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Roofing & Siding Materials for Builders, Contractors, and Homeowners

The Best Roofing & Siding Materials On the Market—and How to Choose the Right Option

Roofing systems in Northern Michigan must withstand heavy snow loads, ice dams, wind exposure, and significant seasonal temperature changes.

Roofing and siding materials help protect homes from weather, moisture, and long-term exterior damage while also improving curb appeal, energy efficiency, and property value. The right exterior materials can impact everything from durability and maintenance requirements to installation timelines and long-term project costs.

At Standard Supply & Lumber, we help builders, contractors, remodelers, and homeowners compare roofing, siding, and exterior trim products that balance performance, appearance, budget, and long-term reliability.

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Popular Roofing Material Options

Choosing the right roofing material depends on your budget, desired appearance, exposure to weather, maintenance expectations, and long-term durability goals.

Roofing Materials Comparison:

Roofing Material	Best For	Key Benefits	Considerations
Asphalt Shingles	Residential roofing projects	Affordable, versatile, widely available	Shorter lifespan than premium materials
Metal Roofing	Long-term durability and energy efficiency	Durable, weather-resistant, low maintenance	Higher upfront investment
Cedar Shakes	Natural and rustic aesthetics	Distinct appearance, natural insulation	Requires maintenance over time
Synthetic Roofing	Low-maintenance premium appearance	Lightweight, durable, weather-resistant	Higher material costs

When Should You Choose Each Roofing Material?

• Choose asphalt shingles when affordability and design flexibility are priorities
• Choose metal roofing when long-term durability and energy efficiency matter most
• Choose cedar shakes when you want a natural, high-end appearance
• Choose synthetic roofing when you want premium curb appeal with lower maintenance requirements

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Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles remain one of the most common roofing materials because they offer dependable protection, affordability, and a wide range of styles and colors.

Asphalt shingles from manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed are designed to provide:

• Weather resistance
• Wind protection
• UV resistance
• Reliable long-term performance
• Flexible design options

Architectural shingles are especially popular among homeowners seeking enhanced curb appeal and greater durability than traditional 3-tab shingles.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity for both residential and light commercial applications because of its long lifespan, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements.

Metal roofing systems help resist:

• Moisture damage
• Wind damage
• Cracking
• Rot
• Mold growth

Metal roofing can also help improve energy efficiency by reflecting heat and reducing cooling demands during warmer months.

Brands like Metal Sales and McElroy Metal offer durable metal roofing solutions that perform well in Michigan’s changing weather conditions.

Cedar Shake & Synthetic Roofing

Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing provides a natural, textured appearance that many homeowners prefer for custom homes and upscale exterior designs.

Cedar shakes offer:

• Natural insulation properties
• Distinct curb appeal
• Resistance to insects and moisture when properly maintained

Synthetic Roofing

Synthetic roofing products are designed to replicate the appearance of slate, cedar, or shake roofing while offering lighter-weight construction and lower maintenance requirements.

Synthetic roofing is often selected for homeowners seeking:

• Long-term durability
• Reduced maintenance
• Premium exterior aesthetics
• Improved weather resistance

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Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: What’s the Difference?

Asphalt shingles and metal roofing are among the most commonly compared roofing materials by Michigan homeowners.

Let’s Compare Roofing Materials:

Feature	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Roofing
Upfront Cost	Lower	Higher
Lifespan	Moderate	Long-lasting
Maintenance	Moderate	Low
Weather Resistance	Good	Excellent
Energy Efficiency	Moderate	Higher
Appearance Options	Wide variety	Modern and traditional options

For homeowners prioritizing affordability and flexibility, asphalt shingles are often the preferred choice. 

For those seeking long-term durability and reduced maintenance, metal roofing may provide better long-term value.

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Popular Siding Material Options

Siding plays a major role in protecting a home’s structure while also defining its appearance and long-term maintenance needs.

Benefits of Each Siding Material: 

Siding Material	Best For	Key Benefits	Considerations
Vinyl Siding	Budget-conscious exterior updates	Affordable, low-maintenance	Less impact resistance
Fiber Cement Siding	Long-term durability	Weather-resistant, durable, versatile appearance	Heavier material and installation requirements
Engineered Wood Siding	Natural wood appearance with added durability	Moisture resistance, improved stability	Requires periodic maintenance
Stone Veneer	Accent areas and premium exteriors	High-end curb appeal and texture	Higher installation costs

When Should You Choose Each Siding Material?

• Choose vinyl siding when affordability and low maintenance are priorities
• Choose fiber cement siding when durability and long-term performance matter most
• Choose engineered wood siding when you want a natural wood appearance with improved durability
• Choose stone veneer when creating high-end exterior accents and visual contrast

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Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding remains one of the most popular siding options because it provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance exterior solution.

Vinyl siding products from manufacturers like Gentek are designed to resist:

• Fading
• Moisture damage
• Cracking
• Peeling
• Insect damage

Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of colors and profiles, making it a flexible option for many exterior remodeling and new construction projects.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding products like James Hardie siding are known for their long-term durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Fiber cement siding helps resist:

• Moisture damage
• Rot
• Fire exposure
• Warping
• Pest damage

Michigan homes face freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect moisture, wind exposure, and significant seasonal temperature swings. James Hardie Fiber cement siding remains a popular choice because it resists moisture intrusion, warping, and weather-related deterioration.

