How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Missouri’s Changing Climate

Table of Contents

1. The Missouri Weather Challenge
2. What Really Matters When Choosing a Roof
3. Comparing the Best Roof Types for Local Homes
4. Asphalt Shingles
5. Metal Roofing
6. Slate and Tile Roofs
7. Wood Shakes and Shingles
8. Balancing Cost, Efficiency, and Durability
9. When Roof Restoration Makes More Sense Than Replacement
10. How We Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roof
11. Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

• Missouri’s unpredictable climate demands durable, energy-efficient roofing materials that can handle everything from heat to hail.
• The best roof type depends on your budget, home design, and long-term goals.
• Roof restoration can save money while extending your roof’s life.
• Energy-saving materials like metal or reflective asphalt can lower utility costs.
• Working with experienced local contractors like Select eXteriors and Roofing ensures your roof performs its best year after year.

If you’ve lived in Missouri for more than a year, you already know our weather doesn’t play by the rules. One week it’s pushing 100 degrees, the next we’re scraping ice off the windshield. We’ve seen hailstorms in May and warm spells in January. That kind of unpredictability does more than make small talk—it takes a real toll on your roof.

That’s why choosing the right roofing material isn’t something to rush through. It’s not just about matching your home’s color scheme or picking the cheapest option at the hardware store. Your roof has to survive blazing sun, pounding rain, and heavy snow—all while keeping your energy bills manageable.

We’ve worked on hundreds of Missouri homes through Select eXteriors and Roofing, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: your roof isn’t just a layer of protection. It’s an investment in peace of mind. If you haven’t yet, you can learn why a strong roof is truly the heart of your home. Let’s walk through how to make sure you’re getting the most out of that investment.

Every roof tells a story. Some fail early because the wrong material was used; others hold up beautifully for decades because the homeowner made smart choices from the start.

When we help homeowners choose a roofing material, we always look at five key factors:

1. Weather Resistance
   Missouri’s mix of heat, humidity, and storms demands tough materials. The roof should resist impact, moisture, and temperature swings. Materials like metal or premium asphalt shingles often hold up best when nature decides to throw a fit.
2. Longevity
   Some roofs are built to last 20 years, others for 70 or more. A shorter-lifespan roof might save you money today, but you’ll be back up there replacing it long before you’d like.
3. Energy Efficiency
   A reflective or insulated roofing material makes a big difference in how hard your air conditioner or furnace has to work. We’ve seen homeowners cut energy costs just by switching to a lighter, more reflective roof type.
4. Cost vs. Maintenance
   It’s easy to look at price tags, but don’t forget about upkeep. Metal might cost more upfront, but it rarely needs repairs. Asphalt shingles are cheaper to install but may require more frequent maintenance, especially after a rough storm season.
5. Appearance and Home Value
   Your roof is one of the first things people notice. Whether you’re planning to sell in a few years or stay for decades, the right look matters. We always recommend choosing a roofing material that complements your home’s style while adding long-term value.

No single best roof type fits every Missouri home. Each has its strengths—and potential drawbacks. Here’s what we’ve seen perform best in our climate.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common choice here, and for good reason. They strike a solid balance between affordability and reliability. When installed properly, a high-quality asphalt roof can last 20–30 years.

They handle moderate wind and rain fairly well, though large hail can cause damage over time. The key is proper installation and routine inspection. We often find that small cracks or missing shingles go unnoticed until leaks start forming. Catching those early makes a big difference.

Asphalt is ideal if you’re after a classic look and a budget-friendly solution that still performs decently in Missouri’s mixed weather.

Metal Roofing

When homeowners ask us for something that can truly stand up to Missouri’s wild weather, we often steer them toward metal. A metal roof is, hands down, one of the toughest options available.

It shrugs off hail, sheds snow easily, and reflects heat better than most other roofing materials. We’ve installed metal roofs that have lasted 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. They’re fire-resistant, lightweight, and available in a variety of colors that look far from the industrial sheets people often imagine.

We’ve even had clients tell us their cooling bills dropped noticeably after switching to metal. That kind of long-term energy savings adds up fast.

The only catch? The upfront cost. It’s higher than asphalt, but when you spread that cost over decades, it’s often the smarter investment.

