5 Most Common Roof Materials

Posted on by cheyenne

TL;DR

  • When installing a new roof, one of the first decisions is deciding which type of roofing material to invest in.
  • Asphalt shingles: affordable, durable ~20-25 years, easy to repair.
  • Slate: long-lasting 60-100 years, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, expensive and heavy.
  • Clay/concrete tiles: can last ~100 years, mold-resistant, ideal for warm/dry climates, heavy.
  • Metal roofing: durable 40-80 years, low maintenance, versatile looks, higher cost.
  • Contact Cheyenne Mountain Roofing to discuss the best materials for your home and budget.

One of the first questions that can come up when getting a new roof is what type of roof materials you should invest in for your new roof. Here are the most common roof materials currently being used on homes.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt or composite shingles are probably the most common roofing material for many homes. Asphalt shingles are an affordable and durable choice with many options where you can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to find that perfect look for your home. The only drawback of installing these shingles is that the roof typically will last about 20 to 2 years based on the quality, installation, upkeep, and local weather events. However, an advantage is that asphalt shingles can often be easily repaired or replaced if a small area is damaged rather than replacing the whole roof.

Slate Roofing

Driving through any area with older homes, you’ll often notice that some still have their original slate roofs. Slate is an excellent material that holds up well over time and can eliminate the need for replacements in the near future. Still, it can be an expensive option for the initial installation. For example, in buildings where a slate roof is added later, additional framing is often needed to help support the heavy material, which can add to the cost. The cost of the material can also be more expensive per square foot than some of the other roofing materials available. However, slate can be a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s a long-term solution, fire resistant, eco-friendly, comes in various colors, and is a beautiful addition to your home’s exterior. Slate can last at least 60 years and has the potential to last 100 years. 

Clay and Concrete Tiles

When it comes to longevity, you can’t beat clay tiles in that they can potentially last for 100 years. Like slate roofs, clay and concrete tiles can be a heavy option and may not be suitable for all homes. Often, they can require the same additional framing to ensure that the roof isn’t too heavy for the home. These tiles add a nice flair and are typically popular in warmer and drier climates. They are resistant to growing mold and mildew. In addition, they don’t go through the same expansion and contraction that other roofing materials do because of the temperature. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is becoming more popular thanks to the variety of looks that can be achieved with metal roofs and the fact that these roofing systems can last between 40 to 80 years. In addition, thanks to design innovations, metal roofing can resemble other popular roofing styles, such as cedar shakes, while not requiring the same maintenance and upkeep. These roofs are easy maintenance but can be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles and other options.

Not sure which type of roof materials you should use for your home? Contact us at Cheyenne Mountain today to discuss which roof materials would be best for you to install for your new roof. We can help you to go over your options to choose the best materials for your home and budget.

Cheyenne Mountain Roofing — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We specialize in residential and commercial roof replacement, roof repair (hail, wind, or leak damage), roof inspections, skylight installation and repair, gutter services, and emergency roofing throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
Yes. Cheyenne Mountain Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Colorado. We take pride in meeting or exceeding all state and local roofing requirements.
We’ve proudly served the Colorado Springs area since 2012, with hundreds of completed roofs and satisfied customers across El Paso and Teller Counties.
Look for missing shingles, dented gutters, granule loss, or water spots inside your home. If you’re unsure, schedule a free roof inspection—we’ll evaluate the damage and provide honest feedback.
Absolutely. Our team works directly with your insurance company to document damage, estimate repairs, and ensure you receive a fair and accurate claim settlement.
We prioritize emergency calls and can often provide same-day inspections after major hail or wind events.
Our experts evaluate the age of your roof, the type of damage, and its overall condition. If repairs can safely extend the life of your roof, we’ll recommend that option first.
We install premium asphalt shingles, impact-resistant shingles, flat roofing systems, and energy-efficient materials from trusted brands that perform well in Colorado’s climate.
Most residential roof replacements take one to two days, depending on roof size, weather, and material availability.
We recommend at least one inspection per year, preferably in spring or fall, and after any major storm.
Yes. We offer roof inspections, attic ventilation improvements, and gutter maintenance to prevent ice buildup and leaks caused by snow and freezing temperatures.
We serve Colorado Springs, Monument, Woodland Park, Falcon, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and the greater El Paso and Teller County areas.
Local experience matters. We understand the unique challenges of Colorado weather and are committed to long-term relationships—our reputation is built on quality work and local trust.
Yes. All inspections and estimates are 100% free and include detailed reports and photos so you can make informed decisions.
Call (719) 322-4659 or fill out our online contact form. Our team responds quickly—usually within the same business day.