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There are a number of different roofing materials homeowners can consider during a roof replacement project, but they don’t all work well in every location. That’s part of the reason different roofing materials often dominate in different geographic areas — including Southeast Michigan.
Fortunately, there are a number of options that work well in our area, which gives local homeowners an array of choices. We’ll identify some of the best roofing materials for Southeast Michigan homes and lay out some of the most important factors to consider when making your choice below.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material
It’s important to remember that no two houses (or homeowners) are exactly alike, and you’ll want to think about your specific wants and needs very carefully to ensure you end up with the best roofing material for your situation. Among other things, you’ll want to consider the following factors when making your choice.
- Budget: No matter your tax bracket, you certainly have a budget you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a roof material. But while you can’t invest money you don’t have, it is worth noting that more expensive roofing materials often last longer and offer better value over time.
- Home Style: It’s always important to keep your home’s aesthetic style in mind when choosing a roofing material. For example, you probably wouldn’t want clay tiles installed on your Michigan home. Nevertheless, shingles, slate, and even some metal options tend to work for most houses in our state.
- HOA Restrictions: You should always be careful to avoid running afoul of any HOA rules or regulations regarding shingle style or color. The fines for breaking these kinds of regulations are often steep, and you’ll likely have to pay to have your new roof replaced, potentially doubling your total investment.
- Expected Lifespan: Different roofing materials have different expected lifespans. Slate and metal, for example, often last for more than 40 years, assuming they’re installed correctly. Budget-priced 3-tab asphalt shingles, on the other hand, may require replacement after as little as 15 years.
- Maintenance Requirements: Some roofing materials require more maintenance than others, and it’s important to be honest with yourself: Are you really willing to get up on your roof once or twice a year to inspect for damage and clean the roof, or would you rather have a very low-maintenance roof that requires much less care?
- Warranty: Some roofing materials are backed by very attractive, lengthy warranties which help to protect you from damage or leaks for decades, while others are only backed by minimal guarantees, which will likely expire long before they’re expected to wear out.
- Your Plans for the Home: If you plan to be in your home for another decade or two, you may feel that it’s worthwhile investing more in your roof, as you’ll have longer to enjoy it. Conversely, if you’re planning on selling in a few years, you may want to stick to a more reasonable price point to keep your costs low.
- Roof Slope: The slope of your roof is another important factor to think about, and in some cases, it’ll dictate which options you have. For example, slate and cedar shakes both require a roof slope of at least 4:12 (with steeper slopes being preferred). On the other hand, asphalt shingles will work on very low-slope roofs.
The Six Best Roofing Materials for Southeast Michigan Homes
Now that you understand some of the most important things to consider when picking the best roofing material for your home, we can share a few of the best options. The following six roof materials all make excellent choices for homeowners in Southeast Michigan.
1. 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
Three-tab asphalt shingles are likely the most popular shingle material used in homes across Southeast Michigan (and the rest of the country). Part of the reason they’re used so often boils down to one simple fact: They’re generally the most affordable option available.
In fact, 3-tab asphalt shingles are not only affordable themselves but also quite easy to install, which keeps the overall costs of a reroofing project fairly low. They’re also available in a variety of colors and styles, which means most homeowners will be able to find a specific version they like.
On the flip side, 3-tab shingles don’t usually last as long as some other roofing materials. They’re less durable than things like metal or slate, and they’ll often suffer storm damage and lose granules when exposed to severe weather.
2. Architectural/Dimensional Shingles
Architectural shingles (which are also called dimensional shingles in some cases) are similar to 3-tab shingles in many ways. They’re even made from the same primary material (asphalt) used to make 3-tab shingles. However, they also differ in a number of ways and warrant being mentioned separately.
The biggest difference between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles is their thickness or profile; whereas 3-tab shingles are rarely thicker than ¼ inch, architectural shingles are often twice as thick — some may even be up to 5/8 inch thick.
This increased thickness makes architectural shingles more durable than their 3-tab counterparts, and they have greater wind resistance, too. Many homeowners also prefer the look architectural shingles provide, as they’re generally regarded as the more aesthetically pleasing choice.
Of course, all of these benefits come at a price, with architectural shingles often costing up to twice as much as the more economically priced 3-tab option.
3. Metal Roofing
There are a number of different types of metal that work well for roofs in Southeast Michigan, including steel, copper, aluminum, and zinc, among others.
As you may suspect, metal is a supremely durable roof material, and it’s prized for its ability to withstand rain, hail, strong winds, and other kinds of severe weather. It also sheds snow readily, unlike some other materials. Most metal roofs also last longer than shingle roofs; most last for at least 40 years, and some (such as zinc) may last for 100 years or more.
Some metals also provide greater energy efficiency than asphalt shingles. This is most pronounced during the summer, as the metal material will reflect a significant percentage of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler.
