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Compare materials, side by side.

Compare material types side by side to understand their upkeep, appearance and performance before planning your project.

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Find the fit for your home.

Choose any three roofing materials. Repeating a material is fine. Estimated orderings have limited pricing evidence.

Some figures are typical examples from one manufacturer's published data; they are marked with a dot.

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13 of 13 rows differ.

Roofing material comparison
Material 1 See the serviceWe install this	Material 2 See the serviceWe install this	Material 3 See the serviceWe install this
At a glance
Expected service life
Differs from the other selected materials. About 20 to 30 years trade estimate 12 to 20 years^1,2,3,4 Inspector and home-builder estimates disagree with the metal trade group's shorter estimate; NIST models 20 years.	Differs from the other selected materials. 40 to 80 years trade estimate 30 to 50+ years^1,4,5 Inspector and metal trade group disagree on metal roofing service life.	Differs from the other selected materials. 10 to 35 years versus 50 years^1,2,6 Inspector and home-builder estimates disagree; the slate association says none has reached 50 years.
Relative costEstimated ordering. Cost symbols show relative cost, not an estimate.
Differs from the other selected materials. ⁴	Differs from the other selected materials. ⁴	Differs from the other selected materials.
Maintenance
Differs from the other selected materials. Inspect yearly, twice ideal; clean algae gently; never power wash⁷	Differs from the other selected materials. Almost none; avoid contact with other metals⁷	Differs from the other selected materials. Manufacturer claims virtually none; no neutral schedule⁸
Appearance
Differs from the other selected materials. Laminated, layered shingles with a dimensional, shadowed profile³	Differs from the other selected materials. Continuous vertical panels, raised seams and concealed fasteners⁵	Differs from the other selected materials. Polymer tiles molded from slate or cedar; varied colors⁸
Performance
Fire classification
Differs from the other selected materials. ASTM D3462 minimum; example UL 790 Class A^9,10	Differs from the other selected materials. Class A on noncombustible decks; example UL 790 Class A^11,12	Differs from the other selected materials. Class A with fire-rated ; Class C with standard underlayment⁸
Wind resistance
Differs from the other selected materials. ASTM D3161 Class F (110 mph); ASTM D7158 Class H^9,10 D3161 is a fan test; D7158 measures uplift.	Differs from the other selected materials. UL 580 Class 90 uplift; pressure classification, not wind speed¹² Rating depends on deck attachment, , clip spacing and panel width.	Differs from the other selected materials. 188 mph nailed / 211 mph screwed; trade group: 110 mph^8,6 Manufacturer ratings disagree with the slate association's description of most synthetics.
Impact resistance
Differs from the other selected materials. UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4; labeled packages only^10,13	Differs from the other selected materials. UL 2218 Class 4 example; classifications vary by profile¹²	Differs from the other selected materials. UL 2218 Class 4⁸
Energy performance
Differs from the other selected materials. Reflective shingle versions available; standard dark shingles have no rating¹⁴	Differs from the other selected materials. Cool painted finishes available; reflectance varies by color¹⁴	Differs from the other selected materials. Not published
Weight per square (100 sq ft)
Differs from the other selected materials. About 280 lb per square³	Differs from the other selected materials. About 0.9 lb/sq ft, 24-gauge steel; roughly half asphalt's weight^15,16 Published sheet weight is 0.9380 lb/sq ft; the trade group supplies the asphalt comparison.	Differs from the other selected materials. About 311 lb per square, composite slate example⁸
Living with it
Weather and climate
Differs from the other selected materials. Ice barriers where designated; low slopes require double underlayment¹¹ 2021 IRC R905.1.2 and R905.2.2 cover ice barriers and underlayment.	Differs from the other selected materials. Sheds snow; choose aluminum near saltwater; steel coverage has exclusions^4,17 Example steel substrate warranty requires at least 2,800 feet from surf.	Differs from the other selected materials. Example lists freeze/thaw resistance; slate-type shingles require ice barriers^8,11
Recyclability
Differs from the other selected materials. Recyclable into paving where facilities exist; often landfilled^18,3	Differs from the other selected materials. 100 percent recyclable; at least 25 percent recycled content typical¹⁶	Differs from the other selected materials. Example uses recycled plastics and is recyclable⁸
Choosing for your home
Best for
Differs from the other selected materials. Most homes needing affordable dimensional shingles with Class A fire classification.^9,4,3	Differs from the other selected materials. Long-term owners wanting a light, snow-shedding roof with long service life.^1,4,16	Differs from the other selected materials. Slate or shake appearance at about a third of slate's weight.^8,19
Watch out for
Differs from the other selected materials. Among the shortest-lived steep-slope options; lifespan estimates disagree.^1,2,4	Differs from the other selected materials. Roughly two to three times asphalt upfront; coastal metal choice matters.^4,17	Differs from the other selected materials. Lifespan estimates conflict; manufacturer compares cost with higher-tier natural materials.^1,2,6,8

