Different Types of Roofing Materials

Increase home value and protect what's inside with a long-lasting roof

Whether you are installing a new roof on a new house or replacing an older roof that is no longer doing its job, there are many choices in terms of the types of roofing materials available. Some of the different options include asphalt shingles, tile roofing, composite roofing and more.

Factors that determine what type of roofing is best includes the slope and complexity of the roof, as well as the style of the house, local climate and the cost of different roofing options.

At Xterior Solutions of Greater Hudson Valley, you can trust that you'll have the best roofing in no time!

Contact our expert contractors today for your free estimate for the cost of our services. We provide quality roofing services, including roof repair, roof replacement and installation in Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Wallkill, and the surrounding areas of New York!

Asphalt & asphalt fiberglass shingles

Although these terms are used interchangeably, most roof shingles used today are technically known as asphalt fiberglass shingles. The fiberglass mat embedded in the shingle provides an extra measure of strength and tear resistance.

These shingles are the most popular type of roofing for sloped roofs because they're affordable, easy to install, durable, and available in a wide variety of colors. Premium grades of "laminated" asphalt fiberglass shingles are typically warrantied for 50 years.

Rubber roofing

Although rubber has been around for a long time, rubber roofing is fairly new. That's because it's taken a great deal of chemistry research to develop a thin rubber membrane with the durability and waterproof qualities required of roofing material. Rubber roofing is sometimes referred to as EPDM roofing. EPDM is an abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer, the highly engineered compound used to manufacture most types of rubber roofing. Rubber roofing is used primarily on flat or low-slope roofs in both commercial and residential buildings.

A "membrane roof" usually refers to a rubber or EPDM roof that is installed in a flat roof or a low-slope application. Many commercial buildings have membrane roofs; few houses do.

Rubber membrane roofs are often used to seal flat roofs over garages and porches. Credit: EPDM Roofing Association

Composite Roofing

The term "composite" can apply to several different types of roofing since it simply implies that a number of different materials are used in the manufacturing process. Today one of the most common types of composite roofing is a simulated roofing slate that is made from resins and from rubber compounds extracted from reclaimed tires. This slate look-a-like offers excellent longevity and a lower installation price while providing the appearance of a traditional slate roof.

Composite shingles carry some of the industry's longest warranties.

Flat roofing

This roofing category is often grouped with "low-slope" roofing because many of the roofing treatments are the same. The most common flat-roofing materials used on residential and commercial buildings today include single-membrane systems like EPDM or rubber roofing, thermo-polyolefin (TPO) roofing and PVC roofing.

High-density Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing is a system that coats the roof with a continuous layer of foam insulation that can also serve as the finished roof surface (as long as a protective coating is applied over the foam)

Because any flat roof is inherently prone to leaking, it's important to hire skilled installers whenever flat roofing is repaired, replaced or installed.

Energy-efficient shingles

energy efficient shingles provide all the protection you expect for your roof while also helping increase the energy efficiency of your home. A cool roof is designed to reflect solar energy, decreasing the amount of heat that's transferred to your home's interior and the amount of air conditioning needed to keep it comfortable.

When installed properly, energy-efficient shingles can offer savings on energy bills. Reflective roof products can also reduce UV damage and extend the life of the roof. Many cool roof products qualify for energy rebates and incentives.

ENERGY STARĀ® qualified roof shingles can lower roof surface temperature by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the right roofer is just as important as using quality materials

Xterior Solutions is a full-service roofing contractor, specializing in everything from new roof installations, roof repairs and maintenance to total roof replacements. It doesn't matter what type of roofing system we are working with, we always ensure best-quality workmanship, excellent customer service and a long-lasting, durable roof over your head.

Our roofing contractors work throughout the Greater Hudson Valley area, including Stormville, Mountainville, Kingston, New Windsor, Circleville, Briarcliff Manor, Pound Ridge, Middletown, Newburgh, Ossining, Milton, Armonk, Chappaqua, Hopewell Junction, and many parts of New York. Call us at 1-845-232-6518 today to schedule an appointment for a roofing cost estimate.

Learn more about the pros and cons of DaVinci roofing

DaVinci Roofscapes is one of the most popular manufacturers of synthetic shingles. DaVinci roofs are getting installed on homes all over Hyde Park, NY and the rest of the country.

The pros of DaVinci roofing include:

  • Many colors and styles to choose from
  • Eco-friendliness
  • Improved curb appeal
  • Durability and longer life span


The cons of Davinci roofs include:
  • Being an expensive investment
  • Being newer to the roofing industry
If you want to learn more about DaVinci roofing or set up an installation time, message us or call 845-232-6518. We'll be happy to answer all of your questions and concerns.