Field reference
Roofing Materials Compared: Asphalt, Metal, Tile, Flat
Choosing a roofing material means trading cost now against lifespan, weight, upkeep and what the roof’s shape allows. The table below puts the four main options next to each other. Lifespans are rough ranges that assume decent installation and a normal climate. They are not warranty terms, and no prices appear because costs vary with region, season and roof shape. Get local quotes for those.
The comparison table
| Factor | Asphalt shingles | Metal panels | Clay or concrete tile | Flat-roof membranes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical service life | Roughly 15 to 30 years | Roughly 40 to 70 years | 50 years or more | Roughly 15 to 30 years |
| Up-front cost | Lowest of the four | Higher | Highest | Moderate to higher |
| Weight | Light | Light | Heavy | Light |
| Typical slope | Pitched | Pitched, some on low slopes | Pitched | Low or flat |
| Upkeep | Check after storms, replace damaged pieces | Check fasteners and seams | Replace broken tiles, check underlayment | Check seams, drains and flashing |
| Watch for | Granule loss, curling, wind damage | Loose fasteners, scratched coatings, noise in rain | Cracked tiles, aging underlayment, framing capacity | Ponding water, seam failures, punctures |
Asphalt shingles
The most common residential roof. Shingles are made from a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. Three-tab shingles are thinner and flat; architectural shingles are thicker and layered. They are easy to repair and widely installed, so most roofers can work with them.
Their life is shortened by heat, poor attic ventilation, wind and hail. Manufacturers set a minimum pitch for each product, and shingles on a low slope generally need extra underlayment. Follow the instructions printed on the bundle, since warranties depend on them.
Metal
Metal roofing comes as standing-seam panels, with concealed fasteners, and as corrugated or ribbed panels that are screwed through the surface. Steel, aluminum, copper and zinc are used, with steel the most common on homes.
Metal sheds snow readily, resists fire and holds up well in wind when it is installed to the manufacturer’s instructions, and it lasts a long time. The tradeoffs are cost, the need for an installer who knows the system, and denting on softer metals. Exposed fasteners need checking over the years. Thermal movement is handled by clips and seams, so a poor installation shows up as leaks or rattling.
Clay and concrete tile
Tile is durable and fire-resistant and stays attractive for a very long time. The tiles themselves often outlast the underlayment beneath them, so a tile roof may need to be lifted and re-laid for new underlayment well before the tiles fail.
Weight is the main constraint. Tile is much heavier than the other options, and the roof framing has to carry it. Do not switch to tile on a house built for shingles without an engineer or building professional confirming the structure. Tiles also crack when walked on, so only people who know how should go up there.
Flat-roof membranes
Low-slope roofs are covered by continuous sheets or layers rather than overlapping pieces. Common systems are EPDM (a rubber sheet), TPO and PVC (thermoplastic sheets welded at the seams), and modified bitumen (asphalt-based sheets). Each has its own seam method and its own installer requirements.
Despite the name, a flat roof is built with a slight slope toward a drain, scupper or edge, and codes set a minimum. Water that stands for long periods, called ponding, is the most common cause of trouble. Drains and flashing need regular clearing and checking. Many membrane warranties require certified installers and prescribed details.
Matching material to roof
- Pitch. Steeper roofs take shingles, tile and metal. Low slopes need membranes or specific low-slope systems. Pitch is explained in the terms list.
- Weight. Check the framing before adding anything heavier than what was there.
- Climate. Hail, high wind, heavy snow and wildfire exposure each favor different products, and some areas require a minimum fire or wind rating. Ask your building department.
- How long you will stay. A longer-lived roof pays back only if you keep the house long enough.
- The attic. Whatever goes on top, a ventilated, insulated attic extends its life.
What the table leaves out
Installation matters at least as much as the material. A well-installed shingle roof can outlast a badly installed metal one. Local building code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions decide the details, such as fastener type, underlayment and edge metal, and a warranty may be void if they are not followed. For how to vet a crew and read a written quote, see the hiring guide. More detail on each type sits in the Materials section.