Choosing roofing materials, from asphalt composite shingles to metal, wood shakes, and clay tiles, offer a wide spectrum of choices. Instead of sticking to the familiar, consider exploring longer-lasting and more modern roofing options. Making the right choice involves balancing factors such as appearance, longevity, material prices, and structural considerations.
A note about our roof materials cost estimates: Some manufacturers sell roofing materials by the square foot or the ‘square.’ A square is equal to 100 square feet. These estimates are also averages and material costs only. Your location and the specific product you choose will determine the actual price.
Popular House Roofing Materials
| Roofing Material | Estimated Lifespan | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | 15-30 years | Affordable, widely available, easy to install. Good for various architectural styles. | Susceptible to wind and hail damage, color fading over time. |
| Metal Roofs | 40-70 years | Durable, fire-resistant, energy-efficient, low maintenance. Suitable for various climates. | Higher upfront cost, noise in heavy rain, expansion/contraction in extreme temperatures. |
| Metal Shingles | 30-50 years | Durable, lightweight, fire-resistant. Mimic the appearance of traditional shingles or other materials. | Higher upfront cost, may dent in severe weather, requires professional installation. |
| Wood Shingles/Shake | 30 years | Natural appearance, environmentally friendly, good insulation. Can be made from cedar, redwood, or other woods. | Susceptible to rot, insects, and fire. Regular maintenance is needed to prevent weathering. |
| Slate Shingles | 75-100+ years | Elegant appearance, durable, fire-resistant. Resistant to insects and rot. | Heavy, expensive, requires professional installation. |
| Clay Tiles | 100+ years | Long lifespan, resistant to fire, insects, and rot. Excellent for hot climates. | Heavy, expensive, may require additional roof support. |
| Concrete Tiles | 50+ years | Durable, fire-resistant, lower cost compared to clay. Can mimic the appearance of other materials. | Heavy, may require additional roof support, can absorb moisture. |
| Synthetic Slate Shingles | 50-100 years | Lightweight, more affordable than natural slate. Resistant to rot and insects. | Color may fade over time, may not have the same authenticity as natural slate. |
| Solar Roof Shingles | 25-30 years | Generate electricity, environmentally friendly. Some designs mimic traditional shingles. | High upfront cost, efficiency depends on sunlight exposure, aesthetic concerns for some homeowners. |
| Green Roofing | 30-50+ years | Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, improves insulation. Can include vegetative layers. | High upfront cost, requires specialized installation, weight concerns, maintenance demands for plant health. |
| Membrane Roofing | 7-15 years | Various types available (TPO, PVC, EPDM), versatile, suitable for flat roofs. | Vulnerable to punctures, may require regular maintenance, lifespan can vary by type. |
| Built-Up Roof (BUR) | 15-30years | Multiple layers provide durability, fire-resistant. Suitable for flat roofs. | Heavy, installation can be labor-intensive, may require more maintenance compared to other materials. |
| Rolled Roofing | 5-8 years | Low cost, easy installation. Suitable for temporary roofing or sheds. | Short lifespan, less durable, not suitable for residential roofing. |
Asphalt Shingles
- Cost: $1 – $5 per square foot
Asphalt shingles feature a fiberglass base coated in asphalt and topped with ceramic-coated granules. They come in two varieties: basic three-tab and architectural.
Asphalt shingles are easy to install and affordable, making them the most common roofing material in the United States. You can get them in various colors, including gray, black, brown, red, and tan.
The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 15 to 30 years, with some high-end products offering a 50-year warranty.
Metal Roofs
- Cost: $8 – $21 per square foot
The most common metal roof is the standing seam, which consists of large sheets of aluminum, zinc, or steel that interlock, creating a seamless look.
Metal roofs have high durability and can withstand wind, hail, and the sun’s UV rays. You can get standing seam roofs in any color imaginable.
The average metal roof lasts about 40-70 years, far exceeding the lifespan of most asphalt shingle roofs.
Metal Shingles
- Cost: $7 to $15 per square foot
Metal shingles are aluminum or steel and feature a stone coating or mineral granules to increase longevity. They provide the durability of metal standing seam roofs but offer the textured look of shingles.
You can find metal shingles in a wide array of colors and options that mimic the look of asphalt or slate.
Metal shingles can last about 40 years, sometimes much longer, depending on the location and type of metal.
