Toughness

• Metal roofs are durable under just about any weather condition and can last as long as you do in a home. Slate roofs last the longest, as they are made of stone and hardly ever incur damage. They can last the duration of a home's life. Clay shingled roofs deal with moisture well and will not rot out. Wood roofs can withstand damage, but they can warp and rot in very moist areas. If they are not of the highest quality, wood shingles can also be a fire risk.
  
  

Environment

• Clay and slate roofs are heavy and need to be transported to your home, so you can count on extra energy used by the vehicles delivering them. Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials and reflect sunlight to save on energy usage in hot months. The exception is copper, which requires excessive energy to be forged. Wood shingles help with attic insulation and can reduce energy bill costs.
  
  

Cost

• Metal, slate and wood roof shingles all carry high price tags because of the natural materials they are made from. Wood roofs may also cost more if a shingle rots out or shrinks and needs to be replaced. The weight of slate and clay could cause problems underneath the shingles, which can lead to extensive costs to repair the foundation beneath them. Heavy materials also may necessitate more costly professional help and transportation during installation.
  
  

Aesthetics

• Wood shingles are available in multiple colors and textures, while clay tiles offer an earthy, natural look. Slate is made from stone, but the color choices are practically unlimited. Metal roof shingles can be manipulated to any design. Metal also carries the advantage of taking on any color or imitating other natural materials. Some metal roofs can be noisy during precipitation.