Roofing Material Choices Compared
Price is only one column. Lifespan, weight, the pitch of your roof and your climate narrow the list before cost does.
Compare installed cost for your roof
Installed cost ranges per square foot are national 2026 figures from published cost guides (sources). Local prices can sit well outside them.
Side-by-side comparison
| Material | Installed $/sq ft | Typical lifespan | Weight per square | Common min. pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | $3.50–6.50 | 15–20 yrs | 200–250 lb | 2/12* |
| Architectural asphalt | $4–9 | 20–30 yrs | 250–400 lb | 2/12* |
| Exposed-fastener metal | $4.50–10 | 30–45 yrs | 50–150 lb | ≈3/12 |
| Standing-seam metal | $10–18 | 40–70 yrs | 75–150 lb | ¼/12–3/12 |
| Concrete tile | $7–19 | 50+ yrs | 900–1,100 lb | 2.5/12 |
| Clay tile | $11–25 | 50–100 yrs | 600–1,800 lb | 2.5/12 |
| Natural slate | $15–30 | 75–150 yrs | 800–1,500 lb | 4/12 |
| Synthetic slate/shake | $12–20 | ≈50 yrs | 200–350 lb | Varies (often 4/12) |
| Cedar shake | $7–15 | 25–40 yrs | 300–450 lb | 3/12 |
| TPO / EPDM membrane | $3–11 | 20–30 yrs | 25–150 lb | ¼/12 |
*Shingles between 2/12 and 4/12 need double underlayment. Lifespans are typical ranges reported by cost guides and manufacturers and depend on climate, ventilation and installation. Weights are typical ranges; check the product data sheet, and have the framing checked before switching to tile or slate.
How to choose
1. Start with your pitch
Under 2/12, only membranes, low-slope metal or roll roofing work. From 2/12 to 4/12, shingles need extra underlayment and tile needs special detailing. Above 4/12 everything is on the table. Check yours with the pitch calculator.
2. Check the structure
Tile and slate can weigh four to six times as much as asphalt. Swapping to them usually needs an engineer's look at rafters and decking. Metal is the lightest common option and can sometimes go over one layer of shingles where code allows.
3. Think in cost per year
A $12,000 architectural shingle roof that lasts 25 years costs about $480 a year. A $28,000 standing-seam roof that lasts 50 costs $560 a year, and needs less maintenance. If you plan to sell within a few years, the cheaper upfront option usually wins; if you are staying, run the numbers both ways.
4. Match the climate
- Hail: Class 4 impact-rated shingles or metal can lower insurance premiums in some states.
- Wildfire: Class A fire-rated assemblies (asphalt, metal, tile, slate) are often required.
- Heat: Light-colored "cool roof" products and tile reduce attic heat.
- Snow: Metal sheds snow; plan snow guards over doors and walkways.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest roofing material?
3-tab asphalt shingles and roll roofing are the cheapest to install, roughly $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot for 3-tab installed. Architectural shingles cost a little more and last longer, which is why they are now the default.
What roofing material lasts the longest?
Natural slate and clay tile can last 75 to 100 years or more. Standing-seam metal typically lasts 40 to 70 years.
Is a metal roof worth it?
Often, if you will stay in the house long enough. Standing-seam metal costs roughly two to three times as much as architectural shingles upfront but can last twice as long or more with little maintenance.
Can I put tile on my existing roof?
Only if the structure can carry it. Tile weighs roughly 600 to 1,800 pounds per square versus about 250 to 400 for architectural shingles, so have the framing checked first.
Last reviewed 2026-10-10. Results are estimates for planning; confirm quantities with your supplier and requirements with your local building code and the manufacturer's instructions.