Roofing Comparison Tool
Other Synthetics
Comparison Material
Assorted composites
Commonly 30–50 year warranties
Light; standard framing
Class 3 or 4, varies by manufacturer
Varies by manufacturer & fastening system
Ranges Class A–C by product & assembly
Generally low; cracked units need replacement
Polymer / rubber blends, composition varies
30–50 years; transferability varies
You're comfortable comparing individual synthetic products closely on their own merits
8
Metal Roofing
Comparison Material
Steel / aluminum / copper
40–70+ years
Light; standard framing
Can dent under hail even while functional
Varies widely by panel system
Non-combustible; assembly-dependent rating
Low, but coatings and fasteners need occasional attention
Steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper
Separate material, coating and workmanship terms
A contemporary metal aesthetic fits the architecture and longevity is the priority
7
Clay Tile
Comparison Material
Fired clay
Long service life when maintained
Approximately 600 lbs per square
Brittle; cracks from hail, debris, foot traffic
Some systems tested to approximately 110 mph
Non-combustible; Class A achievable
Low, but cracked tiles need individual replacement
Fired natural clay
Varies by manufacturer; often not transferable
You want the look of traditional clay tile and the structure can bear the weight
6
Natural Slate
Comparison Material
Quarried stone
75–100+ years
800–1,500 lbs per square
Brittle — cracks underfoot & from hail
Excellent when properly installed
Non-combustible
Low, but repairs need slate specialists
Quarried natural stone
No manufacturer warranty; installer dependent
Maximum longevity matters more than weight, cost or ease of repair
4
Asphalt Shingles
Comparison Material
Standard shingle
10–25 years
Light; standard framing
Granules dislodge, can fracture under hail
Varies by product; can lift or tear
Often Class A; some Class B/C
Low early on, more frequent as it ages
Petroleum-based asphalt mat
Varies by manufacturer & product line
Keeping upfront roofing budget as low as possible is the priority
5
Cedar Shake
Comparison Material
Natural wood
20–30 years with upkeep
Moderate; standard framing
Can split from hail or debris
Depends on install quality & age
Class C standard; Class A with treatment
High — preservatives, cleaning, periodic replacement
Renewable, harvested from old-growth stands
No manufacturer warranty on the wood itself
Authentic natural grain is the top priority and upkeep is welcomed
3
Enviroslate
Enviroshake Product
Composite slate
50+ years
Approximately 275 lbs per square
Class 4 (UL 2218)
180 mph, third-party tested
Class A assembly available
Very low — resists freeze-thaw damage
95% post-industrial recycled content
50-year, fully transferable warranty
You want a heritage slate look at a fraction of the weight and cost
2
Enviroshake
Enviroshake Product
Composite cedar shake
50+ years
Lightweight — no reinforcement needed
Class 4 (UL 2218)
180 mph, third-party tested
Class A assembly available
Very low — no preservatives or refinishing
95% post-industrial recycled content
Fully transferable lifetime warranty
You want authentic cedar character without the maintenance of real wood
1