Types of roofing materials (and if they affect insurance)

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are a commonly used roofing material due to their durability, price, and the number of Energy Star®-compliant options. These roofs offer good waterproofing and fire resistance, and they tend to require less maintenance than some other roofing options. Asphalt shingles are also recyclable.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles have less longevity than some other roofing materials, with most shingles designed to last 15-20 years depending on the style, explains This Old House. In exchange, asphalt shingles are generally cheaper.

Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles, and different options have different qualities and safety ratings. When you’re looking at this type of material, you should pay close attention to the impact, fire, and wind-resistance ratings before making a selection. Different roof materials have different weather and impact ratings that are decided and tested by various testing organizations, adds This Old House. When you select a material, it is important to understand the ratings and see if your material is suitable for the weather conditions in your area.

Metal

Metal roofing is a durable, long-lasting, lightweight, and sustainable roofing material option. These roofs, on average, have a life expectancy of around 40 to 70 years, according to U.S. News. Metal roofs can sustain cosmetic damages that may not be covered unless water penetrates the surface.

Metal roofing also provides good protection against the elements, with strong resistance against fire, wind, air leakage, and water leakage. Like asphalt shingles, because metal roofing shingles are man-made, there are more available options than with some natural roofing materials. That said, metal roofing tends to be more expensive adds U.S. News.

Slate

Slate is a natural roofing material that is widely valued for its aesthetics. This can raise your curb appeal and the value of your home, making it a good option for some homeowners. Slate comes in a few varieties, depending on several factors such as the properties of the stone from which it was mined. This can impact the color, veining, and the shingles’ ability to weather or fade, explains the National Slate Association (NSA).

Slate roofs can be extremely long-lasting. Their lifespan can range from 50 - 100 years with soft slate and 75 - 200 years with hard slate, claims This Old House. Slate is also very durable once installed and fairly low-maintenance. It can stand up to storm conditions, though it is susceptible to impact damage.

Slate is also one of the more expensive options for roofing materials. In addition, slate is rock and is heavy. If you’re considering slate, you’ll need to verify with a structural engineer that your house can bear the load, and if it can’t, retrofit your home so it can. This all contributes to slate being a more expensive option.

Wood

Wood used to be the most popular roofing material, explains Lifetime Roofing. Its popularity was due to several factors, including how easy it is to install, natural resilience and weight, energy efficiency, and its capacity to be impact-resistant and fairly weather-resistant. Wood can last between 20–40 years with proper care, adds Lifetime Roofing.

Wood is also generally aesthetically pleasing, which can increase your home’s curb appeal. But when compared to other roofing materials, wood comes with a few special considerations.

Maintaining a wooden roof can be more labor-intensive than other options. It needs to be treated every few years to help maintain flame-resistance, and it’s more susceptible to mold, fungus and insect damage than other roofing materials. As a natural material, wooden roofs will change with time; if you want to prevent this, it will take time and effort. This makes wood roofs expensive to maintain over time.

Even with proper flame resistance treatments, wood roofs are still more susceptible to fire damage, and some insurance companies may have exceptions to covering wooden roofs.

In addition to the more common roofing options, homeowners do have other materials to consider, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

Rolled roofing

Rolled roofing, sometimes referred to as “MSR”, is a cost-efficient option that comes in large rolls rather than shingles, explains The Spruce. It is most similar to asphalt shingles, but it is easier to install, which can lower the initial labor costs. Its form makes it useful for sloped or flat roofs.

Rolled roofing is less durable than some other roofing materials and can be susceptible to damage from the elements, particularly in extreme conditions, which can have implications with insurance. Additionally, rolled roofing material has a shorter lifespan than some of the other materials on the market, lasting from five to eight years, says The Spruce.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles are a durable and beautiful roofing material option. Known for their exceptional durability, these tiles can last for decades with proper care and maintenance, typically 50 to 100 years, claims the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI). Clay tiles come in a variety of styles, with some meeting ENERGY STAR® compliance.

Clay tiles have the highest fire resistance at a Class A rating, notes TRI, and can also be rated to withstand wind speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. They are fairly easy to maintain and repair, but clay tiles can be a more expensive roofing material upfront.

