Today we’ll be breaking down the 5 main types of roofing materials and their individual pros and cons. These materials are asphalt, rubber, metal, clay, and cedar shingles. If you want to skip the reading, just watch this video:
To help you choose the best option for your needs, we’re going to cover 6 different categories and how each type of material rates on a scale of 1 – 5 (with 1 being the best, 5 being the worst).
The categories are:
- Cost
- Wind Warranty
- Maintenance
- Life Expectancy
- Durability
- Repairability
Let’s get started!
Roofing Materials review: asphalt shingles, rubber, metal, clay, and cedar (embed)
Roof Material Cost
Asphalt (1) – A very cost-efficient option, but there is a reason for that. It is not very durable, which is what we’ll get to later.
Metal (3) – Metal shingles used to be very expensive, but now that they’re becoming more popular, and you can find cheaper options.
Cedar (4) – Starting to get towards the more premium pricing. Cedar is a beautiful-looking roof material but will cost a pretty penny.
Rubber (4) – A durable option, but rubber roofing materials also cost quite a bit.
Clay (5) – The most expensive option, clay roofing materials, will be quite a big investment and should only be considered by those who have a big budget to work with.
Wind Warranty
Metal (1) – Very effective against the wind. They can be dented by falling debris, but the wind will not cause much damage.
Rubber (2) – Another solid option to deter damage from wind, rubber is quite durable.
Clay (2) – Clay is also quite strong against wind, thanks to its heavy nature.
Cedar (2) – Cedar can also hold its own against wind.
Asphalt (5) – The worst material when it comes to wind damage. As we mentioned before, this is the price you pay for choosing a cheaper option. If you are worried about wind damage with asphalt shingles, seek out more premium quality brands.
Maintenance For Roofing Materials
Metal (1) – Quite sturdy, so it isn’t often you’ll need to perform maintenance on a metal roof.
Asphalt (1) – Pretty easy to maintain; just need to get on the roof every few years and fix any minor issues before they become big issues.
Rubber (1) – Doesn’t take much maintenance.
Clay (2) – Wind can sometimes shift some of the shingles, so you need to check on that every so often.
Cedar (3) – Cedar needs to be cleaned quite often; otherwise, the discoloration can be common. It’s not too bad, though.
Life Expectancy
Metal (1) – Metal roofs can last up to 50-60 years and sometimes longer.
Rubber (1) – Rubber roofs will last 40-50 years.
Clay (1) – Clay can also last 50+ years.
Cedar (4) – Cedar will last 20-25 years, depending on the climate and weather.
Asphalt (5) – The life expectancy of an asphalt roof is about 18 years.
Roof Material Durability
Clay (1) – Heavy and very durable.
Rubber (1) – Also very heavy, the best hail resistance option on the market today. So, if you live in an area that gets a lot of hail, rubber is definitely recommended.
Metal (3) – Hail, as well as falling debris, can put dents in a metal roof.
Cedar (3) – Cedar is also susceptible to some damage from hail and debris.
Asphalt (5) – Asphalt is very susceptible to damage.
Repairability
Asphalt (1) – Very easy to repair. The material is very flexible and can be easy to fix. If you are comfortable working on roofs, repairs can easily be done DIY style.
Cedar (2) – Not too hard to repair, but will take a little effort and you may need to call a pro to get it done.
Metal (5) – Very tough to repair. Will need to call in a pro to repair, which can be costly.
Clay (3) – Clay can be tough to repair too, but it isn’t as hard to repair when compared to metal.
Rubber (3) – Can be more difficult to repair as well.
Total Scores
Rubber (12)
Metal (14)
Clay (14)
Asphalt (18)
Cedar (18)
It’s important to keep in mind that while rubber performed the best in our rankings and asphalt and cedar performed the worst, that doesn’t mean you have to go with rubber. There are plenty of situations in which going with an asphalt roof makes perfect sense. For example, if your budget doesn’t allow for it or you’re comfortable in paying for the occasional maintenance or repair job. Use these rankings as a means of guiding you to the right decision.
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Thanks for letting me know about the different qualities of the different roofing materials. I’m a big fan of how asphalt seems to be the best one for me since it doesn’t require much maintenance while also being the most cost-efficient option. I’ll be sure to ask about this material when I get around to finding a roofing installation service for our new house.
I’m currently having my house renovated and I think replacing my metal roof could be a consideration. Thanks for mentioning that asphalt shingles could be a good choice since it is easy to repair, maintain and can also last up to 18 years. I hope I can find contractors that can install them properly.
This is an excellent post! I’m looking forward to reading your future post. You did a good job. Thanks for sharing some tips!
Thank you, video was very helpful.
Could you provide me with a good contractor for Falmouth Ma. 02540
Thanks
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I find it fascinating that investing in the right roofing material gives your home enough protection that’ll last for several decades. I heard that my aunt has always wanted to remodel her home, which has hints of European architecture. I think finding a roofer that could change her roofing system is a good start.
Very helpful information on choosing the proper roofing materials for a new roof. Also, roof repair is important in order to avoid having the roof fail before its time.
Though not the most durable, there are situations in which an asphalt roof makes sense. For example, if your budget doesn’t allow for it or if you’re comfortable paying for the occasional maintenance or repair job. Thanks for sharing!
you get a new roof, a big deciding factor in which brand or roofing material you go with will be based on how good the warranty is.
Thanks for making a blog about roofing materials. I really how well written this article is really helpful.
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Thanks for the reminder that reparability is also one of the things to look into when choosing the right roofing material. I’d like to find a good roofing service soon because I’m thinking about getting my roof replaced soon. I think that will be necessary to add a more modern vibe to the exterior design of my home.
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Any harm resulted in by downpour, sleet, or snow should be repaired by a respected roofing company. Your roof, which protects you and all inside from the natural forces, is an essential part of your home or place of commerce. Though doing it yourself could appear like a more affordable option, it can also be risky and ineffective. Consequently, it is always recommended to trust a trustworthy roofing company with all of your roof demands. A reliable roofing contractor is the way to go when it comes to fixing rain damage. They are equipped with the understanding, proficiency, and resources necessary to evaluate the harm, formulate a approach for fixing it, and effectively finish the task. This guarantees a thorough covering fix and gives you assurance knowing that your residence is shielded from additional rain harm. It is not recommended to undertake a DIY roof restoration following damage from downpour, hail, or wintry weather. It might be damaging and inefficient. Skilled roof businesses have the necessary abilities, knowledge, and equipment to safely and efficiently complete the task. Furthermore, they are able to spot likely issues and present advice to avoid additional harm. They can also lead you through the insurance claims process.
Regardless of the weather conditions, your roof serves as your protection. It is important to hire a reputable roofing company to ensure your first line of defense is strong and reliable. Do not settle for anything less than top-notch quality!
I just wanted to express how thankful I am for this detailed breakdown of roofing materials. Your article has been incredibly insightful in helping me navigate the often complex world of home improvement. The organization of your content, from explaining the 5 main types of roofing materials to assessing their pros and cons within the 6 different categories, is both informative and user-friendly. I really appreciate the effort you’ve put into making this information accessible and comprehensible.
Choosing the best roofing materials for your home can be tough. This article provides some of the best picks. Thank you for sharing!