Roofing Roundup: 5 of Today’s Most Popular Choices in Roofing Material

By: John Saenz
10/04/2021

The best roofing material for your home will depend on very subjective factors, like where you live and the shape of your roof. Metal sheeting, for example, in frigid climates will, if not correctly installed, succumb to the “oil can effect,” in which the sheets swell and shrink with the temperature fluctuations. Or, if you have a steeply peaked roof, you can choose a variety of roofing materials, but with many complicated features like multiple skylights, you may want to veer away from large panels or sheets.

Here are the five most popular choices in 2021 for residential roofing material.

Asphalt Shingles

Easy to install and easy to replace, asphalt shingles are an excellent choice for virtually every home except ones with flat roofs. (If you have a flat roof, there is the potential for water to get trapped underneath individual shingles and rot or grow mold.)

Asphalt shingles are made from paper fiber mat or fiberglass, coated with a granular sand-like substance. You can find shingles in a few different colors to match your style more completely, and there’s an alternate architectural shingle that many opt for when upgrading their home’s exterior. Asphalt shingles are not necessarily eco-friendly as they are petroleum-based, but you can recycle them. For a more natural and green choice, look no further than cedar shakes and shingles.

Cedar Shingles and Shakes

You can find wooden shingles made of cedar, Southern pine or redwood. These lovely, natural shingles blend seamlessly with any décor and work on moderate to steeply inclined roofs.

Wooden shingles or shakes are mid-priced and may be more vulnerable to rot than other choices, but they are one of the most attractive options for your roof as they age to a dignified silvery gray.

Metal

Flat roofs can easily handle a metal sheet as a roof, and this modern option is durable, affordable and sleek-looking. Metal is also on-trend in 2021, and provides significant resale value for you home.

You can find them in either panels or shingles, and they come in a wide range of materials, from aluminum, to copper, to zinc alloy. Metal roofs are easy on the environment and can be recycled after you’re done with them. They also help reduce your heating and cooling costs by reflecting light and heat in the warmest months.

Slate

Made of natural rock, slate shingles are heavy and higher priced than other options, but they look spectacular and are tremendously durable. Typically, slate shingles are used on French Chateau or Colonial-style houses with steep roofs.

Concrete Tiles

The great thing about concrete tiles is their versatility, as they can be made to look like wood shingles or clay tiles. They are more expensive, generally, than other options, but they are highly durable and require almost no maintenance. These tiles are also fire-resistant, making your home safer in the bargain.

Summing Up

The location in which you live and the pitch of your roof will largely determine your choice of roofing materials. If you have a standard roof, your choice will be determined by your budget and priorities.

Asphalt shingles are a highly popular choice due to their inexpensiveness and ease of use. Slate tiles are a gorgeous addition to any home, and cedar shake is a classic, eco-friendly choice.

When you’re ready to talk with a professional roofing contractor, get in touch with At Home Pros. We’ll connect you to the top roofing experts in your area, so you’re sure to get the most popular roofing materials for your next project.