Best Roof Materials
Mar 01, 2024The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Roofing Material for Your Home
How to Compare Roofing Materials Before Investing in a New Roof
Replacing your roof is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. Choosing the right roofing material affects your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements, resale value, and long-term cost.
If you’re researching the best roofing material for your home in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or anywhere throughout the Quad Cities, you’re not alone. Homeowners often ask:
- Which roofing material lasts the longest?
- Is metal roofing better than asphalt shingles?
- What roof stands up best to Iowa hail and Illinois wind?
- How much does a new roof cost?
- Which roofing material adds the most value to a home?
At Centennial Home Improvement, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois choose roofing systems that fit their budget, protect their homes, and provide decades of dependable performance. As a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster™, we install premium roofing systems backed by industry-leading warranties and expert craftsmanship.
This guide explains the most popular roofing materials, compares their advantages and disadvantages, and helps you determine which option is best for your home.
Why Your Roofing Material Matters
Your roof does much more than keep rain out.
The right roofing system helps:
- Protect your home from wind, hail, snow, and heavy rain
- Improve energy efficiency
- Increase curb appeal
- Raise resale value
- Reduce future maintenance costs
- Provide long-lasting protection for your family
In the Quad Cities, where homes experience freezing winters, hot summers, strong winds, hailstorms, and rapid weather changes, choosing the right roofing material is especially important.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Roofing Material
1. Iowa and Illinois Weather Conditions
Not every roofing material performs equally in the Midwest.
Homes throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Le Claire, Eldridge, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities experience:
- Heavy snowfall
- Ice dams
- High winds
- Hail
- Extreme temperature swings
- UV exposure
Choose a roofing system designed to withstand these conditions for decades.
2. Your Budget
Roof replacement costs vary depending on:
- Roof size
- Roof pitch
- Number of valleys
- Existing roof removal
- Flashing replacement
- Ventilation upgrades
- Material selection
- Deck repairs if needed
While premium materials cost more upfront, they often last significantly longer and require less maintenance.
Centennial Home Improvement offers financing options that help homeowners invest in quality roofing without unnecessary financial stress.
3. Expected Lifespan
Different roofing materials have very different service lives.
| Roofing Material | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | 15–25 years |
| Premium Asphalt Shingles | 20–30 years |
| Stone-Coated Steel Roofing | 50+ years |
| Standing Seam Metal Roofing | 40–70 years |
| Slate Roofing | 75–100+ years |
4. Appearance
Your roof accounts for nearly 40% of your home’s visible exterior.
The right roofing system should complement your home’s:
- Architectural style
- Siding color
- Trim
- Stonework
- Brick
- Landscaping
Many homeowners also need to comply with HOA or neighborhood requirements regarding roofing colors and styles.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Some roofing systems require very little maintenance, while others require periodic inspections and repairs.
If you want the lowest long-term maintenance, premium asphalt shingles or stone-coated steel roofing are excellent choices.
Comparing Today’s Most Popular Roofing Materials
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Architectural asphalt shingles remain America’s most popular residential roofing material for good reason.
Advantages
- Affordable
- Excellent curb appeal
- Many colors available
- Strong wind resistance
- Low maintenance
- Excellent value
- Easy repairs
- Wide variety of warranty options
Considerations
- Shorter lifespan than steel roofing
- Can sustain hail damage during severe storms
- May require replacement sooner than premium roofing systems
At Centennial Home Improvement, we proudly install CertainTeed Landmark®, Landmark PRO®, and NorthGate® shingles, known for exceptional durability, beauty, and long-term performance.
Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
For homeowners looking for outstanding durability, stone-coated steel roofing is one of the best long-term investments available.
Centennial Home Improvement proudly installs Unified Steel™ Roofing Systems, which combine the strength of steel with the appearance of traditional shingles.