Sources

Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart (opens in a new tab). InterNACHI.
Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (2007) (opens in a new tab). National Association of Home Builders.
BEES: Generic Asphalt Shingles (opens in a new tab). National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Metal Roofing FAQs (opens in a new tab). Metal Roofing Alliance.
Metal Roofing and Other Weather (opens in a new tab). Metal Roofing Alliance.
Technical Bulletin 10: Natural Slate vs. Synthetic (opens in a new tab). National Slate Association.
What Type of Maintenance Does My Roof Require? (opens in a new tab). CertainTeed.
Old World Slate: product data and classifications (opens in a new tab). Brava Roof Tile.
Asphalt shingle standards and classifications (opens in a new tab). National Roofing Contractors Association / Professional Roofing.
Timberline HDZ Shingles: product data and classifications (opens in a new tab). GAF.
2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies (opens in a new tab). International Code Council.
100SS Profile: testing and attachment-specific classifications (opens in a new tab). Drexel Metals.
Timberline UHDZ with UltraMat: product data and classifications (opens in a new tab). GAF.
A Guide to Cool Roofs (opens in a new tab). U.S. Department of Energy.
Coils and Sheets: specification sheet (opens in a new tab). Drexel Metals.
Metal Roofing Recyclability (opens in a new tab). Metal Roofing Alliance.
25 Year Drexlume Warranty: saltwater exclusions (opens in a new tab). Drexel Metals.
Asphalt Shingle Recycling (opens in a new tab). Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.
Technical Bulletin 9: Slate Myths (opens in a new tab). National Slate Association.

How we built the roofing comparison. These are general facts about material types, not about any brand, drawn from the published sources listed above, checked 2026-10-29. Real performance depends on the product, the installation and your home. Future Remodeling installs some of these materials and not others, as marked. This is general information, not an estimate or a warranty; ask us about your project.

Terms and Conditions

Choose any three siding materials. Repeating a material is fine. Estimated orderings have limited pricing evidence.

Some figures are typical examples from one manufacturer's published data; they are marked with a dot.

Show differences only

12 of 13 rows differ.

