Roofing Materials

7 min read Updated 24 September 2026
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    Roofing materials are the outer coverings installed on a roof to keep out water and weather. The main types are asphalt shingles, metal, clay and concrete tile, slate, wood shingles and shakes, and, on flat roofs, membranes such as TPO, EPDM and PVC. Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for homes. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association reports that four out of five U.S. homes are roofed with them.[1] The material you choose largely sets a roof's cost, lifespan, appearance, energy performance, and maintenance needs for both residential and commercial buildings.

    This guide compares every major roofing material by type, cost, and lifespan, then explains how to choose the right one for your climate, budget, and roof slope.

    Roofing Types and Costs Compared

    The table below summarizes the most common roofing materials with typical U.S. installed costs (materials and labour) from HomeAdvisor's national cost data.[2] Costs are shown per square foot; roofers often price by the "square" (1 square = 100 sq ft). Actual prices vary by region, roof complexity, and material grade, and Canadian prices differ, so always get written quotes and see how to read a roofing estimate.

    Roofing Material Typical Lifespan Installed Cost (per sq ft, U.S.) Best For
    Asphalt Shingles (3-tab & architectural) 15–30 years[3] $3–$7[2] Most budget-conscious homes
    Metal Roofing (steel/aluminum) 40–70 years[4] $7–$13[2] Durability, steep slopes, energy efficiency
    Standing Seam Metal Roofing 50–80 years[5] $7–$30[4] Premium metal, modern look, low maintenance
    Wood Shingles and Shakes 15–30 years for most modern premium wood shingles[6] $6–$13[2] Rustic and heritage aesthetics
    Clay and Concrete Tiles Concrete 50+ years; clay 100+ years[7] $10–$20[2] Hot climates, Mediterranean/Spanish style
    Slate Roofing 60–125 years; some over 200[8] $15–$30[2] Historic homes, luxury, maximum longevity
    TPO / EPDM / PVC (single-ply) Varies by membrane; industry surveys put EPDM at about 25–40+ years[9] TPO $4–$14; EPDM $5–$13[10] Commercial flat roofs
    Built-Up Roofing (BUR) & Modified Bitumen Roofing Up to about 25–30 years[10] BUR $4–$10; mod-bit $4–$8[10] Low-slope and flat commercial roofs
    Solar shingles Varies by product; check the warranty $21–$25[2] Energy production + roofing in one

    For a full project budget including tear-off, decking, and labor, see How Much Does a New Roof Cost.

    Common Roofing Materials

    Asphalt Shingles

    Asphalt shingles dominate residential roofing because they are affordable, versatile, and easy to install. They come as flat single-layer strip shingles (the most common being "three-tab") and thicker laminated shingles, also called architectural or dimensional shingles.[1] HomeAdvisor puts typical 3-tab life at 15–20 years and architectural shingles at around 30 years.[3] Building codes allow asphalt shingles on slopes of 2:12 or steeper, with double underlayment required between 2:12 and 4:12.[11] See Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles for a head-to-head comparison.

    Metal Roofing

    Increasingly popular for residential and commercial structures, metal roofs offer durability, low maintenance, and good weather resistance. Common metals include steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. The Metal Roofing Alliance, an industry group, states that metal roofing is 100% recyclable at the end of its life and that most metal roofs contain at least 25% recycled content.[12] See Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing.

    Clay and Concrete Tiles

    Tile roofs provide durability, a distinctive appearance, fire resistance, and long life. Concrete tile commonly lasts 50 years or more and clay tile can exceed 100 years.[7] Often found on Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes, tiles excel in hot climates but may need reinforced framing for their weight. Code requires a slope of at least 2½:12 for clay and concrete tile.[13]

    Slate Roofing

    Slate offers durability, natural beauty, fire resistance, and extreme longevity. The U.S. National Park Service notes that properly installed slate roofs need relatively little maintenance and last 60 to 125 years or longer depending on the slate, and some have lasted over 200 years.[8] Slate is expensive upfront, heavy, and limited by code to slopes of 4:12 or steeper.[14]

    Wood Shingles and Shakes

    Wood roofing suits rustic, historic, or traditional homes. It needs care against moisture, decay, and fire. The National Park Service notes that some wood roofs have lasted over 60 years, but 15 to 30 years is a more realistic lifespan for most premium modern wood shingles.[6] Code minimums are 3:12 for wood shingles and 4:12 for wood shakes.[15]

    Single-Ply Roofing Membranes

    Preferred for commercial flat roofing, single-ply membranes include TPO, EPDM, and PVC. They are valued for waterproofing, fast installation, and low maintenance, and white membranes can serve as cool roofs.[16]

    Built-Up Roofing (BUR) and Modified Bitumen Roofing

    Used on commercial flat and low-slope roofs, these multi-layer asphalt systems provide durable waterproofing, finished with gravel, reflective coatings, or granule-surfaced cap sheets.

