Did you know that civilizations have used clay tiles as a roofing material since 10,000 BC? Whether you aspire to live like a wealthy Spanish conquistador or a humble Hobbit under a roof of living plants, there is a roof to fit your needs, aesthetics, and budget.
We investigated the pros, cons, and costs of different roofing materials. Learn about the 12 types of roofs and what makes them a good choice for your home.
What Are the Different Types of Roofing Materials?
The roofing industry has come a long way, offering basic and advanced roofing materials that provide a distinct mix of style, durability, and function. While the slope of your roof, location, climate, and budget play a large role in the type of roofing materials you choose, newer, more advanced materials can mimic the look of more expensive options without sacrificing function or aesthetics.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles, also known as composite shingles, are the most common type of roofing materials. Found in 80% of homes, these shingles comprise fiberglass or cellulose mat, asphalt, and mineral granules. Asphalt shingle roofs come in a variety of colors and are a cost-effective replacement solution.
Asphalt shingles last approximately 20 years and work for all climates. If you live in a region prone to icy conditions and hail, consider upgrading to an impact-resistant variety. Specially treated algae-resistant varieties are also available for subtropical areas.
Price: $1.75 to $5.50 per square foot
Pros
- Available
- Affordable
- Variety of color options
- Low-maintenance
- Water-resistant
- Recyclable into pavement
Cons
- Color fades; impossible to color match shingle replacements
- Short lifespan compared to other options
- Prone to wind damage
- Overused; 80% of homes have asphalt shingles
Types of Shingles
There are two dominant styles of asphalt shingles, three-tab and architectural shingles, both offering distinct style characteristics.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are the cheapest option. These asphalt shingles comprise an outer layer of asphalt, adhesives, and granules with a fiberglass backing. They have a flat appearance and are cut to look like traditional shingles.
Three-tab shingles offer quick installation times and last between 7 to 15 years. While they make an economical choice, they are only rated for winds up to 60 mph and are prone to damage.
Cost: $1 to $3 per square foot
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles offer a more substantial alternative to three-tab shingles. They are thicker, creating a layered, textured roof that is more durable, lasting between 18 to 20 years. Additionally, they are more weather-resistant and can withstand extremely high winds up to 120 mph.
Cost: $4.50 to $7 per square foot
2. Metal Roofing
Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes. Metal roofing is a broad category covering a range of materials and styles. This type of roofing can be an affordable option with a high return on investment (ROI) depending on the metal.
Metals like aluminum, zinc, tin, and steel are cost-effective and low-maintenance options, while copper offers a unique appearance for the high-end metal roof. Metal roofs last between 40 to 80 years and require very little maintenance.
Price: $3 to $30 per square foot
Pros
- Durable
- Low-maintenance
- Recyclable
- Lightweight
- Fire-resistant
- Mold- and rot-resistant
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Noisy without soundproofing
- Can warp over time
- Specialized labor required for installation
Metal Roof Styles
Metal roofs come in two distinct styles, metal shingles and standing seam, depending on your budget and design aesthetics.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles mimic the aesthetics of traditional roofing while providing the low maintenance and durability of a metal roof.
Standing Seam
Standing seam roofs last two to three times longer than non-metal roofs. They are extremely easy to install, comprising large, vertical metal panels joined by interlocking seams.
3. Wood Roofing
In a perfect world with optimal conditions and a dry climate, your new wood roof will last 50 years. However, the average wood roof lasts around 25 years. Best suited for dryer regions, these roofs will age more quickly in wet climates like the salty East Coast.
Wood roofs comprise shingles or shakes and are most commonly crafted from pine, red cedar, cypress, and redwood. Shingles are less expensive and offer a crisp and clean appearance when installed thanks to their milled uniform length and thickness. Shakes, on the other hand, offer a more rustic and textured look as these tiles are hand split and resemble wedges.
Cost of shingles: $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot
Cost of shakes: $6 to $10 per square foot
Pros
- Natural
- High curb appeal
- Energy-efficient
- Sustainable
Cons
- High-maintenance
- Require chemical treatments for fire-resistance
- Susceptible to mold, mildew, and rot
- Banned in certain regions of California, Colorado, and Texas
4. Slate Roofing
Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials, but it comes with a high price tag. Often found in luxury homes, these roofs last anywhere from 60 to 150 years and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, high winds, and hail.
Also known as shale roofing, the thin sheets of actual stone are fire-resistant, making the material an ideal choice for dry regions.
Cost: $7 to $20 per square foot
Pros
- Suitable for all climates
- Water-resistant; not susceptible to fungus or mold growth
- Fire-resistant
- Durable
- Low-maintenance
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy; may require additional structural support
- Requires highly specialized installation
Metal Slate Roofing
If your budget is feeling stretched by slate, consider stone-coated steel tiles, also known as metal slate roofing. These tiles last approximately 30 years and give the look of a slate roof without weight.
Metal slate roofing is weather-resistant, eco-friendly, and more budget friendly. The downside to these steel tiles is the noise. You may need to consider soundproofing before installing your new roof to reduce outside noise and vibrations.
Cost: $5 to $12 per square foot
5. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles date back 5,000 years, making them one of the oldest roofing materials. Similar to slate roofing, clay tiles will last over 100 years. These tiles are ideal for tropical climates and are common in Southern California and Florida.
Clay tiles can withstand extremely high winds and constant salt exposure. Many clay types darken with age. Tiles come in four dominant styles: mission, interlocking, French, and Spanish to fit any design aesthetic.
Cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Pros
- Low-maintenance
- Natural materials
- Energy-efficient
- High curb appeal
- Salt-tolerant
Cons
- Not suited for areas with harsh winters and hail
- Heavy; may require additional structural support
- Expensive
6. Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles offer the same qualities as clay tiles for half the price. These tiles last over 100 years, and their seamless design resists leaks and water damage. They are fire resistant and darken with age. The molded tiles come in any color and a variety of profiles, including those mimicking wood shakes and clay tiles.
Cost: $4 to $10 per square foot
Pros
- Durable
- Low-maintenance
- Energy-efficient
- High curb appeal
- Fire-resistant
Cons
- Heavy; may require additional structural support
7. Rubber Roofing
Rubber tiles offer durable and budget-friendly options. The eco-friendly material is manufactured in many colors and styles. Tiles resist discoloration and cracking and are easy to repair.
Rubber tiles often mimic the aesthetics of slate and from the ground, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference. These have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years and are incredibly low-maintenance.
Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Inexpensive
- Insulating
- Low-maintenance
- Eco-friendly; comprised of up to 95% recycled materials
- Recyclable
Cons
- Can develop mold spots
- Short lifespan
- New roofs put off a strong rubber odor
8. Green Roofing
Green roofs invoke thoughts of Hobbits and apple pies cooling in the open window of a fairytale cottage. These living roofs comprise grass and native vegetation like wildflowers to form an insulating barrier.
They last 30 to 50 years and have a beneficial impact on the environment. Green roofs reduce air pollution and can absorb up to 90% of rainfall, preventing flooding and drastically reducing polluted runoff.
Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot
Pros
- Durable
- Environmental, supports pollinators
- Reduces runoff
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- High-maintenance
- Heavy; requires additional structural support
- Requires highly specialized installation
- Requires a flat or low-slope profile
9. Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is one of the most affordable options, and the labor is very cost-effective. It comprises large rolls of asphalt material topped with mineral granules.
These materials work best on low-slope roofs and are not suited to flat roofs. While being easy on the wallet, unfortunately rolled roofing has a short lifespan of only five to ten years.
Cost: $1.50 to $3 per square foot
Pros
- Great option for low-slow roofs
- No additional costs for underlayment
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Low-quality
10. Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing provides another affordable option for low-slope or flat roofs. With a lifespan of 20 to 35 years, membrane roofing comes in a variety of watertight materials, including Neoprene, PVC, and the popular rubber EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer).
Cost: $4 to $10 per square foot
Pros
- Great option for low-slow or flat roofs
- Durable
- UV-resistant
- Easy to repair
Cons
- Only come in black or white
- Best for climates with little to no snow
- Less insulated than most options
- Prone to debris build-up
11. Built-up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofs are one of the oldest types of roofs for flat and low-slope homes. Constructed using roofing felt made from asphalt, two to four overlapping layers are built-up and crushed stone is embedded on top to increase durability. Built-up roofs last around 20 to 30 years and are fire resistant.
Cost: $2.50 to $5 per square foot
Pros
- Great option for flat or low-slope roofs
- UV-resistant
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Low-maintenance
- Fire-resistant
Cons
- Susceptible to cracks and areas of pooling water
- Prone to blistering
12. Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are the newest option and one of the most expensive. Specialized labor is required to install this type of roof. Solar shingles resemble asphalt shingles and provide the same durability and flexibility.
Each shingle produces 13 to 63 watts of energy, less than solar panels. Solar tiles have a lifespan of approximately 20 to 30 years, though output will diminish around the 20-year mark.
Cost: $21 to $25 per square foot
Pros
- Renewable and usable energy
- Increases resale value
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Heavy; may require additional structural support and wiring
- Requires specialized installation
- Expensive
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
Roof damage can sneak up on you, especially if you aren’t paying attention to your roof’s visible clues. Many times, you can prevent leaks before they happen.
Watch out for these signs it is time to replace your roof:
- Damaged, loose, curled, missing, or mossy shingles
- Damage or discoloration around vents, chimneys, or skylights
- Sagging areas
- Visible leaks or water damage
- Grit (flakes of asphalt shingles) in your gutters
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- Neighbors are having their roofs replaced
FAQ About the Different Types of Roofing Materials
Choosing roofing materials is nothing like heading to your local hardware store and selecting a new paint color for your kitchen. Don’t be the homeowner who makes the mistake of selecting materials based on aesthetics alone. Consider the following factors when making your decision to ensure you have a functional and eye-pleasing new roof that will last.
• Climate
• Roof design and slope
• Aesthetics
• Budget
• Warranties and durability
Roofing costs vary drastically by region and company. Contractors consider factors like size, materials, structural components, unique features like chimneys or skylights, and old roof removal when determining the cost of your new roof. Typically, new roof systems cost between $8,000 and $21,500 for an average cost of $14,500.
According to the NAR, 33% of Realtors recommend replacing your roof before selling your home, and it is possible to recover 100% of your investment. You should replace your roof before listing your home if it is in poor condition or nearing its 20-year lifespan.
How to Decide What Roofing Materials Are Best for Your Home
Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. Making up 40% to 60% of your home’s exterior, it accounts for 40% of your home’s curb appeal according to experts.
If you’re struggling to pick the perfect roofing materials for your home or simply need to get the process started, consult a local roofing contractor to discuss the best options for your home, location, budget, and aspirations.
Main Image Credit: Vitaliy Halenov / Canva Pro / License
