Comparing Roofing Materials | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva compares the qualities of different types of roofing materials.

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Steps:
1. Asphalt shingles come in three-tab or architectural style. They’re reasonably durable, but the reason most people opt for these shingles is because they’re cost effective.
2. Wood shingles can cost nearly double what asphalt shingles do, but when installed correctly, they can last as long as 50 years.
3. Metal roofs are really good at protecting the sheathing underneath from wind and water and can last up to 100 years, but they can cost sometimes four times the amount of asphalt shingles.
4. Tile roofs can also last up to 100 years, but it will require additional structure to accommodate the heavy weight of the material.

Resources:
Tom compared a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, metal, and clay tiles. These can all be found at a variety of home centers or from a roofing contractor and are more available in some regions of the country depending on the housing styles.

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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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Comparing Roofing Materials

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[luisarechiga]

I found myself here today, at thirty -years-old, taking extensive notes. Currently looking at purchasing first home. I found moss growing on one of homes’ roofs I was checking out. Never seen it before, nor would of thought of it.

Thank you for the wealth of knowledge!

[BethGrantDeRoos]

Here in the California Sierra wood shake roofs aren't allowed because of the fire hazard. We LOVE our metal roof that handles our heavy snow loads, and when it rains its heavenly to listen to.

[fadetounforgiven]

Here in Spain, at least in my corner, most roofs are covered with tiles. Also some kind of slate where they have nearby quarries, but mostly tiles.

[ziaride]

I'd always admired all the tile roofs around here, then we had a 100 year storm go through with golfball to baseball sized hail which demolished every tile roof along with every car in town. Not that the metal or shingle roofs faired much better but was pretty shocking to see not a single tile survive on any house that had them.

[echognomecal]

I just found out about "PermaLock Shingles" (which are interlocking metal pieces) after seeing a guy who came up with (essentially) the same idea & made them out of aluminum drink cans. They've been around at least 10 years & I was hoping TOH would have something to say about how they hold up.

[mikegriffin]

I've looked at pictures of homes and other buildings in hurricane prone areas, those with metal roofs survive much better. Not just the roof but the structure seems to survive as well.

[hopenewman]

Great information I’m just searching because I’m going to change my roof to metal

[michaelhilber]

I just installed some laminated (composite) architectural shingles. Owens Corning Oakridge Sierra Gray. They look good. Seems a quality shingle.

[bosse]

The wood shingle roof is very beautiful.

[dukenukem]

I was a roofer for a few years best roof hands down? Standing seam metal with a ply stick high temp = bullet proof.

[xsiner]

I did a metal roof and had the local Amish do it and it was almost $1k cheaper than shingles.

[paulswebba]

They are only popular in the States and Canada, anyone who values their property would not use asphalt shingles to protect it. They are ok for sheds or outhouses, and of course simple to lay.

[stephaniesweeden]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a metal roof in my area I’ll have to look more into that sounds genius!

[No-Channel]

Thank you for this video. I’m about to get a new roof.

[tcmhs]

I'm in the southwest and I have a flat tar and gravel roof. I wish more information was out there on how these are repaired and installed. Shingle and metal roofs have a lot of info out there and are pretty easy to work on with basic tools. From what I understand with tar and gravel roofs is that you need to melt the tar onto your roof and put the gravel on top. They sell sheets that you can roll out and melt on but I don't know what is supposed to go directly under them.

[i.m.Q.]

Years ago when I saw Mr Silva and Norm talk about a cooper roof, it was the first time I ever heard of these things. I fell in love with it-and cedar!

Now the time has come for me to plan for a dwelling. I'd love a cooper roof or maybe zinc. There's just one small problem. The structure in question is within vicinity of saltwater. I know from some people that have been in the Navy, this might not work.

I don't mind the oxidation; that's part of the point. My fear is any metal that's non coated will corrode. Am I wrong on that? I'm thinking slate for an alternative.

Otherwise, can you use some acid or chemical treatment to oxidize the material and clear coat it to prevent the corrosion? That cupric green or pending the color scheme, +3 oxidation gives a purple hue if I'm not mistaken?

I fear with zinc, I'm still looking at corrosion. That brownish look could work. My main concerns here? Aesthetics, and longevity. I'm going for a château in the purest sense of the word.

Any advice?

[alext]

I would think a metal roof wont let you sleep at night if there is a hail storm
or major rain coming down. Is there anything that helps it stay quiet?

[ShooterMcNut]

I was quoted $36, 000 for a metal roof for my house, which is about 13 square and a simple gable roof. This company also refused to sell me a standing metal seam roof because of "oil canning".

[abbcc]

a very situational negative aspect of the asphalt roofs are that you cant collect rain water from them

[SteS]

Fibreglass roofing or Polyurethane liquid waterproofing membrane for flat roofing and metal seamed roofing gives great durability and look.