You need a new roof. It’s a phrase that hits many homeowners like a ton of bricks. It’s one of the spendiest home repairs we are faced with, but one that comes with a deep level of satisfaction. That’s because a new roof can add a ton of character to your home. If you’re trying to soften the blow, keep in mind that the materials you choose will determine cost. From the cheapest roofing material to the most expensive, each offers benefits that others don’t. But what is the cheapest roofing material, and will it work for you? Understanding your options will help you achieve the look you want at a price that won’t break the bank. Going with the cheapest roofing material may be tempting, but it’s got to work. It’s also got to look great. Some materials simply may not work well with your roof style. Fortunately, whether you’ve got a sloped or flat roof, or you live in a desert or tundra, there are affordable options out there. Let’s dig in.
Finding the Cheapest Roofing Material
To start, let’s look at some of the more affordable types of roofing materials. There are sure to be options that deliver an aesthetic that raises your roof to a level of urban art. You’ve just got to know what you’re looking for. Let’s look at some common options, as well as some pros and cons associated with each.
Rolled Roofing
This is going to be your least expensive roofing material. You may find it for as low as $0.50 per square foot, but it likely won’t deliver the results you’re after. You could probably install these 100-square-foot rolls yourself, saving on labor as well. Unfortunately, that’s where the benefits end. Rolled roofing is not particularly attractive and it doesn’t hold up very well against the elements. You can expect it to last somewhere in the range of 5–10 years, meaning you’ll be in for another repair in the near future. Save this material for when your shed or carport needs an affordable upgrade. Now that we’ve looked at the absolute cheapest roofing material and examined why it’s troublesome, let’s move on. The next items on the list are far more feasible and provide bona fide benefits in terms of appearance and durability.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular new construction and replacement roofing materials, asphalt shingles are economical and durable. You’ve undoubtedly seen them before. They are created from a blend of fiberglass and asphalt and installed over a protective base layer. You can get budget options installed for around $1–2 per square foot, meaning your money will go a long way. You’ve also got a few different options when it comes to asphalt. This means you can perfectly balance your budgetary and aesthetic needs. The available options are 3-tab shingles, architectural/dimensional shingles, and luxury/designer shingles.
3-Tab Shingles
These are the cheapest roofing materials when it comes to asphalt shingles. They are rectangular in shape and have two cuts on the bottom half that produce the three tabs. They overlap so you see row after row of small shingle tabs. This type of shingle is an inexpensive roofing material for sure, but it only lasts around 15–20 years. With a slight uptick in price, you can add 10 years with architectural or dimensional shingles.
Architectural/Dimensional Shingles
Architectural or dimensional shingles are going to be the next step up. They have an additional layer or layers of material to produce a more pronounced, dimensional look. Not only does this look provide added visual appeal; it adds more protective power as well. The thicker shingles can withstand more abuse and will usually last between 20 and 30 years. They’ll likely run between $4.50 and $7 per square foot, however. This balance of visual appeal and longevity can outweigh the upfront costs, making these a more economical roofing material in the long run. If you want to go even bigger with your visual impact, luxury shingles will get you there.
Luxury/Designer Shingles
These are top-of-the-line asphalt shingles. Luxury or designer shingles deliver a high-end look that you can’t get with the other options. That’s because they are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes that match the exact look you’re after. With all that luxury shingles offer, they aren’t the cheapest roofing materials on the market. You should get a solid 30 years out of them, more in ideal climates, but that comes at a cost. You can expect to pay somewhere between $6 and $10 per square foot for this option.
Wood Shingle Roofing
If you’re looking for a timeless look, you may consider wood shingles. They are sturdy, affordable, and deliver a natural look that complements many design styles. Not only that, but you can expect a quality roof to last 30–40 years. Unless you plan on living in your home a lifetime, it may very well be your only replacement. While wood shingles look great, there are some downsides. Wood shingle roofs are vulnerable to the elements, discolor quickly, and may leak in tough weather conditions. Make sure this type of low-cost roof is installed correctly using quality materials. You can expect to pay between $4 and $7 per square foot for wood shingle installation.
Risks of Going with the Cheapest Roofing Material
If you decide to go with the most inexpensive roofing material you can find, make sure you aren’t setting yourself up for trouble. Some roofing materials are better suited for your needs than others, depending on things like your region and roof type. A flat roof in the northwoods is far different than a sloped roof in the desert. Going with the wrong type could open you up to problems with insects, leaks, and rotting tiles. Before you decide to go with the cheapest roof type, let’s look at a couple of these important variables.
Your Home Is in a Hot Region
If your home is in a particularly hot region of the country, that heat is a factor that will affect your decision. Asphalt and wood shingles can make your home hotter than you’d like, due to heat absorption. Also, the heat can make them brittle. Even though these popular materials are cheap and generally durable, you may want to go another direction in hot climates.
