Complete Guide To Choosing The Right Roofing Materials For Your Home

May 2, 2025 by

When it comes to choosing the perfect roof for your home, it’s about durability, climate suitability, energy efficiency, and long-term value. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through different types of roofing materials we offer and help you understand why certain shingles are better for specific climates or needs. 

Gunner Homeowner finished roof

1. GAF Asphalt Shingles: The Classic and Reliable Choice

GAF Asphalt Shingles are a timeless roofing material that has been trusted by homeowners for decades. Known for their affordability, ease of installation, and variety of color options, asphalt shingles are a popular choice for many.

  • Best for: Moderate climates and traditional homes
  • Benefits: Durability and price. This roofing material is designed to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow.
  • Considerations: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (such as intense sun or heavy snow), asphalt shingles may require more frequent maintenance.

Pro Tip: GAF’s high-quality asphalt shingles are engineered with advanced technology for enhanced protection against algae, wind, and hail damage, making them a dependable option for most homeowners. 

 

2. GAF Energy Solar Shingles: The Sustainable and Efficient Option

GAF Energy Solar Shingles combine the durability of traditional roofing with the innovative power of solar technology. These shingles seamlessly integrate into your roof, providing an energy-efficient solution that reduces your utility bills. 

  • Best for: Reducing energy costs and environmental impact 
  • Benefits: Provide superior protection and generate solar power – reducing your dependency on traditional energy sources. They’re ideal for sunny climates where solar power is a reliable and cost-effective option. 
  • Considerations: Initial installation costs can be higher, but the long-term savings on energy bills make it a smart investment. 

 

Aerial view of tapersawn cedar shingles on home

3. Cedar Shingles: The Classic Natural Look

Cedar Shingles are a beautiful, natural roofing material that adds rustic charm to your home. Cedar is known for its unique aesthetic and exceptional durability, especially in areas with milder, drier climates.

  • Best for: Temperate climates with low humidity and moderate temperatures
  • Benefits: Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects and long-lasting roofing solution. Its rich, natural look also enhances the curb appeal of your home.
  • Considerations: Cedar shingles require more maintenance than some other materials, as they need to be treated periodically to maintain their appearance and performance.

 

Aerial view of copper roof

4. Copper Roofing: The Long-Lasting Luxury

For homeowners seeking a roofing solution that offers both beauty and longevity, Copper Roofing is an outstanding choice. Copper provides an elegant, timeless look that only improves with age, as it naturally develops a protective patina over time. 

  • Best for: High-end homes or historic buildings or accent pieces like porticos, porch roofs, or eyebrows
  • Benefits: Incredibly durable, resistant to corrosion, ideal for areas with salt air or extreme weather conditions. It’s also low-maintenance and adds a sophisticated look to any home.
  • Considerations: Copper roofing comes with a higher price tag due to its luxury status, but its longevity and low maintenance make it a valuable investment for homeowners looking for the best of the best.

 

5. Metal Roofing: The Durable and Modern Solution

Metal Roofing is gaining popularity for its sleek, modern look and exceptional durability. It’s available in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and zinc, and can be designed to mimic the appearance of other materials, such as shingles or tiles.

  • Best for: Areas with extreme weather – heavy snow, high winds, and intense heat
  • Benefits: Lightweight, fire-resistant, and designed to withstand severe weather conditions. Also highly energy-efficient, reflecting heat in warmer climates and helping to reduce cooling costs.
  • Considerations: While metal roofing can be more expensive upfront, it requires minimal maintenance and can last for decades, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term durability.

 

Aerial view of brava roof on home

6. Brava Roofing Tiles: The Aesthetic and Durable Tile Solution

If you’re looking for a roofing material that’s both durable and visually striking, Brava Roofing Tiles might be the perfect fit. These tiles mimic the look of traditional clay or slate roofing but are made from synthetic materials, providing enhanced durability and low maintenance. They are also an eco-friendly material that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions while offering a sustainable alternative to natural materials.

  • Best for: Areas with extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and strong winds and homeowners looking for a quality eco-friendly alternative.
  • Benefits: Resistant to fading, cracking, and discoloration, and available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any home and made from recycled materials. 
  • Considerations: While Brava tiles are a great option for durability, they can be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, so they’re typically chosen for higher-end homes or regions with severe weather patterns.

 

DaVinci Project of the Year Award winning house up close shingle view

7. DaVinci Synthetic Shingles: The Durable and Low-Maintenance Choice

DaVinci Synthetic Shingles are another great option for homeowners seeking durability with minimal maintenance. Made from high-quality polymers, DaVinci shingles are designed to look like natural slate or cedar, while providing better protection against the elements.

  • Best for: Areas prone to high winds, hail, or extreme temperatures
  • Benefits: Highly impact-resistant, UV-stable, and designed to last for decades. They offer excellent protection from the elements and come in a variety of colors and styles.
  • Considerations: DaVinci shingles are a premium option, so they come with a higher upfront cost, but their durability and low maintenance make them a good long-term investment.

Searching for a local roofing company to go above and beyond? Look no further than Gunner, servicing nationally yet maintaining the quality of your favorite local establishment. Sounds too good to be true? Just read our reviews. We truly want you to be educated on the roofing process to make the best decisions for your home, while keeping you in the loop throughout your entire project. With our easy-to-use platform, you can shop, customize, and schedule your installation from anywhere, anytime – and our project managers will be there every step of the way to ensure your roofing experience is smooth and stress-free. 

Ready to choose your perfect roof? Explore our selection and get a free quote in under an hour. At Gunner, we’re here to redefine roofing and make it easy for you!