Andrea Durway April 25, 2026
Roofing types St. Louis homeowners choose aren’t just about style—they’re about how well your home holds up when the weather turns. In a region where hail and severe storms are constant variables, your roof serves as much more than a design choice. It is your first line of defense, a tool for long-term cost control, and a critical factor in determining your home insurance premiums.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has an excellent Roofing Roadmap that brings together research on wind and hail performance of roofs to educate stakeholders on these factors and ultimately provide guidance on the best (and worst) roof systems.
If you’re replacing a roof—or starting to think about it—understanding your options now can help you make a smarter decision later.
For the majority of homes, the starting point is asphalt shingles. They’re affordable, widely used, and generally accepted across all price points and neighborhoods. Most last 20–30 years, depending on quality. But what’s changed isn’t the material itself. It’s what homeowners are choosing within that category.
The right roofing choice isn’t just about appearance—it’s about how each material performs over time, especially in a climate like St. Louis.
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand right now.
These are still asphalt shingles—but engineered to withstand hail impact at the highest rating level.
For many homeowners, that translates to:
In a hail-prone market like St. Louis, this isn’t just a product upgrade—it’s a risk decision.
For homeowners thinking beyond asphalt, there are several other materials worth considering—each with a different balance of cost, longevity, and performance.
Metal roofs are typically made from aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc—each with its own durability, cost, and appearance. They’re available in a range of styles, including standing seam, corrugated panels, stone-coated systems, and metal shingles designed to mimic traditional roofing materials.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Homeowners planning to stay long-term and minimize future replacements
Metal roofs offer significantly longer lifespans and stronger storm resistance, but come with a higher upfront investment.
Wood roofing is typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine. Homeowners can choose between wood shingles (machine-cut for a more uniform look) and wood shakes (hand-split for a more rustic, textured appearance), each offering a slightly different aesthetic and level of durability.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Homes where aesthetic matters more than durability
Tile roofing is most commonly made from natural clay or concrete, with concrete offering a more affordable and versatile option. Styles range from traditional barrel (Spanish) tile to flat and interlocking profiles, allowing for a variety of architectural looks.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes
Clay tile roofs are a common sight in Shaw, especially along streets like Flora Place. This is one we had the opportunity to sell.
Slate roofs can be made from natural quarried stone or synthetic slate alternatives designed to mimic the look with less weight. Natural slate varies in thickness, color, and longevity, while synthetic options offer more flexibility in installation and cost.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Luxury homes and legacy properties
Composite roofing is manufactured from a blend of materials such as recycled plastics, rubber, and polymers. These products are designed to replicate the look of wood shakes, slate, or tile, and often come in a variety of colors and profiles, with some offering impact-resistant (Class 4) ratings.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Homeowners who want durability + design flexibility
If sustainability is part of your decision, the biggest factor isn’t just material—it’s lifespan.
Material | Cost | Hail Resistance | Maintenance | Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Asphalt | $ | Moderate | Low | Low |
Asphalt (Class 4) | $$ | High | Low | Low |
Metal | $$$ | High | Low | High |
Wood | $$ | Low | High | Moderate |
Tile | $$$ | Moderate | Low | High |
Slate | $$$$ | High | Low | High |
Composite | $$$ | High | Low | Moderate–High |
The conversation around roofing has shifted. It’s no longer just: “Is the roof new?”
It’s:
For sellers, this matters more than ever.
A roof that’s built for the conditions we actually live in doesn’t just protect your home—it becomes part of the story you’re telling when it’s time to sell.
Slate and clay tile roofs typically last the longest in St. Louis, often 50–100+ years when properly maintained. Metal roofing can also have a very long lifespan. However, Missouri weather—including hail, high winds, humidity, and temperature swings—can impact longevity depending on installation quality and maintenance.
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles and many metal roofing systems tend to perform well during hail storms. Because severe weather is common in the St. Louis area, many homeowners are prioritizing durability and insurance considerations alongside appearance when choosing a new roof.
Yes. Clay tile roofs are especially common on historic homes in neighborhoods like Shaw, Compton Heights, Lafayette Square, and parts of the Central West End. They are prized for their longevity and architectural character, though repairs and replacement can be more specialized and expensive than asphalt roofing.
Most asphalt shingle roofs in Missouri last around 15–30 years depending on material quality, ventilation, weather exposure, and maintenance. Architectural shingles generally last longer than basic 3-tab shingles.
A newer roof can absolutely improve resale appeal and buyer confidence. Many buyers see a newer roof as a major advantage because it reduces near-term maintenance concerns and may improve insurability. In competitive markets, roof condition can strongly influence offers and inspection negotiations.
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular in St. Louis because they are durable, energy efficient, and resistant to many weather-related issues. Standing seam metal roofs are especially popular on modern homes and renovations, though the upfront cost is typically higher than asphalt shingles.
Yes. Some insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials because they may reduce storm-related claims. In areas like St. Louis where hail and wind events are common, roofing material can sometimes influence premiums and insurability.
Many older St. Louis homes feature slate, clay tile, wood shake, or architectural asphalt shingles depending on the age and style of the property. Historic neighborhoods often have roofing materials chosen to match original architecture and preserve curb appeal.
Signs may include missing shingles, curling edges, granule loss, leaks, sagging, repeated repairs, or storm damage. Even if there are no active leaks, an aging roof nearing the end of its lifespan may become a concern during a home sale or insurance renewal.
Not always—but it depends on the roof’s condition, the neighborhood, price point, and buyer expectations. In some cases, replacing an aging roof before listing can improve marketability and reduce inspection negotiations. In others, strategic pricing or repair credits may make more sense. A local real estate professional can help evaluate which approach is best for your situation.
Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until they have to. But the smartest decisions happen when you zoom out and ask:
Not just “What does this cost?”
But “What does this protect me from?”
Because in St. Louis, that answer is becoming clearer every year. Reach out if you have any questions. If we can’t answer them, we work with a great insurance broker who has a wealth of information on this topic, as well as some trusted roofers.
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