Obviously, choosing a fireproof and water shedding roof to eliminate structural damage is more important than aesthetics, but today you have many choices for roofing materials that combine beauty, safety and function, including: steel, asphalt shingle, tile and slate.
The type of roofing you choose will be partially determined by the degree of roof slope, or “pitch,” and the weight of the material. For example, shingles are not recommended for low-sloping roofs because water runoff is slow enough to compromise the material, and tile or slate roofs require more support than all other choices because of their weight.
To improve visibility inside your barn, translucent fiberglass panels that are frequently found on the upper sides of indoor arenas can be framed into the roof.