Steep slope roofing material options include asphalt shingles, wood battens, shingles, slate, or metal. These are the most popular, they are relatively easy to install and, in general, they are the most economical. The shingles are made of a fiberglass mat covered with asphalt and mineral granules. They are designed to withstand high winds, some as high as 130 mph.
You can't tell by looking at them, but shingles are rated according to fire resistance (Class A, B or C, with A being the strongest) and hail impact resistance (Class 1 to 4, with 4 being the best). A good asphalt roof should last 20 to 30 years. Homeowners have more options today when it comes to the appearance of asphalt shingles. Now there's a whole palette of colors and textures, Graham says.
In addition, zinc or copper coated ceramic granules can be applied to shingles to help with algae resistance (AR). Thomas says low-slope roofs have become more expensive than steep-slope roofs, not because of the membrane, which is close to the cost of asphalt, but because the removal and installation of materials is labor intensive.