Engineered Wood & Specialty Siding

Engineered Wood Siding

LP SmartSide engineered wood siding combines the appearance of traditional wood with advanced durability and moisture resistance.

Engineered wood siding is often selected for:

• Improved impact resistance
• Easier installation
• Authentic wood aesthetics
• Long-term durability

Stone Veneer & Specialty Exterior Products

Products like Versetta Stone help homeowners and contractors add dimension, texture, and curb appeal to exterior projects without the weight and complexity of full masonry installation.

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Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding: What’s the Difference?

Many homeowners compare vinyl siding and fiber cement siding before choosing exterior materials.

Key Features of Each Siding Material:

Feature	Vinyl Siding	Fiber Cement Siding
Maintenance	Low	Moderate
Durability	Good	Excellent
Moisture Resistance	High	High
Appearance	Wide color selection	Premium wood-look finish
Cost	Lower	Higher
Lifespan	Long-lasting	Very long-lasting

For homeowners prioritizing affordability and low maintenance, vinyl siding is often the preferred option. 

For those seeking premium durability and curb appeal, fiber cement siding may be the better long-term investment.

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Exterior Trim Products & Accessories

Exterior trim products help complete the appearance of a home while protecting vulnerable exterior areas from moisture and weather exposure.

At Standard Supply & Lumber, we offer exterior trim and accessory solutions designed to improve durability, curb appeal, and long-term performance.

Popular Roofing, Siding & Exterior Accessories

We offer:

• Exterior trim boards
• Soffit and fascia products
• House wrap and weather barriers
• Flashing and moisture management products
• Fasteners and installation accessories
• Ventilation products
• Specialty exterior accents

Whether you’re building a custom home or updating an existing exterior, our team can help you select the right products for your project.

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Roofing & Siding Gallery

Seeing how different roofing colors, siding profiles, and exterior materials come together can help simplify product selection and project planning.

Explore examples of roofing and siding systems used across residential and light commercial projects.

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Leading Roofing & Siding Brands

We partner with trusted manufacturers known for quality, durability, and long-term exterior performance.

Brands available through Standard Supply & Lumber include:

• GAF
• CertainTeed
• James Hardie
• LP SmartSide
• Gentek
• Versetta Stone
• TruExterior
• Metal Sales
• McElroy Metal
• And other leading exterior building product manufacturers

Our team can help you compare roofing materials, siding products, colors, trim options, and accessories to find the right fit for your project.

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Common Roofing & Siding Problems

Understanding common exterior issues can help homeowners and contractors choose products designed for long-term durability and performance.

Common Roofing Problems:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Roof leaks and moisture intrusion
• Wind damage
• Poor attic ventilation
• Premature roof aging
• Ice dam concerns during Michigan winters

Common Siding Problems:

• Fading from UV exposure
• Moisture damage and mold growth
• Cracking or warping
• Peeling paint or finishes
• Pest and insect damage
• High exterior maintenance requirements

Choosing quality materials and proper installation methods can help reduce long-term repair costs and improve overall exterior performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing & Siding

What is the best low-maintenance siding material?

Vinyl and fiber-cement siding are both considered low-maintenance siding options because they resist moisture, fading, and weather-related damage.

Is metal roofing worth the cost?

For many homeowners, metal roofing is worth the investment because it provides long-term durability, low maintenance requirements, and excellent weather resistance.

What is the difference between vinyl siding and fiber cement siding?

Vinyl siding is generally more affordable and low-maintenance, while fiber-cement siding offers enhanced durability and a more premium appearance.

How long do roofing materials last?

Roof lifespan depends on the material used. Asphalt shingles typically last 20–30 years, while many metal roofing systems can last 40 years or longer.

Can Standard Supply & Lumber help me choose roofing and siding materials?

Yes. Our team works with builders, contractors, remodelers, and homeowners to help compare roofing, siding, trim, and exterior building products based on project goals, style preferences, and budget.

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Standard Supply & Lumber vs. Big Box Stores: What’s the Difference?

For decades, contractors and homeowners throughout West Michigan have trusted Standard Supply & Lumber for quality exterior materials, knowledgeable support, and dependable service.

When sourcing roofing and siding materials, many contractors and homeowners compare local lumberyards with national retailers.

Why Builders Choose Standard Supply & Lumber:

Standard Supply & Lumber	Big Box Retailers
Contractor-focused expertise	Generalized product knowledge
Access to premium exterior brands	Limited product selection
Personalized project support	Limited guidance
Reliable product availability	Stock inconsistencies
Local service and relationships	Transaction-focused experience

For contractors managing timelines, budgets, and customer expectations, these differences can help reduce delays and improve overall project outcomes.

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Talk to a Building Materials Specialist

Choosing the right roofing and siding materials can impact both project timelines and long-term performance. Our experienced team helps contractors and homeowners simplify product selection and source the right materials for every exterior project.