While clay tiles are durable, they can also be fragile and may crack under heavy impacts such as hail or falling debris during a storm, explains Rescue My Roof. Also, clay tiles are heavy, like metal and slate roofing materials, so you will need to make sure that your house can withstand the weight, or retrofit, which may potentially raise the up-front cost.

Synthetic tiles

Synthetic tiles come in many varieties meant to match whatever material and architectural style you’re looking for but are made of plastic and rubber composites, explains HGTV.

This means that homeowners can get the look of heavy roofing materials like slate, metal, and clay, without the weight issues those materials can cause. Synthetic roofing materials are exceptionally durable, made to withstand harsh weather conditions, and some are even made to a high level of fire resistance, says Rescue My Roof. Synthetic roofing can last up to 50 years or more with proper care. While not the most expensive option, synthetic roofing can cost more than some other roofing material options.

Picking a material for your roof can be a big, expensive decision. Here are a few considerations that Consumer Reports (CR) calls out when looking at which roofing material is the best fit for your home.

Cost

• Up-front costs: This is probably the most straightforward consideration. Make sure that the material you select fits your budget.
• Labor: The cost of a new roof isn’t just the material, it also includes the labor to deliver and install it. Scope out distributors and contractors to do cost comparisons before you commit.
• Long-term costs: A roof isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. Make sure that you’re factoring in maintenance and repair costs before you decide on a new roof.

Durability

• Weather resistance: Certain types of materials can perform better or worse under certain weather conditions, and within types of materials, different varieties can have different weather ratings. Ensure that the roofing material you choose makes sense for the climate you live in.
• Longevity: Some materials last longer than others. Select a roofing material that strikes the right balance between cost, durability, weight, etc.
• Structural integrity: Not all roofs can work with all homes. Make sure that you do the research to see if your structure can withstand the weight of certain roofing materials before you purchase them.

The type of material you use for your roof can have an impact on your insurance. An insurer will often take into account the age, type, and material of your roof when it comes to estimating rebuild or replacement costs. Here is how the most common roofing materials can impact your insurance:

Wood

Wood roofs, even when chemically treated, are one of the least fire-resistant roofing materials available. Wood is also more prone to issues related to rot, mildew, and insect damage, making them more difficult to insure. Some insurance companies may not insure a wooden roof in certain areas.

Asphalt

Asphalt is affordable, long-lasting, and fairly durable, but it can deteriorate more quickly than slate and metal. This can make asphalt more expensive to insure than slate, clay, and metal roofs but asphalt is still the most common roof material.

Slate and clay tiles

Slate and clay are both stone or made of stone, and are resistant to fire, rot, and other common roofing issues. They don’t require much upkeep, but they can crack with impacts. Insurers are likely to consider a slate or clay roof as a positive.

Metal

Metal roofs are extremely durable, resistant to many weather conditions, and have good longevity. This roofing material is typically a plus for insurers.

The shape of your roof is not as impactful as the material when it comes to insurance premiums, but it is still a factor. Gable roofs, which look like an upside-down V, can be more vulnerable to high winds and may cost more to insure.

Hip roofs have four sides and are typically more expensive, but they are more wind-resistant, making them less costly to insure.

Ultimately, one of the best things you can do for an existing roof is to keep it well-maintained. Here are some tips you can use to help maintain your roof for years to come, from Angi:

• Do visual checks on your roof throughout the year, especially after storms to check for signs that you may need to call in a professional. Even if everything appears fine, it’s not a bad idea to have your roof inspected annually to help identify any issues early, before they lead to damage.
• Keep your roof and gutters clear of debris, such as leaves, branches, etc., It’s not recommended that you do this by yourself and ensure you’re using proper safety precautions if you’re doing this yourself.
• Check areas around anything that sticks out of your roof – e.g., chimneys, skylights, soffits, vents, etc. Look for any missing caulk/seals or any sort of peeling or cracking. With flashing, that is usually metal, check for any signs of rust – this can be a sign that it needs to be replaced.
• Clear tree branches that are near your roof to prevent them from falling and damaging your roof.
• If your home is in an area that sees snow or ice, take precautions to prevent ice dams. This can typically be done by making sure your attic is property insulated and ventilated.

Also, be sure to document any work you do on your roof to have a record of it, if your insurer ever asks for additional details.