Once again, all these benefits come along with a higher price tag. In fact, the actual material not only creates higher upfront costs than asphalt, but the associated installation costs are also higher.
4. Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shakes are rough-split planks of real cedar that are installed in a roughly similar way to asphalt shingles. However, they provide a much different aesthetic, as each plank has a slightly different size and shape, providing a very charming appearance that’s simultaneously rustic and upscale.
Speaking of upscale, cedar shakes are quite pricey — they’re generally more expensive than architectural shingles or metal roofing. They also require regular maintenance to retain their good looks and perform properly, which is an important consideration for homeowners who want to install a new roof.
Cedar shakes also offer some energy-saving benefits, as their thick profile helps to insulate your home. They’re also quite durable and often last for 40 years or more. However, proper attic ventilation is crucial to avoid moisture problems that can break down the wood fibers.
It’s also worth pointing out that even though they’re often treated with flame-retardant chemicals, cedar shakes are not as fire-resistant as asphalt or metal.
5. Slate Roofing
Made by splitting and cutting large rocks into vaguely shingle-like pieces, slate is generally the most expensive roof material option for homeowners in Southeast Michigan. In some cases, it may cost more than $45 per square foot to have it installed on your roof.
But despite this high price point, slate remains a popular choice among those who can afford it. Slate is not only completely fire-resistant, but it is also incredibly durable; large hailstones or installation mishaps may cause cracks, but aside from that, it’s pretty indestructible. In fact, a high-quality natural slate roof may last for more than 200 years in some cases. Slate is also very attractive, and it even comes in several different colors (though it isn’t available in the kaleidoscope of options shingles are).
Despite all of these benefits, slate does present a few downsides (aside from its high cost). You’ll need a slate specialist to install it, and it is very heavy. This means that it isn’t even an option for some roofs, unless structural work is first conducted to shore up the roof deck.
6. Synthetic Roofing Materials
In addition to the five “traditional” roofing materials discussed above, there are myriad synthetic materials used to make modern roof coverings. Most are composite products that are made from a combination of different materials, which help to provide improved performance and aesthetic appeal.
A few of the most common synthetic options available include:
- Composite Slate: These lightweight synthetic tiles are designed to look like natural slate, but they offer even greater impact resistance and perform better in areas with frequent freeze–thaw cycles (like Southeast Michigan).
- Polymer Shingles: These shingles are engineered polymer roof coverings that are designed to mimic the appearance and functionality of asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, but they’re built to withstand high winds, hail, and UV rays even better.
- Recycled Rubber Slate: Rubber-based synthetic shingles that are made from recycled materials and intended to offer an alternative to natural slate, while also offering greater flexibility and even greater durability in cold climates.
- Synthetic Tile: Designed to resemble clay or concrete tiles, these roof coverings are made from various composite materials, which allows them to provide the premium look of natural clay tiles while sidestepping the heavy structural load issues clay presents.
- Composite Shingles: These roof coverings are made from high-tech polymers or resins, and they’re designed to resemble asphalt shingles, while offering longer lifespans, stronger warranties, and better overall weather resistance for northern climates.
Schoenherr Roofing: The Premier Roofing Contractor in Southeast Michigan
Whether you’re leaning toward budget-friendly 3-tab shingles or you’re considering investing in slate or some other premium roof material, it’s always important to work with a high-quality roofer. This will not only ensure that the project moves smoothly and the roof covering is installed correctly, but it will also guard against potential warranty problems down the road.
Schoenherr Roofing has been providing roofing solutions for homeowners in the Southeast Michigan area for more than 30 years, establishing a rock-solid reputation for excellence and unmatched customer service during this time. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate or to speak with one of our roofing experts.
Sources & References
- U.S. Department of Energy – “Cool Roofs”
Explains how reflective and energy-efficient roofing materials perform in different climates, including important trade-offs for colder regions such as Michigan.
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs - National Roofing Contractors Association – “Roofing Materials”
Provides an overview of major roofing materials (asphalt shingles, metal, slate, synthetics), their characteristics, and appropriate applications according to industry standards.
https://www.nrca.net/roofing-guidelines/roofing-materials - National Roofing Contractors Association – “Roof Design Considerations for Cold Climate Environments”
Outlines how snow loads, ventilation, drainage, underlayments, and vapor barriers influence roof performance and material suitability in cold-weather regions.
https://www.nrca.net/roofingguidelines/Library/Detail?id=E9JXWAWzZ3s%3D - Michigan State University Extension – “Tips to prevent ice dams from forming on your home”
Explains the relationship between roof materials, attic insulation, ventilation design, and winter weather patterns — critical for understanding roof performance in Southeast Michigan.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_to_prevent_ice_dams_from_forming_on_your_home
