Roofing Material Types, Plus Costs, and Pros & Cons

Average Cost To Install a new Roof Typical Range: $4,593 - $7,479
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Materials — Yes, They Matter… A Lot!

Normally when people talk about a roofing project, they are thinking about replacing the surface. As traditional composition shingles are the most popular surface material, the consideration is routinely “when will the next layer be added”, or “is it time to strip them off and add a fresh layer?”

In this guide, we’ll go through all the popular options for outer layer (or surface) materials. Our aim for each option is to convey the cost, life span, types of roof shapes (or slopes) a particular material is suitable for and any other notes to consider.

In most cases, costs are for applying/installing roofing materials to a 2,000 sq. ft. roof, though surface area will vary a bit even with that set number. We present the following list of roofing materials in the order of most durable to least:

slate-tiles

Slate tiles – Is it any surprise that the most durable material is also the most expensive? Perhaps it will be when you see how the entire list of options sorts itself out.

Slate has been a choice for many centuries, often signifying wealth of the homeowner.

The main drawback of natural slate is that it is very heavy, meaning that the roof frame may require reinforcement before a slate roof can be installed. Slate roofing can also be prohibitively expensive for most homeowners.

Application of a slate roof can cost between $45,000 and $70,000. Why is there such a wide range? Because quality slate tile installers (master slaters, not just regular roofers) aren’t always readily available everywhere. Slate tiles can range in quality, thickness, expected longevity, and cost, a lot. Slate does require special expertise to install it correctly if you want to have a truly long-lasting slate roof.

If slate roofs are very common to your area, then the cost is likely to be lower, more competitive among contractors.

Did you know? There are also a synthetic slate roofing options that offer similar appearance to natural slate, while costing substantially less (around $25,000 to $40,000). Synthetic slates lifespan is about 30 to 50 years, akin to concrete tiles, or good, but not the best.

  • Lifespan for authentic slate tile is 75+ years
  • Natural slate is usually dark gray and not exactly uniform in color (as shown in the picture)
  • It is a very heavy material, and reinforced framing is generally required
  • Slate tends to be installed on steeper-pitched roofs only
  • Excellent fire and wind resistant qualities

standing-seam-metal-roof-with-level-changes

Metal Roofing – is the most light-weight option of all choices. And yet, it is also highly durable.

Metal is an ideal insulator due to its durability, and because metal naturally reflects heat, rather than passing it onto the roof sheathing and the attic space below it.

Commonly, there are two main options of metal roofing profiles for residential roofs; standing seam panels (the norm) and metal shingles. The cost largely depends on the profile and type of metal.

Steel and Aluminum are the popular options, while Copper is the most distinguishable choice.

Steel is the most durable and yet the least expensive option, ranging from $12,500 to $25,000 (for low-end G-60 corrugated steel panels with exposed fasteners and acrylic paint finish) to $25,000 – $40,000 for a G-90 galvanized steel or Galvalume standing seam metal roof (coated with a high-end Kynar 500 paint finish) to install.

Average Cost To Install a new Roof Typical Range: $4,593 - $7,479
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Metal Shingles Installation using a diagonal methodology

Aluminum is also a highly sought after metal roofing option known for its light-weight, durability, flexibility, and longevity. It costs between $20,000 and $40,000 to install aluminum shingles on a typical roof. Aluminum standing seam will cost between $25,000 – $45,000 for a comparable roof.

With copper, the gold-like finish is coveted by many, but it can fade to a green patina, which can also be desirable in some cases, unless regularly maintained.

For a new copper roof installation, plan to spend $20,000 to $30,000 for the materials alone. Total cost installed, can easily top $55,000-$65,000 on an average roof.

copper-standing-seam-roof

Aluminum has a lifespan of 50+ years

Steel will last 35 to 50+ years

Copper and Zinc will lass 100+ years

Did you know? Color options are varied as shown in the pictures. Yet, with the low-end acrylic paint finish applied to the surface of the metal panels, there is high likelihood for the paint finish to fade or chip long before the lifespan of the material.

On the other hand, with Kynar 500, a high-end paint finish for metal roofing panels, you can expect 30 years of pain finish longevity, before serious chipping and color fading becomes an issue.

Both, standing seam and metal shingles can normally be installed on lower slopped roofs (3 to 12 pitch and steeper for standing seam, 4 to 14 for metal shingles), as well as very steep roofs.

Metal roofing holds up well against the harsh weather elements such as heavy rain, snow, gusty winds up to 110 mph and higher, hail, etc. Metal is fire resistant / class A fire-retardant, making it a smart choice for heavily-wooded areas prone to wildfires.