Siding material comparison
Material 1 See the serviceWe install this	Material 2 We install this	Material 3 See the serviceWe install this
At a glance
Expected service life
Differs from the other selected materials. 100+ years (chart); lifetime (2007 study)^1,2 Estimates differ; the study uses manufacturer input, not a service-life guarantee.	Differs from the other selected materials. 60 years (chart); lifetime (2007 study)^1,2 Estimates differ; the study uses manufacturer input, not a service-life guarantee.	Differs from the other selected materials. Not published³ A 25 year prorated defects warranty is not a service-life estimate.
Relative costEstimated ordering. Cost symbols show relative cost, not an estimate.
Differs from the other selected materials. ^4,5 National ordering above vinyl for the same 1,250 sq ft scope, including factory paint and trim.	Differs from the other selected materials. ^4,6 Lowest nationally costed siding job in 2015 and 2025; ordering only.	Differs from the other selected materials.
Maintenance
Differs from the other selected materials. Keep paint and sealed cut ends intact⁷ Repainting interval not published.	Differs from the other selected materials. Wash; no painting⁸	Differs from the other selected materials. Regular cleaning; low maintenance, with ongoing upkeep⁹ Cleaning at least once every two weeks is recommended in some environments.
Appearance
Differs from the other selected materials. Lap, shingle, panel, ; smooth or woodgrain; primed or factory painted⁵	Differs from the other selected materials. Lap, dutch lap, board-and-batten, shake; many factory colors¹⁰	Differs from the other selected materials. Capped woodgrain tongue-and-groove, shiplap and shadowline boards; up to 16 ft^9,11
Performance
Fire classification
Differs from the other selected materials. Noncombustible ASTM E136; ASTM E84; plank, panel, shingle only^12,13 These classifications do not cover trim.	Differs from the other selected materials. Combustible; ASTM E84 flame spread index under 25^14,15	Differs from the other selected materials. Combustible; Class C surface-burning; FSI 200 or less; not fire rated¹⁶ ASTM E84 surface-burning classification, not a fire-resistance rating.
Wind resistance
Differs from the other selected materials. Assembly specific; capped at 92 psf allowable^17,7 FEMA recommends face nailing at basic design wind speeds of 100 mph or greater.	Differs from the other selected materials. ASTM D3679; base-case design pressure about 30 to 36 psf^7,18,19 The 2021 chart gives about 30 psf; the 2018 brochure gives about 36 psf. FEMA describes 110 mph, 30 ft, Exposure B (ASCE 7-05); higher-rated products exist.	Differs from the other selected materials. 45 to 67 psf allowable by listed board; assembly specific¹¹ ICC-ES ESR-3923 covers only the listed boards and assemblies.
Impact resistance
Differs from the other selected materials. Not published¹³ No common standard, rating or test result published.	Differs from the other selected materials. ASTM D4226; above 60 in-lb at 73 F¹⁴	Differs from the other selected materials. No common standard
Energy performance
Not applicable	Not applicable See insulated vinyl for added insulation.	Not applicable
Weight per sq ft
Differs from the other selected materials. About 2.5 lb per sq ft (lap)²⁰	Differs from the other selected materials. About 0.6 lb per sq ft¹⁰ Calculated from manufacturer packaging weights: 62 lb per 100 sq ft carton.	Differs from the other selected materials. Not published⁹ No weight per sq ft; board density is about 71 lb per cu ft (1.14 g/cm3; 71.1 lb/ft3).
Living with it
Weather and climate
Differs from the other selected materials. Freeze-thaw tested ASTM C1185; northern-zone product available^12,13 No NJ-specific comparative climate data published.	Differs from the other selected materials. Thermal movement; thicker panels advised for wind and temperature swings^7,14	Differs from the other selected materials. Seal cut ends; no cold-climate guidance published⁹
Recyclability
Not published No neutral source found.	Differs from the other selected materials. Recycling programs exist and are growing⁸	Not published⁹ Recycled-content claims remain unverified and do not establish recyclability.
Choosing for your home
Best for
Differs from the other selected materials. Paintable, noncombustible wood looks for freeze-thaw climates.^12,13	Differs from the other selected materials. Budget-minded homeowners wanting low upkeep and many colors.^4,6,8,10	Differs from the other selected materials. Modern wood looks on a ventilated rain screen wall.⁹
Watch out for
Differs from the other selected materials. Maintain paint and sealed cuts; about four times vinyl's weight.^7,20,10	Differs from the other selected materials. Combustible; panels must hang loose to move with temperature.^15,7	Differs from the other selected materials. Combustible; thermal movement requires code-report clips and gaps.⁹

Sources

Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart (opens in a new tab). InterNACHI.
Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (February 2007, hosted copy) (opens in a new tab). NAHB / Bank of America.
NewTechWood Residential Limited Warranty (typical example) (opens in a new tab). NewTechWood.
2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national (opens in a new tab). JLC / Zonda.
Cost vs. Value project scope: fiber-cement siding replacement (opens in a new tab). JLC / Zonda.
2015 Cost vs. Value Report, national (opens in a new tab). JLC / Zonda.
P-499 Fact Sheet 5.3: Siding Installation in High-Wind Regions (opens in a new tab). FEMA.
Why Vinyl (opens in a new tab). PEPA / Vinyl Siding Institute.
NewTechWood manufacturer documents (repo: 00-newtechwood.md) (opens in a new tab). NewTechWood.
Georgia-Pacific Vinyl Product Guide (typical example) (opens in a new tab). Georgia-Pacific / BlueLinx.
ESR-3923: NewTechWood Cladding (May 2026, typical example) (opens in a new tab). ICC Evaluation Service.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Three-Part Specification (typical example) (opens in a new tab). James Hardie / ARCAT.
James Hardie siding manufacturer research (repo: 00-james-hardie-siding.md) (opens in a new tab). James Hardie.
Royal Vinyl Technical Specification, Canada (2019, typical example) (opens in a new tab). Royal Building Solutions.
Fire Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride (opens in a new tab). Vinyl Institute.
ESL-1054: NewTechWood Cladding Surface Burning (March 2026, typical example) (opens in a new tab). ICC Evaluation Service.
ESR-2290: James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding (typical example) (opens in a new tab). ICC Evaluation Service.
2021 I-Codes Quick Reference Chart (opens in a new tab). VSI / Polymeric Exterior Products Association.
2018 I-Codes Brochure (opens in a new tab). Vinyl Siding Institute.
James Hardie Building Products Directory Listing (typical example) (opens in a new tab). Intertek.

