Types of Roofs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Modern Materials

Summary

Choosing the right roof involves balancing factors like budget, climate, longevity and aesthetics to ensure the material enhances your home’s character and value.
As a popular and cost-effective choice, dimensional asphalt shingles offer a balance of affordability, easy installation and durability, making them a staple for many homeowners.
Some homeowners elect to upgrade to designer asphalt shingles such as CertainTeed’s Grand Manor or Belmont shingles.
Premium roofing products include real or composite slate, shake and standing seam metal roofs. These come at a higher investment than asphalt shingles.

Rooftops in suburban development, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

When it’s time to replace your roof, many homeowners are left with the difficult decision of which material to choose. With so many available, it can be difficult knowing which one will provide the best coverage for your home, especially in areas like Richmond, Virginia, where the weather can often be unpredictable. Longevity, climate, aesthetics and your specific budget can all also play into which material type you choose.

In this guide, we’ll go through the different types of roofs and the main considerations and benefits for each type.

Delivery of slate roofing materials prepared for installation on a roofing project in Richmond, Virginia.

Finished residential slate roofing project showing traditional slate tiles installed on a brick home in Richmond, Virginia.

Exterior view of a completed cedar roofing project on a residential home in Richmond, Virginia.

Finished residential cedar shake roofing project showing natural wood tones and full roof coverage in Richmond, Virginia.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials due to the multitude of benefits they offer. Their cost-effectiveness, easy installation, minimal maintenance and variety of style options make them a popular choice among homeowners. Some can even be fire-resistant, adding an additional layer of protection for your home.

Atlas shingles are our company’s favorite manufacturer of dimensional shingles, in part because of the lifetime algae warranty they offer residential homeowners. Atlas also offers a Sun shingle, which is made to reflect the sun’s radiant heat away from the roof, and an Impact shingle, which has a class four impact rating.

There are also designer asphalt shingles available, such as CertainTeed’s Grand Manor and Belmont and GAF’s Slateline, which can enhance your home’s look for less of a monetary investment than a premium roofing product such as real or composite slate or shake or a standing seam metal roof.

Overall, asphalt shingles are a great choice for any homeowner looking for a good balance of affordability, durability and curb appeal.

Real Slate and Cedar Roofs

Slate roofing is the most expensive but longest lasting roofing option, and can last for centuries when properly installed. Most modern homes are not built for the weight of a real slate roof, which require closer rafter spacing and at least 5/8” thick plywood. The hips and ridges of a real slate roof also must be re-pointed with roofing cement every 5-10 years.

Crafted from natural wood, cedar shake roofing is valued for its rustic, natural appearance. However, it requires a considerable amount of maintenance and is more susceptible to fire, moisture and insect damage when compared to slate or metal, and is expensive. The lifespan of a cedar roof in Richmond, Virginia is usually only 20-25 years.

An A Plus Roofing work truck parked in front of a residential home featuring a newly installed dark standing seam metal roof by roofers in Short Pump, VA.

Finished residential metal roof replacement showing standing seam panels and trim in Richmond, Virginia

A large brick residential home featuring a new asphalt shingle roof and custom copper metal roofing accents over the bay window, installed by local roofers in Short Pump, VA.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is lightweight, highly durable and resistant to fire and extreme weather. Standing seam metal roofs, which have concealed fasteners, offer a long lifespan with minimal maintenance but are approximately 3.5 times the cost of a dimensional shingle.

Other metal roof options such as 5V, corrugated and ribbed roofing are about half the cost of a standing seam roof but come with exposed fasteners that generally start leaking in 20-30 years.

Composite Slate and Shake Roofing

An alternative to real slate or cedar shake roofing is composite slate and shake roofing. DaVinci is our company’s favorite composite manufacturer because of the webbed backing behind the slate, which prevents cupping and curling, and because of their outstanding color warranty.

Composite slate and shake is light weight, has a class 4 (highest possible) impact rating, class A (best available) fire rating and is less of an investment than real slate or cedar shake.

