A Gentle Introduction to 12 Types of Roofing Materials

Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Replacing a roof means balancing appearance, price, weight, climate, fire and wind exposure, maintenance, and expected service life. Asphalt shingles remain a common North American choice, but they are only one option. The right covering must work with the roof structure and the rest of the assembly.

The sections below introduce 12 material categories. They are starting points, not universal performance or price rankings. Specifications, code approvals, warranties, and availability vary by product and location.

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Modern asphalt shingles typically combine a fiberglass reinforcing mat, asphalt, mineral fillers, and ceramic-coated mineral granules. The asphalt sheds water and holds the granules; the granules provide color and protect the asphalt from ultraviolet light. Underlayment, flashing, ventilation, installation, and maintenance also affect how the complete roof manages water.

Three-tab shingles are basic, single-layer products. Laminated shingles—also called architectural or dimensional shingles—use multiple pieces to create a thicker, dimensional appearance. Premium designs may resemble wood shake, tile, or slate. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association explains these categories and roof-system components.

Read more about asphalt shingles and architectural shingles.

Ceramic and Clay Roofing Tiles

Clay and ceramic tiles offer distinctive colors and profiles and can provide a long service life when the roof is properly designed, installed, and maintained. They are heavier than many other roof coverings, so a qualified professional should verify that the structure can support the selected system.

Tile attachment matters as much as weight. In high-wind areas, use a tested assembly and the fastening method required for the site’s design wind speed. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance publishes current installation guidance, but the manufacturer’s instructions and local code govern a particular project.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are available in flat, low-profile, and curved profiles and in many colors. Like clay tile, concrete tile is comparatively heavy. Have the structure checked before replacing a lighter roof covering with concrete tile.

For wind resistance, compare the tested assembly, attachment schedule, roof geometry, and local design requirements. Tile weight alone does not establish high-wind performance.

Green Roofs

beautiful home in the woods with a green roof

A green roof supports vegetation above a waterproof roof assembly. Typical systems add root protection, drainage, growing medium, and plants; the exact layers and structural requirements depend on the design.

Green roofs can shade the roof, reduce and slow stormwater runoff, and help moderate urban heat. Their environmental impact, maintenance needs, and service life depend on the climate, structural capacity, waterproofing, growing medium, irrigation, and plant selection. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency summarizes green-roof types, benefits, and tradeoffs.

Metal Roofing

Residential metal roofing is made in panels or shingle-like profiles from materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Costs, corrosion resistance, coatings, fasteners, and installation methods differ by product and environment.

A metal roof is not automatically a cool roof. A finish with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance can reduce summer roof temperatures, especially in hot climates. Actual savings depend on the finish, climate, insulation, and building systems. The U.S. Department of Energy explains the properties that affect cool-roof performance.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

In low-slope roofing, “rubber roofing” usually refers to EPDM, a synthetic-rubber single-ply membrane supplied in sheets. Depending on the system, sheets may be fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted. Seams use manufacturer-approved adhesive or seam tape.

EPDM is the weatherproofing membrane, not the roof’s thermal insulation. Do not assume it is made mostly from used tires, slate dust, or sawdust; composition is product-specific. The National Roofing Contractors Association’s membrane overview explains EPDM materials and seams.

Properly designed, installed, and maintained EPDM roofs can remain in service for decades, but membrane thickness, attachment, detailing, climate, and maintenance affect the result. Use a contractor experienced with the specified low-slope system.

Slate Roofs

Natural slate is heavy, noncombustible, and potentially long-lived, but it is expensive and can break if walked on improperly. Before installation, have the structure and details evaluated by professionals familiar with slate.

Synthetic or “faux” slate products may use polymers, rubber, asphalt, clay, or other composites. They are often lighter than natural slate, but the structure, fire classification, impact rating, installation, and warranty must still be checked for the exact product.

Solar Tiles and Shingles

Solar tiles and shingles generate electricity while forming part of the weather-protective roof. They may blend more closely with adjacent roofing than rack-mounted panels, although appearance and layout vary. Homeowners in an HOA should confirm the applicable rules and state protections rather than assume one solar format is automatically permitted.

Durability, output, and warranty coverage are product-specific. For example, Tesla’s current U.S. Solar Roof warranty defines 25-year product, weatherization, and module coverage subject to exclusions and proration. It does not establish a “three times stronger” rule for every solar tile.

Whether solar roofing pays for itself depends on installed cost, incentives, financing, sunlight, electricity rates, degradation, and how long the owner keeps the system. The Department of Energy provides a framework for estimating solar payback.

Vinyl and PVC Roofing

PVC single-ply roofing is a flexible thermoplastic membrane used primarily on low-slope roofs. Its seams are normally heat-welded. It is different from nail-fastened polymer shingles sold for steep-slope roofs.

Polymer shingles may imitate slate or shake, but their composition and installation instructions vary. Review the technical data, fire-tested assembly, impact and wind ratings, recycling claims, and warranty for the exact product rather than applying PVC-membrane characteristics to every “vinyl” shingle.

Stone-Coated Steel Roofs

Stone-coated steel combines shaped steel panels with a bonded layer of mineral granules. Profiles can resemble tile, shake, or shingles while remaining lighter than many traditional tile products.

Some manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties for qualifying residential installations, but “lifetime” is a contract term rather than a universal service-life promise. Compare transfer rules, exclusions, wind and hail limits, labor coverage, and required installation details.

Wood Shingles and Cedar Shake Roofing

Wood shingles are sawn for a more uniform appearance; shakes are traditionally split or made to look split and tend to have more texture. Cedar is common, but species and grades vary. Both require careful installation and ongoing attention to moisture, debris, and biological growth.

In wildfire-prone areas, check local code and insurer requirements and prioritize a complete Class A roof assembly. Some fire-retardant-treated wood products qualify only as part of a tested assembly with specified underlayment and decking. Material alone does not determine the installed roof’s fire rating.

Polymer and Plastic Roof Shingles

Polymer-based shingles can imitate slate, shake, or tile and may reduce roof weight. Performance varies widely by formulation and assembly. A plastic composition does not automatically provide a Class A fire rating.

For wildfire or code decisions, verify that the exact covering and complete roof assembly have the required classification under ASTM E108 or UL 790. FEMA emphasizes that the complete tested assembly—not only the roof covering—must meet the claimed classification.

Before You Install Your Roof

Ask a qualified roofing contractor to evaluate the structure, slope, ventilation, flashing, climate, code, and manufacturer requirements. Obtain an itemized written scope and confirm licensing, insurance, permits, references, and disposal.

Material and workmanship warranties are often separate. Read both before signing and check registration, transfer, maintenance, exclusions, proration, and who pays for tear-off and labor. Product availability and local quotes are more useful than undated national price claims.