What Are Common Natural Roofing Materials?

Choosing a roofing material is about more than just protection. It’s also about style, longevity, and what feels right for your home. For some homeowners, that means turning to nature. While asphalt shingles still dominate the market, there’s a growing interest in natural materials that offer beauty, durability, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Whether it’s the classic look of cedar shakes or the old-world charm of slate, natural roofing materials bring a distinctive character that manufactured products often try to imitate. They may not be right for every home, but with the right property and the right homeowner, they can be a long-lasting and sustainable investment.

Benefits of Natural Roofing Materials

Homeowners who choose natural roofing options often do so for more than just appearance. These materials come with unique benefits that make them worth considering, especially for those who prioritize long-term value and sustainability.

• Environmental sustainability – Natural materials like wood, slate, and clay are biodegradable or recyclable, making them more eco-friendly than many synthetic alternatives. Some are harvested in ways that minimize environmental impact, and others, like clay and slate, require little processing.
• Aesthetic appeal – Natural roofs often provide a rich, textured look that’s hard to replicate. Wood shakes add warmth and character, while slate tiles create a sense of permanence and elegance. These materials can elevate the curb appeal of historic or custom-built homes.
• Long lifespan – When installed and maintained properly, many natural roofing materials can last significantly longer than asphalt shingles. Slate, for example, can last more than 100 years. Cedar and clay tiles also offer impressive durability in the right conditions.
• Potential energy efficiency – Some natural materials provide natural insulation or reflectivity. Clay tiles, for instance, help deflect heat in sunny climates, while wood can offer some insulating properties. Combined with proper ventilation, these materials may help lower energy use.

Common Natural Roofing Materials

There’s no single solution when it comes to natural roofing. The right material depends on your priorities—whether it’s lifespan, curb appeal, or how well it fits your home’s structure and climate.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood roofing is one of the oldest and most recognizable natural options. It’s prized for its rustic charm and ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. While similar at first glance, shingles and shakes are actually quite different in how they’re made and how they perform.

Shingles vs. shakes
Wood shingles are machine-cut for a smooth, uniform appearance. Shakes are hand-split or sawed, resulting in a more textured and rugged look. Both offer a natural aesthetic, but shakes tend to be thicker and more irregular, which some homeowners prefer.

Types of wood used
Cedar is the most popular choice due to its natural resistance to decay and insects. Other options include redwood and cypress, though availability may vary by region. The durability of wood depends heavily on the species and the quality of the cut.

Pros and cons
Wood roofing can last 20 to 40 years with proper maintenance, but it does require regular upkeep. It’s also more vulnerable to fire, though some products come treated for fire resistance. In humid climates, mold and mildew can become issues if the roof isn’t properly ventilated.

Slate

Slate is one of the most durable and visually striking roofing materials available. Quarried from natural stone, it offers a rich color palette and a sense of timeless elegance that works especially well on historic or high-end homes.

Natural beauty and variation
Each slate tile is unique, with subtle differences in color and texture that create a distinctive, handcrafted appearance. Common colors include gray, green, purple, and even black, depending on the source of the stone.

Exceptional longevity
Slate roofs are known to last 75 to 100 years or more. When installed correctly, they offer unmatched resistance to water, fire, and extreme weather. This longevity makes slate one of the most cost-effective choices over time, despite its high upfront cost.

Weight and structure considerations
Slate is heavy—often two to three times heavier than asphalt shingles. Before installation, a structural assessment is essential to ensure the home can support the load. Transport and labor also contribute to the overall cost, but for many homeowners, the long-term benefits outweigh these challenges.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles have been used for centuries and remain a popular roofing material in warmer climates. Known for their distinctive curved shape and terracotta coloring, these tiles are especially common on Spanish, Mediterranean, and Southwestern-style homes.

Durability and performance
Clay tiles are extremely durable and resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage. With proper installation, they can last 50 years or more. Their natural thermal resistance helps reflect heat, making them an energy-efficient option in hot, sunny areas.

