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29 Different Types Of Roofing Materials & Their Cost

Posted on January 13, 2025

Types Of Roofing Materials

Every time I talk to homeowners about roofing, the conversation usually starts the same way. They’ll say, ‘I want something affordable, but it has to last and look good too.’

It’s a fair question, a roof is a major investment, after all. But then comes the hesitation.

‘But there are so many options… How do I know what’s right for me?’

This is where things get tricky. 

Suddenly, the excitement of a new roof turns into stress with so many questions and doubts.

However, there’s power in knowing your options, which is the purpose of this guide! We aim to empower you with the knowledge you need, so you can clearly understand what each roofing material offers, which ones fit your budget, your climate, and will add curb appeal to your property. 

In this blog post, I’ll break down 29 different types of roofing materials and provide information such as their pros and cons, price, and the best situations to use them. Keep reading to find everything you need to choose a roof that’s perfect for you.

*Please note, price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates. 


Shingle Roofing Options

Shingle roofs are a favorite among homeowners because of their durability, affordability, and style. However, not all shingles are equal. Look for options that meet ASTM wind resistance standards (Class F or H) and have impact ratings (Class 3 or 4) to ensure they can withstand tough weather. From classic asphalt to premium architectural shingles, check how they stack up against each other.

Shingle Roofing Options

1. Asphalt Shingles

  • Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and available in various colors. Some options now include algae-resistant technology for an appearance that lasts longer
  • Cons: Short lifespan (15 to 25 years), less durable, and prone to curling or cracking in extreme weather
  • Best For: Budget-friendly residential homes
  • Cost: $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning

2. Architectural Shingles

  • Pros: Stylish, dimensional look with higher wind resistance (up to 150 mph). Longer-lasting than standard asphalt shingles
  • Cons: More expensive and prone to staining in areas with heavy tree cover
  • Best For: Homes seeking a premium asphalt option
  • Cost: $4.50  to $12.50 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: GAF, Malarkey, CertainTeed

3. Fiberglass Shingles

  • Pros: Lightweight, fire-resistant, and durable, fiberglass shingles offer better UV resistance compared to organic shingles
  • Cons: Can crack in extreme temperature changes and may absorb water if damaged, causing warping
  • Best For: Standard residential homes in mild climates
  • Cost: $3.50 to $6 per square foot
  • Reputable Brand: Owens Corning Duration Series

4. Recycled Shingles

  • Pros: Eco-friendly and durable, some brands even offer better warranties on these options compared to traditional shingles
  • Cons: Limited style options and color variety, costs can vary based on material
  • Best For: Environmentally-conscious homeowners
  • Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot.
  • Reputable Brands: Brava, Malarkey Roofing Products Ecoasis® Series

Metal Roofing Options

Did you know metal is the second most popular option after asphalt shingles? Whether you’re into sleek modern panels or something more traditional, metal roofing systems are built to last. The following are some examples of different metal roof types.

Metal Roofing Options

5. Standing Seam Metal Panels

  • Pros: Sleek, durable, and fire-resistant with hidden fasteners to help prevent leaks over time
  • Cons: High upfront cost and requires specialized contractors for installation
  • Best For: Modern homes or areas with heavy snowfall
  • Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: McElroy Metal, Western States Metal Roofing, Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC)

6. Corrugated Metal Panels

  • Pros: Lightweight, budget-friendly, and great for DIY installation
  • Cons: Less curb appeal than a standing seam roof, prone to rust without proper coatings, and noisy without insulation
  • Best For: Sheds, barns, and industrial designs
  • Cost: $4 to $6 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: MBCI, Fabral, Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC)

7. Stone-Coated Steel

  • Pros: Combines the strength of metal with the look of traditional materials
  • Cons: Expensive, and the coating may wear off in extreme weather
  • Best For: Homes seeking durability with a classic appearance
  • Cost: $8 to $15 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: DECRA, Unified Steel by Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions™, Tilcor Roofing Products

8. Aluminum

  • Pros: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, it’s naturally rust-proof without additional coatings
  • Cons: Can dent easily and may expand or contract, causing noise
  • Best For: Homes in coastal areas
  • Cost: $10 to $20 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Englert, PermaLock

9. Zinc

  • Pros: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, self-healing properties repair scratches over time
  • Cons: Expensive and less available, needs a patina layer for certain climates
  • Best For: High-end architectural projects
  • Cost: $10 to $25 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: RHEINZINK and RotoMetals

10. Copper

  • Pros: Stunning aesthetic, naturally antimicrobial, and develops a protective patina over time
  • Cons: Extremely expensive and can cause galvanic corrosion when paired with other metals
  • Best For: Luxury or historic homes
  • Cost: $15 to $30 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Western States Metal Roofing

Tile Roofing Options

The sudden rise in tile roofing systems becoming a popular choice is due to more homeowners shifting away from asphalt shingles because of environmental concerns and leaning toward eco-friendly options like clay and concrete tiles. With this rise in green roofing awareness and the need for materials that can handle extreme weather, tile roofing is taking the spotlight. 

