There aren’t many areas where you should look for the cheapest product and expect a good value and quality product. But, you might be looking for the best value product and potentially one that can provide you with the best bang for your buck.
You shouldn’t have to pay for a crazy expensive roofing product just because. Instead, your roofer should provide you with the roofing material that offers the best possible value for the money that you’re investing.
We’re diving into some of the cheapest and most cost-effective roofing materials for homeowners. Here’s what we’ll be looking out beyond cost:
- Durability
- Length of life
- Install time and cost
- Curb appeal
- Resale Value
CHEAPEST ROOFING MATERIALS FOR HOMEOWNERS TO CONSIDER
The roofing contractor you choose to complete the roofing on your home will likely have an impact on the overall cost and material choice. Be sure to get a few quotes or opinions before making your decision. Especially if you’re not confident that the contractor you’re working with is going to be trustworthy.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
The most popular roofing material in the United States, asphalt shingles are often the obvious choice for many homeowners. But that’s not just because they’re so popular. Asphalt shingles provide a durable roofing material without costing all that much.
But you should be aware of some pros and cons to asphalt shingles.
Cost: Asphalt shingles cost only $1-$1.50 per square foot before installation— making it possible for most roofers to complete asphalt shingle roofs for less than $15,000.
✅ Pros:
- Fast and easy installation
- Very affordable
- Multiple color options
- Multiple design options
❌ Cons:
- Shorter lifespan 15-25 years
- Less durable
METAL ROOFING
Metal roofs are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners. Metal roofs are often made of steel, aluminum, copper, or a combination of these materials to provide an even better product. The exact material that your roof is made out of will affect both the look of your finished product and the cost of the roof.
When considering a metal roof, take into account that the higher cost makes for a roofing material that will last longer and provide better protection for your home than standard asphalt shingles.
Cost: The average cost for metal roofing will range from $5-$14 per square foot. Most metal roof installations on a 1,500-1,800 sq ft home will cost around $35,000.
✅ Pros:
- Long-lasting with 40-50 year lifespan
- Wind and storm resistant
- Premium protection for your home
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
❌ Cons:
- Expensive to install
- Can require maintenance
- Repairs are expensive
ROLLED ROOFING
Rolled roofing or rubber roofing is a flat roof material that can be available to some homeowners who own a home with low sloped roofs. For those with sloped roofs, this product unfortunately isn’t an option. Rolled roofing is one of the most affordable roofing solutions on the market for both commercial and residential flat roofs.
Cost: Some of the cheaper rolled roofing only costs $.03-$.10 a square foot, making it possible to roof a home for less than $4,000, including labor.
✅ Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Fast install
- Little to no waist
❌ Cons:
- Not very durable
- Regular maintenance is required
- The average lifespan is just 7-10 years
CEDAR SHAKE SHINGLES
Cedar shakes have decreased in popularity over the years, but some homeowners still love the way that they look from the curb and the protection they offer to a home. One of the biggest reasons these shingles have gone down in popularity is because they’re not at all fire-resistant.
Cedar shakes will require regular maintenance and upkeep, but if they’re well taken care of, then your new roof should last for 30-40 years.
Cost: Cedar shakes offer a more affordable solution for a premium product, but they are still more expensive than other materials. The average cost is $4-$7 per square foot, taking a total project cost to roughly $20,000-$30,000.
✅ Pros:
- Durable against normal weather conditions
- Impressive curb appeal
- Affordable premium roofing
❌ Cons:
- Longer install time
- Regular maintenance
- Difficult repairs
HOW TO SAVE MONEY DURING A ROOFING PROJECT
If you need your home reroofed, there are some things you can do to keep costs low and save money during the process beyond just buying the cheapest materials. You will likely need to DIY some parts of the project to get maximum savings.
HELP TEAR OFF OLD MATERIALS
If you’re replacing your roof, then there’s going to be old materials that need to be torn off. Your roofing company is going to include the cost to tear off the shingles in their original bid. But, if you’d like to save some money, you can offer to tear off the shingles yourself.
Tearing off the materials isn’t too difficult, but it does make for a long day’s work at high heights, so be sure that you have the correct safety equipment and that you’re not biting off more than you chew with the project.
GET MULTIPLE ESTIMATES
Unless you have a specific recommendation or you feel very confident in the contractor you’re choosing to work with, it’s always good to get more than one estimate. Most experts and insurance companies will recommend getting three estimates and vetting the companies to decide which one you prefer working with.
Your roofing contractor should have:
- 5+ years of experience
- A professional website
- Real customer reviews
- Fast and responsive customer service
CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A REBATE
Many homeowners don’t know that they can get a rebate from their insurance company for having certain types of roofing installed on their homes. Similar to energy rebates for installing high-efficiency appliances, these rebates can help to make your insurance less expensive.
Contact your insurance company and ask about the rebates they offer for new roofs and different roofing materials.
CHECK TO SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE A CLAIM
Damage caused by wind, hail, storms, and debris can all be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. More than that, when damage is severe many homes can have their entire roof replaced. Call a company like MARS Restoration for a free roof inspection to find out if there’s any damage to your roof.
CHECK WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR ABOUT FINANCING OPTIONS
If you don’t have the cash to pay for your roofing project upfront, then financing can be a great option. Some companies are able to offer homeowners 0% interest loans and even payment plans that will last as long as 20-30 years if needed.
It’s better to get a roof over your home than to wait until you have the money to pay for it out of pocket. Damaged or old roofs will only lead to further costs and damages down the road.
GET THE MOST VALUE FOR YOUR ROOF
If you want to get a high-quality roof that will continue to provide value to your home for years to come, reach out to our team today. MARS Restoration can help you get a roof for a great price that will last for years to come!
Reach out today for a free inspection!