Residential
Comparing Roofing Materials
When selecting a new roof, there are many factors to consider beyond just cost. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the most common roofing materials.
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True Cost *
Warranty
Expected Lifespan
Maintenance
Aesthetic
Environment
Metal - Vertical Seam
- $800-$1,200 per square
- Up to 30% energy savings
- Improves home resale value
- 30-50+ years
- Plus workmanship warranty from installer
- Average lifespan 50+ years
- Inspection based on manufacturer recommendation
- Repairs and replacements are rare
- Fade & chalk resistant
- Many can be repainted if needed
- Standing seam panels offer a distinctive, timeless look
- Available in a wide range of colors and styles
- Energy efficient
- Made of recycled material
- 100% recyclable at end of life
- Low weight - ships easily
Metal - Stamped Panel
- $800-$1,500 per square
- Up to 30% energy savings
- Improves home resale value
- 30-50+ years
- Transferable warranty
- Plus workmanship warranty from installer
- Average lifespan 50+ years
- Inspection based on manufacturer recommendation
- Repairs and replacements are rare
- Fade & chalk resistant
- Many can be repainted if needed
- Shingles can match look of any traditional roofing material
- Available in a wide range of colors and styles
- Energy efficient
- Made of recycled material
- 100% recyclable at end of life
- Low weight - ships easily
- Can often be installed over existing roof
Asphalt
- $350-$900 per square
- Frequent replacement cost every 10-20 years
- Average warranty of 10-30 years
- Warranties are often heavily pro-rated and have many limitations
- Average lifespan 15-20 years
- Inspection every year - minimum
- Shingle replacement common
- Re-caulking and sealing as roof ages
- Traditional asphalt shingle look
- Variations in color shading common
- Available in a limited selection of colors
- Made from crude oil and other chemicals
- Ends up in landfills after short lifespan where it can take up to 300 years to decompose
Tile
- $700-$1,000 per square
- Minor upkeep needed
- 30-50+ year warranty
- Warranties are often pro-rated and have limited transferability
- Average lifespan 50+ years
- Inspection every year
- Occasional repair of cracked and sliding tiles
- Limited wind resistance
- Wide range of styles available
- Limited color selection available
- Considered eco-friendly
- Energy efficient
- Heavy weight - increased shipping expense
Shake
- $800-$1,500 per square
- Frequent repair and upkeep cost
- 5-year warranty is standard
- Average lifespan 30 years
- Inspection every year
- Maintenance required every 2-4 years
- Susceptible to mold growth, rot and leaking
- Rustic and tapered for a natural appearance
- Considered an eco-friendly roofing material if sourced from a sustainable FSC approved manufacturer
- Heavy weight - increased shipping expense
Slate
- $800-$1,500 per square
- 50+ year warranty
- Warranties are often pro-rated and have limited transferability
- Average lifespan 75+ years
- Inspection every year
- Occasional repair of cracked, chipped and sliding slates
- Susceptible to color variations if repaired
- Limited style options
- Limited color selection available
- Considered eco-friendly
- Heavy weight - increased shipping expense
- Heavy weight - may need to have structural inspection prior to adding slate roof
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*Pricing may vary by region, product, roof geometry, roof complexity, and/or current condition of the roof.
Metal vs. Asphalt Guide
Download the comparison guide between metal and asphalt roofing.
