3-tab asphalt shingles: the thin, flat, three-tab profile that was standard construction for decades. Lifespan: 15-20 years. Cost: $7,000-$14,000 to replace on a 1,500-2,500 sq ft home. Wind resistance: typically rated to 60-70 mph (Class D) without special installation.

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles: thicker, multi-layered laminate shingle with a more varied, dimensional profile. Now the dominant residential roofing material. Lifespan: 20-30 years. Cost: $9,000-$22,000. Wind resistance: standard installation 110-130 mph; enhanced installation with 4 nails/shingle + sealed strips achieves 130-150 mph rating (relevant for FL wind mitigation discounts).

In Florida: architectural shingles in the enhanced installation ("Fortified" or FBC High-Velocity Hurricane Zone compliance) can qualify for meaningful wind mitigation insurance credits. The hip vs gable roof shape matters as much as the shingle type: a hip roof (all four slopes) qualifies for better insurance credits than a gable roof of the same material.

Metal — standing seam: concealed-fastener metal panels with floating seams that handle thermal expansion. Lifespan: 40-70 years. Cost: $18,000-$45,000. In Florida: the best available wind mitigation credits; insurance companies treat standing seam metal as the gold standard. Annual insurance savings vs asphalt: $800-$2,500 in many Florida markets, which erases the premium over asphalt in 8-15 years on a present-value basis.

Metal — corrugated/exposed fastener: lower cost ($12,000-$25,000) but fasteners are exposed; requires periodic maintenance. Lifespan: 20-40 years.

Concrete tile: heavy, durable, fire-resistant. Lifespan: 25-50 years. Cost: $15,000-$35,000. Requires verified structural adequacy (concrete tile is 800-950 lbs/sq vs 275 lbs/sq for asphalt). Common in Florida luxury and Mediterranean-style homes.

Clay/terracotta tile: lifespan 50-100 years. Cost: $20,000-$50,000. Heaviest roofing material; structural verification essential.

Wood shake: 20-25 years; $14,000-$30,000. Some insurance carriers will not write wood shake roofs due to fire risk; increasingly rare in Florida and California for this reason.

Flat/TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin): most common on low-slope sections and Miami-Dade modern architecture. $5-$10/sq ft installed. Lifespan 15-30 years; requires periodic inspection of seams and drains.

The cheapest roof at installation isn't always the cheapest over a homeownership period. Run the annual cost:

Architectural asphalt: $13,000 installed / 25-year lifespan = $520/year
Standing seam metal: $28,000 / 50-year lifespan = $560/year

Those are nearly identical — and the metal version also delivers insurance savings of $800-$2,500/year in Florida markets. On a present-value basis, standing seam metal is often the lower-cost roof over a full ownership cycle.

The insurance savings math matters most in Florida and Gulf Coast markets. A homeowner switching from a 12-year-old asphalt shingle to standing seam metal can see:
• Premium reduction: $1,500-$3,000/year
• Return to private market (exiting Citizens)
• Wind mitigation credit that reduces both wind and standard HO premium

The $28,000 metal roof paid for itself in insurance savings in 10-18 years — then delivers 30-50 more years of service.