Roofing Materials Compared: Asphalt vs. Metal vs. Tile vs. Slate

The roofing material you choose affects every aspect of your roof's performance: how long it lasts, how it looks, how well it handles storms, how much it costs, and how much maintenance it needs. Here's an honest comparison of the four main residential roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles dominate the American roofing market with roughly 75% market share. They're the default choice for good reason - affordable, widely available, and good-looking in modern architectural styles. Lifespan: 20-30 years for architectural shingles, 15-20 years for 3-tab. Cost: $5.00-$7.50/sq ft installed (architectural). Wind resistance: 110-130 mph for architectural, 60-70 mph for 3-tab. Maintenance: Low - occasional inspection and cleaning. Replace missing or damaged shingles as needed. Best for: Most homes in moderate climates. The sweet spot of cost, performance, and appearance.

The gap between premium asphalt shingles (GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, CertainTeed Landmark) is relatively small. All three major manufacturers make excellent products. Choose based on warranty terms, local contractor availability, and aesthetic preference.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has grown from 5% to over 15% of the residential market in the past decade, driven by improved aesthetics, longevity, and energy efficiency. Lifespan: 40-70 years for standing seam, 25-40 for metal shingles. Cost: $9.00-$16.00/sq ft installed (standing seam). Wind resistance: 140+ mph. Maintenance: Minimal - virtually maintenance-free. Occasional inspection of fasteners and sealant. Best for: Homeowners who want a permanent roof, high-wind/hurricane areas, and homes where energy efficiency is a priority.

Standing seam (raised, interlocking seams) is the premium metal option with the longest lifespan and cleanest appearance. Metal shingles and tiles replicate the look of traditional shingles or tile at a lower cost than standing seam but with most of the durability benefits.

Clay and Concrete Tile

Tile roofing is the standard in Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Southwest-style homes, and it's expanding into other architectural styles. Lifespan: 50-100 years for clay, 40-75 for concrete. Cost: $10.00-$20.00/sq ft installed. Wind resistance: 125-150 mph when properly installed. Maintenance: Low to moderate - tiles are durable but can crack from impact. Individual tile replacement is straightforward. Best for: Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes, hot climates (excellent thermal performance), and homeowners who want a 50+ year roof.

The major consideration with tile is weight. Clay and concrete tiles weigh 600-1,100 pounds per square (compared to 200-350 for asphalt). Many homes need structural reinforcement to support tile, adding $2,000-$5,000+ to the project.

Natural Slate

Slate is the most premium and longest-lasting residential roofing material available. Lifespan: 75-150+ years. Some slate roofs in Europe are 400+ years old. Cost: $15.00-$30.00/sq ft installed. Wind resistance: Excellent when properly installed. Maintenance: Low - occasional inspection and replacement of cracked tiles. Best for: Historic homes, luxury properties, and any homeowner who wants the absolute best and is willing to pay for it.

Slate's extreme weight (800-1,500 pounds per square) requires structural verification. Installation requires highly skilled specialists - a poorly installed slate roof fails much faster than a well-installed asphalt one. The installer matters as much as the material.

The Decision Matrix