Getting started

To see which roofing products can provide the best and longest protection for your home, we tested more than 25 models of asphalt shingles, by far the most popular roofing material. We also tested four fake-slate shingles that convincingly imitate the real thing, and one metal roofing product. We pulled and pounded them for months to simulate the high winds, temperature extremes, hail, and falling branches that Mother Nature can dish out. And we exposed them to ultraviolet light to simulate the fading effects of sunlight. As we learned, performance can vary widely. Check your roof for damage on a sunny day using binoculars. Don't neglect the rubber boots around vents and the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. If your roof is near the end of its life, our

Ratings (available to subscribers) can provide enough top picks to give you plenty of options.

(available to subscribers) can provide enough top picks to give you plenty of options.

Some installers may push certain brands. Given the wide differences in overall quality that we found, we suggest you insist on the roofing that you want, even if you have to pay extra for a special order or hire a different installer.

Suppliers sell roofing by the square, or 100-square-foot area. To estimate how much roofing you'll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet to measure its area and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you'll need. Figure on about 30 squares for a typical 2,300-square-foot house, plus $3,500 to $10,000 labor. Keep an extra bundle of shingles for minor repairs.

Where two layers of roofing are already in place, building codes typically require stripping the roofing down to the sheathing. Most roofs are strong enough to hold two layers. But installing some of the heavier laminated shingles over even a single layer may overstress some rafters and other structural parts. Another reason we recommend complete removal is so you don't miss any rot, water damage, or insect infestation underneath. Figure on an extra $100 or more per 100 square feet to strip off and dispose of the old shingles.

If the roof is new or the old shingles are being removed, you'll need new underlay (roofing felt) to create a moisture barrier between the roofing and the wood sheathing and rafters underneath. The sheathing may also have to be replaced if it's damaged.

Types

When considering what type of roofing to install, weigh aesthetics against cost. You could spend an extra $30,000 for real slate or wood shakes—or you could get a similar look for much less.

Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass sandwiched between asphalt and ceramic granules. Relatively light and easy to install, they are a good choice if you're looking for style at a budget price. They may last 30 years or more, but they can be vulnerable to high winds. Asphalt roofing comes in two types: Laminated shingles, also known as "architectural" or "dimensional" shingles, are layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes. Three-tab asphalt shingles, though similarly priced, are made in a single layer. They're flatter and thinner than laminated shingles. As a group, they didn't perform as well in our tests.

This composite material looks like the real thing, even close up. And it weighs only about as much as asphalt, so there's no need to beef up the roof structure. Some fake slate may crack under impact or may fade. And it's relatively costly, though not nearly as expensive to buy and install as slate.

Metal roofing comes in steel, aluminum, copper, and alloy strips, and in various shapes and textures. Copper is especially expensive. Over time, its surface acquires a greenish patina that some people find attractive. Advantages of metal include easy installation and ultra-light weight, about half that of asphalt. And of course metal roofing doesn't burn. But it can be noisy in a rainstorm. Although the steel strips we tested dented easily, their textured surface hid minor damage quite well. Metal roofing with an Energy Star label can net you a federal tax rebate of up to $1,500 through 2010 on an existing home. Such roofing effectively reflects the sun's rays, so it keeps your home cooler in summer—a benefit in hot climates. Make sure you hire a contractor who is familiar with the material.

Features

Here are the two most important roofing features to check for.

Look for roofing with the highest fire rating, Class A, as found on all the products we tested.

A full warranty covers full replacement of defective materials, while a materials warranty offers prorated coverage. Most warranties include full reimbursement for materials and installation for a limited time-up to 10 years for our asphalt shingles and 50 years for the fake slate and steel roofing we tested. Generally, none of the warranties cover damage from winds above 85 mph. Nor do they cover faulty installation, so ask for a separate labor warranty from the installer. Save all receipts and invoices.