Roofing Material Comparison Chart 2019 with Prices and Pros & Cons

Now that we are well aware of all the materials that can be used in roofing, let’s take a look at the prices of different materials, their longevity and pros and cons of using each material.

 

MATERIAL	PRICE	LONGEVITY	PROS	CONS
Asphalt shingles	$50 to $150 per square	15 to 30 years	Wide variety in asphalt shingles in terms of colors. Very cheap Easy installation	Low durability Least impressive longevity out of all roofing materials. Asphalt does not provide insulation
Wood shingles and shakes	$100 to $165 per square	30 to 50 years	Made from naturally occurring materials Beautiful to look at. Good longevity for price. Easy installation.	Prone to develop mold in damp areas. Wood shakes and shingles may also split. Although wood shingles and shakes are not that expensive, repairs can cost a lot.
Clay and Concrete Tiles	$300 to $600 per square	Lasts for more than 5 years	Long lasting and durable. Non-combustible Safe choice Clay and concrete tiles prove to be energy efficient	Clay and concrete tiles can be quite heavy Due to their extra weight, they may require extra framing. Clay and concrete tiles are expensive to buy and install.
Metal (Aluminum, Copper and steel)	starts around $100 per square	At least 50 years. Could last longer with good care and maintenance.	Looks great Impressive durability and longevity. Great solar reflectance Recyclability Lasts twice as long as wood. Energy efficient Environment friendly	Relatively expensive. Only Professional installation.
Fiber cement	$500 per square	20 to 30 years	Can be recycled Non-leaching so roof leaks are avoided.	Expensive
Slate	$550 to $1000 per square	50 to 100 years	Sustainable roofing Probably the most durable and offers longevity the most out of all roofing materials. Fire resistant Naturally occurring so no risk of toxins Lesser splitting as compared to other roofing products. Lesser environmental impact on slate as compared to other roofing materials. Requires little Maintenace.	Very expensive to buy and install Slate is very heavy. Extra framing is required to support slate due to its weight. Sometimes, quality can vary.
Synthetic materials	Prices start at about $300 a square	Warranty up to 50 years, may last longer with good care and proper maintenance.	Sturdy Not so expensive Good longevity for price Not heavy A lot of maintenance is not required as compared to other roofing materials.	May absorb water. Quality of product may vary. Made synthetically.

 

This detailed comparison gives us quite a lot of information about roofing materials. Most roofing issues can be solved by choosing the proper materials keeping in mind the climatic region you live in. That, along with regular maintenance is enough to solve most roof problems.