Best Roofing Materials: Complete Comparison Guide for 2026

12 min readJanuary 16, 2026

Hunter Lapeyre

Owner, Lapeyre Roofing

A comprehensive comparison of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, and flat roof membranes. Find the best option for your climate, budget, and home style.

Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your home. The material you select affects everything: how long your roof lasts, how it performs in storms, your insurance premiums, and your home's resale value.

This guide compares the most common roofing materials available in Texas and Louisiana, with specific recommendations based on your climate, budget, and priorities. We've installed thousands of roofs across both states and can tell you what actually performs—not just what looks good on paper.

Quick Material Comparison

Here's how the main roofing materials compare across the factors that matter most:

Material	Cost (per sq ft)	Lifespan	Hail Resistance	Wind Rating	Best For
3-Tab Shingles	$3.50-$5.50	15-20 years	Poor	60-70 mph	Budget projects, rentals
Architectural Shingles	$4.50-$7.00	25-30 years	Good (Class 3-4)	110-130 mph	Most residential homes
Luxury Shingles	$6.00-$9.00	30-50 years	Excellent (Class 4)	130+ mph	Premium homes, high-value areas
Standing Seam Metal	$10-$16	40-70 years	Excellent	140+ mph	Long-term value, modern aesthetics
Metal Shingles	$8-$12	40-50 years	Good-Excellent	120+ mph	Traditional look, metal benefits
Clay/Concrete Tile	$12-$25	50-100 years	Variable	125+ mph (when secured)	Mediterranean/Spanish style homes
TPO/PVC (Flat)	$6-$12	20-30 years	Good	Varies by install	Commercial, flat residential

Asphalt Shingles: The Most Popular Choice

Asphalt shingles cover approximately 80% of American homes, and for good reason. They offer the best balance of cost, performance, and aesthetic options. But not all shingles are created equal.

3-Tab Shingles

The most basic asphalt option. 3-tab shingles are flat, uniform, and inexpensive. However, we rarely recommend them for Texas or Louisiana homes because:

Poor hail resistance—even small hail can crack them
Lower wind ratings don't meet hurricane zone requirements
Shorter lifespan means replacing sooner
Most insurance companies won't offer discounts

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, rental properties, or homes in low-risk weather areas.

Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles

The standard for quality residential roofing. Architectural shingles are thicker, more durable, and available in a wide range of colors and styles. This is what we install on the majority of homes.

Key benefits:

Better hail resistance — Many architectural shingles carry Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings
Higher wind ratings — Most are rated for 110-130 mph winds
Longer warranties — Typically 25-30 year manufacturer warranties
Insurance discounts — Impact-resistant versions qualify for premium reductions
Better curb appeal — Dimensional design creates shadow lines and depth

Luxury (Designer) Shingles

Premium shingles that mimic the look of slate or wood shake at a fraction of the cost. Examples include GAF Grand Canyon and Owens Corning Woodcrest.

Thickest asphalt option with maximum durability
Class 4 impact ratings standard
50-year limited warranties common
Highest aesthetic value

Best for: High-value homes, homeowners planning to stay long-term, and anyone prioritizing curb appeal.

Impact Ratings Explained

The impact rating system (Class 1-4) measures how well shingles withstand hail:

Class 1 — Withstands 1.25" steel ball drop (minimal protection)
Class 2 — Withstands 1.5" steel ball drop
Class 3 — Withstands 1.75" steel ball drop
Class 4 — Withstands 2" steel ball drop (golf ball-sized hail)

In Texas, we strongly recommend Class 4 shingles. The insurance discount (typically 10-28% on your premium) often pays for the upgrade within a few years.

Compare GAF vs Owens Corning shingles →

See IBHS 2025 shingle performance ratings →

Metal Roofing: Long-Term Value

Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity, especially in storm-prone areas. While the upfront cost is higher, the longevity and performance often make it the better long-term investment.

Standing Seam Metal

The premium metal option. Standing seam roofs have raised seams that lock panels together, creating a watertight barrier with no exposed fasteners.