    How to Choose the Right Roofing Material

    Selecting a roofing material requires weighing several factors:

    Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

    Sustainable roofing options reduce environmental impact and utility bills:

    • Cool Roofs: Reflective materials or coatings that absorb less solar heat. The EPA reports that cool roofs can reduce peak cooling demand in air-conditioned homes by 11–27%.[16]
    • Green Roofs: Vegetated roofs that reduce and filter stormwater runoff, lower roof surface temperatures, and provide habitat.[17]
    • Recycled metal roofing: Recyclable at end of life and often made with recycled content.[12]
    • Solar Roofs: Solar shingles and integrated panels that generate electricity.

    Lifespan of Roofing Materials

    Typical service lives with proper maintenance (actual life depends on climate, installation, and ventilation):

    • Asphalt shingles: 15–20 years for 3-tab; around 30 years for architectural[3]
    • Metal roofing: 40–70 years[4]
    • Clay and concrete tiles: 50+ years for concrete; 100+ years for clay[7]
    • Slate: 60–125 years or longer[8]
    • Wood shingles and shakes: 15–30 years for most modern premium wood shingles[6]
    • Single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC): varies by membrane and thickness; EPDM is commonly expected to last about 25–40+ years[9]
    • Flat roofs generally (including built-up and modified bitumen): up to about 25 years when well maintained[10]

    Roofing Cost Comparison by Material

    Typical U.S. installed costs per square foot (materials and labour) are: asphalt shingles $3–$7, metal roofing $7–$13, tile $10–$20, slate $15–$30, wood shakes $6–$13, and roughly $4–$14 for single-ply membranes such as TPO or EPDM on flat roofs.[2][10] Asphalt shingles remain the lowest-cost option for sloped residential roofs, while metal and tile cost more upfront but last far longer. Prices vary widely by region and roof complexity, so get several written quotes. The sections above compare each material's lifespan, durability, and best uses in detail.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Materials

    What are the most common roofing materials?

    The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal, clay and concrete tile, slate, wood shakes, and single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC) for flat roofs. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common, covering about four out of five U.S. homes.[1]

    What is the cheapest roofing material?

    Asphalt shingles are the cheapest common roofing material, at about $3–$7 per square foot installed in the U.S.[2] Three-tab shingles usually have the lowest upfront cost of any shingle type.[3]

    What is the longest-lasting roofing material?

    Slate is the longest-lasting common roofing material, typically 60–125 years, with some roofs lasting over 200 years.[8] Clay tile (100+ years) and metal (40–70 years) are the next most durable options.[7][4]

    How much do roofing materials cost?

    U.S. roof replacement typically costs $4–$11 per square foot, averaging about $7, while premium materials such as slate, clay tile, and standing seam metal can reach $40 per square foot or more.[2] Prices vary by region, so get written quotes. See How Much Does a New Roof Cost.

    What is the best roofing material?

    There is no single best material. The right choice depends on your budget, climate, and roof slope. Asphalt shingles offer the best value for most homes, metal is best for longevity and energy efficiency, and tile or slate suit hot climates and premium homes.

    Find a Roofing Contractor

    Ready to hire a professional? Browse the roofs.wiki roofing contractor directory — an independently researched, BBB-verified ranking of the top roofing companies across the US and Canada, including Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, and many more cities.

    See Also

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Frequently Asked Questions for Professionals — Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 How Much Does a Shingle Roof Replacement Cost? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 What Does a Metal Roof Cost to Install? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    5. ↑ How Much Does It Cost to Install a Standing Seam Metal Roof? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Preservation Brief 19: The Repair and Replacement of Historic Wooden Shingle Roofs — U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Preservation Brief 29: The Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs — U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Longevity, Long-Term Performance, & Service Life — EPDM Roofing Association. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Flat Roof? — HomeAdvisor. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Section 1507.2 Asphalt Shingles (International Building Code, as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Recyclability — Metal Roofing Alliance. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    13. ↑ Section 1507.3 Clay and Concrete Tile (International Building Code, as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Section 1507.7 Slate Shingles (International Building Code, as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    15. ↑ Section 1507.8 Wood Shingles (International Building Code, as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
    17. ↑ Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
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