What Are The Best Roofing Materials?

After installing over 10,000 roofs across Ohio and Michigan since 2000, we've seen firsthand how each roofing material performs in Midwest weather.

From Toledo's lake-effect snow to Farmington Hills' summer storms, we've watched materials succeed and fail in real-world conditions.

This guide shares what we've learned about the six best roofing materials for homes in our region. We'll cover actual costs, realistic lifespans, and which material works best for different situations.

What Are The Best Roofing Materials

There's no universal "best" roofing material - the right choice depends on your specific situation.

After 25 years in the business, we evaluate these key factors during every consultation:

Climate considerations matter most in Ohio and Michigan:

• Materials must handle 40+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter

• Need to shed heavy snow loads effectively

• Must resist ice dam formation

• Handle high humidity and severe summer storms

Your home's structure determines what's possible:

• Older homes might need reinforcement for heavier materials

• Roof pitch affects material options - some require minimum slopes

• Existing decking condition impacts installation approach

Budget includes more than just material cost:

• Installation complexity varies by material

• Required underlayments and accessories

• Future maintenance expenses

• Total cost of ownership over the roof's lifetime

Longevity needs vary by situation:

• Staying 30+ years? Consider premium materials

• Selling in 5 years? Balance cost with curb appeal

• We calculate cost per year of service life, not just initial price

Based on these factors and our installation experience, here are the six materials we recommend most often.

The 6 Best Roofing Materials

1. Atlas Architectural Shingles - Best Overall Value

After 25 years of installing Atlas shingles exclusively, we've seen why they dominate residential roofing in the Midwest. Atlas architectural shingles offer the best balance of cost, performance, and longevity for most Ohio and Michigan homes.

Cost: $5-7 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 25-30 years with proper maintenance
Best for: Most residential applications

Why we install Atlas exclusively:

• Scotchgard™ Protector resists algae growth in humid conditions

• HP42® sealant provides superior wind resistance

• Consistent performance in freeze-thaw cycles

• Strong warranty support and product availability

Atlas lines we recommend most:

• Atlas Pinnacle® Pristine - architectural with Scotchgard™

• Atlas StormMaster® Shake - impact-resistant luxury option

• Both exceed industry standards for our climate

Key advantages for Midwest homes:

• Proven 130 mph wind warranty

• Superior granule adhesion reduces loss

• Core4™ technology prevents moisture damage

• Actual 25-30 year performance we've verified

Maintenance requirements:

• Annual inspections

• Prompt minor repairs

• Clear debris from valleys

• Keep gutters clean

2. Atlas StormMaster® Shake - Best Premium Shingle

When homeowners want superior protection with enhanced aesthetics, Atlas StormMaster® Shake delivers premium performance. This luxury shingle combines impact resistance with architectural beauty.

Cost: $8-10 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 30+ years
Best for: Homeowners seeking maximum protection and curb appeal

Why StormMaster® excels in our climate:

• Class 4 impact rating - highest available

• Potential insurance discounts for hail resistance

• Dimensional shake appearance without wood maintenance

• Withstands severe weather better than standard shingles

Performance advantages:

• SBS modified asphalt for flexibility in temperature extremes

• Resists cracking during freeze-thaw cycles

• 150 mph wind warranty with proper installation

• Algae resistance with Scotchgard™ Protector

Insurance benefits:

• Many carriers offer premium discounts

• Reduced deductibles for storm damage

• Better claim history over time

• We help document ratings for your carrier

The higher initial investment typically pays for itself through insurance savings and extended lifespan. Perfect for homes in hail-prone areas or those wanting maximum weather protection.

3. TPO - Best Flat Roof Material

What Is The Best Material For A Flat Roof

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) has become our go-to recommendation for flat and low-slope roofs. After installing all three major flat roof systems, TPO consistently outperforms in our climate.

Cost: $7-10 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Best for: Flat or low-slope applications

Why TPO beats other flat roof options:

Versus EPDM rubber roofing:

• Better temperature extreme handling

• White surface reflects heat - reduces cooling costs

• Heat-welded seams (not glued) - stronger in freeze-thaw cycles

• Less prone to shrinkage over time

Versus Modified Bitumen:

• Single-membrane system installs faster

• More reliable seam integrity

• Better energy efficiency

• Fewer callbacks in our experience

Critical installation factors:

• Proper drainage design prevents ponding water

• Tapered insulation systems eliminate low spots

• Annual inspections catch issues early

• Professional installation ensures warranty coverage

4. Modified Bitumen - Alternative Flat Roof Solution

While TPO is our primary recommendation, modified bitumen remains a viable option for specific flat roof applications. We've installed thousands of square feet over 25 years.

