Choosing the Right Roofing Material: Shingle, Metal or Rubber

Start with the shape of your roof

Roof pitch narrows the choice before anything else. Shingles and most metal panels are designed for sloped roofs where water runs off quickly. Flat and low-slope roofs need a membrane, such as rubber, that keeps water out even when it sits for a while.

Many Pittsburgh homes have both. A rowhouse might have a steep front slope and a nearly flat rear roof. A porch or a back addition may have its own low-slope roof. It is common, and sensible, to use shingles on the steep areas and rubber on the low ones.

Where two materials meet, the transition needs careful flashing. Many leaks on older homes start at exactly these spots: where a porch roof ties into a wall, where a low rear roof meets a steeper slope, or around a chimney that sits between the two. Whatever materials you pick, ask how those junctions will be handled.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on Pittsburgh homes, and for good reason. They suit a wide range of house styles, come in many colors, and are familiar to most roofers, which makes future repairs straightforward.

Strengths

• Usually the most budget-friendly choice for a sloped roof.
• Architectural shingles add depth and texture that suit older brick and wood-frame homes.
• Individual shingles can be replaced if a section is damaged.
• Work well on complex rooflines with dormers, valleys and porch tie-ins.

Things to weigh

• They wear over time, and shaded, damp slopes can develop moss.
• High winds can lift or remove shingles, especially if they were not installed and sealed properly.
• Hail can bruise or crack them.

For most sloped roofs in the city, a quality architectural shingle installed with good underlayment, ice and water protection at the eaves and valleys, and proper ventilation is a dependable, practical choice.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing has become a more common choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting roof and a different look. It is typically installed in panels and suits both modern and traditional homes, as well as porches and additions.

Strengths

• Generally very durable and resistant to wind when installed correctly.
• Snow tends to slide off rather than build up, which can help during heavy, wet Pittsburgh snowfalls.
• Reflective finishes can help reduce heat gain in summer.
• Low maintenance once installed.

Things to weigh

• Higher upfront cost than shingles.
• Sliding snow can be a hazard over walkways, steps and entrances, so snow guards and layout matter.
• Rain can be louder on some installations, depending on what is underneath.
• Complex rooflines with many angles require careful detailing.

Metal is often a strong fit for simpler roof shapes, porch roofs and homeowners who plan to stay for the long term. On a Victorian with many dormers and turrets, the extra detailing may tip the balance back toward shingles.

Rubber roofing for flat and low-slope areas

Rubber roofing, often called EPDM, is a membrane installed in large sheets over flat and low-slope roofs. On Pittsburgh homes it is most common on rowhouse rear roofs, porches, additions and garages.

Strengths

• Designed to handle water that sits or drains slowly.
• Large sheets mean fewer joints where water could get in.
• Holds up well through freeze-thaw cycles because the membrane stays flexible.
• Repairs to small punctures are usually simple.

Things to weigh

• Only suited to flat and low-slope surfaces, not steep roofs.
• Drainage has to be planned carefully, since standing water and clogged drains shorten any flat roof's life.
• Can be punctured by foot traffic or falling branches, so it is not ideal as a deck surface without protection.

If an older rear roof has been coated or patched many times, replacing it with a properly installed rubber membrane is often the cleanest fix. The key details are the edges, the seams and where the membrane turns up the wall.

Questions to help you decide

• How long do you plan to stay in the house? A longer horizon can make a higher upfront cost easier to justify.
• What does the house look like, and what suits its style and the street?
• How much shade and tree cover does the roof get? Heavy shade and debris favor good drainage and regular gutter cleaning, whatever the material. Our guide to gutters and gutter guards explains why.
• Are there walkways, steps or a driveway right below the eaves, where sliding snow from metal could be a problem?
• Does the roof have low-slope sections that need a membrane regardless of what goes on the main roof?
• What is your budget now, and how does it compare with what you expect to spend on maintenance and repairs over the years?

Color is worth a thought too. Lighter roofs tend to reflect more summer heat, while darker shingles are a traditional match for many brick homes. Look at roofs on similar houses nearby, and ask to see full-size samples in daylight, since small chips can look very different on a whole roof.

Whatever you choose, installation quality matters as much as the material. Flashing, underlayment and ventilation decide how well any roof handles a Pittsburgh winter. Our article on preparing your roof for winter covers what to check each fall.

Talk it through before you decide

Straight A installs asphalt shingle, metal and rubber roofing on Pittsburgh homes. During a free inspection we look at your roof's pitch, condition and layout and explain which options fit. You choose the material and color, and you get a detailed written quote before any work begins. Our roofing materials come with a lifetime product warranty, backed by our own 2-year workmanship guarantee.

Learn more about shingle, metal and rubber roofing or contact us to set up a visit.