4 Best Roofing Materials for When You're on a Budget

Having a brand new roof not only gives you a sense of satisfaction when you arrive home, it can also increase the value of your home. For homeowners who are on a budget, a little research and price comparison can go a long way towards keeping your roof renovation project in your price range.  

Here’s a guide to how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your roofing renovation project.

1. Asphalt Shingles

This is one of the most affordable roofing options and has a lifespan of approximately 20 to 50 years. This makes asphalt a common and well-liked roofing choice. It's also available in a wide variety of colors and styles to match your sensibilities. Asphalt shingles consist of woven fiberglass and have a waterproof coating and ceramic granules to protect them from ultraviolet rays. 

To get the most value from your asphalt shingles, you want to buy the dimensional shingles (as opposed to 3-tab) that can stand up to high wind gusts. Aim for shingles that have a wind rating of 110 mph or more.

As far as the environment goes, asphalt is petroleum-based, which is not a very sustainable option. Since petroleum is a fossil fuel, its combustion creates polluting emissions, including carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. In some areas, you can recycle asphalt so it doesn't pile up in a landfill. Research online to see if there’s a shingle recycling center near you. If you aren’t in a location that offers it, you can opt to buy from a manufacturer that uses recycled materials in their shingles. Malarkey Roofing Products is one of those companies.

Price-wise, the range is vast, from $70 to $120 a square and $200 to $400 per square installed. 

2. Metal

Metal roofing materials cost more than asphalt but are also more durable. They are very sturdy and have a lifespan of 30 to 70 good years. Metal roof options are available in shingles and panels and come in various materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and zinc alloy. Metal shingles, stone-coated steel tiles, and standing steam are popular choices for homes. 

Metal can be impact-resistant if it has a high gauge (you can check its rating), so it’s good at tolerating harsh weather. It can also protect your home from fire and rot. Metal roofs require less repair than many other roofing materials. 

Metal roofing materials are a sustainable option because you can recycle them when you’re finished using them—most metal roofs are made from recycled material.

Metal roofing starts at $100 to $300 per square to $600 to $800 per square and $750 to $1,500 per square installed. 

3. Wooden Shingles and Shakes

Wooden roofs come as either shingles or shakes. Shingles are cut by a machine and are uniform in shape, with clean and sleek lines, while shakes are split by hand and have a more rustic and unique look. Wood shingles and shakes are made from southern pine, cedar, and redwood. They typically have a lifespan of anywhere from 25 to 50 years but are not as resistant to wear and tear as asphalt. 

As far as fire protection goes, Class A fire-rated wood roofing options are best since they have a fire-resistant coating. However, some regional fire codes prohibit wood roofing, so do some research before exploring this option further. Additionally, they can be prone to mold, rot, or split if exposed to a lot of rain and moisture. Look for a decent hail rating, as some wooden roofing options can crack. 

Wood is an organic insulator and is one of the best roofing materials in terms of sustainability.  

Prices for wooden shingles and shakes range from $100 to $150 per square and $400 to $900 per square installed. 

4. Clay and Concrete Tiles

The price of clay can vary widely due to the variations in clay composites, but clay can be an inexpensive roofing option. Clay comes in several colors and styles and is low maintenance. The downside of clay tiles is that they can become brittle and damage easily as they age.

It is possible to replace broken pieces without having to disturb the entire roof.

Concrete tiles are a solid—literally—alternative to clay roofing because they can look quite similar to clay, but are more resilient.

Be aware that some clay and concrete tile options can be quite expensive.

Clay roofing prices range from $300 to $500 per square and $500 to $1,000 per square installed. Concrete ranges from $200 to $800.

If you are installing a tile roof, it’s a good idea to buy some extra tiles—both field and ridge shingles—to keep on hand for repairs. Tile manufacturers phase out colors and styles over the years, which can make it difficult to find materials for repairs down the road. Pros recommend buying between 50 and 100 extra tiles.

Roof repairs and replacement are big jobs better left to the pros. Contact professional roofers in your area to get estimates for the project.

Roofing Materials for Higher Budgets

There are a few more options to consider if you’re working with a high-end budget. These include:

• Slate

• Solar glass

• Plastic polymer

• Synthetic, including rubber and plastic 

 FAQs About Roofing Materials

When is the best time to buy roofing materials?

Prices are often lowest in the winter, making it a good time to buy the roofing materials. Installation is often less expensive as well since professional roofers are not as busy in the winter. One disadvantage of repairing or replacing your roof in the winter is that the temperature can be very cold and there may be ice and snow. 

If you have an issue like leaks, holes, or broken pieces, replace it immediately to fix that serious roofing problem before it gets worse. Weather-wise, fall is a great time for this renovation. 

What should I consider when purchasing lower-priced roofing material?

One word of caution is that in buying the absolute least expensive choice of any type of roofing materials, the quality may be compromised. Try to find an inexpensive option with a good quality rating. If not, you may be replacing pieces of the roof or the roof entirely sooner than you want. You also want to know that they are durable enough to stand up to the elements, in particular hail. Be especially cognizant of this issue with asphalt shingles, as some of the least expensive types of roofing may be flimsy and low quality.