Home › Guides › Renovation, GC & carpentry › Types of roofing materials: asphalt, metal, tile & more
Buyer's guideTypes of roofing materials: asphalt, metal, tile & more
Your roof is a major investment that protects everything underneath, and the material you choose affects cost, lifespan, looks and how it handles your climate. Here are the main roofing materials and how to choose.
Key takeaways- Asphalt shingles are the affordable, popular standard; metal lasts far longer and handles weather well.
- Tile and slate are beautiful and extremely long-lasting but heavy and pricey.
- Match the material to your climate, budget, roof slope and how long you'll stay.
- Quality installation — flashing and ventilation — matters as much as the material.
What to consider before you choose
Lifespan vs budget
Cheaper materials cost less now but need replacing sooner; premium materials cost more but can last decades or a lifetime.
Climate and weather
Snow, wind, hail and sun all stress roofs differently. Metal sheds snow; some materials handle heat or storms better.
Weight and structure
Heavy materials like slate and tile may need extra structural support — a consideration for re-roofs.
Slope and style
Flat and low-slope roofs need membranes, not shingles. Material should also suit your home's style.
The main roofing materials, compared
1. Asphalt shingles
The most common roofing — affordable, reliable and available in many colours and styles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Affordable
- Many styles
- Easy to install and repair
|
- Shorter lifespan
- Less eco-friendly
|
Best for: Most homes on a budget
2. Metal roofing
Long-lasting panels or shingles that shed snow and resist weather.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Very long lifespan
- Sheds snow
- Energy-efficient
- Fire-resistant
|
- Higher upfront cost
- Can be noisy in rain
|
Best for: Longevity and snowy climates
3. Clay / concrete tile
Distinctive, extremely durable tiles common in warm and Mediterranean-style homes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Very long lifespan
- Distinctive look
- Fire-resistant
|
- Heavy (needs support)
- Expensive
- Can crack on impact
|
Best for: Warm climates and specific styles
4. Slate
Premium natural stone roofing that can last a century.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Lifespan of 75–100+ years
- Beautiful
- Fire-resistant
|
- Very expensive
- Very heavy
- Specialized install
|
Best for: Heritage and high-end homes
5. Cedar shakes
Natural wood shingles with a warm, rustic look.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Natural beauty
- Good insulation
|
- Needs maintenance
- Fire concerns
- Shorter lifespan if neglected
|
Best for: Rustic and character homes
6. Flat-roof membrane (TPO/EPDM)
Rubber or synthetic membranes for flat and low-slope roofs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Suited to flat roofs
- Good waterproofing
|
- Not for sloped roofs
- Lifespan varies by type
|
Best for: Flat and low-slope roofs
Book renovation, gc & carpentry on Genie
Found the type you want? Book a vetted, insured pro at an upfront or quoted price:
FAQ
What's the longest-lasting roofing material?
Slate can last a century, and metal and tile last for decades — far longer than asphalt shingles, though they cost more upfront.
Is metal roofing worth the cost?
Often yes — it lasts much longer than asphalt, sheds snow, resists fire and can improve energy efficiency, offsetting the higher upfront price over time.
What roofing is best for a snowy climate?
Metal roofing sheds snow well and handles freeze-thaw, making it a strong choice in snowy regions. Proper installation and ventilation prevent ice dams.
Related guides
Home renovation guide: planning, quotes, permits and avoiding cost overruns
How to plan a renovation, get itemized and comparable quotes, understand permits and contracts, manage the project, and avoid the surprises that blow budgets and timelines.Home improvements that add the most value (and which don't)
Which home improvements add the most resale value — kitchens, bathrooms, curb appeal and energy efficiency — plus the upgrades that don't pay back, and how to spend wisely.Water in the basement? What to do and how to stop it coming back
A flooded-basement guide — the safe steps to take right now, how to find the source, drying and mould prevention, and the waterproofing fixes that stop basement water for good.Kitchen remodel guide: planning, layout, cost drivers and timeline
A complete kitchen remodel guide — how to plan the project, the layout and work-triangle basics, what drives the cost, realistic timelines, where to save vs splurge, and getting good quotes.
