sense
Choose asphalt if you:
- Need to stay within a tight budget
- Plan to sell within 10-15 years
- Live in a moderate climate without extreme weather
- Want a traditional look that appeals to most buyers
Metal Roofing: The Long-Term Investment
Metal roofing has exploded in popularity over the past decade. I install three times as many metal roofs today as I did ten years ago.
The Advantages
Incredibly durable: Metal roofs last 40-70 years. You might never replace your roof again.
Weather resistant: Metal handles high winds (up to 140 mph), heavy snow loads, and hail better than any other material.
Energy efficient: Reflective coatings bounce sunlight away, reducing cooling costs by 10-25%.
Environmentally friendly: Most metal roofing contains 25-95% recycled content and is 100% recyclable at end of life.
Low maintenance: Metal doesn’t crack, rot, or attract pests. You’ll spend almost nothing on repairs.
The Drawbacks
Higher upfront cost: $7 to $14 per square foot installed. That same 2,000-square-foot roof costs $14,000 to $28,000.
Noise: Rain and hail create more sound. Proper insulation solves this, but it adds cost.
Denting: In severe hail storms, metal can dent. Aluminum and copper dent more easily than steel.
Expansion and contraction: Metal expands in heat and contracts in cold. Poor installation can cause fasteners to loosen over time.
When Metal Roofing Makes Sense
Choose metal if you:
- Plan to stay in your home for 20+ years
- Live in an area with severe weather (high winds, heavy snow, or frequent hail)
- Want to maximize energy efficiency
- Value sustainability and want a recyclable roof
- Have a modern, contemporary, or industrial-style home
Clay and Concrete Tiles: The Premium Option
Tile roofs dominate in the Southwest and Mediterranean-style homes across the country.
The Advantages
Extremely long-lasting: Clay tiles last 50-100 years. Some European clay tile roofs are over 300 years old and still functional.
Fire resistant: Clay and concrete are Class A fire-rated. Critical in wildfire-prone areas.
Low maintenance: Tiles don’t rot, warp, or attract insects.
Beautiful aesthetics: Nothing matches the distinctive look of barrel tiles or flat Mediterranean tiles.
Energy efficient: Tiles create natural airflow beneath them, keeping attics cooler.
The Drawbacks
Heavy: Tiles weigh 850-1,100 pounds per square. Your home’s structure must support this weight. Many homes need reinforcement, adding $5,000-$15,000 to the project.
Expensive: $10 to $18 per square foot installed. A 2,000-square-foot roof costs $20,000 to $36,000.
Fragile: While durable against weather, tiles crack if you walk on them. Maintenance requires careful navigation.
Limited color changes: If you want a different color later, you’re replacing the entire roof. Paint doesn’t adhere well to tiles.
When Tile Roofing Makes Sense
Choose tile if you:
- Own a Spanish, Mediterranean, or Mission-style home
- Live in a hot climate (tiles excel in heat)
- Have the budget for premium materials
- Plan to stay in your home long-term
- Want the absolute best fire protection
Slate: The Ultimate Long-Term Investment
Slate represents the pinnacle of roofing materials. It’s also the most expensive.
The Advantages
Unmatched longevity: Slate roofs last 75-150 years. Some slate roofs are over 200 years old.
Natural beauty: Each slate tile is unique. The stone’s natural variations create stunning visual depth.
Zero maintenance: Slate doesn’t degrade, rot, or fade. It requires virtually no upkeep.
Fireproof: Natural stone doesn’t burn.
Eco-friendly: Slate is natural stone requiring minimal processing. It’s completely recyclable.
The Drawbacks
Extremely expensive: $15 to $30+ per square foot installed. That 2,000-square-foot roof costs $30,000 to $60,000+.
Very heavy: At 800-1,500 pounds per square, most homes need structural reinforcement.
Installation expertise: Few roofers have the specialized skills to install slate properly. Finding qualified installers can be challenging.
Repair complexity: When individual tiles break, matching the original stone can be difficult or impossible.
When Slate Makes Sense
Choose slate if you:
- Own a historic or high-end luxury home
- Have unlimited budget and want the best money can buy
- Plan to pass the home to future generations
- Value authenticity and natural materials
- Live in a climate without severe hail (slate cracks under hail impact)
Wood Shakes and Shingles: The Classic Look
Wood roofing delivers unmatched natural beauty but comes with significant maintenance requirements.
The Advantages
Gorgeous aesthetics: Wood creates a rustic, organic look that synthetic materials can’t replicate.
Natural insulation: Wood provides better insulation than asphalt or metal.
Eco-friendly: Cedar and redwood are renewable resources when sourced responsibly.
Unique character: Each shake ages differently, creating distinctive patina over time.
The Drawbacks
High maintenance: Wood requires treatment every 3-5 years to prevent rot, mold, and insect damage.
Fire risk: Even treated wood has lower fire ratings than other materials. Some areas ban wood roofs due to wildfire risk.
Expensive: $8 to $14 per square foot installed.
Shorter lifespan: Wood roofs last 20-40 years with excellent maintenance. Neglect cuts that to 10-15 years.
Weather vulnerability: Moisture causes rot. Dry climates cause splitting. Wood needs consistent conditions.
When Wood Makes Sense
Choose wood if you:
- Own a cottage, cabin, or rustic-style home
- Live in a mild climate without extreme moisture or dryness
- Are committed to regular maintenance
- Value natural aesthetics above all else
- Don’t live in a wildfire-prone area
How To Make Your Decision
Start by eliminating materials that don’t work for your situation:
Step 1: Check your local building codes. Some areas restrict certain materials due to fire risk or historical preservation requirements.
Step 2: Assess your budget realistically. Remember to include both installation and lifetime maintenance costs.
Step 3: Evaluate your roof’s structure. If your home can’t support heavy materials without reinforcement, eliminate tile and slate unless you’re willing to pay for structural upgrades.
Step 4: Consider your climate. Match materials to your weather patterns. Hail country? Metal wins. Extreme heat? Tile or metal. Heavy snow? Metal or asphalt with proper ice barriers.
Step 5: Think about your timeline. Selling soon? Asphalt offers the best return on investment. Staying forever? Invest in metal, tile, or slate.
The Bottom Line: What Experts Actually Recommend
After installing every type of roofing material in every conceivable condition, here’s my honest assessment:
Best overall value: Metal roofing. The upfront cost is higher than asphalt, but the 50+ year lifespan, minimal maintenance, and energy savings make it the smartest investment for most homeowners.
Best budget option: Architectural asphalt shingles. They look better than 3-tab shingles and last longer while remaining affordable.
Best for hot climates: Clay or concrete tile. The natural ventilation and heat reflection are unbeatable.
Best for luxury homes: Slate. Nothing else matches its prestige and longevity.
Best for rustic homes: Cedar shakes, but only if you’re committed to maintenance.
The “best” roofing material is the one that fits your specific situation. Don’t let a salesperson push you toward their highest-margin product. Consider your climate, budget, home style, and long-term plans.
Your roof is too important, and too expensive, to make the wrong choice.
