As they have for years, asphalt shingles remain the most common type of residential roofing purchased in the U.S., says Kelly Moomey, the market analyst who covers roofing for Consumer Reports. “However, there are small, niche segments emerging,” she says. 

Asphalt shingles are the most popular home choice because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In CR’s roofing tests, we’ve found that some shingles perform better overall than others that cost more. And some provide a beautifully layered look or come in a vast array of colors. But depending on your house and budget, many other roofing types may also work.

Metal roofs are expected to grow in popularity. The inherent advantages of this type of roof—including resistance to leaks and wind uplift, not to mention durability against the elements—are likely to make metal roofing more prevalent in areas prone to violent storms.

Solar roofing options are expanding. Major roofing manufacturers GAF and CertainTeed have joined Tesla in introducing solar photovoltaic roofing shingles for homes. CertainTeed’s Solstice shingle looks more like a traditional shingle than GAF’s Timberline model, which includes perpendicular bars across the array. 

Federal tax credits now apply only to solar roofs. Homeowners who retrofit their roofs with solar panels or roofing tiles can now get a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the project cost—with no income restrictions or dollar ceiling on the project—thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The credit is good through 2032.

Consumer Report 2023