Choosing Roofing Materials for Boise Homes
What works best for Idaho's hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between.
You're replacing your roof, and now you've got to decide what kind of material to put on it. Everyone's got an opinion, and every roofing contractor you talk to pushes a different product.
Here's the thing: Boise's climate is tough on roofs. We get hot, dry summers with intense UV exposure. Cold winters with snow and ice. Wind. Hail. Your roof has to handle all of it and last for decades.
So let's talk about the actual roofing materials that work well in the Treasure Valley, what they cost, and what you should consider when making your choice.
Asphalt Shingles (The Standard Choice)
About 80% of homes in Boise have asphalt shingles, and there's a reason for that. They're affordable, they look good, they last 20-30 years, and they handle Idaho weather just fine.
You've got two main types: 3-tab shingles (the basic flat kind) and architectural shingles (thicker, with more dimension). Most people go with architectural because they look better and last longer. They're only a bit more expensive, but the upgrade is worth it.
Cost
Architectural asphalt shingles run about $350-$500 per square (100 sq ft) installed. For a typical Boise home, that's $8,000-$12,000 for the whole roof.
Lifespan
Expect 20-25 years out of standard architectural shingles. Premium designer shingles can push 30 years if they're installed well and maintained.
Best For
Homeowners who want a good-looking, reliable roof without breaking the bank. Works on any home style, comes in tons of colors, and pretty much every roofer knows how to install them properly.
Metal Roofing (The Long-Term Investment)
Metal roofs are becoming more popular in Boise, especially on modern-style homes and mountain properties. They're expensive upfront, but they last forever and handle snow really well.
You've got standing seam metal (the clean, modern-looking panels), corrugated metal (more industrial), and metal shingles that mimic the look of traditional roofing. Standing seam is the most popular for residential.
Cost
Metal roofing is pricey: $700-$1,200 per square installed. That's roughly double what asphalt shingles cost. But you're buying a roof that'll outlive you.
Lifespan
50+ years, easily. Some metal roofs can last 70+ years if they're maintained. That's two or three asphalt roof replacements you're avoiding.
Best For
People who plan to stay in their home long-term and want to never think about their roof again. Great for snowy areas because snow slides right off. Also energy-efficient because it reflects heat in the summer.
Downsides
Higher upfront cost. Can be noisy during heavy rain or hail (though proper insulation helps). Not every roofing contractor installs metal, so your options are more limited.
Tile Roofing (The Premium Option)
Tile roofs — either concrete or clay — look great and last a really long time. You see them more often on high-end homes in Boise, especially Mediterranean or Spanish-style architecture.
Tile is heavy, though. Your roof structure has to be able to handle the extra weight, and not all homes can. You'll need a structural engineer to verify before you commit to tile.
Cost
Concrete tile runs $1,000-$1,500 per square. Clay tile is even higher, sometimes $1,500-$1,800 per square. Plus potential structural reinforcement costs if your roof can't handle the weight.
Lifespan
50-100 years, depending on the tile type. Concrete tile is the lower end of that range, clay tile can genuinely last a century if maintained.
Best For
High-end homes where aesthetics matter and budget isn't the main concern. Tile is fireproof, energy-efficient, and extremely durable. It also holds up well in hail.
Downsides
Very expensive. Heavy. Brittle, so walking on it can crack tiles. Installation requires specialized experience, so not every roofer does tile work.
Flat Roof or Low-Slope Options
If you've got a flat or low-slope roof — common on modern homes, garages, and additions — you're not using shingles. You're using membrane systems like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen.
TPO (white rubber membrane) is the most popular for residential flat roofs in Boise. It's durable, reflects heat, and handles UV exposure well. EPDM (black rubber) is also common and slightly cheaper, but it absorbs more heat.
Cost
TPO and EPDM run about $400-$700 per square installed, depending on the thickness and whether it's mechanically attached or fully adhered.
Lifespan
15-25 years for most membrane systems. They can develop leaks over time, especially at seams and penetrations, so regular inspections are important.
Best For
Flat or low-pitch roofs where traditional shingles don't work. TPO is better if you want energy efficiency (reflects heat). EPDM is fine if the roof isn't highly visible and you're trying to save money.
We'll Help You Pick the Right Material
Every material we've talked about has trade-offs. Asphalt is affordable but doesn't last as long. Metal lasts forever but costs more. Tile looks amazing but it's heavy and expensive.
When we come out to quote your roof, we'll walk through your options based on your home, your budget, and what you're trying to accomplish. We work with all of these materials, so we're not pushing one product over another — we just want you to get the right roof for your situation.
Call us at (208) 505-9352 and we'll come out to look at your roof. We'll explain what'll work best and why.
What Most Boise Homeowners Choose
If you want the straight answer: most people in the Treasure Valley go with architectural asphalt shingles. They're affordable, they look good, they last long enough, and they work well in Idaho's climate.
Metal is growing in popularity, especially for people who want a lifetime roof and don't mind the higher upfront cost. Tile is for high-end homes where aesthetics and longevity matter more than budget.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's installed by someone who knows what they're doing. A cheap material installed well will outlast an expensive material installed poorly. Get multiple quotes, ask questions, and don't just go with the lowest bid.
Ready to Discuss Your Roofing Options?
We'll help you choose the right material for your home and budget. No pressure, just honest advice.