How to Choose the Best Type of Roof for Your Home

Ultimately, selecting the right roofing material is a significant investment that requires balancing your budget with your home’s long-term needs and the climate of the area you live in. While asphalt shingles remain a staple for their affordability and versatile protection, homeowners seeking a specific aesthetic or performance profile have alternatives.

A Plus Roofing in Richmond, Virginia: Your Trusted Partner in Enhancing Your Home

Choosing the right roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make for your home. A Plus Roofing believes the installation process should be just as reliable as the materials themselves.

Whether you’re looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, increase your roof’s durability and performance or you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, A Plus Roofing is here to help. Our mission is to provide total transparency, and we ensure every step of the journey is clear, honest and worry-free.

Start your stress-free roof replacement journey today to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a quality-built roof

Get Started Today

Our Roofing Company Reviews Are Through The Roof!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 234 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Tabitha Criner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did a great job, and were kind and considerate of our schedules and specific needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Coulson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the third project over the last couple years that A+ Roofing/Doors has completed with professionalism in all aspects of each project. First was new roof, second was to replace landing at back entrance, then the last project was to replace front door, siding around door that was rotted out and remove old brick steps with the composite entrance.
Howard and his support were the best to work on each project. We can not give enough kudos to each crew that worked on the projects. My wife even baked them cookies to have with their lunch one d👍👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alphonse Sirica 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had A Plus Roofing install new asphalt roofing to an ancillary  building on my property. Tha quality of the work was outstanding and the crew was very professional and competent. They also installed new ceiling insulation and repaired baseboards to lower level room as part of the job, as well as made sure that when the job was finished the clean-up was fully carried out.  It was also a pleasure working with Chris Kain who oversaw the total project. He made everything quite easy to deal with and the price he quoted was very reasonable. Overall, I was very pleased the way the roof turned out and would highly recommend this company.

Al Sirica
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   K B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Billy was great!!  Rickey was a great help on the job site. Crew was organized and worked swiftly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Uy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough wonderful things about A Plus Roofing. They were prompt, courteous, and amazingly efficient. We saw water stains on our ceiling and suspected it might be a roofing issue. A Plus Roofing came out on time, actually a little early, found the problem and fixed it for a reasonable price in just 1 visit. It was amazing!  We had a fantastic experience and will strongly recommend A Plus Roofing to our friends, family and neighbors. We'll definitely call them back for our future needs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shane Pooler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used several ridding companies over the years but none compare to A+ roofing. Not only are they people of integrity, they make you feel like a priority. Their work is exceptional and speedy. I cannot recommend them highly enough. You will do well to call when you are in need.
-Pastor Pooler
The Highway Church of God
Kennewick WA
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kris Newman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with A Plus Roofing. From the initial inspection and estimate through scheduling and installation, Billy and the team were professional, responsive, and transparent. They explained our options clearly, answered all our questions, and kept us updated throughout the project.
The crew arrived on time, worked hard, paid attention to detail and were super friendly. The roof looks excellent, and cleanup was thorough—no stray nails or debris left behind, zero debris! Great price for a high-quality shingle and workmanship, and the whole job ran smoothly. If you want a roofing company that communicates well and delivers the highest quality results with great pricing, I highly recommend A Plus Roofing.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brett Dillard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before I ever used A plus roofing I've always have heard that they were an upper echelon roof installer in terms of quality. When it came time for me to replace my roof I was quite surprised that the company I expected to be the most expensive ended up being the most reasonably priced. Howard presented the materials that A plus uses and I was quite pleased to know that the products that would be installed on my roof were top shelf in quality and energy efficiency.  The process of getting the roof installed has been seamless.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Barry Daniel Long 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Billy and the whole team were excellent from start to finish. The quote and discussion before work started was thorough and there were no hidden costs or attempts to oversell anything. The job was large and was started quickly and looks great, and team cleaned up well. I would (and have) recommend them to anyone and plan to use them again in the future if needs arise.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more