Roofing

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What's behind our roofing Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 26 models in roofing to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Overall score is based on performance in lab tests, with strength more heavily weighted. Displayed scores are rounded; products are listed in order of precise overall score.
  • Weight /100 sq. ft.
    Weight in pounds as per 100 square feet.
  • Strength
    Strength denotes flexibility and resistance to tearing, stretching, and nail pull-through.
  • Wind
    Wind is how well edges resisted lifting force, based on how well shingles held together.
  • Weathering
    Weathering simulates resistance to elements, based on successive exposure to water spray, intense heat, and ultraviolet light.
  • Impact
    Impact is resistance at 0 degree Fahrenheit to blows from 5-pound weight simulating tree limbs or other fallen objects.

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Recommended roofing

Recommended roofing are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
  • Buying Guide
  • Ratings
To see which types of roofing provide the best and longest protection for your home, we tested many models of asphalt shingles, by far the most popular roofing material. We also tested fake-slate shingles that convincingly imitate the real thing, and a metal roofing product. If you're looking for information about roofing, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ roofing reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our roofing buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and roofing reviews to help you choose the best roofing for your needs.

Roofing buying guide

You may be able to put off some home repairs for a while, but cracked, curled, or missing roof shingles require immediate attention. If neglected, they can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in water damage. Our tough tests simulated high winds, temperature extremes, hail and falling branches.

To see which roofing products can provide the best and longest protection for your home, we tested more than two dozen models of asphalt shingles, by far the most popular roofing material. We also tested four fake-slate shingles that convincingly imitate the real thing, and one metal roofing product. We pulled and pounded them for months to simulate the high winds, temperature extremes, hail, and falling branches that Mother Nature can dish out. And we exposed them to ultraviolet light to simulate the fading effects of sunlight. As we learned, performance can vary widely. On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life. Also check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents for cracks. If your roof is near the end of its life, our Ratings (available to subscribers) can provide enough top picks to give you plenty of options.

Some installers may push certain brands. Given the wide differences in overall quality that we found, we suggest you insist on the roofing that you want, even if you have to pay extra for a special order or hire a different installer.

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