Roofing Material: Why It’s An Important Part Of Your Roof

Allstate Exteriors • April 4, 2022

What is a roofing material? You look up at your central Ohio home’s roof and perhaps you wonder: What’s it made of? No matter the type of roof you have, most of it came from the earth. Metal, tile, plastic, asphalt: they all have been mined or pumped from the earth. Your home’s roofing material has been shaped from raw resources into a water-resistant, modern product. That roofing material was expertly installed by trained roofers. 

Shingles

North America’s most popular residential roofing material is the shingle, which comes in two fabrications:

  1. Asphalt — flexible, water resistant, and economical; often very thick due to its relative lack of strength
  2. Fiberglass Asphalt — flexible, water resistant, available in a wide price range, and extremely strong thanks to glass fibers

Shingles are a type of unitized construction. Think of a brick wall; it is assembled by skilled masons one brick at a time. That means bricks can help form walls of any height and length. They can be shaped into serpentine walls or curved towers. Shingles work much the same way on your roof. Each is about three feet long and about a foot wide. A shingle can be installed in flawlessly aligned rows, or it can be curled around turrets and towers.

Only about half of each shingle is visible when properly installed. The lower half has three tabs, or sections, that look like separate leaves. They are covered in colored ceramic granules (in your color selection) embedded in a soft matrix of asphalt (refined from crude oil pumped out of the ground) and fiberglass threads. One shingle cannot do a whole heckuva lot. But combine one shingle with hundreds of identical shingles and your central Ohio home’s roof can be beautifully crowned with a water-resistant, 20-year-tough roof for a very reasonable cost.

Shingles are installed from the bottom of your roof up toward the ridge line. They are put down right after the underlayment, water and ice shield, and drip edge are installed. The first row, starter shingles, have no colorful tabs. Starter shingles form a defensive line against water, snow, and ice along the eaves.

Then the decorative, colorful shingles are nailed down atop them, with every row staggered to avoid aligning any seams. Up, up, up your roof, quickly and expertly, shingles go down very fast in the hands of highly trained roofers. Those experienced roofers can interweave shingles into your roof’s valleys so you never see the metal flashing beneath, or they can allow the bright metal to shine through for a decorative touch.

Roofers wrap shingles around rooftop penetrations like chimneys, sanitary stacks, and vents. They make sure flashing and caulking provide waterproof seams. Your roofing contractor’s crew finishes the roof with ridge vents capped by more shingles. Shingle installation is one of the last steps in a full roof replacement. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is available in many configurations:

  • Standing seam or vertical panel
  • Natural (native) materials such as copper
  • 5V crimp
  • Metal shingles
  • Metal shakes

Metal roofing is available in a broad range of colors, many of which provide enormous energy efficiencies thanks to metal’s natural reflectivity. You can cool your Ohio home for less money under a metal roof than under most shingle roofs. Your choice in a metal roof material plays a big role in your family’s comfort, future maintenance costs, and your energy bills:

  • Some metal roofing provides greater heat reflectivity in summer than other types, helping to keep your HVAC system operating at a minimum
  • Some metal roofing requires a bit more maintenance than other types , though all metal roofing is far less labor intensive than a properly maintained shingle roof
  • Some metal roofing is more energy efficient than other types (though all outstrip shingle roofing, significantly)

Assessing Your Existing Roofing Material

No conscientious roofer ever suggests that homeowners climb onto their homes’ roofs. Roofs are dangerous places, so stay off! Still, you may want to examine your central Ohio home’s roof from the ground. You are unlikely to be able to tell the difference between regular asphalt shingles and fiberglass-asphalt ones, but you can generally differentiate the asphalt-based product from a metal roof.

  • Cupped, curled, cracked, or missing shingles
  • Loose or corroded flashing

You cannot see the roofing material from inside your attic, but you can get a good idea of what you have up top by looking at what installers drove into your sheathing. If you see hundreds of nail points (be careful!), you have a shingle roof. Metal roofing usually installs on wood battens, so you may not see any screw tips through the sheathing. From Columbus to Dayton and throughout central Ohio, Allstate Exteriors & Restoration is your go-to roofer for all your roofing needs. Contact us today to learn more about roofing materials suitable for your home.

Westerville Homeowners: Keeping Your Roof in Top Shape

April 8, 2026
Your home is more than just a place to stash your stuff; it’s the place you’ve poured your life into. Living here in Westerville, we’re lucky to have such a great mix of tight-knit neighborhoods and quick access to everything we need. Whether you’re grabbing coffee near Uptown or taking the kids to spend an afternoon at Inniswood, you know this area is special. But let’s be honest: Ohio weather isn't always kind to our houses. Between the brutal freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and that sticky humidity we get living near the reservoir, your roof takes a beating. It’s the first line of defense for everything inside your walls.  If you’ve been spotting a few stray shingles in the yard or just have a nagging feeling that your roof is getting a bit long in the tooth, you’re in the right place. As a local roofing company, we’ve been up on enough Westerville rooftops to know exactly what makes them tick, and what tends to go wrong. Why "Local" Actually Matters There’s a big difference between a national franchise and a crew that actually lives and works here. We aren’t just reading a manual; we’ve dealt with the same storms you have. The Ohio Reality Check We don’t have mild winters here. We have "ice dam" winters. When your attic isn't venting heat properly, the snow on your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes again. That cycle can force water right under your shingles and into your insulation. If you’ve ever seen water spots on your ceiling after a winter thaw, that’s usually the culprit. On the flip side, our summers can be relentless. All that heat and humidity can lead to moss or algae growth, especially on the north side of the house where the sun doesn't hit as much. If you let that stuff sit, it eventually eats away at the grit on your shingles. Matching the Neighborhood We’ve worked on everything from the historic homes with unique angles to the newer builds in the suburbs. Every home needs a slightly different strategy. A quick patch might be fine for one house, but a total re-roofing might be the smarter, cheaper play for another. We’re not here to upsell you; we’re here to tell you what your specific roof needs to last another 20 years.

