Walk any Pittsburgh neighborhood and you will see a mix of roofs: asphalt shingles on most houses, slate on older homes, metal on some, and flat roofs on porches, garages and commercial buildings. Each type has its own strengths, costs and care needs.
If you are planning roof replacement in Pittsburgh, it helps to know what is on your home now and what makes sense going forward. Here is a plain overview of the main types.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles cover most homes in the region. They come in many colors, are fairly quick to install and are easy to repair. Architectural shingles, with their layered look, are now the standard choice.
We install complete Atlas roof systems and use Owens Corning on some jobs. A complete system matches the shingles with the right underlayment and ventilation.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof on Pittsburgh homes.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs, most often standing seam panels on homes, last a long time and shed snow and rain well. They cost more up front than shingles but need little upkeep.
Metal is also common on porches, additions and low slope sections where a shingle roof would not work as well.
A standing seam metal roof installed by Malick Brothers.
Slate Roofing
Many older homes in the city and inner suburbs still have natural slate. Good slate can last a very long time, but it needs a roofer who knows how to repair it without breaking the slates around the problem.
Slate is heavy and costly to replace, so most owners repair it as long as the slate itself is sound.
Flat and Low Slope Roofing
Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings, row houses, porches and garages. They use membranes instead of shingles because water drains slowly.
We are MuleHide certified and install MuleHide .060 EPDM rubber, MuleHide 2 ply low slope systems and silicone coatings.
A flat roof system on a Pittsburgh building by our crew.
Mixing Roof Types on One Home
Many Pittsburgh homes use more than one type of roof. A house might have architectural shingles on the main roof, a flat EPDM roof over a back porch and metal over a bay window. That is normal, and each section should get the material that suits its slope.
Where two roof types meet is where leaks often start. The flashing at those transitions has to be done carefully so water from the steep roof does not run under the low slope roof. When you replace one section, it is worth having the transitions checked at the same time.
Roof Lifespan by Type
Each roof type ages differently. Asphalt shingles wear from the sun and weather and usually need replacing sooner than the other types. Architectural shingles tend to last longer than older 3 tab shingles.
Metal roofs last much longer when the panels and fasteners are installed well. The coating protects the metal, and the seams and fasteners are the parts to watch.
Slate can last a very long time when the stone is good quality, while the flashing and nails around it may need work well before the slate does. Flat roof membranes like EPDM have their own lifespans, and seams and flashing are the parts that need the most attention.
Weight and Structure
Roof materials vary a lot in weight. Asphalt shingles and metal are fairly light, while slate is very heavy. A house built for slate has framing to carry it. A house built for shingles may not be able to carry slate without reinforcement.
This matters when switching materials. Going from slate to a lighter material is usually straightforward. Going the other way needs a structural check first.
Weight also matters when a second layer is considered. Adding a layer of shingles over an old roof adds load and hides the deck, which is why a full tear off is usually the better choice.
Roof Shape vs Roofing Material
When people talk about types of roofing, they often mix two different things: the shape of the roof and the material on top of it. The shape decides how water and snow leave the roof and which materials will work. Here are the shapes you see most on Pittsburgh homes.
Gable
Two slopes meeting at a ridge, the most common shape on local homes. Simple to build and easy to shingle, though the end walls catch wind.
Hip
Slopes on all four sides meeting at the top. Hip roofs handle wind well but have more ridges and hips to cap and seal.
Mansard and gambrel
Roofs with a steep lower slope and a flatter upper slope, seen on older homes and barns. The steep sides often carry slate or shingles, and the upper section may be low slope.
Shed and combination
A single slope, common on additions and porches, or a mix of shapes on one house. Each section needs the material that suits its pitch.
Tile and Wood Shake
Clay and concrete tile show up on a small number of older homes in the area. Tile is heavy and long lasting, and like slate, it calls for a roofer who knows how to work around it without cracking the pieces nearby. Our repair division handles slate, tile, flat and shingle roofs, so a tile repair does not need to turn into a replacement.
Real wood shakes give a roof a rich, natural texture that no other material quite matches. Cedar shakes need good ventilation underneath and periodic care to last through our wet, freeze and thaw winters. We install wood shake roofs, and for owners who want the look with less upkeep, we also install Atlas StormMaster Shake asphalt shingles.
Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Roof Type
Once you know the shape of your roof and the materials that suit it, a few questions narrow the choice quickly. Ask them of yourself and of any roofer you are considering.
- What is the pitch of each section, and which materials does that allow?
- Can the framing carry the material I want without reinforcement?
- Does my neighborhood or historic district have rules about roof materials?
- How easy is it to find a roofer who repairs this material in the Pittsburgh area?
- Which manufacturer warranty comes with the material, and what does it require?
How to Choose the Right Roof Type
The right roof depends on the slope of your roof, the style of the house, your budget and how long you plan to stay.
Roof slope
Steep roofs suit shingles, slate and metal. Low slopes need membranes or metal.
House style
Historic homes often look best in slate or a slate style shingle.
Budget
Asphalt shingles cost the least up front. Metal and slate cost more but last longer.
Time in the home
If you plan to stay for decades, a longer lasting system can pay off.
Related reading: the three main roofing systems and choosing a roofing material.
Roofing Type FAQs
What is the most common type of roof in Pittsburgh?
Asphalt shingles cover most homes in the region, with slate on many older homes and flat roofs on commercial buildings and porches.
Can I switch from shingles to metal?
Often yes, as long as the roof slope and structure suit it. A roofer can check before you decide.
Which roof type lasts the longest?
Slate and metal generally outlast asphalt shingles when they are installed and cared for properly.
What roof type is best for a low slope porch?
A membrane such as EPDM or a low slope system is usually the right choice. Shingles need more slope to shed water.
Which roof type is best for Pittsburgh weather?
All of the common types can work well here when they are installed correctly. Asphalt shingles are the most popular for value and choice of colors. Metal sheds snow well. Slate suits older homes built for it. Low slope areas need a membrane like EPDM.
What is the difference between a roof type and a roof style?
Roof style usually means the shape of the roof, such as gable, hip or mansard. Roof type or roofing material means what covers it, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate or EPDM rubber. The shape limits which materials will work, because each material needs a certain amount of slope to shed water properly.
Find the Right Roof With Malick Brothers
Not sure which type of roof fits your home? We will walk you through the options that make sense for your house and budget.
Malick Brothers Exteriors is a family owned roofing and exterior contractor at 500 Perry Highway in the North Hills, rated 4.9 on more than 350 Google reviews. Contact us or call (412) 616-0191 to schedule a free inspection and written estimate.
