Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home
When it comes to protecting your home and enhancing curb appeal, your roof plays a vital role. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right roof material for your home?
At Mid-Shore Exteriors, we help Maryland homeowners navigate the roofing process with confidence. Whether you’re building new or replacing an aging roof, knowing how to select the best roof material for your needs—and understanding what makes each roof material ideal—can make all the difference.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Material
Choosing the best roofing material often comes up during roof replacement and involves several key factors when selecting the right roofing option:
- Climate: Maryland’s Eastern Shore faces hot summers, coastal winds, and winter storms. You’ll need a material that stands up to all seasons.
- Budget: Roofing costs vary significantly. Think about upfront expenses and long-term value—choosing the right roofing option can help you save money over time.
- Architectural Style: Some materials complement specific architectural styles, enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
- Durability: Consider how long the roof will last and what maintenance is required.
- Energy Efficiency: Some roofing types offer better insulation and solar compatibility.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the most popular and best roofing materials for Maryland homes.
Types of Roof Materials to Consider
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. and a popular roofing material choice for homeowners. They’re affordable, easy to install, and available in a wide range of styles and colors.
- Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners and traditional home styles.
- Lifespan: 20–30 years
- Pros: Cost-effective (typically $3–5 per square foot), low maintenance, widely available
- Cons: Less durable than other options under severe weather
Mid-Shore Exteriors offers premium asphalt shingle options from top manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their longevity, durability, and the wide variety of metal roofing materials available.
- Best for: Homes near the coast or in storm-prone areas
- Lifespan: 40–70 years
- Pros: Extremely durable, energy efficient, recyclable
- Cons: Higher upfront cost
Available in aluminum, steel, copper, standing seam metal roofs, and stone-coated steel styles, metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials you can choose. Standing seam metal roofing, in particular, is known for its exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Metal roofing, especially standing seam metal roofs, can also help with reducing cooling costs by reflecting sunlight and improving energy efficiency. When considering standing seam styles, standing seam metal roofing is regarded as a premium option for homeowners seeking long-term performance.
3. Cedar Shake or Wood Shingles
For a rustic, timeless look, wood roofing—especially cedar or natural wood shingles—are hard to beat. Wood roofs have long been a traditional choice for historical or high-end homes.
- Best for: Historical or high-end homes
- Lifespan: 30–40 years with proper care
- Pros: Beautiful appearance, natural insulation, made from natural wood for authentic appeal—natural wood shingles offer unique character and durability
- Cons: High maintenance, can be vulnerable to moisture without proper treatment
4. Flat Roofing Systems
Flat roofs are commonly used on commercial buildings and modern-style homes, as well as on low sloped roofs. At Mid-Shore Exteriors, we install a variety of flat roofing systems, including membrane roof options like EPDM and TPO, rubber roof systems such as modified bitumen, built up roofing (BUR), and rolled roofing.
- Best for: Commercial buildings, modern architecture, and low sloped roofs
- Lifespan: 20–30 years
- Pros: Energy efficient, suitable for solar or green roofs, and ideal for low sloped roofs
- Cons: Requires expert installation and regular inspection
What Is the Best Type of Roof for a House?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best type of roof for a house is one that fits your climate, budget, and home design. For many Maryland homeowners, a high-quality asphalt or metal roof offers the best balance of performance and value.
For waterfront properties or storm-prone areas like Easton, Cambridge, or Salisbury, metal roofing often provides superior protection. Meanwhile, asphalt shingles remain a top choice for suburban neighborhoods due to their affordability and versatility.
What Is the Most Durable Roofing Material?
If durability is your top priority, metal roofing takes the crown. With a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, resistance to wind, fire, and pests, and low maintenance needs, metal is ideal for long-term peace of mind.
Cedar shakes, while beautiful and long-lasting with proper care, require more upkeep. Asphalt shingles, although less durable, offer a solid lifespan at a fraction of the cost.
Trust Mid-Shore Exteriors to Guide You
At Mid-Shore Exteriors, we’ve helped countless homeowners on Maryland’s Eastern Shore decide how to choose the right roofing material. Our certified crews are experts in all types of roof materials, from asphalt shingles to standing seam metal and cedar shake.
We proudly serve Easton, Cambridge, Salisbury, Denton, and surrounding areas with:
- Free roof inspections and estimates
- Manufacturer-certified installations
- Insurance claim support for storm damage
- A+ BBB-rated service with outstanding local reviews
Ready to Choose the Best Roofing Material?
Let’s find the best roofing material for your home together. Whether you want maximum durability, budget-friendly value, or stunning curb appeal, we’re here to help.
Contact Mid-Shore Exteriors today to schedule your free roofing consultation. We’ll make sure your home is protected—and beautiful—for years to come.
