In this guide
- St. Louis roofs take hail, high winds, summer heat and freeze-thaw cycles, so durability matters more than brand.
- Architectural asphalt is the best value for most homes. Class 4 impact-resistant versions add hail protection.
- Designer shingles, metal and synthetic slate cost more but last longer and look premium.
- What goes under the shingles matters as much as the shingles themselves.
What St. Louis weather does to a roof
St. Louis is hard on a roof. The "best" shingle is the one that holds up to all of it at a price that makes sense for your home. Here's what yours is up against:
- Hail bruises shingles and knocks off the granules that protect them from the sun.
- Straight-line winds lift and crease shingles and break their seal.
- Heat and humidity age asphalt faster through long summers.
- Freeze-thaw cycles let water seep into small cracks, freeze, expand and make them bigger.
Architectural asphalt: the best value for most homes
Architectural shingles are thicker and more dimensional than old-style three-tab shingles, and they're what we install on most St. Louis homes. Expect about 25 to 30 years of life from a quality architectural roof that's installed and ventilated properly.
We install all three major brands, and they're all top-tier. GAF Timberline has the best name recognition at resale. Owens Corning Duration is known for its strong nailing zone and wind rating. CertainTeed Landmark has a wide color palette. With 40+ colors between them, we bring physical samples to your driveway so you can see them in real light before you decide.
Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles: built for hail
Impact-resistant shingles are tested under the UL 2218 standard, where steel balls are dropped onto the shingle. Class 4 is the top rating, earned by shingles that survive a 2-inch steel ball without cracking. In a hail-prone area like ours, that extra toughness can be worth it.
Some insurers offer a premium discount for a Class 4 roof. It isn't guaranteed and varies by company, and some require a cosmetic damage waiver. Ask your agent before you choose, and look for the UL 2218 Class 4 label on the packaging.
Designer shingles: the premium look
Designer shingles are heavier, with about 40–50% more material than standard architectural shingles and deeper shadow lines that mimic slate or wood shake. They cost about 30–60% more than standard architectural. Many carry lifetime warranties when installed by a certified contractor, and many are Class 3 or Class 4 impact rated.
They're a strong choice for custom homes, historic neighborhoods and any house where curb appeal drives value. For a starter home, standard architectural is usually the smarter spend.
Metal roofing: the long game
A metal roof can last 40 years or more and sheds hail, wind and snow well. It runs roughly 2–3 times the cost of architectural shingles installed, but spread over its long life, the lifetime cost can be comparable or even lower.
Two common worries: it isn't noticeably louder in the rain when it's installed over solid decking and underlayment, and it works on most homes. Very low-slope roofs (under 3:12) need standing seam rather than exposed-fastener panels. See our metal roofing page for more.
Synthetic slate and shake: the look without the weight
Synthetic roofing from brands like DaVinci and Brava looks like natural slate or cedar shake but weighs far less. Both are Class 4 impact rated, carry roughly 50-year warranties, and cost about 50–60% as much as natural slate. DaVinci offers more profiles; Brava tends to cost a little less. A typical home takes 2 to 4 days to install.
Side by side
| Option | Best for | Hail rating | Typical life | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt | Most homes, best value | Varies by product | 25–30 years | $ |
| Class 4 impact-resistant | Hail-prone areas | Class 4 (UL 2218) | 25–30+ years | $$ |
| Designer shingles | Curb appeal, custom homes | Often Class 3–4 | Lifetime warranties available | $$$ |
| Metal | Long-term owners | Varies by product | 40+ years | $$$$ |
| Synthetic slate & shake | Slate or shake look | Class 4 | About 50-year warranties | $$$$ |
- Best for
- Most homes, best value
- Hail rating
- Varies by product
- Typical life
- 25–30 years
- Cost
- $
- Best for
- Hail-prone areas
- Hail rating
- Class 4 (UL 2218)
- Typical life
- 25–30+ years
- Cost
- $$
- Best for
- Curb appeal, custom homes
- Hail rating
- Often Class 3–4
- Typical life
- Lifetime warranties available
- Cost
- $$$
- Best for
- Long-term owners
- Hail rating
- Varies by product
- Typical life
- 40+ years
- Cost
- $$$$
- Best for
- Slate or shake look
- Hail rating
- Class 4
- Typical life
- About 50-year warranties
- Cost
- $$$$
Lifespans assume proper installation and ventilation. Costs are relative to architectural asphalt.
Don't forget what's under the shingles
The best shingle in the world will still fail if the layers underneath are wrong. Every KPro replacement includes synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield in valleys and along the eaves, new drip edge and a ridge vent. Good attic ventilation keeps heat and moisture from cooking your shingles from below, which matters through long St. Louis summers.
Our recommendation
- Most homes: a quality architectural shingle. Step up to Class 4 if hail has hit your area or your insurer offers a credit.
- Custom or historic homes: designer shingles or synthetic slate.
- Staying 20+ years: take a serious look at metal.
Not sure? We'll walk your roof, talk through your budget and bring samples to your driveway. For pricing, see what a new roof costs in St. Louis.
Book a free inspection and we'll bring real samples to your driveway.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best roofing shingle for hail?
Do impact-resistant shingles lower insurance costs?
Which shingle brands does KPro install?
Is metal roofing worth it in St. Louis?
Locally owned in Manchester, MO since 2020, serving the St. Louis metro and Quincy, IL. GAF, Owens Corning and CertainTeed certified, Pella Certified, and BBB A+ accredited. Bilingual crew, with a project coordinator on every claim.
