Aren’t sure what roofing materials are best for your home or commercial building? We understand that a new roof is an investment in your property, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you explore the different types of roofing materials available.
As a roofing supply store, we want to make sure our customers have all the facts they need to make informed decisions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Which roof type is best?
The for your home or commercial building depends on your budget, design preferences, and expectations for lifespan.
Here’s a list of five different types of roofs you should consider:
- 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
- Asphalt Architectural Shingles
- Steel Roofing
- Clay Roof Tiles
- Slate Roof Tiles
What type of roof will last the longest?
The lifespan of your roof is determined by its materials, maintenance, and climate. For example, asphalt roofing shingles may last longer in a region with mild winters. In general, slate roof tiles have the longest lifespan of about 100 years when given proper care. See our table below to learn what roofing materials last the longest.
| Roof Types | Average Lifespan |
| Slate Roof Tiles | 60 to 150 years |
| Clay Roof Tiles | 60 to 150 years |
| Steel Roofing | 50 years |
| Asphalt Architectural Shingles | 30 years |
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles | 20 years |
What is the most common type of roof?
Asphalt shingles are popular among homeowners because they’re often more affordable than other types of roofing materials. Asphalt shingles also come in a range of styles and colors to complement the exterior of your home. There are many types of asphalt roof shingles to choose from, including those that resist hail damage, algae growth, and UV rays. For example, choosing light roof colors can help reflect the sun’s rays in the summer, improving the energy efficiency of your home.
What color roof is most energy efficient?
Light roof colors are the most energy efficient because they reflect the sun’s rays. Similar to how dark roofing materials absorb heat, light roofing materials deflect heat to help keep your home more comfortable in the summer. Asphalt roof shingles from CertainTeed come in a range of both light and dark colors, including white and gray.
What types of metal roofs are there?
We highly recommend because it tends to be more affordable than roofs made of aluminum, zinc, and copper. Steel roofing is also able to resist high winds, hail, and other adverse weather.
Here’s a list of five types of metal roofs:
- Steel
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Zinc
- Tin
Which roof is better, metal or shingle?
Many people prefer metal roofing over shingles for its ability to reflect the sun’s heat and improve energy efficiency. If you have an attic in your home that gets hot, we recommend metal roofing to bring your home down to a comfortable temperature. Steel roofing has a greater return on investment than shingles and can also be made to look like other materials.
Eikenhout is a that is dedicated to helping homeowners and contractors find high-quality building products for their next project. If you are interested in our inventory of residential and commercial building supplies, please feel free to call any of our nine Michigan locations.
