Roofing Options Guide: Choosing the Right Roof for Your Carolina Home

From hailstorms in Raleigh to salt air in Charleston, the roof over your head needs to do more than just look good. It needs to stand up to the unique challenges of North and South Carolina weather.

At Baker Home Exteriors, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the Southeast choose materials that match their home’s style, budget, and climate.

Whether you’re planning a full roof replacement, exploring options for a new build, or have repairs to make and think this is the time to make a change, this guide walks you through today’s top roofing materials. We’ve also added some local recommendations based on our more than 100 years of roofing experience in the area.

Shingle Roofing

Color Benefits to Consider

Your roof’s color serves more than just curb appeal — it can also affect your home’s energy efficiency. Light-colored shingles reflect sunlight, helping to keep your house cooler, while dark shingles absorb heat and can increase energy usage in warmer climates. If you’re in a hot and humid region like Charleston, a lighter roof could help reduce cooling costs.

Want more visual pairing help? Check out our Shingle Color Color Guide.

3-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles

The two primary styles of asphalt shingles are 3-tab and architectural:

• 3-Tab Shingles offer a flatter, uniform appearance and are generally more affordable.
• Architectural Shingles are heavier, more dimensional, and more durable — offering better performance against wind and weather.

Both are made from asphalt with fiberglass backing, but architectural shingles are about 50% heavier, resulting in a higher wind rating and longer lifespan.

Single Color vs. Multi-Toned

Once you’ve picked a color family, consider whether you want a solid shingle or a multi-tone blend.

Custom Roofing

If you’re looking to make a statement or invest in the highest level of protection and curb appeal, custom roofing materials offer unmatched beauty, durability, and longevity.

These premium options go beyond the basics to deliver architectural impact, energy efficiency, and long-term performance tailored to your home’s unique style. From the timeless elegance of slate to the sleek lines of standing seam metal, here’s what to consider when designing to a custom roof.

Slate

Slate roofing is one of the most durable and longest-lasting options available. It’s hand-cut from metamorphic rock and provides a natural, custom look that elevates the character of any home.

Cedar Shake & Shingles

For a warm, natural exterior, cedar shake provides insulation and a rustic look. It’s especially popular on historic homes and mountain cabins.

Copper & Specialty Metal

Metal roofs made of steel, aluminum, or copper are known for longevity and low maintenance. Modern finishes can match your style and home aesthetic exactly — while offering excellent resistance to wind, rain, and fire.

Clay Tile

Clay tile roofs offer a Mediterranean charm and incredible durability. These tiles won’t rot, burn, or attract pests and are ideal for dry or coastal regions — though heavier and less common in NC.

Comparing roofing Materials

When making design decisions, it’s important to consider both the lifespan of roofing materials and how they’ll look on your home. Of course, budget is also a key concern for many homeowners. You want a material that’s worth the investment and fits your financial plan.

While we offer financing options and are always happy to walk you through the details in person, this chart is a helpful starting point for comparing different materials based on durability, cost, and overall value.

What we recommend across the Carolinas

Not all roofing materials perform the same in every environment. Living in the Carolinas means dealing with a wide range of weather conditions, from coastal salt air to mountain ice storms.

That’s why we tailor our recommendations to your region. With over 100 years of experience in the Southeast, we know which materials hold up best in each climate and which ones deliver the best value for your budget.

Raleigh, Greensboro & Fayetteville

Frequent hail, high winds, and temperature swings make architectural or impact-resistant shingles the most practical option. These balance performance, style, and cost — while standing up to seasonal weather patterns.

Asheville & the NC Mountains

Mountain homes benefit from metal or cedar roofing. Metal sheds snow and resists wind; cedar offers natural insulation and charm. Both perform well in high elevations.

Charleston & the South Carolina Coast

In coastal regions, your roof must resist salt air, hurricanes, and humidity. We recommend standing seam metal roofing or high-end composite shingles that resist corrosion and moisture over time.

Common questions on roofing materials from NC & SC homeowners like you

What’s the best roof for homes in North Carolina?
Architectural shingles offer durability, style, and cost-effectiveness, perfect for most climates in NC.

What’s the most durable roof for Charleston homes?
Metal and composite roofs handle salt air, heavy rain, and heat, and they last 40+ years.

Are impact-resistant shingles worth it in the Carolinas?
Yes, especially in hail-prone areas like Raleigh and Greensboro. They reduce damage and insurance claims.

What’s the most affordable option?
3-tab shingles are the most budget-friendly but may require earlier replacement than upgraded options.

Why Homeowners Trust Baker Home Exteriors

Our business grew out of Baker Roofing Company—one of the oldest and most respected names in the roofing business, with over 100 years of experience.

When you work with us, you get:

• A roofing team that actually lives in your area—and understands local needs
• Free, professional advice and design support
• And a team that values quality, safety, and customer satisfaction above all