9 min read · Evergreen guide
Asphalt, metal or tile: comparing roofing materials
The right material depends on the roof structure, the climate, your budget, HOA or historic rules, and how long you plan to keep the house. There is no single “best” product—only a product that matches the house and an install that follows the written estimate.
In short
Asphalt, metal or tile: comparing roofing materials
Asphalt is the usual steep-slope choice in our five states. Metal and tile fit some structures and budgets. Hail, ice, humidity, weight, and HOA rules decide the product—not a single national ranking.
Asphalt shingles
Architectural asphalt is the most common steep-slope covering in all five of our states. It is familiar to insurers and appraisers, relatively light, and available in many colors.
It does not love repeated hail, standing ice, or neglected ventilation. In Wichita and the Twin Cities, hail and ice history should be part of the product conversation. In Charlotte, algae-resistant granules matter more than snow load.
Metal roofing
Standing-seam and other metal systems can shed snow and last longer than asphalt when detailed correctly. They also cost more up front, need a structure that can take the attachment method, and make different sounds and expansion moves than shingles.
Metal is not automatically “hail proof.” Severe hail can still dent panels. Ask for the specific product’s impact rating and what the finish warranty actually covers.
Tile and other specialty coverings
Concrete or clay tile is less common in our Midwest offices and appears more often on specific architectural styles. Weight is the first structural question. Underlayment and flashing—not only the tile—decide whether the system stays dry.
If a property already has tile, a reroof conversation is different from converting an asphalt roof to tile. That conversion is a structural and budget decision, not a catalog swap.
What actually belongs on the estimate
The written estimate should name the product line, underlayment, ice-and-water or equivalent details where climate requires them, ventilation approach, and the manufacturer warranty terms that apply to this installation—not a brochure number copied from another job.
- Climate: ice, hail, humidity, and wind
- Structure: deck, weight, and pitch
- Rules: HOA, historic, or commercial specifications
- Budget: installed cost and expected service life
- Warranty: workmanship terms plus manufacturer terms in writing
What shingle class is used after hail?
Impact ratings (often discussed as Class 3 or Class 4) describe how a product was tested—not a promise that the next storm will leave the roof unmarked. Severe hail can still bruise a rated shingle.
If the estimate names a GAF, Owens Corning, or other asphalt line, ask for that product’s impact rating and what the manufacturer warranty actually covers. We do not claim an exclusive brand partnership. The written proposal is the source of truth for your house.
People also ask
What is the best roofing material after hail?
- There is no single best product. Architectural asphalt is common and familiar to insurers. Metal can last longer but still dents in severe hail. Ask for the impact rating and warranty on the exact line in your estimate.
Do you only install one brand?
- No. The estimate names the product for your house. Common asphalt manufacturers include GAF and Owens Corning when they fit the job. We do not claim an exclusive partnership.
Is metal hail-proof?
- No. Severe hail can dent panels. Ask what the finish warranty covers and what it excludes.
Topic cluster
More on roofing materials
Architectural asphalt is the usual steep-slope covering in our markets. Metal and tile can fit some houses. The right product depends on structure, climate, budget, and rules—not a single “best roof.” The written estimate names the line and the warranty that apply to that job. Full topic.
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Send the address, the storm date if you have it, and what you have noticed. We inspect, then give you a replacement or repair price. Your insurance company decides what they pay.