Thinking about re-roofing your home? When you do, one of the first decisions to make is which roofing material to choose.
But what is the cheapest roofing material?
We have some tips and ideas to help you choose the right material for your budget. Keep reading for everything you need to know about re-roofing on a budget and making the choice that’s right for you!
What Is the Cheapest?
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing material when it comes to covering the top of a home. They are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Asphalt shingles are made up of layers of fiberglass that are intentionally designed to be lightweight in order to reduce installation costs.
Asphalt shingles typically come in two categories, 105-pound architectural or 3-tab shingles, which are also known as composition shingles. Typically, asphalt shingles cost anywhere between $80 to $150 per square, depending on the grade of the shingle, or $0.80 to $1.50 per square foot. For a standard 1,500 sqft roof, the cost can range from $1,200 to $2,250.
Furthermore, they come in a variety of roof colors and styles, so you can customize the look of your home to suit your tastes. All in all, it’s easy to see why asphalt shingles are the preferred roofing material of many homeowners.
Options for Asphalt Shingles
Traditional 3-tab shingles are some of the most popularly used and are often selected due to their economical price. They are typically 25 to 30-year shingles and have less protection, but can last up to 40 years when properly maintained.
Premium Architectural shingles are more expensive, but they have a more attractive pattern when installed. These shingles typically last 30 to 50 years and come with more protection against the elements. Laminated shingles, also called dimensional or designer shingles, comes with a more dimensional look to mimic real slate roofing and are usually made with fiberglass matting.
Laminated shingles usually come with a 25 to 50-year warranty and have an attractive textured finish. Most shingle lines also offer designer colors, which gives the homeowner the option for more unique shingle roofing colors to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
Maintenance
This generally costs around 1 percent of the total cost of the roof every year. This percentage includes the cost of inspecting the roof, making minor repairs and resealing any seams or joints to prevent water leaks. Yet, additional maintenance may be needed depending on the climate, such as a protective aluminum coating for roofs near the ocean or other areas with high humidity and salt in the air.
The price for these additional services can vary significantly, ranging anywhere from $0.03 to $0.08 per square foot, depending on the contractor and the number of materials necessary. Despite the low overall maintenance cost, staying on top of regular maintenance is important to save money in the long run and avoid costly repair or roof replacement.
Save Money With the Cheapest Roofing Material Today
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material for roofing. They are the cheapest material, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance.
Contact a reliable and trusted roofing contractor today to get started on your roofing project. They will be able to help you select the best material for your roof and provide a free consultation.