Sustainability
Because they are made from earth materials and require minimal chemical processing, clay tiles are considered an environmentally friendly choice. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Important considerations
Like slate, clay tiles are heavy and may require structural reinforcement. They are also more brittle than some other materials and can break under the weight of foot traffic or from falling debris.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are often grouped with clay tiles due to their similar appearance and performance. Made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water, they offer a more affordable and versatile alternative to traditional clay.

Versatile and cost-effective
Concrete tiles can mimic the appearance of clay, slate, or even wood, making them a flexible option for many architectural styles. They are typically more affordable than slate or clay but still provide good durability.

Durability
While slightly less long-lasting than clay or slate, concrete tiles can still provide 30 to 50 years of service. They are resistant to fire and weather, though they can absorb more moisture and become heavier when wet.

Structural needs
As with other heavy materials, concrete tiles require a sturdy roofing structure. They may not be suitable for homes that cannot support additional weight.

Green Roofs (Living Roofs)

A more modern take on natural roofing, green roofs involve installing a waterproof membrane and then adding soil and vegetation on top. While not common in traditional residential construction, they are gaining popularity in eco-conscious design.

Environmental benefits
Green roofs help reduce heat absorption, manage stormwater, and improve air quality. They also provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in urban areas.

Design and maintenance
These systems require careful planning, including drainage, irrigation, and plant selection. Maintenance is ongoing and can be more involved than with other roofing types.

Limitations
Green roofs are more complex and expensive to install. They also require a flat or gently sloped roof and additional structural support.

Thatch

Though rarely used in modern construction in the U.S., thatch remains an example of traditional natural roofing. Made from bundles of dried reeds, straw, or grasses, thatched roofs are still found in parts of Europe and in specialty structures like cottages or resort buildings.

Aesthetic and insulation
Thatch has a unique charm and offers surprisingly good insulation. It creates a natural, storybook appearance that appeals to certain architectural tastes.

High maintenance
Thatch requires frequent upkeep and is highly flammable unless specially treated. It is also vulnerable to pests and weathering over time.

Niche appeal
Because of its maintenance needs and limited availability, thatch is typically reserved for decorative or heritage projects rather than mainstream residential use.

Considerations Before Choosing Natural Roofing Materials

Before selecting a natural roofing material, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and the challenges. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Some materials perform better in dry, warm regions, while others can handle heavy rain or wind.
• Heavier materials like slate and tile may require reinforcement.
• Fire resistance, especially in wooded or wildfire-prone areas, is an important consideration.
• Natural materials tend to have a higher initial cost but may pay off through lower maintenance and longer lifespan.
• The look and feel of the material should complement the architectural style of your home.

Trust Stronghold Roofing & Solar – Your Lakeland Roofers

Natural roofing materials can add value and character to a home, but choosing the right one takes careful planning. 

At Stronghold Roofing & Solar, we work with Lakeland homeowners to evaluate all options based on your home’s structure, local climate, and design preferences. Whether you’re considering slate, wood, or a more modern alternative, our team is here to help ensure your roof looks great and performs well for years to come.

Reach out today for a free roof estimate and to learn more about how Stronghold is the roofing company you can trust. 

FAQs – Natural Roofing Materials

What is the most durable natural roofing material?
Slate is widely considered the most durable natural option, with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years or more.

Are natural roofing materials environmentally friendly?
Yes. Many are biodegradable or recyclable, and they often require less processing than synthetic alternatives.

Do natural roofs require more maintenance?
Some do. Wood and thatch, in particular, need regular maintenance to prevent damage from moisture, insects, or fire.

Can natural materials withstand hurricanes or strong winds?
It depends on the material. Slate and clay tiles can be wind-resistant if installed properly, but lighter or more brittle materials may not hold up as well.

Are natural roofs more expensive to install?
Yes. Natural materials generally have higher upfront costs, but they may offer better long-term value due to their longevity and performance.