Advantages:

Exceptional longevity — 40-70 year lifespan with minimal maintenance
Superior storm resistance — Wind ratings of 140+ mph; handles hail better than any shingle
Energy efficiency — Reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs 10-25%
No exposed fasteners — Eliminates the most common failure point
Modern aesthetics — Clean lines suit contemporary architecture

Considerations:

Higher upfront cost ($10-16 per sq ft installed)
Requires skilled installation—not all contractors do metal well
Can dent from large hail (though rarely fails functionally)
Noise during rain (mitigated with proper insulation)

Metal Shingles and Tiles

Metal shingles offer the durability of metal with a more traditional appearance. They're designed to look like asphalt shingles, wood shake, or tile.

Lower cost than standing seam ($8-12 per sq ft)
Traditional aesthetics for HOA-restricted neighborhoods
Still offers 40-50 year lifespan
Good storm performance

Metal vs shingles: Full Houston comparison →

Tile & Slate: Premium Options

Clay and Concrete Tile

Tile roofs are iconic in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture. They're common in certain Texas neighborhoods and historic Louisiana districts.

Pros:

Exceptional lifespan — 50-100+ years when properly maintained
Fire resistant — Class A fire rating
Distinctive aesthetics — Nothing else looks like tile
Low maintenance — Doesn't rot, warp, or attract pests

Cons:

Heavy — Requires reinforced roof structure (additional cost)
Expensive — $12-25+ per sq ft installed
Fragile — Individual tiles crack if walked on or hit by debris
Complex repairs — Matching replacement tiles can be difficult

Best for: Historic homes, Spanish/Mediterranean architecture, homeowners who plan to stay 30+ years.

Natural Slate

The ultimate premium roofing material. Natural slate roofs can last 100+ years and are found on historic buildings, churches, and high-end estates.

Unmatched beauty and prestige
100-150 year lifespan possible
Extremely heavy—structural assessment required
Very expensive ($20-40+ per sq ft)
Requires specialized installation

Best for: Historic restoration, ultra-premium homes, architectural landmarks.

Flat Roof Membranes

Flat and low-slope roofs require different materials than pitched roofs. The main options are single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM) and built-up roofing (BUR).

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

The most popular commercial roofing material and increasingly common on flat residential sections.

Energy efficient — White reflective surface reduces cooling costs
Cost-effective — $6-10 per sq ft installed
Durable — Resists punctures, chemicals, and UV
20-30 year lifespan

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Similar to TPO but with better chemical resistance. Often used where grease or chemical exposure is a concern (restaurants, industrial buildings).

Superior chemical resistance
Excellent fire rating
Slightly higher cost than TPO ($7-12 per sq ft)
25-30 year lifespan

EPDM (Rubber Roofing)

A synthetic rubber membrane that's been used for decades. Less common now but still a solid option.

Proven long-term performance
Easy repairs
Black color absorbs heat (can increase cooling costs)
20-25 year lifespan

Read our commercial roofing guide →

Best Materials for Your Climate

Best for Texas (Hail Priority)

Texas—especially the Austin-San Antonio-Dallas corridor—experiences more hail than almost anywhere in the country. Your material choice should prioritize impact resistance.

Top recommendations for Texas:

Class 4 architectural shingles — Best balance of cost and hail protection; insurance discounts offset the upgrade cost
Standing seam metal — May dent but won't fail functionally; longest lifespan
Metal shingles — Good hail resistance with traditional appearance

Materials to avoid in Texas: 3-tab shingles (too fragile), clay tile in hail-prone areas (cracks easily).

Complete Texas materials guide →

Best for Louisiana (Hurricane Priority)

Louisiana's primary threats are high winds and driving rain from tropical systems. Materials need to stay attached and keep water out under extreme conditions.