Comprehensive Roofing Services in Ohio: Expert Roof Repair, Replacement, and Installation Solutions

April 1, 2026
Comprehensive Ohio roofing guide covering repair, replacement, and installation tips for homes and businesses. Protect your roof year-round.

Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses

March 25, 2026
 Running a business in Beavercreek, Ohio comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. One of the most critical investments for any commercial property is the roof. A well-designed, high-quality roof protects your building, employees, and assets while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Understanding the best options for your property is crucial, and Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses from Allstate Exteriors are designed to meet the diverse needs of local businesses throughout Greene County. From office buildings in central Beavercreek to retail centers near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, commercial roofing requires specialized knowledge. Allstate Exteriors combines decades of experience, local expertise, and a commitment to quality to ensure that your business receives roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Why Commercial Roofing Matters for Beavercreek Businesses Commercial roofs face different pressures than residential roofs. They cover larger areas, often have more complex structures, and are exposed to frequent foot traffic during maintenance. Weather in Beavercreek adds another layer of complexity. Summer storms bring heavy rain and high humidity, while winter conditions include snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, these elements can degrade roofing materials if not properly maintained or installed. Investing in a professional roofing system reduces the risk of leaks, structural damage, and costly emergency repairs. It also protects your employees, inventory, and customers from exposure to the elements. A well-planned roof contributes to the operational efficiency of your business and can even improve energy performance, which is increasingly important for modern commercial properties.

Seasonal Roof Maintenance Checklist for Bellbrooke Homes

March 18, 2026
Protect your Bellbrooke, OH home year-round with Allstate Exteriors’ seasonal roof maintenance checklist. Learn expert tips, local insights, and proven strategies to extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage.

Humid Summers & Cold Winters: Choosing the Right Roof for Baltimore, OH

March 11, 2026
Discover how Allstate Exteriors helps homeowners in Baltimore, OH choose the right roof for humid summers and cold winters. Learn about roofing materials, local climate challenges, and expert solutions designed for long-term performance.

Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes

March 5, 2026
Ashville, Ohio is a community rich with history, character, and homes that tell the story of generations. For many homeowners throughout Ashville and neighboring communities such as South Bloomfield, Tarlton, and Canal Winchester, preserving the charm and structural integrity of these older homes is a priority. When it comes to protecting these architectural treasures, Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes is not just a service, it is a vital investment in maintaining the legacy and value of your property. At Allstate Exteriors , we specialize in delivering expert historic roof care tailored to the unique needs of Ashville’s older homes and historic districts. In the heart of Ohio, older homes were often built with materials and methods that differ significantly from modern constructions. These roofs carry years of history and have faced decades of weather, from icy winters to humid summers. Understanding how to preserve these roofs requires more than a standard roofing service. It demands a specialized approach rooted in respect for historical craftsmanship and knowledge of local conditions in Ashville . In this post, we’ll explore practical guidance, local insights, and the reasons why trusted historic roof care from Allstate Exteriors makes all the difference for homeowners committed to preserving Ashville’s architectural heritage. Why Historic Roof Care Matters in Ashville Many homeowners in Ashville are drawn to older homes because of their distinct charm, unique character, and timeless appeal. However, historic roofs often present challenges that modern roofing systems do not. Traditional materials such as slate, cedar shake, or metal roofing installed decades ago have specific maintenance requirements. The purpose of historic roof care in Ashville is to extend the life of these roofs while maintaining their original appearance and structural integrity. Historic roofs were built in an era before modern synthetic underlayments, advanced flashing systems, and today’s wind-resistant technologies. Over time, exposure to Ashville’s seasonal climate variations can cause traditional shingles to crack, valleys to weaken, and flashing to corrode. Homeowners who postpone preservation work risk accelerated deterioration, water infiltration, and costly repairs in the future. By investing in historic roof preservation , you are protecting the original craftsmanship that makes your home unique while also enhancing long-term durability and performance. At Allstate Exteriors , we take a customized approach to historic roof care that accounts for both the architectural significance of your home and the environmental factors specific to Ashville and the surrounding areas. With decades of combined experience working with historic properties, our team is well-equipped to assess, protect, and preserve roofs that others might overlook. Whether it is a slate roof dating back nearly a century or a cedar shake roof in need of rehabilitation, we provide solutions that honor Ashville’s past while preparing your roof for the future. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Historic Roofs in Ashville Historic roofs are more than just a collection of shingles or tiles, they are an integral part of a home’s architectural identity. Because of this, the process of historic roof care in Ashville begins with understanding the distinct issues these roofs face over time. Material-Specific Challenges Slate, for example, is a beautiful, long-lasting material that can endure for over a century, but individual slates can become brittle and break. Cedar shake roofs offer natural beauty and insulation qualities, but they are susceptible to rot and insect damage if not properly maintained. Metal roofs, often found on historic barns and outbuildings in Ashville, can suffer from corrosion if protective coatings deteriorate. Architectural Complexity Many historic homes in Ashville feature steep slopes, intricate gables, and architectural bezels that create aesthetic appeal but also complicate maintenance and repairs. Without careful inspection and a preservation strategy, water can find its way into vulnerable areas such as valleys, flashing seams, and chimneys. Climate Impact Local weather patterns also play a role. Ashville’s humid summers can cause wood materials to expand, while Ohio’s cold winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that stress roofing components. Heavy rains, spring storms, and strong winds can loosen historically significant roofing elements. Allstate Exteriors’ historic roof care services include proactive measures that anticipate these challenges and address them with precision and care.