Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
BBB A+ ratedSee our Better Business Bureau profileShingle, Metal & Rubber Roofing
Choosing the Right Roofing Material in Pittsburgh

The right roofing material depends on the roof, not on a sales pitch. Straight A Exterior Renovations installs asphalt shingle, metal and rubber roofing in Pittsburgh, and we help homeowners match each material to the part of the house it will cover.
Plenty of Pittsburgh houses combine a steep main roof with a flat or low-slope section. A rowhouse may have a pitched front and a low-slope rear roof. A Victorian may have dormers and a porch with its own small roof. Shingles shed water well on steep pitches, but they are not made for flat areas. Rubber roofing is. Metal works on many pitched roofs when you want a different look or a long service life.
Local weather makes the choice matter. Freeze-thaw cycles open small gaps, wet snow sits on low-slope sections, and summer storms test how well each material is fastened. Using the wrong material on the wrong slope is one of the most common causes of repeat leaks we see on older homes.
We lay out the options in plain terms, show you samples, and put our recommendation in a line-by-line written quote. You choose the material and color, and nothing starts until you approve it.
Why Straight A
Why Homeowners Trust Straight A With Their Roofing Material
We install all three materials, so our recommendation is based on your roof, not on what we happen to sell.
Honest material advice
We look at pitch, drainage and how each section is used, then explain which material fits and why.
Owens Corning Preferred
Straight A is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, with a BBB A+ rating and 5.0 stars on Google and Facebook.
Lifetime product warranty
Roofing materials carry a lifetime product warranty, backed by our own 2-year workmanship guarantee.
Experienced installers
Our team has over 30 years of combined roofing experience across shingle, metal and low-slope systems.
Efficient installs
Many shingle roof replacements are finished in a single day, weather permitting, which limits disruption at home.
What's included
Roofing Types We Install
Each material solves a different problem. Here is what we install and where it works best.

Asphalt shingle roofing
Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common choice for pitched roofs in Pittsburgh. They come in many colors, handle snow and wind well when installed correctly, and are straightforward to repair. We install them over a full system of underlayment, ice barrier and ventilation.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing sheds snow and rain quickly and holds up well to wind. It suits many pitched roofs, porches and accent areas. We explain how it differs from shingles in look, sound and installation so you can decide with clear eyes.
Rubber roofing for flat roofs
Rubber roofing is a single membrane made for flat and low-slope roofs where shingles would let water in. It is a strong fit for rowhouse rear roofs, porch roofs and additions. Seams and edges are where flat roofs fail, so we detail them carefully.
Low-slope porch and addition roofs
Small low-slope roofs over porches, kitchens and rear additions often leak where they meet the wall of the house. We pair the right membrane with proper wall flashing so water has nowhere to go but the gutter.
Mixed-material roofs
Many homes need shingles on the main roof and rubber on a lower section. We plan the transition between materials so the two systems overlap correctly and drain in the right direction.
Material and color selection
We bring samples and talk through how colors look on brick, siding and trim. You make the final choice, and we note it on your written quote.
How it works
How We Install Your New Roofing
From the first look at your roof to the final cleanup, here is what to expect.
- Step 1
Free roof inspection
We inspect every section of the roof, note pitch and drainage on each one, and photograph any problem areas.
- Step 2
Material recommendations and quote
We explain which material suits each section, show samples, and send a line-by-line quote for your approval.
- Step 3
Scheduling and site prep
Your project manager sets the date, materials are delivered, and the crew protects your yard and landscaping before work begins.
- Step 4
Roof installation
We remove the old roofing where needed, repair the deck, and install the new shingle, metal or rubber system with its flashing and ventilation.
- Step 5
Quality check and walkthrough
We inspect the finished roof, clean up every nail and scrap, and walk the property with you.
FAQ
Shingle, Metal & Rubber Roofing questions from Pittsburgh homeowners
Which roofing material is best for a Pittsburgh home?
It depends on the roof. Asphalt shingles suit most pitched roofs, metal is a good option when you want a different look or faster snow shedding, and rubber roofing is the right choice for flat and low-slope areas. We look at your roof and recommend a material for each section.
Can I put shingles on my flat rear roof?
We do not recommend it. Shingles rely on slope to shed water, so on a flat or very low-slope roof water can back up under them. A rubber membrane is made for those conditions.
Is metal roofing noisy in the rain?
Over a solid deck with underlayment, most homeowners find it quieter than they expect. We are happy to explain how it is installed on your home so you can decide.
Can my house have shingles and rubber roofing at the same time?
Yes, and many Pittsburgh homes do. We plan the transition between the two so they overlap and drain correctly.
What warranty comes with the roofing?
Roofing materials carry a lifetime product warranty, and Straight A adds a 2-year workmanship guarantee on the installation. The details are in your written quote.
Do you help with insurance claims if my roof was damaged?
Yes. We inspect and photograph the damage, help you report it, and work with your insurance company and adjuster from start to finish.
How long does a shingle roof replacement take?
Many shingle roof replacements are finished in a single day, weather permitting. Larger or more complex roofs, or roofs with several materials, can take longer, and we will give you a realistic plan.
Where we work
Shingle, Metal & Rubber Roofing across Pittsburgh
We provide shingle, metal & rubber roofing for homeowners throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Find your neighborhood below, or call with your address and we will confirm right away.



