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Roofing material is usually measured in “squares” that are 10×10 squares. This gives one “square” of roofing material a coverage of 100 square feet in area.
The total cost is not just the cost of the materials. The true cost depends on labor costs, including removal of the old roof, and fixing any structural elements.
The slope and complexity of the roof will impact the overall cost of any roof replacement.
In 2015 the average cost for a simple shingle roof of a 1781 square foot roof was around $6300. This includes the average cost for labor and tearing off the old roof.
**Costs do not include cost of any vapor/moisture barrier required. Labor costs will vary by location.
Asphalt Shingles – Asphalt shingles are the most common form of roofing material. They are made of a felt or fiberglass base covered in asphalt and stone granules. Usually come in tiles of three shingles.
Pro: Asphalt is available in many different colors, is widely available, and is an inexpensive option
Con: Shorter lifespan than other materials, is has little insulating qualities, and the quality can vary widely by maker
Cost: $120-$140/Square
Lifespan: 15-20 Years
Ecological Impact: Medium
Preferred Slope: Low to Steep
Fire Resistance: Good
Wind Resistance: Fair
Hot Mop – Hot tar mopped onto the roofing surface, often with layers of felt to give a more durable surface. The result dries into a waterproof coating.
Pro: Relatively inexpensive option, moderate lifespan, good for roofs that have ridges and bumps.
Con: Unattractive, releases bad smelling pollutants when installed, may not be allowed by building codes or home owner association rules.
Cost: $250-450/Square
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Ecological Impact: High
Preferred Slope: Flat only
Fire Resistance: Good
Wind Resistance: Excellent
Clay and Concrete Tiles – Tiles made from clay or concrete. Clay is normally made in “S” shaped tiles that lay over each other and interlock. Common in Spanish style homes.
Pro: Long Lasting, Non-Combustible, concrete is energy efficient and insulating
Con: Expensive, Heavy, may require extra roofing support, requires professional installation
Cost: $400-$1000/Square
Lifespan: 40-50 Years
Ecological Impact: Moderate (high energy cost to make)
Preferred Slope: Moderate to steep
Fire Resistance: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Fair to Low
Metal roofing – Tin or Copper metal sheeting applied to the roof of the home.
Pro: durable, highly reflective of solar heat
Con: expensive, requires specially trained installers
Cost: $250 – $1300/Square
Lifespan: 40-75 years
Ecological Impact: Low
Preferred Slope: Low to Steep
Fire Resistance: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Good
Slate – Natural stone that is quarried and then cut into roofing tiles that vary in natural color
Pro: Very durable, Fire Resistance-resistant, recyclable
Con: Expensive, requires extra framing, professional installation only
Cost: $250-$600/Square
Lifespan: 50-100 Years
Ecological Impact: Low
Preferred Slope: Steep only
Fire Resistance: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Good
Wood shingles and shake – Wooden shingles made from old hardwood, shakes are more irregular than shingles for a more rustic look.
Pro: Rustic look, Natural product
Con: May not be allowed due to flammability, can mold/split/rot
Cost: $400-$900/Square
Lifespan: 20-40 Years
Ecological Impact: Low
Preferred Slope: Moderate to Steep
Fire Resistance: Poor
Wind Resistance: Good
Synthetics – Synthetic materials can be found that mimic the look of slate, wood, and other materials. These are often made from up to 95% recycled materials. Synthetics give you the look and style of a material at a slight price advantage, and with less weight.
Pro: Not as fragile as stone or clay, long lasting, lightweight
Con: Quality varies, not tested over time so long term viability unknown
Cost: $800-1000/Square
Lifespan: 50 years (Estimated by warranty length)
Ecological Impact: Moderate
Preferred Slope: Moderate to Steep
Fire Resistance: Good
Wind Resistance: Good
Ceramic – Clay type tiles that have been given additional coatings and then glazed, giving them more water resistance and color options.
Pro: Long lasting, durable, inflammable
Con: May require extra support due to the weight. Labor intensive installation.
Cost: $500-$1500/Square
Lifespan: 60-80 Years
Ecological Impact: Moderate
Preferred Slope: Moderate to Steep
Fire Resistance: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Good
Green Roof– Grass or small garden on the roof composed of growing medium and turf
Pro: Natural, Innovative, Cleaner Air
Con: Water use first year, regular maintenance
Cost: $10-$25/square foot, plus $1.50/square foot annual upkeep
Lifespan: As long as it is maintained properly
Ecological Impact: Low
Preferred Slope: Flat only
Fire Resistance: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Fair
Photovoltaic Shingles – Solar power panels in shingle sized elements. Normally placed only on part of a roof.
Pro: Creates electricity which reduces electric bill.
Cons: High initial investment, High Maintenance
Cost: Adds approx. $20,000 to normal roofing cost
Lifespan: Unknown, Warrantied for 20 years usually
Fire Resistance: Good
Wind Resistance: Good
Additional resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercially_available_roofing_material