The main residential roofing materials are asphalt shingles (three-tab and architectural), metal (mostly standing seam), natural slate, cedar shake, and flat or low slope membranes like EPDM and TPO. Architectural asphalt is the most common choice in Northern Virginia because it handles the weather well for the money.
By the Roofing & Gutter Ethics team. Updated November 2026.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles cover most homes in Virginia. They are a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with ceramic granules that block the sun.
- Three-tab shingles are flat and single layer. They are the budget option and are being phased out by most installers.
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles are two layers laminated together, heavier, and rated for higher wind. This is what we install on most homes, built on a heavy standard like the CertainTeed Landmark Pro.
Realistic life in Virginia is around 20 to 30 years, depending on the shingle, the attic ventilation and how much sun the roof gets.
Metal roofing
Standing seam metal uses long panels joined by raised seams with hidden fasteners, so there are no screw holes for water to find. It sheds snow, handles wind, and commonly lasts 40 years or more. It is popular on porch roofs, bay windows and full homes. Snow guards matter on metal, because sliding snow and ice can tear a gutter off.
Exposed fastener metal panels cost less but depend on rubber washers at every screw, which wear out and need attention.
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Book a free inspectionSlate
Natural slate is stone. A good slate roof can last 75 to 100 years and longer, and it is common on older and high end homes across Northern Virginia. It is heavy, it needs a structure built for it, and repairs need someone who knows slate. Walking on it the wrong way breaks it.
Cedar shake
Cedar shakes are split or sawn wood. They look warm and natural and can last 25 to 30 years or more with care, but they need good airflow, regular cleaning and treatment, and they are vulnerable to moss and rot in shaded spots.
Flat and low slope roofing
Porches, additions and commercial buildings often have roofs too flat for shingles. Those use membranes: EPDM rubber, TPO, or modified bitumen. The details at edges, drains and penetrations matter more than the membrane itself.
What every roof needs, whatever is on top
The material is only the top layer. A roof lasts when the parts under it are right: solid decking, ice and water shield at the eaves and valleys, synthetic underlayment, drip edge feeding into the gutter, real flashing at walls and chimneys, kick-out flashing where a roof meets a wall, and attic ventilation that keeps the deck cool and dry. See every part of a roof, explained.