Roofing has changed dramatically over the past 100 years. While clay and concrete tile still rule the rooflines in some parts of the country, here in North Carolina two materials dominate nearly every neighborhood: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both look and perform very differently today than they did a century ago. Understanding how each one evolved helps explain why the modern versions are so much tougher, longer-lasting and better-looking than what your grandparents had over their heads.
The Evolution of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has a surprisingly long history. The earliest metals used overhead were lead and copper — prized because they were workable and naturally resistant to corrosion. Sheet-iron manufacturing in the United States began in New Jersey in 1794, and in 1837 galvanized (zinc-coated) metal was introduced in France, which dramatically slowed rust and made metal far more practical for everyday buildings.
Tin roofing later became popular because it was lightweight and required little maintenance. For decades, though, metal was thought of as a strictly utilitarian material — the stuff that topped barns, factories, train stations and other agricultural and industrial buildings rather than family homes.
That reputation has flipped completely. Today's metal roofing is a premium choice for both residential and commercial properties, valued as much for its clean, modern good looks as for its remarkable longevity. Standing-seam panels, hidden fasteners and factory-applied finishes have turned what was once a barn material into one of the most durable and sought-after roofs you can put on a house.
The Evolution of Asphalt Shingles
The asphalt shingle most Triad homeowners recognize today started from humble beginnings. In the early 1800s, roofers waterproofed fabric by coating it with pine tar. By the 1840s, heavy paper coated with pine tar and sand was a common roofing layer, and coal tar later replaced the pine tar for better performance.
The real turning point came in 1903, when a Michigan roofer began cutting asphalt-saturated rolls into individual shingles — the basic idea behind every shingle roof since. The 1920s brought the strip shingle, making installation faster and more uniform. Materials kept improving from there:
- In the 1940s, the felt base shifted from cotton-based material to a celluloid-based felt.
- In the 1960s, fiberglass replaced felt entirely, producing the lighter, stronger, more fire-resistant shingles that are standard today.
- More recent innovations include solar shingles that generate electricity while protecting the roof.
The result is a shingle that is dramatically more weather-resistant, longer-lasting and better-looking than anything available even a few decades ago. Modern architectural shingles — like the CertainTeed Landmark® systems we install — layer the material for depth and dimension while standing up to the wind, hail and sun of North Carolina summers.
Which One Is Right for Your Home?
There's no single "best" roof — the right choice depends on your home's style, your budget and how long you plan to stay. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular and cost-effective option for most Triad homes, while metal roofing offers exceptional lifespan and a distinctive, modern look. Both are a world apart from the tar paper and tin of a century ago, and a good contractor can walk you through the trade-offs in plain language.
From barns and tar paper to standing-seam metal and fiberglass shingles, roofing keeps getting tougher, smarter and better-looking — and a free inspection is the easiest way to see what fits your home.
Roofing Repair & Installation in Burlington, NC
Whether you're weighing asphalt shingles against a standing-seam metal roof, or you just need a leak looked at, Redeem Roofing & Construction can help. We've served homeowners across Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the wider Piedmont Triad since 2016, and our free inspections come with no pressure and no obligation. Compare both materials, get straight answers, and choose the roof that's right for your home — request your free estimate or call us at (336) 350-1450 to get started. You can also learn more about our full range of roofing services, including roof repair and roof replacement.