Tile Roofing Options

11. Clay Tiles

  • Pros: Exceptionally long-lasting and fire-resistant, clay tiles are eco-friendly and naturally resist insects and rot
  • Cons: They’re heavy, brittle, and expensive, especially in freezing climates without proper reinforcement
  • Best For: Mediterranean-style homes
  • Cost: $10 to $20 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: MCA Clay Roof Tile, Ludowici Roof Tiles, Wienerberger

12. Concrete Tiles

  • Pros: Known for their durability and fire resistance, concrete tiles offer versatile designs and better thermal performance than clay, improving energy efficiency
  • Cons: Their weight requires structural support, and colors may fade over time without proper coatings
  • Best For: Homes in warm climates
  • Cost: $9 to $15 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Eagle, Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions

13. Terracotta Tiles

  • Pros: Timeless and highly durable, terracotta tiles naturally regulate temperature, keeping homes cooler in hot weather
  • Cons: Design and color options are limited, and they can be expensive compared to other tiles
  • Best For: Southwestern or Spanish-style homes
  • Cost: $15 to $25 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Ludowici

Flat Roof Options

Flat roofs are a big deal, making up over 34% of the U.S. roofing market and valued at $30.9 billion in 2021. They’re projected to hit $52.3 billion by 2031, thanks to their growing popularity in commercial and industrial spaces. What’s the draw? Flat roofs are energy-efficient and perfect for features like green roofs or solar panels, helping you save on heating and cooling. Here’s a closer look at the leading options!

Flat Roof Options

14. EPDM (Rubber) Roofs

  • Pros: Flexible, waterproof, and affordable, with a lifespan of up to 50 years when maintained properly
  • Cons: Absorbs heat due to its black surface and can be punctured by sharp objects
  • Best For: Flat or low-sloped roofs
  • Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Firestone, Carlisle SynTec, GenFlex

15. PVC Roofs

  • Pros: Lightweight, energy-efficient, and naturally fire-resistant. Reflective properties reduce cooling costs
  • Cons: It can crack in extreme cold and shrink over time, so regular inspections are needed
  • Best For: Commercial flat roofs
  • Cost: $7 to $12 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Duro-Last®, Sika, Johns Manville

16. TPO Roofs

  • Pros: UV-resistant and highly energy-efficient, with superior UV reflection compared to many flat roof materials
  • Cons: Less durable and has a shorter track record compared to PVC and EPDM
  • Best For: Residential or commercial flat roofs
  • Cost: $6 to $11 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: GAF EverGuard TPO, Carlisle, Versico

17. Built-Up Roof (BUR)

  • Pros: Multi-layered for durability and provides excellent insulation when installed properly
  • Cons: Heavy and requires skilled labor, adding to installation costs
  • Best For: Commercial flat roofs
  • Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Elevate, Tremco Roofing, Johns Manville

18. Modified Bitumen

  • Pros: Highly flexible and handles extreme weather well, resisting cracks
  • Cons: Short lifespan (10 to 20 years) and prone to blistering under intense sun
  • Best For: Low-sloped residential roofs
  • Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Conglas, Mule-Hide Products, Polyglass®

19. Liquid Roofing

  • Pros: Seamless and waterproof, ideal for complex roof shapes with reduced risks of leaks
  • Cons: Requires professional installation and specific weather conditions for application
  • Best For: Irregular roof designs
  • Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Tremco, Johns Manville

Slate Roofing Options

Slate roofing is becoming a favorite as more homeowners look for durable and eco-friendly options. Natural slate offers unmatched longevity, while composite slate is growing in popularity thanks to its durability and low maintenance. With rising innovations making slate more accessible, this market is booming. 

20. Natural Slate

  • Pros: Elegant and incredibly durable, natural slate withstands freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for cold climates
  • Cons: Heavy and very expensive, slate tiles are prone to breakage during installation
  • Best For: Luxury homes or historic buildings
  • Cost: $15 to $30 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: American Slate Co., SlateTec

21. Synthetic Slate

  • Pros: Lightweight and more affordable than natural slate, reducing the structural requirements for installation
  • Cons: Lacks the authentic texture and uniqueness of natural slate
  • Best For: Homes seeking the slate look without the weight or cost
  • Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Euroshield, DaVinci Roofscapes, Brava

Wood Roof Options

With growing interest in sustainable materials, wood shingles are gaining popularity, especially as new treatments improve fire safety and water resistance. Check out your options!

22. Wood Shingles

  • Pros: Offer a natural look with good insulation, they can be pressure-treated to improve fire resistance
  • Cons: High maintenance and prone to fire, rot, and splitting if not installed properly
  • Best For: Cottages and rustic homes
  • Cost: $6 to $10 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Capital Forest Products, Pelican Bay

23. Wood Shakes

  • Pros: Provide a rustic, natural look and are more breathable than shingles, reducing moisture buildup.
  • Cons: Expensive and require significant maintenance, they’re also susceptible to mold and mildew in humid climates
  • Best For: Homes with a natural or historical appearance
  • Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Wolf Creek Cedar, Inc., Watkins Sawmills

Eco-Friendly Roofing Options

Eco-friendly roofing systems are on the rise, with solar panels and green roofs leading the way. Solar panels are likely to become more common, expected to reach 15% of U.S. homes by 2030, thanks to lower panel costs and rising electricity prices.

