Types of Roof Materials: An In-Depth Guide

What is the latest roof material?

Modern roofing materials have advanced significantly in recent years, offering enhanced protection, durability and energy efficiency. One of the most notable modern materials is synthetic felt underlayment, which has become increasingly popular as a replacement for traditional tar paper. Unlike tar paper, synthetic felt is highly durable, resistant to tears and can be left exposed on a roof for a number of days without compromising its water-resistant qualities. This underlayment is a significant upgrade over older materials, ensuring added protection for homes. 

We love that we’ve created our own Heartland Red synthetic felt. Our team leans into the color red as a representation of our passion and commitment to excellence in delivering high-quality roofing solutions. We don’t take our power to protect your home lightly, so you can be confident in the work being done when you see Heartland Red during a home renovation in your neighborhood.

Another modern material is impact-resistant shingles, made from polymer-modified asphalt or synthetic-composite shakes. These shingles offer exceptional protection against hail damage, often standing up to hailstones as large as 2 inches. Many insurance companies now offer discounts for homeowners who install impact-resistant shingles, as they reduce the frequency of roof replacements due to hail damage. The investment in these shingles often pays off in the long term, with homeowners potentially breaking even within seven to eight years due to insurance savings. However, always refer to your insurance agent for clarification on your coverage. 

You can read more about the Class 4 impact-resistant shingle from one of our brand partners, Owens Corning.

Lastly, solar attic fans are becoming more popular. These fans run on solar power, eliminating the need for electrical wiring and reducing energy costs. However, proper intake ventilation is crucial when using solar attic fans to ensure they function effectively and avoid burnout. When checking out the best roof vents, one that Forbes recommends is the Lomanco Whirlybird Turbine.

What are the top 5 roofing materials?

When it comes to building a reliable and long-lasting roof, there are five key components that make up the most important types of roof materials. These elements work together to create a cohesive system that protects your home from the elements:

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Without adequate ventilation, your attic can overheat, which may cause the shingles to bake and deteriorate more quickly. During the winter, poor ventilation can lead to condensation issues. This moisture can freeze, forming frost inside your attic. When it melts, it can appear as if the roof is leaking when that isn’t the issue. Proper ventilation prevents these problems and extends the life of your roofing system. For more in-depth information about the importance of roof ventilation, you can read the U.S. Department of Energy's guide on durable attics.
• Flashing: Flashing is a critical element that prevents water from seeping into vulnerable areas of your roof — around chimneys, vents and skylights. If flashing isn’t installed correctly, it will lead to leaks, which can show anywhere from a week after installation to years down the road. Ensuring flashing is properly placed and sealed is essential for avoiding potential water damage.
• Underlayments: Acting as the final barrier between your shingles and the roof deck, underlayments play a vital role in keeping moisture out. Modern synthetic underlayments offer superior durability compared to traditional paper-based options. If cheaper, less durable underlayments are used, they can tear easily when walked on during installation, rendering them ineffective. High-quality synthetic underlayments, like those we use at Heartland, provide added protection and are a key component of a well-built roofing system.
• Shingles: The type of shingles you choose greatly impacts the overall durability and performance of your roof. It's essential to select shingles that are suited for your home’s location and weather conditions in your area. For example, impact-resistant shingles are a great option for areas like the Midwest, which are prone to hail or high winds, as these shingles offer superior protection and can help lower insurance premiums.
• Ridge Caps: Ridge caps are often the first part of the roof to sustain damage during a storm, making them a crucial component of a durable roofing system. Properly installed ridge caps provide a finished look and play a significant role in protecting the roof's most vulnerable areas from wind and water damage.

These five elements work together to form a comprehensive roofing system that can withstand the challenges of Iowa's weather. When it comes to selecting the right roofing materials, check out the brands we carry and see what options they offer. 

What is the most cost-effective roofing material?

When it comes to finding the cheapest roofing material for a house, it's important to balance cost with quality and long-term durability. Based on our experience, asphalt architectural shingles stand out as the most cost-effective option. These shingles offer a combination of affordability and durability, making them the best roofing material for many homeowners.

While there are even cheaper options, like three-tab shingles, they’ve become less common because they lack the quality and longevity of architectural shingles. Even though three-tab shingles were once significantly cheaper, the price gap has closed and the advantages of the higher-quality architectural shingles make them a better investment in the long run.

When selecting a roofing contractor, it's important to consider the quality of materials and craftsmanship they offer. Choosing premium materials like synthetic felt over traditional tar paper, and including essential accessories, can contribute to a more durable and long-lasting roof. Investing in quality upfront provides peace of mind and helps reduce the likelihood of future repairs or replacements.

At Heartland, we take pride in providing high-quality roofs at a fair price, with a focus on excellence and attention to detail. Our goal is to provide you with a roofing solution that’s not only cost-effective but also built to last. 

What type of roofing material is best?

Selecting the best types of roofing material for your home involves weighing the pros and cons of various options. Asphalt shingles are widely regarded as the best choice for many homeowners due to their excellent price point and longevity. When installed correctly, asphalt shingles can last for the lifetime of a typical homeowner's residence, provided there are no significant weather events, like hailstorms, tornadoes or derechos. However, it’s important to note that in the event of severe weather, most roofing materials, including asphalt, are susceptible to damage.

