There’s a wide array of different materials for roofing. You need to consider all building materials, such as the framing, roofing deck, and exterior layer of roofing shingles, tiles, or other covering. When planning a roofing project, you’ll need to take careful consideration and make accurate calculations when estimating costs for your roof materials.

Materials for Roofing

In order to frame a roof, you’ll need the following roofing supplies:

• Bolts
• Lumber for rafters and/or trusses
• Metal braces
• Nails
• Screws.

You’ll usually need a plywood board to nail to the framing, covered by a waterproof layer of felt. In colder climates, include ice and water shield in your roofing supplies. Adding this shield around the roof’s eaves will help keep out moisture. The final layer will require roof materials such as:

• Metal roofing
• Roofing shingles
• Tiles.

How to Choose Roof Materials

The best roofing materials depend on a number of factors, including climate, cost, type of roof, and other factors. Some common building materials for roofs are the following:

• Asphalt roofing shingles offer an inexpensive option, though they tend to damage easily in severe weather.
• Clay tile materials for roofing last for a long time, though they weigh a lot, requiring extra support.
• Metal roof materials work best in hurricane prone regions, as they withstand high winds better, but work poorly in colder climates.
• Wood building materials are great insulators and withstand storms well, but aren’t good for areas with frequent wildfires.

Here are some additional advantages and disadvantages of using various roofing materials:

• Asphalt shingles work well on sloped roofs, require little maintenance, but aren’t as durable as other roofing supplies.
• Metal roof materials are light and durable, but may be susceptible to rust in more humid climates.
• Tile roofing shingles are fire resistant, require little maintenance, and are extremely durable, although they can be easily broken if walked upon.
• Wood shingles look good, but require ongoing maintenance, and are susceptible to insects and rot.

Costs of Various Roofing Supplies

You’ll want to consider cost of building materials, as well as their life span, when choosing roofing supplies:

• Asphalt roofing shingles are the least expensive at $80 to $200 per square, including tear off, though they may last less than 20 years.
• Clay roof materials will cost $300 to $500 per square, and will last on average 50 years.
• Metal building materials will cost $100 to $600 per square, and can last up to 50 years.
• Slate roofing shingles, perhaps the most durable roofing material, costs on average $1000 per square, and will typically last well over 100 years.
• Wood roof materials will cost $400 to $900 per square, and will last 30 to 50 years.

In addition to these figures, a more complex roof will cost more, especially when it comes to the number of ridges and valleys. Also consider using less expensive roof materials, as the average American moves every seven years.