Roof material selector
Start with your roof’s slope, then choose the question that matters most. Get concrete specifications to request from a contractor instead of a generic material score.
6:12 means six inches of rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run.
Bring this shortlist to a contractor. Roof pitch, structural capacity, local requirements, and the exact product instructions decide suitability.
Start with a roof-slope measurement
- Ask for the pitch of each roof section before choosing a covering. A porch or addition may need a different system from the main roof.
Do not climb onto the roof to measure it. Use an existing measurement report or ask your roofer.
Match the roof section before choosing the material
GAF’s standard asphalt-shingle minimum slope is 2:12. Between 2:12 and below 4:12, installation requires special low-slope details. The specific product instructions and applicable code control the final assembly. A low-slope porch may need a different covering from the main roof.
Example: a 6:12 roof with hail concerns
Select “4:12 or steeper” and “Hail performance.” The resulting shortlist directs you to named-product testing and questions about warranty exclusions. It does not promise that a material will prevent damage or earn a carrier discount.
FORTIFIED is a system, not a shingle brand
The IBHS program addresses the deck, water intrusion, roof edges, and covering together. Material selection alone does not establish designation. Ask an evaluator about eligibility and required documentation before construction.
Check current primary sources
Plan your next step
Use these tools to prepare questions and compare scopes. An inspection establishes the condition and measurements of your actual roof.