Your roof shouldn’t be a guessing game. With so many materials to choose from, picking the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind, especially when Oklahoma’s unpredictable storms hit.
Balancing durability, curb appeal, cost, and weather resistance isn’t always simple. One neighbour swears by asphalt shingles, another insists on metal, and meanwhile, your attic’s still leaking.
Suppose you’re a homeowner in Oklahoma trying to protect what matters most. In that case, we’re here to help you make the right choice backed by decades of experience and honest guidance from our Mallard Construction & Roofing family.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Material
Your roof does more than just cover your home; it protects everything that matters beneath it. Choosing the right roofing material means finding the perfect balance between your home’s needs and your lifestyle. The decision starts with understanding your local climate, your home’s design, and how much you’re ready to invest in long-term peace of mind.
Climate and Weather Suitability
Oklahoma’s storms don’t play fair, so your roof can’t afford to fail. Weather-resistant roofing matters if your area gets hail, strong winds, heavy snow, or intense heat. A good roofing material for extreme weather won’t just keep water out – it’ll hold up under pressure. Our Moore projects often feature GAF Timberline HDZ shingles because of their roof wind resistance and impact ratings.
Roof Design and Architecture
Some roof styles aren’t compatible with every material. For steeper pitches, lightweight options like shingles work best, while flatter designs may need alternatives. The style of your house and roof pitch can both guide material type. We helped Enid homeowners blend their steep Colonial home with GAF designer shingles that enhanced the look without compromising function.
Budget and Long-Term Costs
Buying cheap can get expensive fast. Budgeting for roofing includes more than the upfront bill – think long-term. Compare roofing costs by lifespan, repairs, and how well each type holds up. We’ve seen clients increase return on investment for roofing by choosing quality asphalt that gives decades of service with lower maintenance.
Popular Roofing Material Types
Roof choices can be overwhelming without some comparisons. The most common roof material types include shingles, metal, tile, synthetic products, and flat roofing. Whether you’re updating an old ranch-style or building a sleek modern home, the right fit depends on your lifestyle and needs.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are America’s favorite for a reason – they’re cost-friendly and reliable. Fiberglass asphalt shingles offer enhanced durability and lighter weight than organic ones. At Mallard, we often recommend GAF Timberline options for homeowners wanting dependable results without stretching budgets.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has become a top choice in Oklahoma for its fire-resistant properties and standing up to sun and wind. UV-resistant roofing can reflect heat and reduce energy bills during summer highs. Clients in Broken Arrow often pick standing seam systems for sleek looks and added protection.
Tile, Slate, and Wood Options
Tile lasts for decades and handles high temperatures well, while slate delivers timeless appeal and strength. Wood shingles and shakes bring a natural look but need ongoing care. We’ve used slate roofing on historic homes around Oklahoma City to preserve aesthetics and permanence.
Flat and Synthetic Roofing Materials
Not all surfaces are sloped. For flatter roofs, rubber materials and synthetic roofing can prevent pooling and leaks. These resist weather and algae, especially useful for low-pitch homes and modern construction. Our commercial teams often install flat rubber systems in Norman for long-term protection.
Durability and Maintenance Considerations
It’s not just about the roof’s look when it’s first installed – you want it to last. A more durable roofing material can save thousands in future fixes. We focus on long-lasting roofing materials to minimize yearly maintenance calls our clients might face.
Lifespan and Repairs
Some materials need more attention than others. Roofing life expectancy varies: asphalt often lasts 20-30 years, while metal can hit 50. Knowing when you’re fixing or replacing your roof helps plan better. Many Mallard customers upgrade to GAF impact-resistant shingles after seeing storm damage and repeated repairs.
Maintenance Demands
Maintenance doesn’t end with installation. Some roofs need annual care while others almost take care of themselves; between keeping pests out and checking seals, roof repair and replacement frequency matters. Our thermal imaging tools help spot damage early, reducing time and money fixing surprises.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
A smart roof helps your home stay cooler and keeps bills lower. Eco-friendly roofing matters more today than ever and can also impact insurance perks or resale value. We’ve guided clients to energy-efficient roofing that returned savings in as little as one summer.
