Most buyers skip questions about the roof when closing on a newly built home. It usually isn't a problem: big-volume builders stick with standard roofing unless buyers request upgrades.
New homes mostly utilize asphalt shingles according to Tom Bollnow, Senior Director of Technical Services at the National Roofing Contractors Association. Custom homes allow for more freedom of choice in roof selection.
Why It Matters: A roof’s material, color, and design affect durability, energy costs, maintenance, and long-term value – even if buyers don’t think about it early on.
Types of Roofing Materials for New Homes
Asphalt Shingles
Used on roughly 70% of new homes.
Main appeal: lower cost, durable and fire-resistant, thanks to fiberglass.
Typical lifespan: 20–25 years; mid-grade ones last a bit longer. Performance depends on climate, weather, and debris.
Concrete Tile Roofs
Durable and attractive; made like driveway pavers.
Needs a waterproof membrane underneath. Heavy – requires strong structure.
Often lasts the lifetime of the home, with warranties aligned accordingly. Tiles can crack underfoot.
Green and Custom Roof Options
Custom homes offer more options: ceramic tile, metal, metal with solar clamps for easier installation of solar panels, even butterfly or green-roof designs.
Butterfly roofs invert the typical peaked design and lift the edges of the roof above the low point in the middle like the wings of a butterfly.
Reduce gutters and rain runoff points.
Increase natural light.
Make a home feel more open and spacious.
Advanced options cost more, but are highly durable and energy-efficient.
Color and Style
For production homes, material options are limited – usually just color.
Asphalt and tile colors are now lighter to improve energy efficiency.
Color palettes expanded dramatically in past decade.
Lighter colors hold less heat than darker colors.
New Home Roof Maintenance Tips
Inspect: Regularly inspect for missing shingles and leaks especially after severe weather
Maintain gutters: If not using gutter guards, keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves and build up.
Trim trees and vegetation: Keep tree branches clear to prevent damage from falling branches. Vegetation can lead to moss and algae growth.
Check ventilation: Ensure airflow around attic vents. Chimneys and skylights with flashing need to be checked for leaks.
Bottom Line Comparison
Asphalt is the budget-friendly baseline.
Concrete tile brings long-term durability at higher cost.
Metal demands significant upfront investment but rewards with lifespan, style, and efficiency.
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Marcie Geffner
Marcie Geffner is an award-winning freelance reporter, writer and editor in Ventura, California. In the last decade, she has penned more than 1,000 published stories about residential and commercial real estate, banking, credit cards, computer security, health insurance and small business, among other subjects. Editors describe her as “detail-driven,” “conscientious,” “smart” and “incredibly versatile.” Her award-winning reporting has been lauded as “rock solid,” “spot-on relevant,” “informative,” “engaging,” “interesting” and “nuanced.” Her stories have been cited in seven published nonfiction books and two U.S. Congressional hearings. Prior to her freelance career, Geffner was senior editor of California Real Estate magazine. Later, she became managing editor of Inman.com, an independent real estate news website. She also has prior employment experience in technical writing, corporate communications and employee communications. She received a bachelor’s degree in English with high honors from UCLA and master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She enjoys reading, home improvement projects and watching seagulls at the beach.