Best Roofing Materials for Utah Climate 2025: Expert Recommendations

About 80% of the roofs I install in Utah are asphalt shingles. There's a reason for that. They're affordable, they look good, and the quality has improved dramatically over the past decade.

But here's what most contractors won't tell you: not all asphalt shingles are created equal. The cheap 3-tab shingles that big box stores sell? They'll maybe last 15 years in Utah's climate. I've seen them fail in 10.

What I recommend to most Utah homeowners is architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate shingles). Brands like GAF Timberline, CertainTeed Landmark, and Owens Corning Duration. These are thicker, heavier, and handle our weather much better.

The sweet spot for most Utah homes? A quality architectural shingle with a 50-year warranty. They typically last 25-30 years here with proper maintenance. The upfront cost is maybe $1,500-2,500 more than cheap shingles, but you're getting almost double the lifespan.

One thing I always check is the shingle's wind rating. Utah gets nasty windstorms, especially along the Wasatch Front. Look for shingles rated for 110+ mph winds. Standard shingles are usually rated for 60-70 mph—and I've seen those blow off in our spring storms.

For hail resistance, consider impact-resistant shingles (Class 4 rated). They cost about 10-20% more but can save you on insurance premiums and definitely save you from replacing your roof after every major hailstorm.

Metal roofing has exploded in popularity in Utah over the past five years. And honestly? I get it. When installed correctly, a metal roof can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance.

I've torn off metal roofs from the 1970s that still weren't leaking. They looked rough, sure. But they were still doing their job after 50 years. Can't say that about any asphalt shingle.

The two most common metal roofing options I install in Utah are standing seam and metal shingles. Standing seam is the vertical panel look with raised seams—very modern, very clean. Metal shingles look more like traditional shingles but give you metal's durability.

Here's what makes metal great for Utah specifically. Snow sheds off it like nothing. Ice dams are basically impossible because the metal doesn't hold heat pockets like shingles do. And hail? I've seen golf ball hail dent metal roofs, but it doesn't destroy them. Dents are cosmetic—the roof still works perfectly.

The downsides? Cost is the big one. Metal roofing runs 2-3x the price of asphalt shingles. For an average Utah home, you're looking at $18,000-30,000 installed. That's a significant investment.

Installation matters too. Metal roofing is unforgiving—if it's installed wrong, you'll have problems. I've fixed plenty of metal roofs installed by contractors who didn't know what they were doing. Make sure you use someone experienced with metal specifically.

One more thing: noise. People worry about rain on metal being loud. With proper underlayment and insulation, it's honestly not an issue. But cheap installations without good underlayment? Yeah, you'll hear every raindrop.

Tile and slate roofing aren't as common in Utah as they are in, say, Arizona or the Southwest. But I install them on certain properties—usually higher-end homes where aesthetics matter and budget isn't the primary concern.

Concrete tile is more common than clay tile in Utah because it handles freeze-thaw cycles better. Clay tile can crack when water gets in and freezes. Concrete tile is more durable in our climate, though it's still heavy and requires proper structural support.

The weight is a real consideration. Tile roofs weigh 2-4 times as much as asphalt shingles. Many Utah homes weren't built to handle that weight. Before installing tile, we have to verify the structure can support it—sometimes that means reinforcement work before we even start on the roof.

Slate is beautiful but even heavier and more expensive. A real slate roof in Utah will run $30,000-50,000+ for an average home. Synthetic slate has become a solid alternative—it looks like slate, weighs much less, and costs about half as much.

Where tile and slate really shine is longevity. A properly installed tile roof can last 50-100 years. Slate even longer. If you're building your forever home and want a roof you'll never replace, these are options worth considering.

But honestly? For most Utah homeowners, tile and slate are overkill. The cost doesn't make sense unless you're in a high-end neighborhood where aesthetics matter, or you're planning to be in the home for 30+ years.

After 15 years of roofing in Utah, here's my honest recommendation based on different situations:

For most Utah homeowners: Quality architectural asphalt shingles. The value is unbeatable. You get 25-30 years of solid performance for a reasonable investment. Brands like GAF HDZ or CertainTeed Landmark Pro are excellent choices. Add Class 4 impact resistance if you're in a hail-prone area.

For mountain homes (Park City, Heber, etc.): Metal roofing is worth serious consideration. Snow shedding alone makes it valuable, and the longer lifespan offsets the higher upfront cost. Standing seam is my go-to for mountain properties.

For forever homes: If you're building your dream home and never plan to move, metal or tile makes sense. The longevity justifies the investment when you're planning 30+ year ownership.

For budget-conscious homeowners: Don't cheap out with the lowest-grade shingles. A mid-tier architectural shingle will outperform and outlast the budget options. The extra $2,000-3,000 upfront saves you from replacing the roof in 15 years instead of 25.

For rental properties: Quality asphalt shingles with good warranties. Tenants don't care if you have a metal roof. Get something durable that won't need attention for decades.

The bottom line? Material choice should match your specific situation, not just what looks good or what the neighbor did. Every roof is different. What works in Draper might not be ideal in Logan. Talk to a local contractor who knows Utah's climate zones before making a decision.