While there are many different roof components that are part of a new roof, the most exciting part is picking the main roofing material that will determine how your new roof will look. Depending on your home, your roof could make up about 40% of the curb appeal of your home, so the type of roofing material you choose can greatly change the whole look of your home.
There are 4 main types of roofing materials used in the Inland Northwest, each with a variety of different looks and features. We’ll explore the basics of each so you can figure out which one is right for your home.
- Asphalt shingle
- Metal panels
- Synthetic materials
- TPO membrane
Other roofing materials exist, such as Tile, Slate, and Wood Shake. However we don’t recommend these due to varying factors:
- Tile is not a great product for areas like ours with heavy snow loads and ice damming
- Wood shake is very expensive these days, and it’s all natural cedar so it needs to be treated on a regular basis and can pose a fire risk.
- Slate is a great roof but it is extremely expensive and time consuming to install. Also hard to repair when the brittle slate pieces get broken.
Asphalt Shingle
Basics
This is by far the most common type of roof in the country. They are popular for their cost effectiveness and relative durability. They are quick to install and provide good protection as long as they are installed correctly with all of their components.
An asphalt shingle is made from a fiberglass mat, coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. They are installed one shingle at a time, which makes them very adaptable no matter your roof shape, and also easy to repair if something goes wrong.
Pros:
- Affordable initial cost and widely available.
- Easy to install and repair, keeping labor costs lower.
- Great wind warranties when properly installed.
- Can handle moderate snow loads if properly installed and snow won’t slide off.
Cons:
- Lifespan (20–25 years) is shorter compared to other materials.
- Freeze-thaw cycles can lead to shingle curling or cracking over time.
- Must be kept clean or moss will grow and damage the shingle.
- Frequent inspections are wise to catch early damage.
Types/Styles
Standard Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles:
- Layered design, creating a dimensional look.
- More durable than 3-tab and comes with longer warranties and higher wind ratings.
- This will usually be your cheapest option.
- Typical cost: $5-$10 per square foot.
Designer Shingles
- Thicker and more durable than standard architectural shingles.
- Come in varying designs and will give your home a unique look.
- A good mid-tier option for a new roof that will last a long time.
- Typical cost: $7-$12 per square foot
3-Tab Shingles:
- Flat, uniform appearance.
- Old style that is known for catching wind, many companies do not install this type of roofing anymore.
- You’ll see it on a lot of homes with roofs that are over 20 years old.
Metal Panels
Basics
A roof system made up of metal panels and accessories. In most cases it will be 24 or 26 gauge steel with a baked on paint coating rated for 50 years. Copper can also be used for the panels or as trim, however it’s pricey.
Metal roofing systems require a lot more planning and time to install correctly than a traditional shingle roof. A properly installed metal roof, while expensive, can last 50+ years.
Pros:
- Sleek, clean, modern look.
- Can last for 50+ years depending on installation.
- Excellent at shedding snow, reducing the risk of ice dams.
- Fire-resistant and fully recyclable.
Cons:
- High initial cost and specialized installation needed.
- Can be noisy in heavy rain or hail
- Exposed fasteners are a huge weak point, the less the better
- Snow loads can sometimes slide off in large sheets, posing safety concerns if snow guards are not installed.
Types/Styles
Corrugated Panels:
- Features a wavy or ribbed design.
- Installed with screws that are exposed.
- Often used for barns or shops but can also suit rustic residential designs.
- Not recommended for home applications – exposed fasteners can back out and cause leaks.
- Typical cost: $6-$11 per square foot.
Loc-Rib Panels:
- Panels installed by locking to the previous panel, keeping most fasteners hidden.
- Only exposed fasteners (weak points) are on the ridge and trim pieces.
- A great option for homes – few leak prone areas and great life expectancy for the investment.
- Typical cost: $12-$20
Standing Seam:
- Vertical seams with raised edges, providing a sleek, modern look.
- Installed with interlocking trims, leaving zero exposed fasteners
- Very weather-tight and considered THE premium metal option.
- Ideal for homes, the most bullet-proof roof available.