Insulation and Solar Integration
A roof with better insulation lowers your AC workload. Roofing materials for solar panels, including solar tiles, are ideal if future upgrades matter. In Norman, we helped install GAF solar shingles on north-facing roofs, choosing material with both function and upgrade potential in mind.
Sustainable and Green Roofing Options
Going green isn’t just about what you put in – it’s about what you take out. We guide homeowners toward sustainable roofing materials and ethical roof disposal methods. Green roof installations from Fort Smith to Moore are gaining interest, especially among clients choosing recycled content and low-impact manufacturing.
Aesthetic and Style Considerations
Looks matter – especially from the street. Whether you’re boosting resale or just take pride in your home, matching roofing aesthetics with your home’s style makes a big difference. We’ve used GAF’s Castlewood Gray on homes needing subtle class and charm.
Curb Appeal and Home Matching
A new roof can refresh your whole house. We’ve helped with remodeling your home with a new roof that adds value and matches existing features. Plus, roofing and home insurance benefits can go up with newer, better-rated materials.
Regional Roofing Trends
Different places like different styles. Regional roofing preferences vary – color choices in roofing around Edmond lean toward grays and cool tones. Slate and pewter shades lead the pack in most of our recent Oklahoma installations.
Installation Process and Structural Factors
The roof isn’t just placed on top – it’s installed carefully so the whole house works properly. Material weight and your roof’s structure must align or you risk long-term issues. We assess every client’s roof frame before recommending heavier styles like tile or slate.
Roofing Installation Timeline
From roof tear-off to cleanup, a standard replacement usually takes a few days. Steps in roof installation can vary slightly based on material or size. We always explain the roof replacement timeline so our Moore customers know exactly what happens each day from crew arrival to final inspection.
Understanding Warranties and Codes
Understanding roof warranties gives peace of mind. We’re proud to offer GAF’s Golden Pledge options covering both materials and labor. Also, knowing roofing code requirements ensures your project doesn’t run into red tape later. Every Mallard project is installed to meet – or exceed – Oklahoma standards.
Choosing the Right Contractor
A good roof starts with the right partner. Choosing the best roofing contractor means checking credentials, local work, and real reviews. With 25+ years serving Oklahoma families and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, we’re proud of every roof we’ve built.
Evaluating Roofing Proposals
Looking through roofing estimates can feel like reading another language. That’s why we break down every quote clearly. We include key terms from our roofing buying guide and explain why materials, schedules, and warranties matter every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Asphalt shingles 2. Metal roofing 3. Slate 4. Wood shakes 5. Tile Each provides unique benefits and works best based on home design and weather conditions.
Fiberglass asphalt shingles from GAF, like Timberline, offer strength, wind resistance, and stylish color options. These are reliable, affordable, and rated high across Oklahoma installations.
New tech includes solar-integrated shingles, drone inspections, and thermal imaging. We use these to detect damage early and complete projects more efficiently with better accuracy.
You can walk on most asphalt and metal roofs – with caution. Slate or tile can crack easily. Always use safety equipment or call pros if needed.
Heat can break down asphalt faster, while cold may cause cracking. Metal expands and contracts, so installation must allow movement without loosening. We select materials based on typical temperature swings in Oklahoma.
Your Roof Deserves More Than a Guess
You’ve done the research, weighed the pros and cons, and now there’s just one choice left. Picking the right roofing material isn’t only about looks; it’s about protecting your home through every season and storm.
The best choice is the one that matches your home’s style, withstands Oklahoma’s weather, and gives you lasting peace of mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just perfectly suited to what matters most to you.
At Mallard Construction & Roofing, we take the stress out of that decision. Let our team help match the right material to your roof and make it easy from start to finish. Get a free inspection today—we’ll be with you every step of the way.