Cost: $6-9 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Best for: Smaller flat roof sections or budget-conscious projects

When we recommend modified bitumen:

• Smaller residential flat sections

• Areas with heavy foot traffic

• Tighter budget constraints

• Repairs to existing modified systems

Installation methods:

• Torch-applied for best adhesion

• Self-adhering in sensitive areas

• Cold-applied where open flame isn't suitable

• Multiple layers for added protection

Performance characteristics:

• Good puncture resistance

• Handles thermal movement well

• Easier to patch than single-membrane

• Proven track record in our climate

While not as energy-efficient as white TPO, modified bitumen costs less initially and works well for many applications. The granulated surface provides UV protection and acceptable durability.

5. EPDM Rubber Roofing - Proven Flat Roof Option

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber roofing has been our go-to flat roof solution for decades before TPO gained popularity. We still install it regularly for specific applications.

Cost: $5-8 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Best for: Budget-conscious flat roof projects

When EPDM makes sense:

• Lower initial investment than TPO

• Repairs to existing EPDM systems

• Areas with minimal sun exposure

• Quick installation timelines

Installation expertise matters:

• Fully-adhered system for best performance

• Seam preparation is critical

• Primer and seam tape must cure properly

• Perimeter and penetration details prevent failures

Performance in our climate:

• Excellent flexibility in cold weather

• Resists ponding water well

• Black surface absorbs heat (higher cooling costs)

• Time-tested reliability

While TPO offers better energy efficiency, EPDM's lower cost and proven track record make it suitable for many projects. We've serviced EPDM roofs installed 20+ years ago that still perform well with proper maintenance.

6. Commercial TPO/EPDM - Best Commercial Option

What Is The Best Commercial Roofing Material

Commercial properties have different needs than residential. Larger roof areas, HVAC equipment, and maintenance traffic require robust materials. TPO and EPDM dominate commercial flat roofing for good reason.

Cost: $6-12 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Best for: Commercial and industrial buildings

TPO - Best for energy efficiency:

• White membrane reflects solar radiation

• Reduces cooling loads by 20-30%

• Ideal for warehouses and retail spaces

• Heat-welded seams for superior strength

EPDM - Best for initial cost savings:

• Black rubber membrane costs less upfront

• Installs quickly on large projects

• Handles foot traffic well

• Better for roofs with regular maintenance access

Professional installation requirements:

• Seam integrity determines longevity

• We use robotic welders for TPO - ensures consistency

• EPDM gets primer-cleaned and roller-pressed seams

• Both require detailed specifications and quality control

Maintenance is non-negotiable:

• Semi-annual inspections minimum

• Clear drains before freeze season

• Document all repairs for warranty

• Budget 2-3% of installation cost annually for maintenance

What Is The Best Material For A Roof

Choosing the best material for your roof requires balancing multiple factors. Here's our quick decision guide based on common situations:

For budget-conscious homeowners:

• Atlas architectural shingles - reliable protection at reasonable cost

• Quality installation matters more than cheapest bid

• 25-30 year lifespan with proper maintenance

• Expected cost: $5-7 per square foot

For maximum protection:

• Atlas StormMaster® Shake - Class 4 impact rating

• Insurance discounts often offset higher cost

• Superior hail and wind resistance

• 30+ year lifespan justifies investment

For flat roof sections:

• TPO offers best performance/value combination

• EPDM for tighter budgets

• Modified bitumen for smaller areas

• Always ensure proper drainage design

For commercial properties:

• TPO for energy efficiency priorities

• EPDM for initial cost savings

• Both require annual maintenance programs

• Consider roof traffic and equipment needs

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing materials based solely on price

• Ignoring proper ventilation requirements

• Skipping professional installation to save money

• Not factoring in long-term maintenance costs

Cost and Lifespan Summary

Real-world costs for professionally installed roofing in Ohio/Michigan (2025 pricing):

*Annual cost = Total cost ÷ Expected lifespan

Hidden costs to budget:

• Tear-off and disposal of existing roofing ($1-3/sq ft)

• Decking repairs - common in 30+ year old roofs ($3-5/sq ft)

• Upgraded underlayments for warranty requirements ($0.50-1/sq ft)

• Flashing replacements and chimney work ($500-2,000)

• Gutter updates to match new roofing ($8-15/linear ft)

We offer flexible financing options to spread costs over time. Many homeowners finance premium materials when they see the long-term value proposition.

Next Steps

Material selection is just one part of a successful roofing project. Professional evaluation identifies issues not visible from the ground:

• Structural capacity for heavier materials

• Ventilation adequacy affecting material lifespan

• Existing damage requiring repair before installation

• Local code requirements for your area

Installation quality matters as much as material choice. We've repaired countless roofs where quality materials failed due to poor installation. Our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee reflects confidence in our installation standards.

Ready to explore which roofing material works best for your home?

Contact Integrity Home Exteriors for a professional evaluation. With 25 years serving Ohio and Michigan, we provide honest recommendations based on your specific needs.

Understanding how to choose qualified contractors ensures your material investment is protected by proper installation. When you need reliable service, our comprehensive inspection process identifies the best material solutions for your specific situation.