The 5 Best Roofing Materials: Pros and Cons

When you need a new roof, we know you’re stressed. Unless you plan ahead, it’s likely a large unexpected expense. However, even when you’re under pressure, you need to make some important decisions.

One of the most important decisions is choosing the best material for your roof according to your needs .

Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar Inc. is a roofing contractor in San Diego that has been serving the city and the surrounding area for more than 30 years.

We know what the best roofing materials are, and we often install them for a large variety of different clients.

We want to help you pick the right roof material even if you’re suddenly struck by an unexpected roofing expense, and if you’re planning to replace your roof , the same information applies.

  Why Does Roofing Material Matter?

The material for your roof doesn’t just change how it sounds when it rains. It actually impacts your home significantly. As you’ll see in the following sections, roofing materials offer vastly different benefits depending on what you choose. One material might be more eco-friendly but harder to repair, and one might be easy to maintain with very few energy-efficient properties.

A major part of choosing the right roof is being able to understand your needs and choosing an option that matches those needs as closely as possible .

1: Shingles

  Shingles are easily the most common materials used for residential roofs . They have fallen out of popularity with commercial buildings as commercial buildings have adopted flat roofs with various membranes and complex solutions, but they are still the number one choice for homeowners.

This is for good reason.

Shingle roofs are cost-effective, most importantly.

The average homeowner can’t spare more than they need to, to get a new roof, and shingle roofs offer a cost-effective solution.

However, shingle roofs are also the easiest to repair , and they can be repaired in sections rather than requiring full replacements every time a harsh storm causes damage. This is another reason they’re popular with homeowners. Repairs are cheaper than replacements, and the average homeowner desperately needs to save money wherever possible.

Shingle roofs tend to exhibit problems when it comes to water resistance and wind resistance. If individual shingles blow off without you knowing, water can get in and start to eat away at the infrastructure that makes up the backbone of your roof. Repairing is much more expensive , and it can be exceptionally difficult to tell that your shingle roof is even damaged unless you call for regular inspections when major storms occur.

Overall, this is a cost-effective option that has minimal downsides, and as long as you pay attention, a shingle roof can last a lifetime.

2: PVC Roofing

PVC roofing is what it sounds like and definitely deserves the spot on the list of the best roofing materials. While many property owners aren’t familiar with it, it is growing in popularity for a few reasons.

PVC roofing is a single-ply roofing solution made of PVC as the name implies .

This makes it cost-effective, easy to install, and fairly quick to take from the start of a project to the end.

PVC roofing is also resistant to practically all-natural elements . Water, UV light, and wind have minimal impact on it. It’s not the most impact-resistant material during hailstorms and similar situations, but that’s not too much of an issue in the San Diego area.

There are now more advanced polymer roofs available, which we will talk about, but PVC roofing is a good mix between modern high-tech roofing and affordability.

3: TPO Roofing 

TPO roofing is another type of polymer roofing, but it has an added benefit and purpose.

First, it’s single-ply like PVC . So, it’s fast and easy to install. It also shares a lot of PVC roofing resistances. However, TPO roofing has the benefit of being reflective when it comes to thermal energy.

So, during hot summer days, it reflects sunlight away from your home to keep you cool without straining your AC. In the winter, it helps your home retain heat to prevent your heater from going into overdrive.

This has widespread effects on your at-home experience. Since you’re using your HVAC systems less, you save money each month regardless of the season. Also, you’ll feel more comfortable inside your home without using appliances, and that’s a key principle when it comes to making a house a home.

4: Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a broad term. There are roofs made of steel, copper, aluminum, and more.

However, aluminum and steel tend to be the most common.

These are usually found on metal structures, mobile homes, and similar properties, but they can be found on more traditional residential homes.

Metal roofs are typically cost-effective if they’re made of aluminum and not overly complex . However, if you opt for a fancier metal roof, the price can skyrocket.

Metal roofs are extremely durable and last a long time, but if they start to corrode without immediate intervention, then it’s difficult to repair them.

5: Tile Roofs

Tile roofing is a high-end roofing material with a “green” twist. It’s made from a variety of earthen materials, such as slate, clay, or concrete, and there are some tiles made from metal alloys. Usually, when talking about tile roofs, it’s the mineral-based materials people think of.


This offers a few benefits. 

Primarily, it’s a type of roof that can last several times longer than other roofing materials. It’s practically impervious to water, frost, and insect damage, and outside of heavy impacts, it’s unlikely to degrade.

It’s also recyclable. The mineral-based tiles can be crushed and recycled when the roof is finally replaced, and they can be used to make new tiles. This greatly reduces waste, and it’s not a trait found in most roofing materials.


However, tile roofs are more expensive than most other types. The trade off is that you’re unlikely to replace one in your lifetime, and maintenance costs are a lot lower. 

 Request a Free Estimate from Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar

If you want a new roof made of the best roofing materials that will stand the test of time, call Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar, today. 

We have 30 years of experience in roof installation , roof repair , solar panel installation , and more. Plus, all our roofs are backed by a 50-year warranty.