Roofing Materials Guide
The Best Roofing Choices for Kansas Homes
Kansas roofs take a beating: hail in the spring, 90°+ heat in the summer, high winds year-round, and freeze/thaw cycles in winter. Choosing the right material isn't just about curb appeal—it's about lifespan, maintenance, and how well it stands up to the next storm. Here's a practical breakdown of the best roofing options for Kansas homes, with clear pros, cons, and when each makes sense.
Top Materials for Kansas Weather
The big factors here: impact resistance (hail), wind rating, heat resistance, cost, and how insurers view the material in our region.
- Impact resistance: Look for Class 3 or Class 4 shingles; insurers often offer discounts for Class 4.
- Wind rating: Aim for 110–130 mph ratings to handle Kansas gusts.
- Heat & UV: Reflective granules and proper ventilation reduce attic heat and shingle aging.
- Underlayment & flashing: A robust underlayment and properly detailed flashing matter as much as the shingle.
1) Architectural Asphalt Shingles (Most Common)
The go-to choice for most homeowners. Affordable, widely available, and with Class 3/4 options for hail.
- Pros: Good value, broad color options, easy to repair, Class 3/4 impact-rated options.
- Cons: Lowest lifespan vs. premium options; granule loss after big hail events.
- Best for: Budget-conscious owners who still want solid hail and wind performance.
2) Designer / Luxury Asphalt Shingles
Thicker profiles, upgraded appearance, and better wind/hail resistance than standard architecturals.
- Pros: Higher curb appeal, better impact/wind ratings, longer warranty terms.
- Cons: Higher cost; heavier—requires proper decking/structure.
- Best for: Curb-appeal upgrades in mid/high-value neighborhoods without jumping to metal.
3) Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles
Specifically tested to withstand hail impacts. Often qualifies for insurance premium discounts.
- Pros: Better hail resilience, potential insurance savings, reduces post-storm repairs.
- Cons: Slightly higher cost; still asphalt (will age faster than metal or tile).
- Best for: Hail-prone areas (most of Kansas). Great ROI in storm seasons.
4) Metal Roofing (Standing Seam or Metal Shingles)
Excellent wind and hail performance, reflective in summer, very long lifespan when installed correctly.
- Pros: 40–60 year lifespan, top-tier wind/hail performance, reflective (cooler attic), sleek look.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, skilled install required, potential cosmetic denting in large hail.
- Best for: Long-term owners, premium curb appeal, or those wanting fewer future replacements.
5) Synthetic/Polymer (e.g., Composite Shake/Slate)
Durable, lightweight, hail-resistant alternatives that mimic wood or slate without the maintenance burden.
- Pros: Very hail-resistant, lighter than real slate, high-end look, long warranties.
- Cons: Premium cost; verify Class 4 and wind ratings per product.
- Best for: High-end homes wanting a shake/slate look that can stand up to Kansas storms.
6) Cedar Shake
Classic look but higher maintenance and variable performance in hail and fire.
- Pros: Beautiful, natural appearance; good insulation value.
- Cons: Not ideal for hail; needs maintenance; insurance can be tougher; fire considerations.
- Best for: Historical/aesthetic niches where look matters more than low maintenance.
7) Concrete/Clay Tile
Heavy, premium option; great durability but needs structure to support weight and can crack with large hail.
- Pros: Long lifespan, high-end look.
- Cons: Heavy (may need structural upgrades), higher cost, can crack in severe hail.
- Best for: Limited use in our region; typically custom builds where style dictates.
What We Recommend Most Often in Kansas
For most homeowners, a Class 4 architectural shingle hits the sweet spot on cost, hail resilience, and insurer friendliness. If you plan to stay 15–20+ years or want premium curb appeal, step up to metal or a high-end composite.
Rules of thumb we use locally:
- Storm belt homes: Class 4 shingle at minimum.
- Long-term ownership: Consider metal; higher upfront, lower lifetime replacements.
- HOA/appearance-driven: Luxury shingle or composite that meets guidelines and hail ratings.
- Insurance discounts: Ask your carrier about Class 4 credits before you choose.
Installation Details Matter
Material choice is half the story. The other half is how it’s installed:
- Decking & fasteners: Solid decking and correct nail pattern for the wind rating.
- Underlayment: Synthetic underlayment; ice & water shield in valleys and vulnerable eaves.
- Flashing: Step, counter, and chimney flashing done cleanly—common leak points.
- Ventilation: Balanced intake/exhaust to reduce attic heat and extend shingle life.
Costs & Budgeting
Ballpark ranges (Kansas City metro, average-sized roof; actual quotes vary by slope/complexity/access):
- Architectural asphalt: $$$ (most affordable)
- Class 4 asphalt: $$+ (slight premium over architectural)
- Luxury asphalt: $$$$
- Metal (standing seam): $$$$$
- Composite shake/slate: $$$$$
Always weigh lifetime cost: a cheaper roof replaced twice costs more than a single, more durable install.
Need a recommendation?
We inspect, recommend materials for your exact home and neighborhood, and handle installs that meet insurer and code requirements.