The Best Roofing Material for Midwest Homes & Offices

If you live in the Midwest, you already know: your roof works overtime. Between hail, snow, wind, and the kind of summer heat that makes asphalt shingles curl, roofing here isn’t just about looks — it’s about lasting performance.

We hear the same questions over and over:

“What’s the best roofing material for my home?”
“Is metal really worth it?”
“Should I go with something more permanent this time?”

At Cornett Roofing Systems, we’ve been answering those questions — and installing roofs that handle the Midwest — for over 30 years. If you’re looking to make a smart investment in your home or commercial building, this guide is for you.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How Midwest weather affects your roofing decisions
• A breakdown of the most common (and not-so-common) roofing materials
• What to consider before choosing your next roof
• Why permanent roofing might save you money in the long run

Let’s find out what roofing material actually makes sense for your property.
Need help now? Schedule a free inspection.

Midwest Weather Is Tough — Your Roof Should Be Tougher

We don’t have to tell you that Midwest weather is unpredictable. One week it’s 90 and humid, the next it’s hailing golf balls and blowing shingles into your neighbor’s yard. That’s why the best roofing material isn’t just what looks good — it’s what performs well in all four seasons.

If you’re in Indiana or anywhere else in the Midwest, here’s what your roof has to deal with:

• Hail that can split, dent, or destroy most roofing materials
• Tornado-force winds that pull shingles off like stickers
• Heavy snow and ice that strain your roof deck
• UV exposure that breaks down lower-grade asphalt faster than you’d expect

So when we say “best roofing material,” we’re not talking about what’s trendy or cheap. We’re talking about what works.

Know This Before You Replace Your Roof

Choosing a roofing material is a big decision, and like any major upgrade, it comes down to more than cost. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you commit:

What to Think About	Why It Matters
Budget	Upfront vs. long-term costs can be drastically different
Roof Pitch	Not every material works with steep or flat roofs
HOA or Code Rules	Some areas restrict certain types (like metal or slate)
Energy Efficiency	A reflective roof can shave money off your cooling bills
How Long You’ll Stay	If this is your forever home, invest in something that lasts
Warranties	Don’t skip this — a good roof should come with a good guarantee

If you’re unsure how these apply to your home, give us a call. We’ll walk your roof, take a look, and give you a straight answer — no pressure.

Comparing Roofing Materials: What’s Worth It in the Midwest?

There’s a reason this topic gets so many opinions. There are a lot of different types of roofing materials, and each one has its place — but only a few really hold up over time in the Midwest.

Let’s break it down.

Asphalt Shingles

The “default” option — but it wears out fast

• Lifespan: 15–25 years
• Cost: $
• Upside: Inexpensive, easy to install
• Downside: Prone to hail damage, fades fast, needs replacing sooner than you think
• Good for: Homes going on the market soon or temporary roofing needs

Asphalt’s the go-to for many builders, but if you’re staying in your home for the long haul, you’ll be replacing it again — maybe more than once.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Our pick for best all-around Midwest performance

• Lifespan: 40–70 years
• Cost: $$$
• Upside: Reflects heat, handles hail and wind like a champ, low maintenance
• Downside: Higher upfront cost
• Good for: Long-term homeowners and commercial properties

We install our own metal panels in-house, which means better quality control and fewer people between you and your warranty. Metal roofing is hands-down one of the best roofing materials for Midwest homes.

Synthetic Slate & Tile

The look of luxury — without the weight or hassle

• Lifespan: 50+ years
• Cost: $$$
• Upside: Hail-resistant, great curb appeal, doesn’t crack like natural slate
• Downside: Still a premium price tag
• Good for: High-end homes, historical restorations, long-term investment

This is what we call “permanent roofing.” If you’re tired of tearing off shingles every 20 years, this is the kind of product that makes sense.

Natural Slate or Clay Tile

Built to last forever — if your structure can handle it

• Lifespan: 75–100+ years
• Cost: $$$$
• Upside: Timeless, elegant, extremely durable
• Downside: Heavy, expensive to install, may need extra support
• Good for: Custom homes, luxury builds, historic properties

These are legacy roofs. You won’t be replacing it in your lifetime — and probably neither will the next owner.

Cedar Shake

Traditional — but not storm-friendly

• Lifespan: 25–35 years (with maintenance)
• Cost: $$$
• Upside: Classic look
• Downside: Flammable, high maintenance, not great in hail zones
• Good for: Homeowners focused on aesthetics, not performance

Flat Roofing (TPO, EPDM, PVC)

Solid for commercial and modern residential

• Lifespan: 20–30 years
• Cost: $$–$$$
• Upside: Great for low-slope buildings, energy-efficient
• Downside: Leaks if not installed correctly
• Good for: Flat roofs, offices, modern homes

Why We Recommend Permanent Roofing for the Midwest

Here’s the bottom line: if you live in the Midwest and plan to be in your home or building for more than 10 years, permanent roofing materials like metal, synthetic slate, and metal tile give you the best long-term value.

At Cornett Roofing, we build systems designed to last 50+ years with minimal upkeep. We’re not here to sell you a short-term fix. We’re here to solve your roofing problem for good.

Why Permanent Roofing Makes Sense

• Durability: Rated to handle hail, wind, and heavy snow
• Savings: Reflects heat, reduces energy bills
• Less Waste: Fewer replacements = less landfill junk
• Long-Term Warranty: Up to 50 years on materials, and up to 10 years on our workmanship

You’ll pay more upfront — but you’ll only do it once.