Roofing Materials Ranked by Durability and Cost

A new roof is a costly, yet necessary investment. Choosing a new roof should boil down to four main factors: cost, sustainability, durability, and energy efficiency. Consult with an expert before deciding on what materials and builders to use for your new roof.

Correct installation, as well as quality materials, are imperative to the longevity of your roof. Cutting costs in these areas could end up in thousands of dollars lost in repairs.

Six of the best roofing materials are listed below. Take these into consideration when choosing the materials for your new roof.

Asphalt Shingles ($)

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective option for roofs. They can last anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Don’t always settle for the cheapest asphalt shingles, choose ones that have good hail ratings.

Be mindful that asphalt is a petroleum-based substance, and therefore is not the best for the environment. Fortunately, they are recyclable!

Wooden Shingles ($$)

Wooden shingles are more costly than asphalt shingles, however, they last almost twice as long. If you are worried about fire safety, wooden shingles are typically made of fire-resistant materials such as cedar or redwood.

Wood shingles are not as durable as asphalt, as they are prone to cracking, so it is just as important to find a manufacturer with a great hail rating. Wood shingles are both incredibly energy efficient as well as sustainable.

Metal ($$)

Metal is a good choice, it is slightly more expensive than wood but lasts just as long. It is considerably more durable than wood shingles.

Metal acts as a natural insulator which will keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Metal is also very sustainable as the metal materials are 100% recyclable.

Plastic Polymer ($$$)

Plastic polymer shingles are a highly durable choice. These roofs will last upwards of 50 years. Keep in mind though, they are very unsustainable considering they are made of plastic.

Some manufacturers use recycled materials, so if you like the idea of a very durable roof make sure to look for a manufacturer that uses recycled materials.

Slate ($$$$)

Slate is an expensive, delicate, and durable material. Slate roofs can last as long as 150 years, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available. They are also virtually indestructible, making them well worth the high price tag.

It is incredibly energy efficient. Since slate is a naturally occurring material, and since it lasts so long it makes it one of the most sustainable products available.

Solar Glass ($$$$)

Solar glass roofing is a fairly new option on the market. Tesla is currently the only manufacturer for solar glass roofs. It should effectively last the lifetime of your home. While installation can be fairly pricey, most homes are eligible for a tax benefit.

Since solar roofs generate electricity, they are probably the most energy-efficient option available, not to mention sustainable!

Hopefully, this list helps in your journey to a new roof!