Roofing Materials Compared: Asphalt, Metal, Cedar & Composite for Illinois

Choosing the right roofing material for your Illinois home is a decision that will affect your property's appearance, protection, energy efficiency, and value for 20-50+ years. Each material has distinct advantages and limitations in our climate. Here's an honest comparison based on decades of installing all four types across Chicagoland.

Asphalt Architectural Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material in Illinois, installed on approximately 80% of residential roofs. Modern architectural (dimensional) shingles feature a layered construction that provides enhanced thickness, shadow lines, and visual depth compared to flat 3-tab shingles. Premium architectural shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer 30-50 year warranties, Class 4 impact resistance (important for hail-prone Illinois), and extensive color and style options. They resist wind uplift up to 130 mph when properly installed. Cost ranges from $3.50-$5.50 per square foot installed, making them the most budget-friendly option with excellent performance. Their only significant drawback is a shorter lifespan compared to metal or slate — typically 25-35 years in Illinois's demanding climate.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has gained significant popularity in Chicagoland over the past decade. Standing seam metal roofs feature interlocking panels that create clean, modern lines and virtually eliminate leak potential at panel joints. Metal shingle systems mimic the appearance of traditional shingles, slate, or cedar shake while delivering metal's superior performance. Metal roofs last 50-70+ years — often the last roof a homeowner ever installs. They're impervious to rot, insect damage, and fire. They shed snow and ice effectively, which reduces ice dam risk in Illinois winters. Energy-reflective coatings reduce summer cooling costs by 25-40%. Wind resistance exceeds 140 mph. The primary consideration is cost: metal roofing typically runs $7-$14 per square foot installed, roughly 2-3x the cost of asphalt. However, when amortized over its 50+ year lifespan, the annual cost of metal roofing is actually comparable to or less than asphalt.

Cedar Shake

Cedar shake roofs offer a natural, rustic beauty that no manufactured material can replicate. The warm tones, varied textures, and organic character of real cedar create a distinctive appearance prized in upscale neighborhoods across DuPage County and the North Shore. Cedar is naturally resistant to insects and has reasonable weather resistance when properly maintained. A well-maintained cedar roof lasts 30-40 years. However, cedar requires more maintenance than other options: periodic cleaning to prevent moss and algae growth, treatment with preservatives every 3-5 years, and prompt replacement of split or damaged shakes. Cedar costs $8-$12 per square foot installed and is not Class A fire rated without treatment, which may affect insurance premiums. Proper roof ventilation is critical with cedar to prevent moisture accumulation.

Composite/Synthetic Roofing

Composite shingles are engineered from a blend of polymers, rubber, and recycled materials to replicate the appearance of natural slate, cedar shake, or wood shingles while delivering superior durability and virtually zero maintenance. They're lightweight (important for older home structures that may not support heavy slate), impact-resistant (Class 4 ratings are common), and available in a wide range of colors and profiles. Composite roofing lasts 40-60 years and costs $6-$10 per square foot installed — less than natural slate or cedar but more than asphalt. They're an excellent choice for homeowners who love the look of natural materials but want modern performance and low maintenance.

Which Material Is Best for Your Illinois Home?

Best value: Asphalt architectural shingles — the proven choice with excellent price-to-performance ratio. Best long-term investment: Metal standing seam — install once, never worry again. Best aesthetics: Cedar shake for rustic elegance, composite for slate or wood looks without the maintenance. Best for insurance claims: Asphalt and composite — widely available, fast to install, straightforward for insurance adjusters to assess.

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