On the other hand, steel roofs are often viewed as a higher-quality option. They tend to be significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles but offer enhanced durability and longevity. One factor to consider is steel roofs can be noisier during rain and hail. Moreover, regular maintenance is required every 10 years to ensure the roof remains in optimal condition. Steel shingle roofs, designed to resemble asphalt shingles, offer another step up in quality but come at a higher price — typically around three times that of standard asphalt shingles. 

A key advantage of steel roofs is their resistance to severe weather; while they can sustain cosmetic damage from hail, they are less likely to suffer structural harm compared to asphalt shingles.

Ultimately, if best means most popular and widely used, asphalt shingles take the lead. Their combination of affordability, durability and ease of installation  make them a favorite among homeowners.

What is the longest-lasting roof material?

When it comes to longevity, steel shingles stand out as the top choice for roofing materials. Steel shingles are the most durable option available and are particularly suited for the weather conditions in Iowa. They can last significantly longer than traditional materials, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking for longevity in their roofing systems.

Steel roofs come in two primary forms: steel shingle roofs and steel panel roofs. Both types are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and hail, but they do require regular maintenance. It's recommended to reseal the screws every 10 years if the roof doesn't use hidden fasteners to maintain its integrity over time and maximize its life span.

While many steel roofs are accompanied by a "lifetime warranty," it's essential to understand the nuances of these warranties. Typically, they last as long as the homeowner resides in the house, with a depreciation clause that can lead to significant reductions in coverage. When the homeowner sells, the warranty may adjust in length of coverage.

In addition to steel shingles, other roofing materials offer impressive life spans, such as slate and tile roofs, which can also last for decades when properly installed and maintained. However, they usually come with higher price tags and may require specialized installation expertise.

What is the most durable roofing material?

Steel shingle roofs stand out as the most durable roofing material available. This type of roofing is not only incredibly strong but also offers a high-quality look, closely resembling the traditional shingles that homeowners are accustomed to. Steel shingles provide the durability of steel without the industrial appearance of steel panel roofing, making them an attractive and resilient choice.

An asphalt shingled roof, which has a typical life span of 20–25 years, would likely need to be replaced three times before reaching the longevity of one steel roof. With homeowners typically living in their homes for seven years, steel isn’t the option we recommend to everyone. But for those who are intending to live in their homes for the length of the roof, it could be a great option despite the upfront cost. 

Ventilation is another critical factor that contributes to durability. If you’re asking, “What color roof lasts the longest?” darker roofs, if not properly ventilated, could cause shingles to bake more quickly than lighter ones. However, no matter the color, the roof’s life span can adjust due to heat absorption. So, proper ventilation plays a more vital role in ensuring your roof's longevity than the color of your shingle. Our partners at Lomanco Vents estimate that around 90% of attics are not properly ventilated, which can lead to reduced roof durability.

What is the most expensive roofing material?

The most expensive roofing material you'll find in the Midwest is the steel shingle. This premium option is known for its durability and can cost significantly more than other materials. While pricier materials, like slate, clay or copper, are available, they aren’t commonly used in this region due to their lower durability compared to impact-resistant asphalt and steel options.

For residential homes or commercial buildings, a low slope or flat roof tends to be one of the most expensive types of roofing systems available. This is partly because of the specialized materials and installation techniques required to give home or business owners a high-quality result.

What is the most common flat roof covering?

The two most common flat roofing materials are EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin). Both options are widely used, but they have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.

• EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane known for its durability, flexibility and resistance to UV radiation. It’s an excellent option for flat roofs in areas with extreme weather conditions. EPDM is often chosen for commercial applications due to its proven longevity, and it tends to be more affordable than TPO. This roofing material can last up to 25–30 years when properly maintained, making it a reliable choice. Choose EPDM if you’re looking for a cost-effective, durable option that has a long history of performance, especially in colder climates.
• TPO, on the other hand, is a newer roofing membrane that's gaining popularity, particularly for its energy efficiency. TPO is a reflective material that helps reduce energy costs by reflecting sunlight and keeping the building cooler, which is an attractive feature for both residential and commercial property owners. It's also more resistant to punctures and tears than EPDM, making it a better option in areas with heavy foot traffic on the roof or where hail is a concern. However, TPO tends to be a bit more expensive than EPDM. Opt for TPO if energy efficiency, UV resistance and a newer, more modern solution are your top priorities.

For residential flat roofs, while both EPDM and TPO are options, TPO might be more suitable for homeowners who want to maximize energy savings. When it comes to commercial flat roof materials, EPDM remains the popular choice due to its cost-effectiveness and proven track record.

What is the longest lasting flat roofing material?

Flat roofs require specialized materials to ensure proper drainage and protection from the elements. Types of roofing materials for flat roofs include modified bitumen (sometimes referred to in the industry as mod bit) as well as EPDM and TPO, which are the most common. Of course, this is only 3 types of roofs used in flat or nearly flat buildings. 

Of these, EPDM is considered the longest-lasting flat roofing material, with a lifespan of up to 50 years when properly maintained. It’s made from synthetic rubber, making it highly durable, flexible and resistant to UV rays.

Choosing the right roofing material is an important decision that impacts the appearance, durability and value of your home or business. By understanding the different types of roof materials available, you can make an informed choice that suits your budget and your home’s needs. Whether you're interested in a modern look, cost-effectiveness or longevity, our Heartland team is here to help you every step of the way.