Types of Roofing Material

Choosing the roofing for your new home will depend on what style the home will be, your budget amount, the location of the home, and the makeup of the roofing material. There are many different types of roofing materials available now. They are designed in different appearances and qualities. In most cases, it is recommended that you choose a basic style and color, and then search for the quality and installation that will fit your budget.


Asphalt Shingles: $50 to $150 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 12 to 25 years.

Asphalt shingles can be purchased in a variety of styles, colors, and versatility. You can even get them in laminated grades with textured appearances. These are the most popular shingle material for steep-slope roofs and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. They have been reinforced with organic felts for a long time, but the fiberglass-reinforced products, otherwise known as composition shingles, are dominant in the market. The fire resistance of the asphalt shingles are categorized by Class A (most fire resistant), B, and C. Most fiberglass shingles have Class A rating, where organic are at Class C. If you have concern with algae, consider having zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules applied to the shingles to resist algae attack.

Wood shingles and shakes $100 to $165 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 25 to 75 years.

Wood shingles and shakes can be purchased in cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods, cedar being the most costly. Wood shingles cut are by machine, while wood shakes are handmade and have a rougher look. Since most wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all, be sure to check your local building codes before deciding on this type of roofing. You can purchase Class A wood shingles with fire-resistant treatment for an additional cost.

Clay tile $300 to $600 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 50 years.

Clay tile is very durable and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, but are a heavy material.

Slate $550 to $1000 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 50 to 100 years.

Slate is by far the most durable material, but also most expensive. The installation requires special skills and experience. The choice of color and grade will vary greatly on where you purchase it.

Metal starts around $100 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) but can run up to $600 for coated steels and copper. Life span: 20 to 50 years.

There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles, which come in numerous shapes and configurations. Metal shingles typically simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Aside from its longevity, metal shingles are much lighter than most materials and very resistance to adverse weather.

Fiber cement $500 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 20 to 30 years.

Fiber cement is a good choice for homes that are built in very hot, humid climates. They withstand the salty air and wind of being near an ocean. Fiber cement is available in a variety of textures and colors and is very durable. Keep in mind; they are very heavy and difficult to repair though.

Although concrete shingles are costly, they generally have a long life span, high fire resistance, require low maintenance, and are rot and insect resistant. Concrete shingles simulate wood shakes. They are lightweight tiles and panels manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals, and some contain recycled material.