Green roofs, or rooftop gardens, are also gaining popularity for their ability to cool down the inside of a building by 27%, reducing energy use and combating urban heat. With energy savings and environmental benefits, it’s no wonder eco-friendly roofing options are booming. Let’s explore your options!

24. Solar Roofs

  • Pros: Generate electricity, cut energy bills, and integrate seamlessly with your roof’s design
  • Cons: High upfront cost and reduced efficiency if partially shaded
  • Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners
  • Cost: $21 to $25 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Tesla, GAF, Luma

25. Green Roofs

  • Pros: Provide excellent insulation, reduce urban heat islands, and improve air quality
  • Cons: Require high maintenance and are heavy, often needing irrigation in dry climates
  • Best For: Urban spaces or eco-friendly homeowners
  • Cost: $10 to $25 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: LiveRoof, Greenrise

Specialty Roofing Options

Specialty roofing is typically only used for architectural or stylistic purposes. Property owners are looking for unique, sustainable, and eye-catching options to set their roofs apart, and these options have been known to do that.

26. Glass Roof Panels

  • Pros: Modern, and allows natural light. Provides natural lighting while maintaining insulation
  • Cons: Expensive, less insulating, and magnifies heat if it’s not properly tinted
  • Best For: Sunrooms or contemporary designs
  • Cost: $15 to $25 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Sunspace Design, Guardian Glass

27. Polycarbonate Panels

  • Pros: Lightweight, affordable, and UV-stabilized options prevent yellowing over time
  • Cons: Less durable, and scratches easily, reducing long-term aesthetics 
  • Best For: Patios, greenhouses
  • Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Insulation4US, GALLINA USA

28. Rolled Roofing

  • Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to install. Ideal for quick, temporary fixes on low-slope roofs.
  • Cons: Short lifespan, limited appearances, not suitable for high-visibility areas due to poor appearance
  • Best For: Sheds, garages, or low-slope roofs
  • Cost: $2 to $4 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: GAF

29. Thatch Roofing

  • Pros: Traditional, good insulation, and excellent soundproofing qualities
  • Cons: Fire risk, high maintenance, and susceptible to pest infestations if untreated
  • Best For: Cottages or rustic structures
  • Cost: $8 to $15 per square foot
  • Reputable Brands: Palmex International, Endureed

With so many options available, how do you decide which type of roofing material is right for you?

How To Choose The Right Types Of Roofing Materials

Picking a roofing material goes beyond looks. Durability, cost, and practicality are just as important. Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the right choice.

1. Think About Your Budget

If cost is a concern, asphalt shingles are a great starting point — they’re affordable and easy to install. However, they might need replacing sooner than materials like slate or metal, which cost more upfront but save money over time with their durability.

2. Consider Durability

How long do you want your roof to last? Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, and slate can last over 100 years if it’s well-maintained. On the other hand, asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years, making them a shorter-term option.

3. Match Your Climate

Your local weather matters. Metal roofs are perfect for hot climates since they reflect sunlight, while tile and slate can handle heavy rain or snow. If you live in a humid area, skip wood, it’s prone to mold and rot.

4. Choose Energy Efficiency

Want to save on energy bills? Reflective materials like metal roofs reduce cooling costs in summer, and materials with good insulation can keep you warm in winter.

5. Prioritize Style

Your roofing style plays a big role in curb appeal. Modern designs pair well with metal, while slate adds timeless elegance. Synthetic materials can give you the high-end look of natural products without the extra cost or weight.

6. Know Your Maintenance Limits

Be honest, how much upkeep are you willing to do? Wood shingles require regular treatment, while metal and synthetic materials are practically maintenance free.

7. Check Your Roof’s Design

Roof slope matters; flat roofs need materials like rolled roofing systems or TPO, while steep-sloped roofs can handle a wider range of materials that allow for effective water drainage.

8. Think Eco-Friendly

If sustainability is a priority for you, look into recycled metal or sustainably sourced wood. Green roofs or solar panels are also fantastic options for reducing your carbon footprint.

9. Don’t Skip Local Building Codes

Before committing, check local building codes. Some areas restrict materials like wood in wildfire zones, while historical districts may have strict guidelines.

10. Weigh Installation and Warranties

Some materials, like slate, require skilled installation, which can increase labor costs. Always check if materials or workmanship comes with warranties too, as longer ones often mean better quality.

Where To Go Next For Your Roofing Project In Northeastern Wisconsin

Only you know what’s most important — budget, style, or durability. Here in Green Bay and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin, Prestige Roofing LLC has been the trusted name for helping homeowners choose the best types of roofing materials. 

With years of experience, our team knows the unique challenges Northeastern Wisconsin’s weather can bring, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from selecting the right materials to completing the installation.

Take the first step to your perfect roof today. Call us at (920) 791-0414 for your consultation!