Top recommendations for Louisiana:

FORTIFIED-approved materials — Any material installed to FORTIFIED standards provides the best hurricane protection
Standing seam metal — Highest wind ratings, no exposed fasteners to lift
High-wind architectural shingles — 130+ mph rated shingles with enhanced nail patterns

Key considerations:

Installation method matters as much as material—FORTIFIED certification ensures proper hurricane-zone installation
Louisiana mandates insurance discounts for FORTIFIED roofs (20-52% on wind premium)
Sealed roof deck is critical for water intrusion prevention

Learn about FORTIFIED roofing →

Find Roofing Services Near You

We install all material types across Texas and Louisiana. Let us help you choose the right material for your home.

Texas Service Areas

Austin Round Rock Cedar Park Georgetown Kyle Lakeway Leander Houston

Louisiana Service Areas

New Orleans Metairie Kenner

Frequently Asked Questions

For most Texas homes, Class 4 impact-resistant architectural shingles offer the best balance of cost, hail protection, and insurance savings. The 10-28% premium discount for impact-resistant shingles often pays for the upgrade within a few years. For homeowners prioritizing longevity over initial cost, standing seam metal is an excellent choice that can last 40-70 years.

For Louisiana hurricane zones, FORTIFIED-certified roofing systems provide the best protection regardless of material type. The installation method matters as much as the material itself. That said, standing seam metal offers the highest wind ratings (140+ mph), while properly installed architectural shingles with enhanced nail patterns can also perform well. Louisiana mandates 20-52% insurance discounts for FORTIFIED roofs.

Asphalt shingle lifespan varies by type: 3-tab shingles last 15-20 years, architectural shingles last 25-30 years, and luxury/designer shingles can last 30-50 years. However, lifespan depends heavily on climate, installation quality, and ventilation. In Texas, frequent hail can shorten lifespan, while in Louisiana, hurricane exposure is the primary factor.

Metal roofing often makes financial sense over the long term. While it costs 2-3x more upfront than architectural shingles, it lasts 2-3x longer (40-70 years vs 25-30 years). Metal also offers better storm resistance, energy efficiency (10-25% cooling cost reduction), and minimal maintenance. If you plan to stay in your home 15+ years, metal typically has a lower lifetime cost.

Class 4 is the highest impact rating for roofing materials, meaning the shingle can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking—roughly equivalent to golf ball-sized hail. Class 4 shingles are made with modified asphalt (SBS polymer) that makes them more flexible and impact-resistant. Most Texas insurance companies offer 10-28% premium discounts for Class 4 roofs.

In some cases, yes—metal can be installed over one layer of existing shingles using battens or purlins. This saves on tear-off costs and disposal fees. However, it's not always recommended. If the existing roof has moisture damage, multiple layers, or structural issues, a complete tear-off is necessary. Your contractor should inspect the existing roof to determine if overlay is appropriate.

3-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest option at $3.50-$5.50 per square foot installed. However, we rarely recommend them because their poor hail resistance, shorter lifespan, and lack of insurance discounts make them more expensive over time. Architectural shingles cost only $1-2 more per square foot and offer significantly better value.

Tile roofs can work in Texas but have significant drawbacks in hail-prone areas. Individual tiles crack when hit by hail, leading to expensive repairs. Tile also requires a reinforced roof structure due to its weight (adding $2,000-5,000+ to installation cost). We generally recommend tile only for Spanish/Mediterranean-style homes in lower-hail-risk areas or for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics over practicality.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply membrane used on flat and low-slope roofs. It comes in large rolls that are heat-welded together to create a seamless, waterproof surface. TPO is popular for commercial buildings and flat residential sections because it is energy-efficient (white reflective surface), durable, and cost-effective ($6-10 per sq ft). Typical lifespan is 20-30 years.

GAF and Owens Corning are the two largest shingle manufacturers, and both make quality products. GAF offers the Timberline HDZ (the best-selling shingle in America) with LayerLock technology for enhanced wind resistance. Owens Corning offers the Duration series with SureNail technology. Both have comparable warranties and performance. The choice often comes down to color options and contractor preference. We install both brands and can recommend specific products based on your needs.