Roofing Materials Comparison

Compare 13 roofing materials side by side. Real prices, honest ratings, and how each performs in Charleston's hurricanes, humidity, and salt air. No surprises — just transparency.
Transparent Pricing
How to Use This Tool
Browse all 6 materials below, then select up to 4 to compare side by side. Each card shows real pricing, lifespan, and how the material handles Charleston's unique coastal challenges.

Browse Materials

Explore all 6 roofing options with pricing and SC climate ratings

Select & Compare

Click the compare icon on up to 4 materials to see them side by side

Get Your Estimate

Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate based on your roof

Asphalt Shingles

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration

Material Only
$1.16/sq ft
Installed
$4.25/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Very Good

Very Good

Good

Good

Our mid-tier shingle offering. Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles deliver a rich, dimensional appearance with patented SureNail Technology for exceptional wind resistance. The heavyweight construction and advanced granule adhesion make this a strong choice for Charleston homeowners who want excellent protection and curb appeal at a balanced price point…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

The Owens Corning Duration is an excellent fit for Charleston’s hurricane-prone climate. The patented SureNail Technology provides a reinforced nailing zone that resists wind uplift — critical during tropical storms. The StreakGuard algae resistance combats the Lowcountry’s humid conditions that promote dark algae streaks. When installed by a certified Owens Corning contractor with a 6-nail pattern, this shingle offers top-tier storm protection for South Carolina homes.

Asphalt Shingles

Owens Corning Oakridge

Material Only
$1.02/sq ft
Installed
$4.11/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Good

Good

Good

Good

Our entry-tier shingle option. Owens Corning Oakridge shingles offer a great balance of performance, appearance, and value. These architectural shingles feature a dimensional wood-shake look with reliable wind and algae resistance — a proven choice for Charleston-area homes that need quality coverage at the most accessible price…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

The Oakridge is a solid, reliable choice for Charleston-area homes. Its 110 mph wind rating meets South Carolina building code requirements, and the StreakGuard algae resistance helps maintain appearance in our humid Lowcountry climate. For homeowners who want quality Owens Corning performance at a more accessible price point, the Oakridge delivers dependable protection against our coastal weather.

Asphalt Shingles

TAMKO HailGuard

Material Only
$2.49/sq ft
Installed
$5.58/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Excellent

Good

Good

Fair

The first and only asphalt shingle system with a hail warranty. TAMKO HailGuard features ImpactCore™ Technology — next-generation polymer modified asphalt and advanced fiberglass mat engineering — rated UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance and backed by a 160 mph system wind warranty. The hail warranty (active as of March 2026) requires Synthetic Guard™ and Moisture Guard® underlayments and can help homeowners avoid paying a deductible after a hailstorm…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

TAMKO HailGuard is engineered for markets like Charleston where hail, hurricanes, and severe storms are a real threat. The 160 mph system wind warranty (with TAMKO starter and hip & ridge) exceeds even Category 5 hurricane thresholds. ImpactCore™ Technology — polymer modified asphalt plus advanced fiberglass mat — is specifically designed to withstand real-world hail impacts, not just pass the UL steel ball drop test. The hail warranty is unique in the asphalt shingle industry and can help SC homeowners avoid out-of-pocket deductibles after a storm. Many South Carolina insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 impact-rated shingles.

Metal Roofing

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Material Only
$4.00 – $8.00/sq ft
Installed
$8.00 – $16.00/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Excellent

Excellent

Very Good

Excellent

The premier metal roofing system, standing seam features continuous panels running from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock to form a watertight seal. This is the fastest-growing roofing choice in coastal South Carolina due to its exceptional hurricane resistance, longevity, and energy efficiency. Standing seam metal roofs can withstand winds up to 180 mph — well above Category 5 hurricane thresholds…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

Standing seam metal is arguably the best roofing choice for coastal South Carolina. Its interlocking panel design creates a virtually impenetrable barrier against wind-driven rain — critical during hurricane season. The reflective surface can reduce cooling costs by 25-40% during Charleston’s hot, humid summers. Galvalume (steel with aluminum-zinc coating) or aluminum panels resist salt air corrosion. Many Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach homes are switching to standing seam for its unmatched storm protection…

Flat Roof Systems

TPO Flat Roofing

Material Only
$2.00 – $4.00/sq ft
Installed
$5.00 – $12.00/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Good

Excellent

Very Good

Excellent

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is the most popular single-ply membrane for flat and low-slope roofs. Its heat-welded seams create a watertight bond stronger than the membrane itself. TPO’s white reflective surface is ideal for Charleston’s hot climate, significantly reducing cooling costs. It’s the go-to choice for commercial buildings, additions, porches, and any flat roof section…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

TPO is the premier flat roofing choice for Charleston’s climate. The white membrane reflects up to 90% of solar radiation, dramatically reducing cooling costs during the Lowcountry’s long, hot summers. The heat-welded seams are critical for Charleston’s heavy rainfall — they create a monolithic waterproof surface. For hurricane resistance, mechanically attached TPO with enhanced fastener patterns provides the best wind uplift performance. Many Charleston commercial buildings and historic home additions use TPO for flat roof sections…

Asphalt Shingles

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration

Material Only
$1.50 – $3.50/sq ft
Installed
$4.00 – $10.00/sq ft
SC Climate Performance

Fair

Good

Good

Fair

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber membrane that has been a reliable flat roofing solution for over 50 years. Available in black or white, EPDM is known for its flexibility, durability, and ease of repair. It’s a proven, cost-effective option for flat and low-slope roofs throughout the Charleston area…

Best For
Advantages
Considerations

EPDM works adequately in Charleston’s climate but has some limitations. The traditional black membrane absorbs significant solar heat, increasing cooling costs during summer. White EPDM is available but costs more and still doesn’t match TPO’s reflectivity. The adhesive seams can be stressed by Charleston’s thermal cycling and heavy rainfall. For budget-conscious flat roof projects, EPDM remains viable, but we generally recommend TPO for its superior seam strength and energy efficiency in our coastal climate…

Important Pricing Notes

All prices shown reflect the Charleston, South Carolina market as of March 2026. Actual costs may vary based on your roof's size, pitch, complexity, accessibility, and any necessary structural repairs or decking replacement.
Material cost represents the raw material price per square foot. Installed cost includes materials, labor, underlayment, flashing, cleanup, and standard warranty. Tear-off of existing roofing, permits, and any structural modifications are additional.
We provide free, no-obligation in-home estimates with exact pricing for your specific roof. Call us at (843) 306-2939 or request an estimate online