- Typical cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Synthetic Materials
Basics
There are a variety of types and brands of synthetic materials available today. These are made out of a synthetic polymer and are designed to mimic the look of wood shakes or slate, but at a lower price. These are time consuming to install, but they don’t come with the drawbacks of real slate (hard to repair) and wood shake (needs treated/fire hazard).
While most homeowners won’t have the budget for this type of roof, they are a unique and beautiful upgrade that will greatly boost curb appeal.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable.
- Excellent impact resistance, suitable for hail-prone or snowy areas.
- Looks like real wood shake or slate but at much lower cost.
- Lower maintenance compared to real wood or slate.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slow to install
- Not as time-tested as traditional materials.
Types/Styles
- Synthetic Slate or Shakes:
- Mimics the natural look of slate or cedar shakes without the same level of upkeep
- Much lighter, reducing structural demands on the roof.
- UV resistant.
- Greatly increase your home’s curb appeal
- Typical cost: $20-$30 per square foot.
TPO Membrane
Basics
If you have areas on your roof that are completely flat or very close (under a 2/12 pitch), then a specialized roofing material is required. The most commonly used is a TPO membrane. This is a synthetic product that can be heat welded together, forming a solid barrier that will keep even standing water out of your home.
TPO is most commonly used in large, commercial applications, but can be easily adapted to smaller buildings to waterproof flat areas. We use it most on residential homes that have a small flat part on the roof like a porch overhang.
Pros:
- When properly heat-welded together, it forms a water tight barrier, similar to a swimming pool liner.
- Great for either a small flat area or if your whole roof is flat.
- Proven to be effective in large scale commercial applications
- Energy efficient: TPO is highly reflective which can help reduce energy costs.
Cons:
- Limited colors: Only available in white, gray, and brown.
- Lifespan: TPO membranes are typically only warrantied for 15-20 years, however certain systems can be warrantied for longer.
- If not properly installed, leaks can be hard to find.
What’s The Best Roofing Material For You?
When making the decision about which material to install on your home, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Lifespan
How long do you want your roof to last? If the minimum is all that’s necessary, an asphalt shingle roof will do the trick. If you want it to last many decades, a concealed-fastener metal roof could be a better option. - Curb Appeal
How important is improving your home’s curb appeal? A standing seam metal roof will provide a much more modern and sleek look, while synthetic shingles look like rustic tile or wood shakes that will dramatically boost curb appeal. - Roof Steepness
The steeper the roof, the more you can see it from the ground, which will make a more premium roof like synthetic slate very attractive. If you have a flat roof then you may need to put a Standing Seam or TPO membrane roof on to properly shed the water. - Budget
Because of the wide range of different costs, budget will play a key role in determining which roofing material is best for you. If you’re just looking for the most affordable, a traditional asphalt shingle roof that’s installed properly will be your best choice. However a metal roof, while expensive up front, will start to pay off if you plan to stay in your home for a long time. - Snow Loads
Metal roofs will shed snow efficiently and reduce the chances of an ice dam occurring. However, this can also cause issues if snow is shedding onto an area that could be dangerous for someone walking underneath. Asphalt shingles will hold onto the snow, but may require roof-top snow removal if it piles up too high. - Ice Dams
If you’re concerned about ice damming, all types of roofing materials have weak points. The most effective way to prevent ice dams are doing these 3 things:- Install a very high quality ice & water shield that will stick down to the plywood and seal around fasteners.
- Check insulation to make sure heat is being kept in the home, add if necessary.
- Ensure your attic ventilation is operating well. This means plenty of intake and exhaust ventilation, all freely flowing.
- Maintenance
All roofs should be kept clean, as debris buildup can cause water to back up and lead to leaks. Asphalt shingles have a tendency to hold stuff up on your roof since it doesn’t slide off as easy as a metal roof. Asphalt shingles can also promote moss growth while metal and synthetic shingles have a solid surface that doesn’t allow moss to root into it and damage it. If you live under trees that shed a lot of leaves or pine needles, this could be a factor.
Now you’ve got a lot of information to help you choose the right roofing material for you. Take each of these into consideration when looking at the different types of roofing available to you. Now that you know your options and their pros & cons, the next step is to start getting prices. We’d love to help! You can check out our guide to roof replacement cost, use our instant roof price estimate tool, or give us a call at 208-770-9167 and we’ll come out and take a look in person.