The disadvantages of metal include a possible noise factor, but only if there is no attic space in a home. Some denting may also be possible with lower-end products.

If you happen to live in a house with no solid sheathing and no attic space, then you either enjoy or get used to the sound of rain on a metal roof or it grates on you like a drummer living upstairs.

If very large hailstones are falling, a softer metal (like aluminum) may dent. Not that it occurs regularly, but over 50+ years, metal roofing can show some dents, while asphalt shingles will crack and fail outright, and whereas stone or wood will not.

concrete-tiles

Concrete tiles – nearly match metal on the durability scale, but have a few more drawbacks. Cement is a very heavy material, hence it needs stronger support in the framing. It generally requires a special skill to apply and to navigate the roof structure. Why? Because it is more prone to breaking.

Simply walking on it, may cause tiles to break. And it can cost more than copper to install, or around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on the profile. But it is a less expensive option compared to slate and appears fairly similar.

  • Lifespan is 50+ years

Its appearance can vary (as pictured above), so put away notions that it is only the drab gray color that’s available. Plus it can be shaped to resemble other materials like wood or ceramic tiles. Color can be mixed throughout the concrete or applied to the surface.

Cement tiles work better on steeper slopes, but moderate slopes can handle it fine, as well.

Besides it’s brittle nature, another drawback is the underlayment (think sheathing material above the wood). It will not last anywhere near as long as the concrete itself. Every 8 to 20 years, the tiles need to be removed (temporarily) while a contractor re-applies a new underlayment. Not doing this can cause significant issues with the wood base and lead to a shorter lifespan for tiles.

ceramic-tiles

Clay (or Ceramic) tiles – are one of the older materials that are still popular in many parts of the world. Prior to wood shakes, this was the default material for covering a home dwelling for most people. Clay tiles last as long as concrete, but like cement, it is brittle or prone to breaks.

A contractor with experience is best for its installation. Though once applied, it requires less maintenance and there’s no need to redo sheathing during the lifespan of the tiles. Cost is the 2nd highest on this list, but still somewhat less expensive than slate. Clay tile installation can cost between $35,000 to $60,000, depending on the profile, project difficulty, and location.

  • Lifespan is 75+ years

While Spanish Red is the popular color, like cement, it now has the option to mix various hues to achieve most color options and even can change shape.

Moderate to steep slopes can handle ceramic tiles, but like the other heavy materials it needs a stronger framing apparatus.

  • Excellent for fire and wind resistance (with lower profile tiles)

cedar-shakes

Wood (or Cedar) Shakes – are a fairly popular choice, especially where timber is plentiful. Prior to the 20th century, it was the most popular choice in many places for a good 200 years or so.

At this point of our list, the lifespan goes down significantly, as does the cost. And as you can guess, durability is decreased.

Wood is also surprisingly heavy, well, heavier than metal, but not as bad as say slate or concrete. Most standard frames can handle a wood roof. The cost to install it varies as modern roofers may not have the traditional skills for proper installation (although many do).

A fair price range is $25,000 to $40,000 for an average cedar wood roof installed. For some home owners, the natural look of wood is hard to pass up.

  • Lifespan for wood is 20 to 35 years

Most prefer the natural color of wood, which starts off a lighter, blond color and fades to silver-gray. But of course, wood can be painted, although the paint may fade over time.

Low to steep slopes handle wood roofing fine.

Cedar shake holds up in wind fairly well, but is very poor with regards to flames. Fire retardants can help, but wood must be regularly treated.

And wood is especially susceptible to mold or rot, which means checks and maintenance must be done no less than every 3 years, or more often in wetter climates.

red-asphalt-shingles

Asphalt Shingles – The least durable option happens to also be the most popular choice, with the low cost being the main reason why.

Every roofer and many carpenters can install it, and do so quickly. It’s easy to walk on, and won’t break. When a pro installs it, the cost is normally $11,000 to $25,000+ for a simple roof. There are proper installation guidelines that will increase its lifespan and make repair less likely.

Did you know? Most mid-range Asphalt shingle Roofs will last 15 to 25 years.

In the modern era, asphalt shingles come in a wide array of colors.

The shingles are only moderately heavy, and so all frame types ought to support it just fine, with all low to steep slopes having no problem holding it.

Most shingles are OK in terms of fire resistance, but questionable in terms of wind resistance, unless applied by a professional. Very strong winds are more likely to test even the best pro’s ability to make sure they stay where they were applied.

While the low cost is an obvious pro for many, the lack of depth and dull finish compared to other options tends to be viewed as ‘cheap’ or too simplistic.

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Average Cost To Install a new Roof Typical Range: $4,593 - $7,479
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