Your home’s foundation gives it a solid base—but your roof is what shields everything from the weather. From sunny days to severe storms, your roof needs to stay strong and protect your home. That’s why choosing the right roofing material is so important—especially with so many options available today.
To make the best choice, you’ll want to consider your climate, budget, home style, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Below, we’ll break down the most common roofing materials and compare their benefits, costs, lifespan, and upkeep needs.
What to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
Before deciding on a roofing material, it's important to weigh a few key factors. Making a simple comparison chart can help you clearly see the differences. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Climate: Think about where you live. Is it cold and snowy? Hot and sunny? Windy or near the coast? Some roofing materials handle specific conditions better than others.
Style Preferences: You want a roof that fits your taste and complements the style of your home. Different roofing materials pair better with certain architectural styles.
Sustainability: Many homeowners are looking for environmentally friendly materials. Choosing energy-efficient and recyclable options can make a big impact.
Maintenance & Lifespan: Some roofs last longer than others, but that often depends on how much care they need. Make sure you choose a material that fits your lifestyle and maintenance comfort level.
Budget: While the upfront cost is important, don't forget to factor in repairs, inspections, and long-term maintenance. Spending more now might save you down the road.
Residential Roofing Materials Comparison: A Breakdown
There are plenty of roofing materials out there, but in this guide, we’ll focus on five popular choices for homeowners: asphalt, composite, clay, slate, and metal. Here’s how each one stacks up.
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing choices—and for good reason. They're affordable, easy to install, and come in lots of colors and styles to match just about any home.
Benefits: Asphalt is widely available and budget-friendly, and you’ll have plenty of color and design options to choose from.
Cost: If cost is your biggest concern, asphalt is your lowest-cost option upfront—typically $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Just remember to include annual maintenance, which usually costs between $350 and $1,500 for inspections and small repairs.
Maintenance: Asphalt roofs are fairly low maintenance. You’ll want to get regular inspections, clean off moss and algae, and take care of any damaged shingles to keep it in good shape.
Durability: These shingles usually last about 15 to 30 years. They don’t do well in extreme heat or cold and can be damaged by high winds or hail.
Composite
Composite (also called synthetic) roofing is becoming more popular because of how it looks and performs. These roofs mimic the appearance of slate, clay, or cedar—but without the downsides of those natural materials.
Benefits: They look like real slate, clay, or shake shingles, but they’re lightweight, very durable, and resistant to bugs and moisture. They also work well on flat roofs and can help lower energy bills.
Cost: Composite roofs cost a bit more—usually $7 to $12 per square foot—but they make up for it with low maintenance. Yearly costs usually fall between $300 and $625.
Maintenance: This is one of the easiest roofs to care for. The tiles don’t crack, rot, or grow algae. Just plan for a yearly inspection and occasional cleanings.
Durability: Composite roofs are incredibly tough. They’re fire- and impact-resistant and can stand up to hurricane-force winds. Many last 50 years or more when installed correctly.
Clay
Clay is one of the oldest roofing materials still in use today, especially in Mediterranean and Southwestern-style homes. It’s been used for centuries, and many old clay roofs are still holding strong.
Benefits: Clay tiles are beautiful and long-lasting. They provide natural insulation, resist harsh weather, and add a touch of elegance to your home.
Cost: Clay tiles are more expensive, costing between $10 and $18 per square foot. Annual inspections and small fixes usually run between $200 and $600. Major repairs can cost up to $8,000.
Maintenance: Clay tiles are fairly easy to care for, but you should have them checked each year—or after a big storm—since they can crack if something hits them. Cleanings help maintain their look over time.
Durability: While durable, clay tiles aren’t immune to damage. They can crack under impact, so it’s important to inspect them regularly.
Slate
Slate is another historic roofing material known for its timeless beauty and outstanding performance. It’s often used on high-end homes and gives a luxurious, classic look.
Benefits: Slate is long-lasting, fireproof, low-maintenance, and stunning in appearance. It’s also a great fit for just about any climate.
Costs: Slate is one of the pricier options, costing $10 to $30 per square foot. Annual maintenance and inspections range from $450 to $1,750.
Maintenance: Slate doesn’t need much upkeep, but occasional tile damage can happen. Regular inspections, cleanings, and keeping flashing in good condition are usually enough.
Durability: Slate roofs can last 75 to 100 years or more. They stand up well to extreme weather and resist both fire and moisture.
Metal
Metal roofs were once mainly used on barns or commercial buildings, but now they’re a stylish, energy-efficient option for homes. You’ll find a variety of materials—like steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper—and styles that mimic everything from shingles to barrel tiles.
Benefits: Metal is fire-resistant, long-lasting, and very customizable in both color and design. You can find styles to match just about any home.
Costs: Metal roofing has a wide price range depending on the style and material, but most cost between $5 and $16 per square foot. Annual maintenance can range from $75 to $1,200, including cleanings, minor repairs, and inspections.
Maintenance: Metal roofs are easy to maintain—just clear off debris, trim back tree branches, and keep gutters clean. Routine inspections help catch any minor issues early.
Durability: Metal roofs hold up well over time and resist fire and rust. Steel is the strongest against impact, while other metals like aluminum may dent more easily.
Getting the Best With Brava
Choosing a new roof can feel overwhelming—there are a lot of materials and factors to weigh, especially when comparing prices and long-term value. Fortunately, composite roofing helps simplify the decision.
With premium brands like Brava, you get the beauty of natural slate, clay, or cedar—but with virtually no maintenance and a 50+ year lifespan. Brava products are also certified for high-impact and extreme weather conditions, including Miami-Dade County approval.
Even better, Brava offers multiple realistic styles in over a dozen colors—so you can find the perfect match for your home’s look.
Contact Brava today to learn more about Brava's products and how they compare to the other materials on this list.