Terra Cotta
Terra cotta roofing is incredibly popular in warm climates, and for good reason. It is impact-, rot-, and fire-resistant, and it allows for airflow that can keep your home cooler in hot seasons. That can add up to big savings on your energy bill during the most oppressive months of the summer. The earthenware tiles also allow you to put less stress on the energy grid. That helps ensure there’s enough to keep area residents safe and comfortable. This green option should be a real consideration if you live in a desert or semi-tropical to tropical climate. Terra cotta roofs usually run between $5 and $10 per square foot, but potential energy savings can bring down the overall cost. Plus, when well-maintained, they can last you 75 years, stretching that cost out over a lifetime.
Light or Reflective Roofing Materials
This isn’t a particular type of roofing, but it’s an important consideration if you live in hot climates. Light-colored or reflective roofing materials will deflect a lot of the sun’s energy. Whether that means light concrete tiles or white metal roofing, these materials all add up to energy savings. That will reduce the overall amount of money spent, making your roof more cost effective.
Your Home Is in a Cold Region
Likewise, if you live in a particularly cold region, freezing winters will impact your choice. You’ll want something dark and well-sealed to help melt snow and keep the moisture out. Luckily, there are affordable materials that fit this bill perfectly.
Metal Roofing
One affordable solution with a lot going for it is metal roofing. It will run you more than asphalt shingles, but it also boasts a lifespan of 40–70 years, depending on materials. Even though it may not be the cheapest roofing material upfront, its longevity can bring your price per year down. That makes it a very budget-friendly option. Metal also looks great and stands up to the elements very well. In colder climates, metal can allow snow and ice to readily slide off. That reduces the chance that icicles or ice sheets will fall off and injure someone below. Getting a metal roof in a dark color will also help you keep the roof dry and the interior warm during winter months. Absorbing some of the sun’s energy will allow you to turn the furnace down and keep warm without huge heating bills. Even though metal roofing will run $5–15 per square foot, energy savings may bring that cost down.
Asphalt Shingles
Since many asphalt shingles are on the darker side of the spectrum, they are great cheap roof options for cold climates. The dark shades will absorb sunlight to keep your house warmer and keep the snow from piling too high. They don’t offer the same icicle protection as metal roofs, but they are a very economical option. Keep in mind, however, that they also come with a significantly shorter lifespan than metal roofing materials. Since they don’t last as long, you’ll have to calculate whether or not they truly are your cheapest roofing material.
You Have a Flat Roof
If your roof is flat, that’s another consideration you’ll need to be aware of. Going with the cheapest roof option in this scenario isn’t always best. Flat roofs don’t drain as readily as sloped roofs, meaning the material has to stand up to possible standing water. Most people choose to go with membranes or metal for this reason.
Membranes
Membranous roofing materials are all similar in form and function, but do have some differences that set them apart. The three types of membrane roofs we are going to look at are EPDM, TPO, and PVC.
EPDM
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, is a black membrane most commonly used on commercial buildings. That said, it can also work very well for flat-roofed homes in cold climates. The black material absorbs a good amount of energy, and the thick rubber construction keeps water out wonderfully. It’s also aesthetically pleasing, since the black color doesn’t show dirt as readily as its white counterparts. You can expect to get around 25–30 years out of an EPDM roof, and for it to cost somewhere in the $3–10 per square foot range.
TPO
TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is a white membrane that’s common in commercial and residential roofing. This is a great option for warmer climates, since the white color reflects sunshine and keeps the interior cooler. That whiteness can also make dust and dirt stand out, however, so be aware of that. If you have second-story windows that look out over the roof, you’ll need to maintain it. It’s a durable material that you should be able to get 25 years out of. Expect to pay somewhere in the range of $4–14 per square foot, depending upon material thickness.
PVC
Similar to TPO, PVC membrane roofing is a white membrane used in commercial and residential settings. It’s also similar in longevity, lasting around 25 years when installed by professionals. One advantage, however, is the cost. PVC roofing material generally runs in the $4–7 per square foot range. That means you can get similar benefits in a low-cost roofing material.
Standing Seam Metal
If you’re looking to get a little more longevity or aesthetic appeal out of your flat roof, standing seam metal is a good option. Metal looks great, and under ideal conditions, you may get 50 years out of it. It’s not the cheapest type of roof, though. Metal is considerably more costly than membrane roofing materials. It typically runs somewhere between 8 and 20 dollars per square foot. Even at the $14 average, this option is considerably more expensive than the other flat roof options we’ve looked at. If you expect it to last, these costs can be spread out and make this an attractive option. Read More: 7 Way to Finance a New Roof
Save Money with a Great Contractor
As you may have gathered, the right roofing choice involves balancing up-front costs with longevity and energy savings. Going with the cheapest roofing material isn’t always the most cost-effective solution. A guaranteed way to get the biggest bang for your buck is to go with a great contractor. We know all the pros and cons of each roofing type, and we know the local climate. We can help you identify the cheap roofing options that will work best for your situation. Reach out for a consultation to learn more about the cheapest roof options that deliver on both cost and visual appeal. You’ll be surprised at how exciting this big replacement can be.
