What are the three main types of roofing materials used today?

Author: Cordie O'Hara  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

However, three main choices have become popular over the years in MLM Home Improvement projects: membrane roofing, rolled roofing, and architectural shingles. Membrane roofing materials are usually made from rubber or plastic and are some of the most affordable roofing options available.

What are the three types of roofing materials?

There are many types of roofing materials to choose from, including asphalt composite shingles, metal shingles, wood shakes, and clay tile.

What are the three main types of roofs?

Here is an overview of three popular roof designs plus their advantages.
  • Hip. A hip roof has slopes on all of its sides. ...
  • Gable. A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. ...
  • Flat. A flat roof has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally level.

What is the most common roofing system used today?

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in America because they're effective in all environmental conditions.

What are the current roofing materials?

The most common flat-roofing materials used on residential and commercial buildings today include single-membrane systems like EPDM or rubber roofing, thermo-polyolefin (TPO) roofing, and PVC roofing. Metal roofing is sometimes used on low-slope roofs but not on flat roofs.

Comparing Roofing Materials | Ask This Old House

What is the best roofing material today?

The best roofing materials for most residential structures that emphasize longevity are composite shingles, standing-seam metal, and built-up (BUR) roofing. Wood shingle and shake roofing add natural beauty to the home. Clay or cement tile roofing can last 50 to 100 years.

What is the most common roofing material used in today's manufactured home construction?

Shingle and metal roofs are the best options for long-lasting durability and resistance to weather. If you need to replace an asphalt shingle roof on your mobile home, you must remove the entire roof to replace it. You can only install one layer of shingles in this process.

What roof material lasts the longest?

TheNAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roof material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.

What is the most common roof type called?

When it comes to the most common roof type, one name stands out: the gable roof. This design is widely recognized and used in residential construction, making it the go-to choice for homeowners in many regions.

What is the least expensive roofing material?

Asphalt shingles! These are some of the lowest-cost materials on the market for roofing. Asphalt shingles are very common and great for budget-conscious homeowners. Their lifespan is shorter than other roofing materials with warranties of 15-30 years (about half as long as metal roofs).

What is class 3 roofing?

Class 3 shingles are a type of asphalt roof shingle designed to withstand moderate hail damage, and wind speeds up to 60 mph. They are a step up from class 1 and class 2 shingles but not as durable as class 4 shingles.

What is the easiest roof type?

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the classic roofing materials that you see on most modern homes. They are an affordable, easy-to-install option that is also easy to repair and replace as needed. You can even choose from a basic asphalt shingle to something higher-end like 3-tab or architectural.

Which is one of the three primary roof designs?

The three basic roof designs are gable, hipped, and flat roofs. Each design has been used historically to meet both the aesthetic and practical needs of the building, with variations such as double-eave hipped roofs, pitched roofs, and pointed arches reflecting different architectural styles and functions.

What type of roof is most expensive?

While slate roofs are amongst the most expensive roofs sold today, they typically last between 75 and 200 years. If you plan to pass your home down to your kids, a slate roof offers value that few other roofing materials can match. If your budget allows, slate roofs offer the best value available today.

What is the cheapest way to cover a roof?

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material that has easier installation and low upfront installation costs. Shingles can be installed as a DIY home improvement project, saving you even more money upfront.

What does 32/1000 mean?

a) 32/1000 Roofing Sheets: These sheets have a thickness of 32 gauge or approximately 0.8 millimetres. They are relatively thinner and lighter compared to their counterpart. b) 34/1000 Roofing Sheets: With a thickness of 34 gauge or approximately 0.85 millimetres, these sheets are slightly thicker and heavier.

What are the three types of roofing?

The three main types of roofing materials discussed in this blog post, namely asphalt shingles, flat roof materials, and metal roofs, each offer distinct advantages and considerations. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, design versatility, or durability, there is a roofing material suitable for your needs.

Are shed roofs cheaper to build?

Yes, a single pitch roof is cheaper compared to other types of roofs because the shed used in such roofs uses only half of the materials compared to gable roofs.

How long do asphalt shingles last?

Most asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years – based on your area's weather conditions and climate. The type of asphalt shingle also influences its lifespan: Three-tab shingles last from 15 to 20 years and are the cheapest option. Architectural (dimensional) shingles last from 20 to 30 years.

What is the newest type of roofing?

5 Modern Roofing Materials And Designs For Your Project
  • Metal Roofing.
  • Grass/Green Roofing.
  • Composite Spanish Barrel Tiles.
  • Composite Cedar Shake.
  • Composite Slate Tile.

What is the least maintenance roof?

Metal roofs require almost no maintenance and have a much longer life expectancy than asphalt products. As such, metal roofing requires more of an upfront investment for the homeowner.

What is the best roof for a home value?

Tile and metal roofing materials typically offer the highest resale value due to their longevity, durability, and curb appeal. However, single-ply roofing can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution.

Who makes the best roofing material?

GAF is one of the industry's top-tier asphalt shingle manufacturers — and the leading roofing manufacturer in North America today. Established in 1886, GAF roofs cover one in four homes in the U.S. They offer high-quality 3-tab, designer, and architectural roofing shingles.

How much does it cost to put a new roof on a mobile home?

The national average cost range to replace the roof on a mobile home is $4,000 to $7,000 for a double-wide home, with most people paying $5,500 to install a new asphalt shingle roof on a 1,500 sq. ft. mobile home with a roof of roughly 1,580 sq. ft.

Is a metal roof better than shingles on a manufactured home?

Asphalt shingle roofs might last around 15-20 years, while a well-maintained metal roof could potentially last more than 50 years. This longevity eliminates the need for repairs and replacements, which can ultimately save a homeowner thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over the years.

Previous article
How long does Flex Seal stay waterproof?
Next article
Is green or black mold worse?