Choosing a roof for your home is a huge decision. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients find the roof that works best for them. We’re lucky in our modern world that a plethora of options for roofing material exist, but with so many choices comes uncertainty and decision paralysis.
In this article, I’ll try to cut through the sales and marketing clutter and give you the information you need as a homeowner to find the roofing option that best suits your needs.
What to Look for in a Roof
There are numerous important factors to consider when selecting a new roof for your home, such as:
- Aesthetics — Will the appearance complement your home’s architecture and design?
- Building codes — Is the roofing allowed by your local codes? Some materials, like thatched roofs, are prohibited in certain areas.
- Cost — How much does the roofing cost, and does that fit your budget?
- Durability — How long will the roof last before needing replacement? Some roofing materials like slate or clay tiles can last 50 years or longer. Asphalt shingles typically need replacement every 15 to 30 years.
- Eco-friendliness — Is the roofing made from recycled material or recyclable at the end of life?
- Fire rating — Does the product have a Class A fire rating? This is important for homes in wildfire zones.
- Slope — Does your roof slope sufficiently for the roofing type? Low-slope roofs are limited to asphalt, metal, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Steep roofs can accommodate slate, tile, or metal roofing.
- Warranties — Does the manufacturer offer a long warranty (30 years or more)?
- Weather resistance — How well does the roof withstand the climate in your area? Metal, slate, and tile roofs do well in most climates, whereas asphalt shingles are more suited to temperate and cooler climates.
- Wind rating — A roofing material with a wind rating that accounts for the weather extremes in your area is important to maximizing the life of your roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofing costs between $6,600 and $19,500 for a standard 3,000-square-foot roof or between$2.20 and $6.50 per square foot.
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Cedar Shingles
For a 3,000-square-foot roof, the average cost of cedar shingles is between $13,500 and $25,500 and between $18,000 and $33,000 for cedar shakes.
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Rubber Shingles
On average, rubber roofing costs between $4–$8 per square foot. However, the cost of installing a new rubber roof varies based on your location.
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Thorough research using these criteria will help you select the optimal roof. To jump-start that process, I’ll describe some of the most common roof types and their pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Types
Some types of roofing may be better choices for you, depending on the factors outlined above. For instance, homes in wildfire zones need roofing with maximum fire resistance, while coastal areas require good wind resistance. You’ll also want to match the roofing’s weight capacity to your roof’s load-bearing capacity.
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Easy installation
Available in many colors and styles
Inexpensive to moderately priced
Long manufacturer warranties
Moderate life span of 15 to 30 years
Not the best option for hot, arid climates
Not the most durable or weather-resistant option
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used residential roofing, used on over 80% of U.S. homes. They consist of fiberglass or organic felt saturated with asphalt and covered in mineral granules. Overall, asphalt composition shingle roofs are an affordable option for many homeowners.
Metal Roofing
Excellent fire resistance
Highly durable and weather-resistant
Recyclable
Long service life of 40 to 70-plus years
Lightweight (50 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet)
Higher up-front cost ($400-$1,000 per 100 square feet installed)
Potential for hail dents
Potential noise from rain or hailstorms
Metal roofs are made from steel, aluminum, or copper sheets. They have a durable, weather-resistant finish and very good longevity. Metal is one of the most durable roofing types — an excellent choice if you can afford the initial cost. Learn more about metal roofing options.
Related: Metal Roof vs Shingles Comparison
Plastic Polymer Roofing
Durable, fade resistant, and low maintenance
Eco-friendly from recycled polymers
Long life span of 50-plus years
Excellent impact resistance
Lightweight (100-350 pounds per 100 square feet)
Limited style options currently
Moderate up-front cost of $400 to $700 per 100 square feet
Plastic polymer roofing mimics the look of shake or slate while offering a different set of advantages and disadvantages. Polymer provides a natural-looking roof with high levels of durability and sustainability.
Concrete Tile Roofing
Excellent fire resistance
Highly durable and weather-resistant
Low maintenance
Very long service life of 50-plus years
Heavy (525 to 875 pounds per 100 square feet)
Moderate up-front cost of $250 to $500 per 100 square feet
Concrete roof tiles are made of sand and Portland cement. They emulate clay tiles or shakes while offering durability, fire safety, and cost advantages. Concrete tile roofs offer superior protection and longevity for a moderate price. Their weight requires a sturdy roof structure.
Clay Tile Roofing
Exceptional life span of 70 to 100 years
Highly durable, weather-resistant, and fire-resistant
Low maintenance
Natural aesthetic
Brittle tiles can crack and break during installation
Expensive ($800 to $1,500 per 100 square feet installed)
Heavy (750 to 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet)
Clay roof tiles are made from fired natural clay. This option is popular in desert climates where UV resistance and thermal qualities benefit homeowners. Clay tiles are long-lasting and beautiful but heavier and costlier than other roofing materials.
Slate Roofing
Extremely long life span of 100-plus years
Highly durable, weather-resistant, and fire-resistant
Prestigious, beautiful architectural option
Certain thinner styles can be brittle
Very expensive ($1,500 to $3,000 per 100 square feet installed)
Very heavy (800 to 1,100 pounds per 100 square feet)
Slate roofing consists of natural slate stone tiles milled into various styles. Slate roofs are extremely durable but very expensive. Slate roofs are among the most durable roofing types but are mainly seen on historic homes and landmarks due to their high cost. They require specialized installation.
