Roofing materials, compared honestly
Lifespan, sample cost ranges and wind and hail ratings for the five systems we install across DFW.
Side-by-side comparison
Ratings vary by manufacturer and product line. Costs are sample installed ranges for DFW.
| Material | Lifespan | Installed cost (sample) | Wind rating | Hail / impact | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt shingles | 20 to 30 years | $4.50 to $6.50 / sq ft | 110 to 130 mph | Class 3 to 4 | Light | Most DFW homes, best value |
| Standing seam metal | 40 to 70 years | $11 to $16 / sq ft | 140+ mph | Class 4 | Light | Forever homes and modern designs |
| Clay and concrete tile | 50 to 100 years | $10 to $20 / sq ft | 125 to 150 mph | Varies by tile | Heavy | Mediterranean and Spanish styles |
| Natural slate | 75 to 150 years | $18 to $30 / sq ft | 110+ mph | Class 3 to 4 (thickness) | Very heavy | Historic and luxury homes |
| TPO and EPDM membranes | 20 to 30 years | $7.50 to $12 / sq ft | Varies by attachment | Varies by thickness | Light | Low-slope and commercial roofs |
Architectural asphalt shingles
- Lifespan
- 20 to 30 years
- Installed cost (sample)
- $4.50 to $6.50 / sq ft
- Wind rating
- 110 to 130 mph
- Hail / impact
- Class 3 to 4
- Weight
- Light
- Best for
- Most DFW homes, best value
Standing seam metal
- Lifespan
- 40 to 70 years
- Installed cost (sample)
- $11 to $16 / sq ft
- Wind rating
- 140+ mph
- Hail / impact
- Class 4
- Weight
- Light
- Best for
- Forever homes and modern designs
Clay and concrete tile
- Lifespan
- 50 to 100 years
- Installed cost (sample)
- $10 to $20 / sq ft
- Wind rating
- 125 to 150 mph
- Hail / impact
- Varies by tile
- Weight
- Heavy
- Best for
- Mediterranean and Spanish styles
Natural slate
- Lifespan
- 75 to 150 years
- Installed cost (sample)
- $18 to $30 / sq ft
- Wind rating
- 110+ mph
- Hail / impact
- Class 3 to 4 (thickness)
- Weight
- Very heavy
- Best for
- Historic and luxury homes
TPO and EPDM membranes
- Lifespan
- 20 to 30 years
- Installed cost (sample)
- $7.50 to $12 / sq ft
- Wind rating
- Varies by attachment
- Hail / impact
- Varies by thickness
- Weight
- Light
- Best for
- Low-slope and commercial roofs
Architectural asphalt shingles
20 to 30 years · $4.50 to $6.50 / sq ft · wind 110 to 130 mph
Strengths
- Lowest upfront cost
- Class 4 lines available
- Huge color range
Trade-offs
- Shorter life in Texas heat
- Granule loss after hail
Standing seam metal
40 to 70 years · $11 to $16 / sq ft · wind 140+ mph
Strengths
- Longest life per dollar
- Reflects heat
- Top wind ratings
Trade-offs
- Higher upfront cost
- Large hail can leave cosmetic dents
Clay and concrete tile
50 to 100 years · $10 to $20 / sq ft · wind 125 to 150 mph
Strengths
- Very long life
- Fire resistant
- Classic look
Trade-offs
- Heavy, may need structural check
- Tiles can crack under foot or hail
Natural slate
75 to 150 years · $18 to $30 / sq ft · wind 110+ mph
Strengths
- Longest lifespan
- Natural, premium look
- Fireproof
Trade-offs
- Highest cost
- Needs specialist repairs
TPO and EPDM membranes
20 to 30 years · $7.50 to $12 / sq ft · wind Varies by attachment
Strengths
- Built for flat roofs
- White TPO reflects heat
- Easy to repair
Trade-offs
- Not for steep slopes
- Needs good drainage
See samples on your driveway
Every inspection includes physical samples of the systems that fit your home and budget.
4.9 average from 1,284 Dallas homeowners (sample)