How we built the siding comparison. These are general facts about material types, not about any brand, drawn from the published sources listed above, checked 2026-10-29. Real performance depends on the product, the installation and your home. Future Remodeling installs some of these materials and not others, as marked. This is general information, not an estimate or a warranty; ask us about your project.

Terms and Conditions

Choose any three windows materials. Repeating a material is fine. Estimated orderings have limited pricing evidence.

Some figures are typical examples from one manufacturer's published data; they are marked with a dot.

Show differences only

8 of 13 rows differ.

Windows material comparison
Material 1 See the serviceWe install this	Material 2 See the serviceWe install this	Material 3 See the serviceWe install this
At a glance
Expected service life
20 to 40 years¹ The source gives one range for vinyl and fiberglass together.	Differs from the other selected materials. Not published¹ No separate clad-wood figure: the chart groups aluminum-clad at 15 to 20 years and lists wood at 30+ years.	20 to 40 years¹ The source gives one range for vinyl and fiberglass together.
Relative costEstimated ordering. Cost symbols show relative cost, not an estimate.
Differs from the other selected materials. ²	Differs from the other selected materials. ²	Differs from the other selected materials.
Maintenance
Differs from the other selected materials. No painting; through-color frame; wipe-clean³	Differs from the other selected materials. Lower exterior maintenance; interior retains a wood finish³	Differs from the other selected materials. Low maintenance and durable⁴
Appearance
Differs from the other selected materials. Through-color frames; laminates and coatings widen choices³	Differs from the other selected materials. Wood interior; vinyl or enameled-metal exterior; limited colors³	Differs from the other selected materials. Slim frame sections³
Performance
Fire classification
Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Wind resistance
Product NAFS performance grade; not rated by frame material⁵	Product NAFS performance grade; not rated by frame material⁵	Product NAFS performance grade; not rated by frame material⁵
Impact resistance
Assembly glazing tests: ASTM E1886 / E1996; no frame standard⁶	Assembly glazing tests: ASTM E1886 / E1996; no frame standard⁶	Assembly glazing tests: ASTM E1886 / E1996; no frame standard⁶
Energy performance
Differs from the other selected materials. Frame insulation comparable to wood; glazing and design govern whole-window performance^3,4	Differs from the other selected materials. Wood reference: 0.30 to 0.50 Btu/h-ft2-F frame (DOE, 2012)³ Cladding effect not quantified; these are frame figures, not whole-window ratings.	Differs from the other selected materials. Hollow or foam-filled frames pair with high-performance glazing^4,3
Frame weight
Not published	Not published	Not published
Living with it
Weather and climate
Differs from the other selected materials. Improved dimensional stability against sunlight and temperature extremes³ No NJ-specific data published.	Differs from the other selected materials. Cladding provides a permanent weather-resistant face over wood³ No NJ-specific data published.	Differs from the other selected materials. Dimensionally stable; suited to heavier triple glazing³ No NJ-specific data published.
Recyclability
Not published	Not published	Not published
Choosing for your home
Best for
Differs from the other selected materials. Low upkeep and insulating frames without painting.³	Differs from the other selected materials. A wood interior with a lower-maintenance exterior.³	Differs from the other selected materials. Strong, stable, low-maintenance frames, including for triple glazing.^4,3
Watch out for
Not published	Differs from the other selected materials. Exterior colors are limited compared with painted wood.³	Not published

Sources

Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart (opens in a new tab). InterNACHI.
2025 Cost vs. Value Report (vinyl and wood only) (opens in a new tab). JLC / Zonda.
Measure Guideline: Energy-Efficient Window Performance and Selection (2012) (opens in a new tab). U.S. Department of Energy / NREL.
What makes it ENERGY STAR? (opens in a new tab). ENERGY STAR.
NAFS Testing Overview (manufacturer explanation of the standard) (opens in a new tab). Isothermic.
Windows with Impact-Rated Glass, Fire-Resistant Glass, or Protective Coverings (opens in a new tab). Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

How we built the windows comparison. These are general facts about material types, not about any brand, drawn from the published sources listed above, checked 2026-10-29. Real performance depends on the product, the installation and your home. Future Remodeling installs some of these materials and not others, as marked. This is general information, not an estimate or a warranty; ask us about your project.

