Roofing Material Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of every major roofing material. Cost, lifespan, durability, and best use cases to help you make the right choice for your home.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing
The most popular comparison in roofing. Compare upfront cost, lifespan (25 vs. 50+ years), energy efficiency, maintenance, and resale value between asphalt and metal.
Asphalt Shingles
$3.50-$6.00/sq ft
20-30 years
Metal
$7.00-$14.00/sq ft
40-70 years
Metal Roof vs. Tile Roof
Two premium roofing options compared. Weight, durability, aesthetic appeal, climate suitability, and long-term cost of ownership for metal and tile roofing.
Metal
$7.00-$14.00/sq ft
40-70 years
Tile
$10.00-$20.00/sq ft
50-100 years
Architectural vs. 3-Tab Shingles
Compare the two most common asphalt shingle types. Dimensional look, wind resistance, warranty length, and cost difference between architectural and 3-tab shingles.
Architectural
$4.00-$6.00/sq ft
25-30 years
3-Tab
$2.50-$4.00/sq ft
15-20 years
Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofing
Two metal roofing profiles compared. Hidden fasteners vs. exposed, cost difference, aesthetic options, weather performance, and best use cases.
Standing Seam
$8.00-$16.00/sq ft
50-70 years
Corrugated
$5.00-$10.00/sq ft
30-50 years
Asphalt Shingles vs. Tile Roofing
Budget-friendly vs. premium roofing compared. Weight considerations, structural requirements, climate suitability, and total cost of ownership over 50 years.
Asphalt Shingles
$3.50-$6.00/sq ft
20-30 years
Tile
$10.00-$20.00/sq ft
50-100 years
Metal Roofing vs. Slate
Modern vs. traditional premium roofing. Weight, cost, installation complexity, regional availability, and longevity of metal roofing compared to natural slate.
Metal
$7.00-$14.00/sq ft
40-70 years
Slate
$15.00-$30.00/sq ft
75-150 years
Wood Shake vs. Asphalt Shingles
Natural wood aesthetics vs. affordable asphalt. Fire rating, maintenance requirements, insurance implications, and when wood shake is the right choice.
Wood Shake
$6.00-$12.00/sq ft
20-40 years
Asphalt
$3.50-$6.00/sq ft
20-30 years
TPO vs. EPDM Flat Roofing
The two leading flat roofing membranes compared. Energy efficiency, seam strength, UV resistance, and total installed cost for commercial and residential flat roofs.
TPO
$5.00-$8.00/sq ft
20-30 years
EPDM
$4.00-$7.00/sq ft
25-30 years
Synthetic Slate vs. Natural Slate
Get the slate look at a fraction of the cost and weight. Compare durability, authenticity, installation ease, and long-term value of synthetic alternatives.
Synthetic Slate
$8.00-$14.00/sq ft
40-60 years
Natural Slate
$15.00-$30.00/sq ft
75-150 years
Made Your Choice? Estimate the Cost
Once you've decided on a material, use our calculators to estimate exact quantities and total project cost.