Roof Material Comparison
Compare costs and lifespan of different roofing materials side by side
sq ft
Asphalt Shingles (architectural)
$6,518
Metal (standing seam)$14,850
Clay / Concrete Tile$23,100
Slate$30,525
Wood Shake$12,540
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How to Use the Roof Material Comparison
Getting an accurate cost estimate before contacting contractors gives you negotiating power and helps you spot outliers. The Roof Material Comparison uses regional averages that you can adjust to your market.
- Enter your roof area or building dimensions to establish the project size.
- Select your roofing material type and quality tier.
- Adjust the labor rate to reflect your local market if needed.
- Review the itemised breakdown: materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal.
- Use the estimate as a baseline when comparing contractor quotes.
Formula & Methodology
The Roof Material Comparison uses the following established formulas:
Total Cost = (Material Cost/sq + Labor Cost/sq) × Roof Squares
Tear-off Cost = Squares × Tear-off Rate/square
Disposal Fee = Squares × Disposal Rate/square
Contingency = Total × 10% (recommended buffer)
Costs vary significantly by region. Urban markets typically run 20–40 % above the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical asphalt shingle replacement on a 2,000 sq ft home costs $8,000–$15,000 installed in the US (2025). Metal roofing runs $15,000–$30,000 and premium materials like slate or copper can exceed $50,000.
Ask each contractor for a written, itemised quote showing material brand and grade, labor cost per square, tear-off and disposal, and warranty terms. Compare apples to apples — the same material and coverage.
Re-roofing (laying new shingles over old) saves $1–$3 per sq ft in labor, but most codes allow only two layers maximum. It also traps moisture, adds weight, and voids many shingle warranties. Tear-off is the better long-term choice.