Choosing the Right Roofing material: A complete guide to metal, TPO, and more

Your roof does more than just protect your property—it defines its style, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Whether you're a homeowner, a business owner, or a contractor, choosing the right roofing material is important.  

But with so many options available, how do you decide?

In this guide, let’s explore the types of roofing materials for residential and commercial buildings, know more about smart roofing, understand the key factors to consider the right roofing choice, and also find out how KYRO helps.  

Types of residential roofing and commercial roofing

Of all the types of roofing materials available, how do you make a decision on which one to select? Do you go with the looks, or do you have safety and other criteria before taking the final call? And what about the pricing?  

Roofing needs differ depending on whether you're working on a home or a business. The costs vary, the looks differ, and they all come with a different feature to serve.  

Here’s a quick overview of the most common roofing materials:

For Homes (Residential Roofing)

  1. Asphalt Shingles – Go for these if you’re looking for an affordable and easy to install option. They are available in many colors and they have a lifespan of 20–30 years.

  1. Metal Roofing – These metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and can last up to 40–70 years. They are an excellent option for extreme weather.

  1. Wood Shingles & Shakes – If you want a classic but expensive look, you gotta pick this up. They give you a rich appearance and can typically last for 25–50 years.

  1. Clay & Concrete Tiles – If safety is your primary goal in your checklist, these are your go-to-option for your home roofing. These tiles are fire-resistant and long-lasting (50+ years), but yes, they are heavy and costly.

  1. Slate Roofing – If you want to make your roofs look elegant and sleek, you should consider slate roofing. They are durable and can last over 100 years. But it’s one of the priciest options.

For Businesses (Commercial Roofing)

  1. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing – So if you have a flat roof, and are looking for an affordable, heat-reflective, and UV rays resistant roofing option, you should think of TPO roofing.  

  1. EPDM (Rubber) Roofing – If you can shell out some dollars for the routine maintenance, keep a regular check on track, and want something that’s extremely durable (lasts up to 50yrs), these EPDM rubber roofing should be your take.

  1. Built-Up Roofing (BUR) – Go for this superior protection, waterproof roofing option if you have a flat or a low-slope roof. They’re made of multiple layers of asphalt and gravel which makes it so tough and resistant to extreme weather conditions.  

  1. Metal Roofing – Just like in any residential use, metal is considered a strong, low-maintenance option, these metal roofing are ideal for commercial buildings too. They are long lasting, corrosion resistant, and can withstand extreme weather with minimal maintenance.  

  1. Green Roofing – Eco-friendly option to keep your living area under shade. This has intensive, semi-intensive, and an extensive roofing option. And for low-maintenance, the extensive option would be great. You’ll have a light-weight living roof with partial vegetation or greeneries that improves insulation and reduces stormwater runoff.

Smart roofing: the future of roofing technology

So, the roofing options we discussed above are quite traditional. We’ve seen them, used them, and lived under them for years. But, if you’re thinking beyond traditional materials, and want something innovative yet efficient,  smart roofing is worth considering.  

These roofing systems integrate technology to boost energy efficiency, monitor roof health, and even self-repair minor damage. How, you’d ask! They have an integrated system that helps you generate electricity and reduce the electricity bill - the one that keeps temperature on check and deflects the intense sunlight and can do a lot lot more.  

What makes a roof "smart"?

Cool Roofs – Reflect more sunlight, reducing indoor temperatures and energy bills.
Solar Roofing – Solar shingles or panels generate electricity, lowering energy costs.
Sensor-Based Roofs – Smart sensors detect leaks, temperature changes, and structural weaknesses before they become major issues.
Self-Healing Roofing – Some materials, like bio-based membranes, can seal small cracks on their own.

Why should it matter to you?

Smart roofs help reduce maintenance costs and improve a building’s energy efficiency—a win-win for homeowners and business owners.

How to choose the right roofing material

Before making a decision, consider these five essential factors:

  1. Climate Compatibility – If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, opt for metal or slate. For hot regions, cool roofs or clay tiles are best.
  1. Budget & Longevity – Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly, while slate and metal last longer but cost more upfront.
  1. Maintenance Needs – Wood shingles require frequent care, while metal and rubber roofing need minimal upkeep.
  1. Aesthetics & Property Value – High-end options like slate and clay boost resale value, while basic asphalt may not.
  1. Energy Efficiency – Want lower utility bills? Consider solar shingles, cool roofing, or reflective metal roofs.

How KYRO helps roofing companies boost efficiency

Selecting the right roofing material is just one part of the equation. Managing roofing projects efficiently is just as important—and that’s where KYRO comes in.

With KYRO's project management software, roofing companies can:

✅ Track job progress in real time using dashboard
✅ Ensure safety compliance on-site and keep a digital record of all your projects to address any insurance claims in future
✅ Create custom digital forms such as roof safety and leverage inspection suited for your workflows
✅ Streamline invoicing and financial tracking with accurate timesheets and logs

By using KYRO, commercial roofing contractors can reduce project delays, lower costs, and increase profitability. Whether you're handling a small residential project or a large commercial build, KYRO makes roofing operations more efficient from start to finish.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right roof involves balancing cost, durability, and energy efficiency. Whether you opt for traditional materials, modern smart roofing, or eco-friendly options, making an informed decision ensures your investment pays off.

And if you're a roofing contractor looking to increase efficiency, improve profits and client satisfaction, it’s time to explore KYRO. Learn more today!

February 14, 2025