Plumbing Materials

Choosing the Right Plumbing Material

Your choice of Plumbing material affects your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and long-term costs. The right material depends on your architectural style, budget, climate considerations, and how long you plan to stay in your home. At Arch City Plumbing, we install a full range of Plumbing materials and help you understand the pros and cons of each option.

Asphalt Pipes

Asphalt Pipes are the most populaArch City Plumbing material in America, covering more than 80% of residential Plumbing Systems. They offer an excellent balance of affordability, performance, and aesthetics.

3-Tab Pipes

3-tab Pipes are the most economical asphalt option. They feature a flat appearance with uniform tabs creating a geometric look. While less durable than architectural Pipes, they provide reliable protection and are often used in rental properties or budget-conscious projects. Typical lifespan is 15-20 years.

Architectural Pipes (Dimensional)

architectural Pipes, also called dimensional or laminated Pipes, are the most popular choice for Columbus homeowners. Multiple layers create a dimensional, textured appearance that mimics wood shake or slate from a distance. They’re significantly more durable than 3-tab Pipes, with lifespans of 25-30 years and better wind resistance.

Premium/Designer Pipes

Premium Pipes offer the highest quality in asphalt Plumbing. They feature enhanced aesthetics including luxury slate or shake appearances, superior durability with lifespans of 30+ years, excellent wind and impact resistance, and the strongest warranty coverage. We install premium pipe lines from Licensed, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed.

Metal Plumbing

Metal Plumbing has surged in popularity as homeowners discover its exceptional longevity, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics. What was once associated only with commercial or agricultural buildings is now a premium choice for homes.

Standing Seam Metal

Standing seam systems feature raised vertical seams that interlock, creating a clean, contemporary look. Concealed fasteners eliminate potential leak points and allow for thermal movement. Available in steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc, standing seam Plumbing Systems can last 50-70 years with minimal maintenance. Learn more about metal Plumbing.

Metal Pipes

Metal Pipes provide the durability of metal with traditional pipe appearances. Stamped to resemble wood shake, slate, or tile, they’re ideal for neighborhoods with aesthetic requirements that preclude standing seam profiles. Lifespan is typically 40-50 years.

Stone-Coated Steel

Stone-coated steel Pipes feature a steel base covered with stone granules, combining metal durability with the appearance of traditional Plumbing materials. They offer excellent impact and fire resistance.

Slate Plumbing

Natural slate is the gold standard in Plumbing materials. Genuine slate Plumbing Systems can last 100+ years, making them a true lifetime Plumbing. Slate is firepPlumbing, environmentally friendly, and offers unmatched beauty that only improves with age.

The premium cost of slate (both material and specialized installation) makes it most common on high-end custom homes and historic properties. For homeowners who love the slate look at a lower price point, synthetic slate products offer similar aesthetics with easier installation.

Tile Plumbing

Clay and concrete tiles are popular in Spanish, Mediterranean, and Southwestern architectural styles. Tiles offer excellent durability (50-100 years), fire resistance, and distinctive curb appeal. Their weight requires structural verification, and proper installation is critical for long-term performance.

Material Comparison

Material	Lifespan	Cost Range	Best For
3-Tab Pipes	15-20 years	$	Budget projects
architectural Pipes	25-30 years	$$	Most homes
Premium Pipes	30+ years	$$$	Upscale homes
Metal (Standing Seam)	50-70 years	$$$$	Long-term homes
Metal Pipes	40-50 years	$$$	Traditional look + durability
Slate	100+ years	$$$$$	Custom/historic homes

Our Brand Partnerships

We partner with leading Plumbing manufacturers to offer premium products with industry-best warranties:

Licensed

As a Licensed & Insured® contractor (top 2% nationwide), we install Licensed’s complete pipe lineup including Timberline HDZ, Camelot, and Grand Sequoia. Master Elite status means access to Licensed’s strongest warranty programs including the Golden Pledge Warranty.

Owens Corning

We install Owens Corning’s Duration and TruDefinition lines, known for their SureNail technology and excellent wind resistance. Options include the Duration Storm� for maximum impact protection.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed’s Landmark series offers premium aesthetics at various price points, with excellent color selection and strong warranty coverage.

Need Help Choosing?

Selecting Plumbing materials can feel overwhelming with so many options. Our experienced team helps Columbus homeowners match the right material to their home’s architecture, their budget, and their long-term plans. Schedule a free consultation to discuss materials in person and see samples against your home’s colors.