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Roofing Types: Understanding Your Options

When it comes to protecting your home, the material covering your roof plays a crucial role in durability, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. With so many modern roofing types available today, homeowners have more choices than ever before. At Integrity Home Exteriors, we believe in providing comprehensive information about different types of roofing materials to help you make an informed decision for your property.


Traditional Roofing Materials Overview

Before exploring our specialized offerings, it's important to understand the full spectrum of roofing options available in the market.

Material
Lifespan
Cost
Maintenance
Best For
Wood Shakes/Shingles
20-30 years
$-$$
High
Rustic, traditional aesthetics
Clay/Concrete Tiles
50-100+ years
$$-$$
Low
Mediterranean, Southwestern styles
Natural Slate
100+ years
$$
Very Low
Luxury homes, historic properties
Built-Up Roofing
15-20 years
$-$
Medium
Flat commercial roofs

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood roofing provides a natural, rustic aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. Typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine, these materials weather to a distinguished gray over time. While they offer excellent insulation and a distinctive roof style, wood materials require significant maintenance to prevent moss growth, rot, and insect infestation. Their typical lifespan ranges from 20-30 years with proper care, but they don't perform well in extremely wet climates or areas prone to wildfires.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Popular in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architectural styles, clay and concrete tiles create distinctive roof designs that stand out in any neighborhood. These heavy materials require reinforced roof structures to support their weight. While extremely durable (50-100+ year lifespan), they come with a higher price tag and can be prone to cracking in areas with dramatic freeze-thaw cycles.

Natural Slate

Perhaps the most durable of all traditional roofing materials, natural slate can last 100+ years when properly installed. These stone tiles offer unmatched elegance and come in various colors depending on the quarry source. The downsides include substantial weight requiring structural reinforcement, high material and installation costs, and limited qualified installers. Despite these challenges, slate represents one of the most distinctive styles of roof available.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Traditional flat roof systems consist of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. While cost-effective and proven over decades of use, these systems typically have shorter lifespans (15-20 years) than modern alternatives and lack energy efficiency features found in newer materials.


Modern Roofing Solutions We Offer

After carefully evaluating all types roofing materials available, Integrity Home Exteriors has curated a selection of modern, high-performance options that deliver excellent value, durability, and aesthetic appeal for our customers.

Our Offerings
Lifespan
Cost
Maintenance
Key Benefits
Asphalt Shingles
20-30 years
$
Low
Versatility, affordability, wide color selection
Premium Architectural Asphalt
30-50 years
$
Low
Enhanced aesthetics, stronger wind resistance, dimensional look
Metal Roofing
40-70 years
$$-$$
Very Low
Longevity, energy efficiency, environmental benefits
TPO Membrane
20-30 years
$-$$
Low
Energy efficient, heat-welded seams, reflective surface
EPDM Rubber
25-40 years
$-$$
Low
Temperature flexibility, UV stable, proven durability

Asphalt Shingle Systems

Asphalt shingles remain America's most popular roofing choice for good reason. Our standard asphalt shingles offer:

  • Versatility: Available in numerous colors and textures to complement any home style

  • Affordability: Excellent value with material and installation costs that fit most budgets

  • Reliability: Proven performance in various weather conditions

  • Simple Maintenance: Easy to repair and maintain over their 20-30 year lifespan

  • Design Flexibility: Compatible with most roof designs and architectural styles

Our asphalt shingles come in various profiles that can mimic more expensive materials, allowing you to achieve your desired roof style while maintaining budget control. We offer multiple warranty options, including manufacturer-backed guarantees that protect your investment for decades.

Premium Architectural Asphalt

For homeowners seeking enhanced visual appeal and performance, we proudly offer Atlas premium architectural shingles—specifically the Pinnacle Pristine and StormMaster Shake lines—that represent a significant upgrade from standard options:

Atlas Pinnacle Pristine Shingles

The Pinnacle Pristine line delivers exceptional performance with distinctive features:

  • Scotchgard™ Protector: Prevents unsightly black streaks caused by algae

  • Wind & Impact Resistance: Engineered to withstand winds up to 130 mph and high-impact storms

  • 3D Dimensional Appearance: Creates dramatic shadow lines and depth for enhanced curb appeal

  • Lifetime Warranty: Protected by one of the strongest warranties in the industry

  • Color Selection: Available in a wide range of designer colors to complement any home style

Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles

For maximum protection in severe weather areas, our StormMaster Shake shingles offer:

  • Core4™ Technology: Enhanced flexibility and weather resistance in extreme conditions

  • Class 4 Impact Rating: The highest impact resistance rating available for asphalt shingles

  • Scotchgard™ Protection: Prevents algae growth and black streaks

  • Authentic Shake Appearance: Dimensional profile mimics the look of wood shakes

  • Wind Resistance: Engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 150 mph

These premium Atlas products create sophisticated roof designs that enhance your home's architectural character while providing superior protection against the elements. Their advanced features and warranties make them an exceptional value despite their modest price premium over standard asphalt shingles.


Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing represents one of the most significant advancements in modern roofing types over the past several decades. At Integrity Home Exteriors, we specialize in Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing, offering the perfect blend of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing

Our premium metal roofing solution delivers exceptional benefits:

  • Superior Weather Protection: Engineered to withstand extreme conditions including hail, high winds, and heavy snow

  • Authentic Appearance: Available in profiles that convincingly replicate shake, tile, or slate

  • Lightweight Design: At just 1.5 pounds per square foot, it can often be installed over existing roofing

  • Energy Efficiency: Reflective properties and ventilated installation reduce cooling costs

  • Lifetime Limited Warranty: Backed by one of the industry's strongest guarantees

  • Fire Resistance: Class A fire rating provides maximum protection

  • Impact Resistance: Class 4 impact rating (highest available) for superior hail protection

While our specialty is Unified Steel stone coated roofing, we're also knowledgeable about the broader metal roofing market, including:

Other Metal Roofing Options

  • Standing Seam Panels: Clean, contemporary lines with concealed fasteners for maximum weather protection

  • Metal Shingles: The durability of metal with the classic appearance of other materials

The benefits of metal roofing in general include:

  • Exceptional Longevity: 40-70 year lifespan that often doubles that of asphalt

  • Energy Efficiency: Reflective properties reduce cooling costs in summer months

  • Environmental Benefits: 100% recyclable material and often made with recycled content

  • All-Weather Performance: Superior resistance to wind, rain, snow, and fire

  • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep throughout its extended lifespan

Our Unified Steel stone coated roofing comes in numerous colors and profiles, allowing it to complement traditional homes or create distinctly modern roof designs. The long-term value proposition makes it an excellent investment despite higher initial costs.


TPO and EPDM Rubber Roofing

For flat or low-slope applications, we specialize in modern membrane systems that dramatically outperform traditional built-up roofing:

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)

  • Energy Efficiency: Highly reflective white surface reduces cooling costs

  • Seamless Protection: Heat-welded seams create a monolithic waterproof barrier

  • Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to common rooftop pollutants

  • Installation Advantages: Lighter weight and fewer seams than traditional systems

  • Environmental Benefits: Contains no chlorine and is 100% recyclable

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

  • Exceptional Durability: Proven performance for 30+ years in extreme conditions

  • UV Stability: Maintains properties despite decades of sun exposure

  • Temperature Flexibility: Remains pliable in extreme cold and stable in high heat

  • Installation Options: Available in different thicknesses and installation methods

  • Cost-Effective: Delivers excellent value and low lifecycle cost

These specialized membrane systems represent the cutting edge of flat roofing technology and are ideal for both commercial and residential applications where traditional pitched roof styles aren't suitable.


Selecting the Right Roofing Material: Our Process

At Integrity Home Exteriors, we've developed a comprehensive process to help you select the perfect roofing material for your needs:

  1. Initial Consultation: Our process begins with understanding your aesthetic preferences, budget parameters, and performance expectations.

  2. Site Evaluation: We assess your existing roof structure, pitch, and architectural elements to determine compatible material options.

  3. Climate Analysis: Our process incorporates local weather patterns and environmental factors that might impact material performance.

  4. Budget Planning: We provide transparent cost breakdowns for various options, helping you understand the relationship between initial investment and long-term value.

  5. Sample Presentation: Viewing actual material samples is a crucial step in our selection process, allowing you to visualize the finished appearance.

  6. Performance Review: We explain the maintenance requirements, warranty options, and expected lifespan of each viable material.

  7. Custom Recommendation: Based on all factors, we provide a tailored recommendation that balances aesthetics, performance, and budget.

This structured process ensures you receive the perfect roofing solution for your specific circumstances, eliminating guesswork and preventing costly mistakes.


Your Next Step

Whether you're drawn to the classic versatility of asphalt, the long-term value of metal, or the specialized performance of our membrane systems, Integrity Home Exteriors provides expert installation that maximizes the performance of your chosen material.

Our team has extensive experience with all modern roofing types we offer, ensuring proper installation that honors manufacturer warranties and delivers peak performance. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss which of our premium roofing materials would best protect and enhance your home for decades to come.