Wood Shingle/Shake Roofing
Affordable ($350 to $500 per 100 square feet)
Easy to repair and replace individual shingles
Natural aesthetic and architectural feel
High maintenance needs
Poor fire resistance unless treated
Short life span of 15 to 30 years
Susceptible to rot and insect damage
Wood roofing comes as shingles (sawn on both sides) or shakes (split on one side). Types like cedar offer beauty for a moderate cost. Wood shake roofing imparts a classic, rustic look but requires diligent maintenance.
Factors That Impact Cost
Many variables will affect your total roof installation cost, but the bulk will be in the roofing material you choose. It’s worth figuring out the long-term costs of your material choice. Materials like clay or slate cost more up-front but last much longer than other choices, such as asphalt. Depending on the particulars of your house and finances, it might make sense to spend the extra money up-front for a more durable option.
Most roof replacements involve some optional and some mandatory costs. The second largest primary cost behind roofing material is tear-off — a good example of optional vs. mandatory costs, as you can choose between a roof overlay or a tear-off.
A single layer of shingles can — and usually is — overlaid with new roofing material without the existing layer being torn off. If you want the contractor to tear them off, they’ll be happy to do it, but that would be an optional cost.
However, if multiple layers of shingles are already on the roof, they must be torn off to prevent too much weight on the roof structure — a mandatory cost.
While extra cost factors can sometimes sound vague and complicated, you don’t need to worry. Aside from any structural damage found during re-roofing, most extra cost factors are only a small part of your total cost. The bulk of costs will come from tearing off old material (if applicable) and installing the new material. Things like detaching and reinstalling gutters, replacing flashing, or installing trim pieces require minimal labor and have little cost impact. Unless you’re on a tight budget, it makes sense to just have it all done.
Roofing Product Comparison
This table summarizes key attributes of common residential roofing types:
| Roofing Type | Durability | Fire Rating | Wind Rating | Weight in Pounds per 100 square feet | Slope Needs | Cost per 100 square feet |
| Asphalt Shingle | 15 – 30 years | Class A | Moderate | 210 – 340 | Low to steep pitch | $75 – $250 |
| Metal | 40 – 70+ years | Class A | Excellent | 50 – 150 | Low to steep pitch | $400 – $1,000 |
| Concrete Tile | 50+ years | Class A | Moderate | 575 – 875 | Moderate to steep pitch | $250 – $500 |
| Clay Tile | 70 – 100+ years | Class A | Moderate | 750 – 1,500 | Moderate to steep pitch | $800 – $1,500 |
| Slate | 100+ years | Class A | Excellent | 800 – 1,100 | Steep pitch only | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Plastic Polymer | 50+ years | Class A | Excellent | 100 – 350 | Steep pitch | $400 – $700 |
| Wood Shakes/Shingles | 15 – 30 years | Class C | Good | 200 – 350 lbs | Moderate to steep pitch | $350 – $500 |
Today’s Homeowner Tips
This comparison clarifies tradeoffs. For instance, clay tile offers exceptional longevity but is heavy and costly. Asphalt shingles are affordable but less durable. There is no perfect roofing — only the optimal material for your home’s needs.
Key Considerations When Choosing Roofing
To select the best roofing product for your situation, here are some final tips:
- Consider solar panel compatibility if you may install solar in the future. Asphalt shingles easily retrofit with panels, while slate and tile are challenging.
- Favor products made from recycled materials that are also fully recyclable after their life span is over. Metal and plastic polymer roofs are ideal.
- For fire safety, choose Class A fire-rated roofing materials and anti-wind uplift design. Metal, slate, tile, and asphalt can achieve Class A.
- Have a professional inspect your existing roof structure to see if reinforcement is needed before installing heavy slate, concrete, or clay tiles.
- Use tile roof underlayment when installing tile roofs.
- Weigh durability against up-front cost, keeping in mind a durable roof is cost-effective long-term.
- Verify roofing contractors have proper licensing, insurance, and good Better Business Bureau standing. Get manufacturer warranty information in writing.
Careful research will ensure you select the optimal roof for your home and budget. Most importantly, make sure your new roof is professionally installed by reputable roofers.
So, Is Choosing the Right Roofing Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Your roof is one of your home’s most important components. It literally keeps the roof over your head — so picking roofing that withstands your climate is critical.
Although higher quality roofing costs more initially, it saves money long term, considering its life span before needing replacement. A roof expected to last 50-plus years is incredibly cost-effective compared to needing two or more cheaper roofs in that timeframe.
Additionally, the right roof greatly enhances your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Premium roofing provides peace of mind that your home and valuables are protected from weather hazards.
Taking the time to thoroughly research and understand different roofing types is an investment that pays off through superior performance, protection, and savings over your roof’s lifetime. So carefully weigh your options and choose roofing optimized for your specific home.
FAQs About Choosing Roofing
What are signs I need a new roof?
Indications you may need a new roof include curling or cracked shingles, missing granules exposing the mat, daylight seen through shingles or sheathing, roof leaks or interior water damage, or significant sections of shingles blown off during a storm.
Should I just replace my roof with the same type?
Not necessarily. You can upgrade to a more durable and weather-resistant material when replacing your roof. Research your options to see if a longer-lasting roofing type like metal or concrete tile makes sense for your home.
How much does a new roof increase home value?
The return on investment from a new roof depends on factors like current condition, roof type, and home value. But you can expect 50% to 75% ROI from new asphalt shingles.
When is the best time of year for roof replacement?
Ideal seasons for roofing projects are spring and fall, when the weather is milder. Avoid extreme cold or heat and the rainy season. Coordinate your roofing schedule with local climate patterns.
Should I pay more for 50-year shingle warranties vs. 25-year?
Longer warranties typically deliver stronger materials, thicker shingles, and anti-wind features. The moderate upgrade cost is worth the added protection and doubled warranty duration.