Advantages
- 50+ year lifespan
- Outstanding hail resistance
- Excellent wind resistance
- Fire resistant
- Energy efficient
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight
- Beautiful appearance
Considerations
- Higher initial investment
- Professional installation is essential
For many homeowners planning to stay in their home for decades, stone-coated steel offers outstanding lifetime value.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
| Feature | Architectural Asphalt | Stone-Coated Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 25–35 Years | 50+ Years |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | Low | Very Low |
| Wind Resistance | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Hail Resistance | Very Good | Excellent |
| Energy Efficiency | Good | Excellent |
| Curb Appeal | Excellent | Excellent |
| Long-Term Value | Very Good | Outstanding |
Which Roofing Material Is Best for Iowa and Illinois Weather?
For most homeowners throughout the Quad Cities:
Best Overall Value
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Ideal for homeowners seeking outstanding appearance, durability, and affordability.
Best Lifetime Investment
Unified Steel Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
Ideal for homeowners who want maximum durability, hail resistance, longevity, and minimal maintenance.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Roof replacement pricing depends on many factors, including roof size, complexity, material selection, ventilation improvements, and any necessary decking repairs.
As a general guideline:
- Architectural asphalt shingle roof replacements often start around $10,000–$15,000+ for an average-sized home.
- Premium roofing systems, such as stone-coated steel, generally represent a larger initial investment of two and half times the cost of asphalt shingles while providing decades of additional service life.
The best way to determine your investment is with a professional roof inspection and detailed written estimate tailored to your home.
Why Professional Roof Installation Matters
Even the highest-quality roofing materials can fail if they’re installed incorrectly.
A professionally installed roofing system helps prevent:
- Roof leaks
- Premature shingle failure
- Poor ventilation
- Ice dam formation
- Wind damage
- Manufacturer warranty issues
Centennial Home Improvement follows manufacturer installation specifications and industry best practices to help maximize the life of every roofing system we install.
Why Homeowners Choose Centennial Home Improvement
Since 2015, Centennial Home Improvement has helped homeowners throughout the Quad Cities protect and improve their homes with high-quality exterior remodeling services.
When you choose Centennial, you benefit from:
- CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster™ Certification
- Licensed, bonded, and insured professionals
- Factory-trained installation practices
- Premium CertainTeed roofing systems
- Unified Steel™ stone-coated steel roofing
- Honest recommendations based on your needs
- Flexible financing options
- Exceptional customer service
- Hundreds of satisfied homeowners across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Whether you’re replacing an aging roof or upgrading after storm damage, our experienced team will help you choose the roofing system that’s right for your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roofing material for homes in Iowa and Illinois?
Architectural asphalt shingles provide an excellent balance of affordability, durability, and appearance. Homeowners seeking maximum longevity and superior resistance to hail and wind often choose stone-coated steel roofing.
Which roofing material lasts the longest?
Stone-coated steel roofing typically lasts 50 years or more, while architectural asphalt shingles generally last 15–35 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Is metal roofing better than asphalt shingles?
It depends on your priorities. Asphalt shingles are more affordable and remain the most popular residential roofing material. Stone-coated steel roofing offers greater durability, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance, making it an excellent long-term investment.
Does a new roof increase home value?
Yes. A professionally installed roof can improve curb appeal, increase buyer confidence, and enhance your home’s resale value. It also helps protect your home from costly water damage.
How do I know if it’s time to replace my roof?
Common signs include missing or damaged shingles, granule loss, recurring leaks, sagging areas, storm damage, or a roof that is approaching the end of its expected lifespan. A professional inspection can determine whether repairs or replacement are the better option.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today
Choosing the right roofing material doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our knowledgeable team will inspect your roof, explain your options, answer your questions, and provide a detailed recommendation based on your home’s condition, your budget, and your long-term goals.
If you’re looking for a trusted roofing contractor in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or the surrounding Quad Cities area, Centennial Home Improvement is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection and discover why so many local homeowners trust Centennial Home Improvement for expert roof replacement and installation.
