Membrane Roof vs Shingles: In the membrane roof vs shingles decision, slope decides the winner. Below a 2:12 pitch, building code bans asphalt shingles and a membrane is the only legal option. Above 4:12, shingles cost less and look better. Membranes run $4.20 to $14.65 per square foot installed in 2026. Shingles run $3.43 to…
Rolled Roofing vs Shingles: Rolled roofing costs about $2.00 to $5.50 per square foot installed and lasts 5 to 10 years. Asphalt shingles cost roughly $3.50 to $9.00 per square foot installed and last 15 to 30 years. Rolled roofing wins on upfront price and low slopes. Shingles win on lifespan, insurability and resale value….
OSB vs Plywood for Roofing: For most US roofs, OSB is the cheaper option and plywood is the more durable one. OSB costs roughly 50 to 60 percent less per sheet and meets the same IRC span ratings. Plywood swells about 3.5 times less when wet, which makes it the safer pick in humid, coastal…
Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement: Repair your roof when damage is localized, the deck is dry, and the roof has more than five years of rated life left. Replace it when damage crosses roughly 25 to 30 percent of the surface, the roof is past 75 percent of its lifespan, or repair quotes exceed 30…
Roof Eave vs Rake: A roof eave is the horizontal lower edge of a roof, running parallel to the ground and to the gutter line. A rake is the sloped edge of a gable end, running from eave up to ridge. Eaves carry gutters, soffit vents and ice barrier. Rakes carry trim and wind loads…
TPO vs EPDM: TPO is a white, heat-welded thermoplastic membrane that reflects sunlight and cuts cooling costs. EPDM is a black synthetic rubber with taped seams and the longest documented service record in low-slope roofing. Choose TPO in hot, code-driven states. Choose EPDM in cold, hail-prone, or heating-dominated climates. That is the short answer, but…
Architectural Shingles vs 3 Tab: Architectural shingles are laminated multi-layer shingles rated for 110 to 130 mph wind that last 25 to 30 years. 3 tab shingles are single-layer, rated near 60 mph, and last 15 to 20 years. Architectural costs roughly 25 to 40 percent more upfront but less per year of service. If…
Ridge Beam vs Ridge Board: A ridge board is a non-structural 1x member that aligns opposing rafters and carries no roof load, so it only works when ceiling joists or rafter ties tie the walls together. A ridge beam is an engineered structural member that carries roughly half the roof load down through posts to…
Standing Seam vs Corrugated Metal Roof: Standing seam hides its fasteners under raised interlocking seams and runs about $10 to $16 per square foot installed, lasting 40 to 70 years. Corrugated metal screws through the panel face, costs roughly $7 to $12 per square foot, and lasts 25 to 40 years. Standing seam wins on…
Joist vs Beam: A joist is a repetitive horizontal member, usually spaced 12 to 24 inches apart, that carries the floor or ceiling deck directly. A beam (also called a girder) is a single larger member that collects the loads from many joists and carries them to posts, walls or foundations. Joists spread load. Beams…