Best Exterior Roofing and Siding Materials for Home Projects
The best exterior roofing and siding material depends on whether you need broad roof coverage, traditional cedar details, or replacement siding shingles. Corrugated metal panels are best for sheds and other outdoor structures; GAF fiber-cement shingles suit homeowners seeking a traditional siding appearance; and cedar products offer options for shakes, shingles, and sidewall installation. Compare dimensions, coverage, material, and intended use before choosing. The products below address different project types, so they are not interchangeable.
| Product | Best For | Material or Use |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels | Outdoor structures | Roofing and exterior panels |
| GAF WeatherSide Purity Shingles | Traditional-style siding | Fiber cement |
| Western Red Cedar Perfections | Finished cedar siding or roofing | Cedar shingles |
| Heavy Handsplit Cedar Shakes | Thicker shake appearance | Cedar shakes |
| Miller Cedar Undercourse Shingles | Starter or undercourse layers | Sidewall shingles |
Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels
These 20 galvanized metal sheets measure 61.02 by 18.9 inches and are listed as covering 160 square feet. Their corrugated profile and lightweight design are intended to support overlap-and-screw installation. The product is presented for outdoor buildings and structures such as garages, sheds, pergolas, gazebos, chicken coops, and stables.
Best for: Buyers covering a shed or another outdoor structure who want metal panels with listed dimensions and project coverage. The wider-panel design is described as reducing the number of pieces needed for coverage. Choose this option when metal roofing is appropriate for the structure and installation plan.
Limitation: The listed use focuses on outdoor structures. Confirm that the panel profile, fastening method, and coverage suit the specific roof before ordering.
GAF WeatherSide Fiber-Cement Shingles
These 12-by-24-inch fiber-cement siding shingles have a pre-primed, textured surface designed to evoke the appearance of traditional asbestos siding shingles. The product features state that the shingles are asbestos-free and describe them as resistant to warping, rot, UV degradation, and termite damage. The listing also identifies them as non-combustible per ASTM E136 and UL Classified to ANS/UL723.
Best for: Homeowners seeking a classic shingle-style exterior appearance in a fiber-cement product. It is a relevant choice for siding projects where textured panels and a vintage look matter.
Limitation: This is siding, not a roofing panel. Confirm the dimensions and installation requirements against the existing wall assembly before planning a replacement.
Western Red Cedar Perfections Shingles
These 18-inch #1 Perfections shingles are made from clear vertical grain Western Red Cedar. The product details describe a smooth texture, minimal knots, and consistent dimensions. The shingles are kiln dried and accurately sawn, with the listing identifying them for cedar siding and roofing.
Best for: Buyers who want a more uniform cedar shingle appearance for an exterior project. The grade, grain description, and consistent sizing make this a useful comparison against thicker, more rustic shake products.
Limitation: Cedar requires proper installation and maintenance; the product information describes durability when properly installed and maintained. Check project coverage and exposure requirements before estimating quantities.
Heavy Handsplit Cedar Shakes
These #1-grade Western Red Cedar shakes are 24 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. The listing gives coverage of 20.56 square feet at a 10-inch exposure and notes that the width varies from 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Their handsplit format provides a different material profile from uniformly sawn cedar shingles.
Best for: Buyers looking for thicker cedar shakes and who can plan around the stated exposure and coverage. The listed dimensions are useful for estimating material needs and comparing shake projects with thinner shingle options.
Limitation: Width varies, and the stated coverage depends on a 10-inch exposure. Do not use that coverage figure for a different exposure without recalculating.
Miller Cedar Undercourse Shingles
This carton contains 18-inch #4 kiln-dried Western Red Cedar shingles. The product is identified for undercoursing double-coursed sidewalls and for use as starter shingles. Listed coverage is 100 square feet at 14-inch exposure or 50 square feet at 7-inch exposure.
Best for: Buyers who need a cedar undercourse or starter layer for a sidewall shingle installation. The specified role and two exposure-based coverage figures help distinguish it from finish-grade shingles.
Limitation: The listing identifies this as utility-grade material for undercoursing and starter use, not as a general-purpose finished shingle. Confirm that its intended role matches the project specification.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Exterior Roofing And Siding
What material fits the project?
Start by deciding whether the job is roofing, siding, or both. Corrugated metal panels are listed for roofing and exterior use on outdoor structures. Fiber-cement and cedar shingles are siding options, while the cedar products may also be used in roofing applications as described in their listings. An undercourse shingle serves a specific installation layer rather than acting as a universal finish material.
How should you compare coverage?
Check the stated coverage and the conditions behind it. The metal panel set lists 160 square feet, while cedar shake and undercourse coverage depends on exposure. Measure the project area, account for openings and edges, and verify the applicable exposure before estimating quantities. For products without a stated coverage figure, consult the seller or project specifications rather than assuming a yield.
Which appearance and upkeep matter?
Fiber cement offers a textured traditional-shingle look, while cedar provides a natural wood appearance in shingle or shake formats. Cedar product information emphasizes proper installation and maintenance. Compare the desired finish with the material’s intended use, thickness, and installation requirements before choosing.
What should you confirm before installation?
Check dimensions, overlap or exposure, fastening details, and the condition of the existing roof or wall. Follow applicable building requirements and manufacturer instructions. If replacing existing siding, verify the replacement material’s size and installation method before removing the old exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can corrugated metal roofing panels be used on a house?
The listed product is presented for outdoor structures such as garages, sheds, and pergolas. Confirm suitability for a house roof with the project specifications and applicable building requirements.
Are the GAF WeatherSide shingles made with asbestos?
The product listing describes these fiber-cement shingles as asbestos-free and as an alternative with a traditional asbestos-siding appearance.
What is the difference between cedar shingles and shakes?
The listed Perfections shingles are accurately sawn and described as uniform. The handsplit shakes are thicker, with width that varies, and have coverage stated for a 10-inch exposure.
Are Miller undercourse shingles meant to be the visible siding finish?
The listing identifies them for undercoursing double-coursed sidewalls and starter shingles. They are described as utility-grade rather than as general-purpose finish shingles.
How do I estimate how much material to buy?
Measure the project area and use the product’s stated coverage only at the specified exposure. Allow for project details and confirm quantity calculations before ordering.