Slate and Tile Roofs

Slate and tile roofs are like the luxury cars of the roofing world—beautiful, durable, and built to last a lifetime. We’ve worked on historic homes around Missouri where slate roofs installed a century ago are still in great shape.

The biggest advantage is longevity. Properly maintained slate can last well over 100 years. Tile performs similarly and stands up extremely well to heat and rain.

However, these materials are heavy. Your home needs to be structurally capable of supporting them, and installation should always be handled by experienced professionals such as Select eXteriors and Roofing.

If you’re drawn to the elegance and longevity, and you don’t mind the higher cost, slate or tile could be the best roof type for you.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood roofing brings a natural warmth that suits Missouri’s rural landscapes perfectly. We’ve installed them on lake houses and farm properties where that rustic aesthetic just fits.

Cedar shakes are naturally insulating and can last 30–40 years when properly maintained. But they do need care—treatments for fire resistance, regular cleaning, and inspections to prevent moisture issues.

They’re not ideal for every homeowner, but for those who love the look and are willing to maintain it, wood remains a timeless choice.

When we sit down with a homeowner, one of the first questions we ask is: What’s your long-term plan for this home?

If you plan to stay put for decades, investing in a high-quality, low-maintenance roof—like metal or tile—often makes the most sense. But if you’re preparing to sell in a few years, asphalt shingles can deliver great value without overspending.

Energy efficiency is another major factor. Missouri summers can be brutal, and a reflective roofing material can make your air conditioner’s job much easier. We’ve installed “cool roofs” that lower attic temperatures by as much as 20 degrees in July. That’s money saved every single month.

It’s also worth thinking about how your roof color and material affect your home’s curb appeal. A dark, heavy roof might not just trap heat—it can make your home appear smaller or older. Meanwhile, lighter shades or metal finishes often make homes look newer and brighter.



The right combination of efficiency, cost, and durability doesn’t just protect your home—it adds tangible value to it.

Many homeowners call us assuming they’ll need a full replacement, but after inspection, we often find that roof restoration is a better route. Restoration focuses on repairing, sealing, and reinforcing what’s already there—essentially giving your roof a second life.

If your roof still has a solid structure but is starting to show signs of wear—minor leaks, fading, or small cracks—restoration can save thousands. It’s also faster and less disruptive than a complete replacement.

For example, we recently worked on a home in Columbia where the owner thought the roof was beyond saving. After cleaning, sealing, and applying a protective coating, it looked brand new—and added another decade of life expectancy.

Restoration isn’t just about looks; it also boosts energy performance. Reflective coatings, for instance, can reduce surface temperatures dramatically, cutting down cooling costs.

Of course, there are limits. If your roof is severely damaged or nearing the end of its lifespan, replacement will ultimately be safer and more cost-effective. That’s why we always start with a thorough inspection before recommending either path.

At Select eXteriors and Roofing, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every home has its own challenges—different roof slopes, ventilation systems, and exposure to the elements.

When we meet with clients, we take time to understand what they need. Maybe energy efficiency is your priority. Maybe you’re tired of replacing shingles after every storm. Or maybe you want something that looks beautiful without constant upkeep.

We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each roofing material, explain costs transparently, and show real examples of our past work so you know exactly what to expect.

Because we’re local, we’ve seen firsthand what Missouri’s climate can do. We’ve climbed up after hailstorms, replaced roofs that buckled under snow, and restored ones that just needed a bit of care. Those experiences shape every recommendation we make.

When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re getting a partner who understands your home, your weather, and your budget.

In Missouri, your roof isn’t just a shield—it’s your home’s first line of defense against everything our unpredictable weather throws its way. The right roofing material can mean the difference between years of worry-free protection and costly repairs down the road.

Whether you’re leaning toward asphalt, metal, slate, or wood, the key is choosing the best roof type that aligns with your goals and your home’s needs. And if your roof still has good bones, roof restoration might be the perfect way to extend its life without breaking the bank.

When you’re ready to talk about options, we’re here to help. Contact Select eXteriors and Roofing, call (573) 303-5000, or email info@select-exteriors.com to schedule a consultation.

We’ll help you choose a roof that not only stands strong through Missouri’s changing seasons—but one that makes you proud every time you pull into your driveway.