Roofing Materials Comparison
Compare asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate roofing. Compare costs, lifespan, pros and cons to find the best option for your project.
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles | $3.50 - $5.50/sq ft | 15-20 years |
|
| Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties |
| Architectural Shingles | $5.50 - $8.00/sq ft | 25-30 years |
|
| Most homeowners, best value for money |
| Metal Standing Seam | $10 - $18/sq ft | 40-70 years |
|
| Long-term homeowners, snowy climates, modern aesthetics |
| Clay Tile | $12 - $25/sq ft | 50-100 years |
|
| Spanish/Mediterranean style homes, hot climates |
| Slate | $20 - $40/sq ft | 75-150 years |
|
| Historic homes, high-end properties, lifetime roofs |
Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles
$3.50 - $5.50/sq ftLifespan: 15-20 years
Pros
- • Lowest cost
- • Easy to install
- • Widely available
Cons
- • Shortest lifespan
- • Less wind resistant
- • Basic appearance
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties
Architectural Shingles
$5.50 - $8.00/sq ftLifespan: 25-30 years
Pros
- • Better durability
- • Dimensional appearance
- • Good value
Cons
- • Higher cost than 3-tab
- • Still asphalt limitations
Best for: Most homeowners, best value for money
Metal Standing Seam
$10 - $18/sq ftLifespan: 40-70 years
Pros
- • Longest lifespan
- • Energy efficient
- • Low maintenance
Cons
- • Higher upfront cost
- • Can dent
- • Expansion/contraction noise
Best for: Long-term homeowners, snowy climates, modern aesthetics
Clay Tile
$12 - $25/sq ftLifespan: 50-100 years
Pros
- • Extremely durable
- • Classic appearance
- • Fire resistant
Cons
- • Very heavy (structural support needed)
- • Fragile if walked on
- • Expensive
Best for: Spanish/Mediterranean style homes, hot climates
Slate
$20 - $40/sq ftLifespan: 75-150 years
Pros
- • Longest lifespan
- • Natural beauty
- • Fire resistant
Cons
- • Extremely heavy
- • Very expensive
- • Requires specialist
Best for: Historic homes, high-end properties, lifetime roofs
Which Option Is Right for You?
Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles
Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties
Architectural Shingles
Most homeowners, best value for money
Metal Standing Seam
Long-term homeowners, snowy climates, modern aesthetics
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