Wood Shingles/Shake
- Cost: $4.50 – $14 per square foot
There are many types of wood shingles or shakes, including cedar, white oak, red oak, cypress, and Eastern white pine. Cedar is a popular choice because it’s naturally insect and rot-resistant. Wood shingles are common for cottages, bungalows, Craftsman, and Tudor-style homes.
These shingles come in two varieties: hand split and resawn or taper sawn. Hand Sawn versions offer a more rustic look, while tapersawn wood shingles have a more streamlined look.
The standard wood shingle will last about 30 years when well-maintained.
Slate Shingles
- Cost: $10-$30 per square foot
Slate shingles are a top roofing choice for longevity and durability. Slate is a naturally occurring stone that manufacturers cut into thin, small rectangles or curved shingles for use as a roofing material.
Because slate is an expensive roof cover, you’ll often see it on luxury homes. It adds a textural detail and is appropriate for many house styles. But since slate is heavy, you should only use it if the structure of your home can support the weight.
Slate shingles are the longest-lasting roof material, with a lifespan of over 100 years.
Clay Tiles
- Cost: $5-$15 per square foot
Clay tiles are a sustainable roof option made of earthen clay that’s molded to size and baked at a very high temperature. The process makes clay durable and ideal roofing for hot and coastal climates.
You can find clay tiles in an array of shapes. It’s most common for Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, and coastal-style houses.
Clay tile roofs can exceed more than 100 years.
Concrete Tiles
- Cost: $4-$7.50 per square foot
As the name suggests, concrete tile roofs are made of concrete. They provide superior performance against high winds and are impervious to rot and insect infestations.
You can find concrete tile roofing material that mimics the look of clay tile, asphalt shingles, or wooden shakes.
Cement tile roofing can add the texture you want while providing a secure solution in windy climates. A potential downside is that concrete is porous and can absorb water, so you’ll need to perform regular maintenance. Concrete roofs are also heavy.
A concrete tile roof can last 50 years or more when well maintained.
Synthetic Slate Shingles
- Cost: $4 – $12 per square foot
Synthetic slate shingles are made of rubber or plastic (sometimes recycled) and mimic the look of authentic slate. They are an excellent option for homeowners who want the look of stone without bearing the heavy load.
Synthetic slate is durable, with added sun protection. It also offers easier installation and a lower price than natural slate shingles.
A synthetic shingle roof will last 50-100 years, depending on the product and your climate.
Solar Roof Shingles
- Cost: $14-$19 per square foot
Solar shingles, or photovoltaic shingles, are small solar panels formed into the shape of a shingle. They can go over your existing shingles or directly on the roof.
Like regular roof material, solar roofing can withstand significant weather events and protect your home. They look similar to standard asphalt shingles. While expensive, they offer a convenient way to turn the sun’s rays into energy.
Solar shingles can last up to 30 years, but with new products entering the market, the lifespan has the potential to improve.
Green Roofing
- Cost: Varies by type and size
Green roofs are sustainable but not easy to construct. They consist of living plants over a waterproof membrane.
The benefits of green roofing include managing water run-off, adding insulation to the home, and benefiting the ecosystem. But, if not well cared for, a green roof can lead to water leaks and rot.
The lifespan of a green roof depends on how well it’s maintained.
Roofing Materials for Flat and Low Sloped Houses
If you live in a home with a flat or low-sloped roof, the above options won’t work. Instead, you’ll need to explore flat roof systems like the three below.
Membrane Roofing
- Cost: $4.25 – $14 per square foot
Membrane roofing consists of a thin waterproof sheet of material. Membrane roofs are most common for commercial buildings and RVS, but you could use this type of roof on a home.
The two most common types of membrane roofs are TPO and EPDM. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is the least expensive and a good choice for warm regions. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane that works well in colder areas.
The average membrane roof lasts 7-15 years.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
- Cost: $3.50 – $7 per square foot
A Built-Up Roof features several layers of alternating material. In a BUR system, a contractor will first lay a sheet of insulation and then add alternating layers of ply sheets and bitumen, topping the roof with aggregate.
Built-up roofs last longer than other types of flat roofing material thanks to their many layers. Expect a BUR to last 15-30 years.
Rolled Roofing
- Cost: $50 per square
Rolled roofing is the equivalent of asphalt shingles for flat or low-sloped roofs on non-residential structures. Rolled roofing has an asphalt base reinforced with fiberglass and is mineral resurfaced.
While many flat-roof homes install rolled roofing, it’s not a top choice since it has a short lifespan and doesn’t add to the aesthetics.
Rolled roofing systems only last about 5-8 years.
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