Asphalt vs metal vs tile roofing

Three residential roofing materials dominate the US market.

Asphalt shingles: $4-$8/sq ft installed for standard 3-tab; $6-$12/sq ft for architectural (laminated) shingles. 20-30 year manufacturer warranty; actual life often shorter due to climate and installation quality. Largest market share by far due to cost.

Metal roofing: $10-$18/sq ft installed for standing-seam steel or aluminum. 40-60 year life. Reflects heat better (lower cooling costs), handles snow loads well, suitable for low-slope applications. Growing market share, particularly in regions with severe weather.

Tile roofing: $18-$35/sq ft installed for clay or concrete tile. 50-100 year life. Heavy weight requires structural design consideration. Dominant in Southwest US and Florida. Premium aesthetic; often required by HOA in tile-style developments.

For roofing operators, material specialization is common. Some operators do all three; many specialize in one or two. Customer recommendation should consider: regional norms (tile in Phoenix, metal in mountain regions, asphalt nearly everywhere), structural capacity (older homes may not support tile weight), HOA restrictions, budget, and intended length of ownership (long-term owners benefit from metal/tile premium; short-term sellers don't recoup the cost). Honest material recommendations build trust; pushing the most expensive material regardless of customer fit erodes it.