SIGNS YOUR HOME MIGHT BE AGING PREMATURELY (and how to fix it)

Experts say the type of roof you put on your home might be the culprit

Key Points:

• More regions in the U.S. and Canada are facing extreme climate conditions, leading some experts to question the use of asphalt roofing, which can fail pre-maturely.

• Today’s homeowners are seeking longer-lasting, more durable solutions like metal roofing, which can last up to 50+ years, even in severe climates.

• The shift in roofing trends also represents a major business opportunity for contractors and installers.

When it comes to trends, asphalt roofing may be the “fast fashion” the home improvement industry.

As a cheaper, readily available commodity that is often slapped on top of homes without much trouble or forethought, asphalt traditionally has been the most widely used residential roofing material in the U.S. and Canada.

But now, it may be time to say adios to asphalt roofing, especially in regions that experience monster storms and severe climate conditions, like Florida and the Gulf states.

In fact, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation made headlines by publicly stating in 2025 that asphalt roof shingles often do not last as long as manufacturers claim. They point to more resilient roofing types such as quality metal, that hold up far better in Florida’s weather and can withstand high winds, impact damage and hurricane conditions.

While no one suggests a Florida ban on asphalt is in the immediate future, it’s telling that even the Insurance Institute for Business and Safety (IBHS) also is raising questions, saying “asphalt shingles are failing American homeowners, and their durability has not advanced.” (source: Palm Beach Post, part of USA Today’s Florida network)

Regions like Florida are favoring more resilient building materials like quality metal roofs that can mimic other types of roofing, but perform much better than asphalt in extreme weather. Photo courtesy of MRA member Unified Steel

A similar debate may soon take place in areas such as California, where the horrors of wildfire have taken a devastating toll. Proper roofing techniques and the use of ignition resistant materials such as metal roofs (which often carry a Class 4 rating for wildfire protection–the highest available) are continuing to gain favor with homeowners desperate to try and protect their home.

“Threats are increasing, home insurance premiums are increasing,” said Renee Ramey, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) executive director. “The time for short term thinking has passed, and now it’s all about realizing what the long-term costs really are for using less resilient building materials and methods.”

According to Ramey, roofs take the majority of the burden from climate extremes–be it monster tropical storms, massive hail and thunderstorms, extreme heat and more–so it makes sense that just as climate forces are growing stronger, so too are the discussions about what may be the best solutions moving forward.

Those changes include not just homeowners looking for different and better solutions, but also a shift in the trades used to dealing in “traditional” roofing types and methods. Making the shift to train and attract more contractors and installers to help serve the growing market of homeowners looking for more resilient solutions like metal roofing is a challenge and an opportunity for organizations like the MRA.

“Times change, needs evolve. For the next generation of residential roofing solutions, it’s only natural that the market shifts to better meet today’s challenges. This represents not only adopting a new mindset, but working to meet the rising demand,” said Ramey.  “No doubt it’s an opportunity for forward thinking contractors and installers who want to continue to grow their business and help customers better protect their homes.”