Terms and Conditions

Choose any three gutters materials. Repeating a material is fine. Estimated orderings have limited pricing evidence.

Some figures are typical examples from one manufacturer's published data; they are marked with a dot.

Show differences only

9 of 9 rows differ.

Gutters material comparison
Material 1 See the serviceWe install this	Material 2 See the serviceWe install this	Material 3 We don't install this
At a glance
Expected service life
Differs from the other selected materials. 20 to 40+ years estimate 20 to 30 years^1,2 Inspector chart and consumer-media estimates differ; not tested service-life guarantees.	Differs from the other selected materials. 50+ years (chart); a century or more (trade source)^1,3 The chart separately lists copper at 100 years.	Differs from the other selected materials. 20 years (inspector chart)¹
Relative costEstimated ordering. Cost symbols show relative cost, not an estimate.
Differs from the other selected materials. ³	Differs from the other selected materials. ³	Differs from the other selected materials. ³
Maintenance
Differs from the other selected materials. Clear debris; inspect hangers and seams seasonally⁴	Differs from the other selected materials. No finish upkeep unless preserving shine with periodic sealant³	Differs from the other selected materials. Inspect coating and rust; painted steel needs repainting³
Appearance
Differs from the other selected materials. Many colors; or half-round; continuous runs³ Seams remain at corners and outlets.	Differs from the other selected materials. Bright copper develops green patina; half-round or K-style³	Differs from the other selected materials. Usually painted; can resemble aluminum⁴
Performance
Thickness
Differs from the other selected materials. .027 or .032 in coil; stock range .018 to .032 in^5,3 Manufacturer examples; thicker stock resists damage better.	Differs from the other selected materials. 16 oz/sq ft: 0.0216 in; 20 oz/sq ft: 0.0270 in^6,3 Handbook sheet weights: 16 oz = 1.00 lb/sq ft; 20 oz = 1.25 lb/sq ft. Manufacturer examples vary by application.	Differs from the other selected materials. in the trade source's price comparison³ Exact thickness varies by gauge; weight per foot not published.
Living with it
Weather and climate
Differs from the other selected materials. Rustproof; temperature movement; copper-shingle runoff corrosion risk in salt fog³ Long runs may need expansion joints.	Differs from the other selected materials. Minimal thermal movement; patina develops faster in marine or industrial areas^3,6 Expansion-joint sizing still depends on temperature range.	Differs from the other selected materials. Low thermal movement; corrosion risk at cut edges and coating damage^3,7
Recyclability
Differs from the other selected materials. Recyclable (manufacturer statement)⁵	Differs from the other selected materials. Recyclable; retains much of its metal value⁶	Differs from the other selected materials. Recyclable steel (producer statement)⁷
Choosing for your home
Best for
Differs from the other selected materials. Lightweight, rustproof gutters with many color choices.³	Differs from the other selected materials. Historic homes, natural patina and long service life.³	Differs from the other selected materials. Strength for heavy snow, ice, branches and ladder contact.³
Watch out for
Differs from the other selected materials. Thin .027 stock dents; copper-coated shingle runoff can corrode aluminum.³	Differs from the other selected materials. Higher upfront cost; color changes with patina unless sealed.³	Differs from the other selected materials. Coating needs upkeep; steel eventually rusts.³

Sources

Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart (opens in a new tab). InterNACHI.
Half-Round Gutters (opens in a new tab). This Old House (consumer media).
What's the Difference: Gutters (opens in a new tab). Fine Homebuilding (trade magazine).
Roof Drainage Systems, Part 1 (opens in a new tab). InterNACHI.
Seamless Aluminum Gutters (opens in a new tab). Ply Gem (manufacturer example).
Copper in Architecture: Architectural Handbook (opens in a new tab). Copper Development Association.
Galvalume Product Data Sheet (coated sheet, not gutter testing) (opens in a new tab). Cleveland-Cliffs (producer).

How we built the gutters comparison. These are general facts about material types, not about any brand, drawn from the published sources listed above, checked 2026-10-29. Real performance depends on the product, the installation and your home. Future Remodeling installs some of these materials and not others, as marked. This is general information, not an estimate or a warranty; ask us about your project.

Terms and Conditions

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At a glance

Performance

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Choosing for your home

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At a glance

Performance

Living with it

Choosing for your home

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At a glance

Performance

Living with it

Choosing for your home

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At a glance

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Choosing for your home

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