How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Home
Your roof has one job: protect everything underneath it. But not all roofing materials do that job the same way.
The right roof for your neighbor might not be the right roof for you. Your home’s style, your budget, your home’s age, and—especially here in the Midwest—our unpredictable weather all play a role in determining which material makes the most sense.
Whether you’re replacing an aging roof, recovering from storm damage, or building something new, understanding your options can help you make a decision you’ll feel good about for years.
Why Your Roofing Material Matters
Your roof is more than curb appeal. It’s your home’s first line of defense against rain, hail, wind, snow, blazing summer heat, and freezing winter temperatures.
Choosing the right material can determine:
- How long your roof lasts
- How well it stands up to Midwest weather
- Your home’s energy efficiency
- Future maintenance costs
- Your home’s resale value
- Your insurance premiums (in some cases)
We often talk with homeowners who chose the cheapest option, only to find the costs add up over time. Likewise, the most expensive roof isn’t automatically the best fit for every home. The goal is to find the right balance of performance, appearance, and value.
Popular Roofing Materials (and Who They’re Best For)
Asphalt Shingles
Best for: Most homeowners looking for affordability and reliability.
Asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material for a reason. They’re cost-effective, available in a wide variety of colors and styles, and perform well when properly installed.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Wide range of styles
- Easy to repair
- Reliable performance
Considerations:
Asphalt shingles typically have a shorter lifespan than some premium roofing materials and can become more vulnerable to severe hail damage over time.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Best for: Homeowners seeking extra storm protection.
Living in the Midwest means hail isn’t a matter of if—it’s usually a matter of when. Impact-resistant shingles are designed to better withstand hail and flying debris, helping reduce damage after severe weather.
Pros:
- Better protection during storms
- Can reduce repair costs
- May qualify for insurance discounts
Considerations:
Impact-resistant shingles cost more upfront than standard asphalt shingles, and while they’re designed to withstand more impact, they’re not completely damage-proof.
Metal Roofing
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay in their home for many years.
Metal roofs have become increasingly popular because they’re incredibly durable and require very little maintenance.
Pros:
- Exceptional lifespan
- Highly weather-resistant
- Energy efficient
- Low maintenance
Considerations:
Metal roofing typically costs more upfront, and it may not match every home’s architectural style.
Materials Matter
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: even the best roofing material can fail if it isn’t installed correctly. Proper ventilation, flashing, underlayment, fasteners, and drainage all work together as one complete roofing system. Missing one piece can shorten the life of an otherwise great roof.That’s why a roof replacement shouldn’t start with, “Which shingles do you want?” It should start with a thorough inspection and an honest conversation about your home, your goals, and what actually makes sense for your situation.
Midwest weather can change everything, and Midwest roofs work overtime. One week, it’s 95 degrees. A few months later, it’s freezing. Add hailstorms, high winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice, and your roof experiences some of the toughest conditions in the country.
That’s why material selection matters, but so does choosing products designed to perform in this climate. A roof that works well in another part of the country may not be the best long-term choice here. So, you may be asking, “Which roof is right for me?” The honest answer: It depends. Every home is different, and every homeowner has different priorities.
We often talk with customers about whether your biggest concern is:
- Staying within a budget
- Getting the longest lifespan possible
- Matching your home’s architecture
- Preparing for future storms
- Reducing maintenance
- Increasing resale value
The right recommendation considers all of those factors, not just the price tag.
Our Approach
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all roofing at Gerken Jones.
We start by looking at your entire roofing system, looking beyond the visible damage. Then, we explain what we’re seeing, walk through your options, answer your questions, and recommend what makes the most sense for your home. Sometimes that’s a repair. Sometimes it’s a replacement. And sometimes the best answer isn’t the most expensive one. Our goal is simple: help you make a confident decision backed by honest guidance and quality workmanship.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a repair or replacement—or you’re simply curious about which roofing material would be the best fit for your home—we’re here to help.
Schedule a free inspection, and we’ll walk you through your options with clear recommendations, straightforward answers, and no pressure.
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