A roof replacement is a large investment, leaving many homeowners with budget on the forefront. Because of this, we often get asked the question, “what is the cheapest type of roofing material?” Unfortunately, roof replacements are costly regardless of which materials you use, but if your budget is tight, you will want to save where you can.
This is where we come in, as our goal is to educate homeowners on the options available to them. This will aid in making an informed decision with confidence, ensuring that you’re happy with the finished product. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about the cheapest type of roofing material, so you can determine if it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
– What is the Cheapest Type of Roofing Material?
– How to Decide if this Roofing Material is Right for You
– Lifespan
– Aesthetic Appeal
– Warranties
– Cheapest Type of Roofing Material vs. Cheapest Roof Replacement
– Hiring the Right Contractor to Do the Job
What is the Cheapest Type of Roofing Material?
What is the cheapest type of roofing material? Asphalt shingles. If money is a concern and you are searching for the most efficient and economical roofing material, asphalt is the way to go. There are three types of asphalt roofing shingles available, varying in price and aesthetics.
The cheapest type of asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles, and are a great option for those with a tighter budget. This roofing material has been in use for a long time, and has been extremely popular due to its price and ease of installation. However, many homeowners are opting for architectural asphalt shingles over 3-tab, as 3-tab shingle roofs lay flat and lack dimension.
This brings us to the second type of asphalt shingles, architectural asphalt shingles. Architectural, or dimensional, shingles are the most popular asphalt shingle on the market today. They cost about 15% more than 3-tab shingles, but they last longer, have better warranty options, and provide more dimension and aesthetic appeal to your roof.
Luxury asphalt shingles are the most expensive of the bunch, costing about twice as much as architectural asphalt shingles. However, they are durable, long lasting and good looking, imitating the look of slate. They can withstand the elements, provide a better defense against fires and strong winds, and typically do not require frequent repairs.
So, what is the cheapest type of roofing material? Specifically, 3-tab asphalt shingles. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck when it comes to your roof replacement, you will want to consider 3-tab or architectural asphalt shingles. Prices will vary per contractor, and the best way to get an accurate estimate is to have a vetted contractor come out for a roof inspection.
How to Decide if this Roofing Material is Right for You
Now you know what is the cheapest type of roofing material, as well as which type of asphalt shingle is the most affordable. And while cost is top priority for many homeowners during the roof replacement process, there are other factors to consider. Below we discuss important things you need to know about the three types of asphalt shingles, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Lifespan
When answering what is the cheapest type of roofing material, we have to mention lifespan. The lifespan of your roof simply means how many years you will get out of your roof. A new roof is a large investment, and you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of it.
This leads us to another question we get asked from almost every homeowner we work with, “how long will my new roof last.” This will vary on a few factors from how well it’s maintained, to the weather in your area. However, we can give you a general estimate as to how long your new asphalt roof should last under the right conditions:
- 3-Tab: 15-20 years
- Architectural: 20-25 years
- Luxury: 30+ years
In fact, under perfect circumstances, some luxury asphalt roofs can last up to 50 years! With that being said, it’s hard to give an exact number when it comes to a roof’s lifespan, as there are a lot of factors to consider, and every roof is different. However, by making sure your roof has proper attic ventilation and is installed correctly, you’re setting your new roof up for success and longevity.
It’s also important to keep in mind that asphalt roofs will require regular maintenance to function properly. Homeowners will get the most out of their new roof when performing regular roof maintenance at least once or twice a year. This is a great way to maximize its lifespan, and to catch any potential problems before they become major and costly.
Aesthetic Appeal
What is the cheapest type of roofing material? Let’s factor in aesthetics. A new asphalt roof on any style of home is a sure-fire way to add some curb appeal and increase your home’s value. They come in a variety of designs, styles, and colors, and look amazing for years to come!
If curb appeal isn’t a deciding factor for you, then you will probably want to go with 3-tab shingles. They are the most affordable option, and still make for great-looking roofs. However, if curb appeal and cost are both ranked high on your roof replacement checklist, you may want to go with architectural asphalt shingles. While they’re a little more costly, they add dimension to your roof, making it stand out from the rest.
Out of all of the types of asphalt shingles, luxury shingles offer the most in terms of aesthetic appeal. Luxury shingles are designed to look like slate. Even though the finished product won’t look exactly like a real slate roof, it makes for a roof that’s sure to stand out and turn heads. With that being said, if you really want your roof to stand out, we recommend considering architectural or luxury asphalt shingles.
Warranties
When discussing what is the cheapest type of roofing material, we have to bring up warranties. All three types of asphalt shingles come with a manufacturer’s warranty, protecting your roof investment if there is an issue with the shingles themselves. So, when deciding which asphalt shingle is right for you, you should consider the warranty options:
- Most 3-tab asphalt shingles will carry a 20 to 30-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
- Architectural asphalt shingles will have a 30-year prorated warranty, with the option to get a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty
- Luxury asphalt shingles come with a 30-year prorated warranty, with the option to upgrade to the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty
You can qualify for the enhanced warranty by using one single manufacturer’s roofing components and materials. This means that the manufacturer will cover your entire roof system for the life of the shingles and other roofing materials.
It’s important to mention here that improper roof installation and attic ventilation will void an enhanced warranty. This is just one reason why it is so important to hire a reputable roofing contractor you can trust. Not only will they make the roof replacement process a cinch, but they will make sure that everything is done properly to avoid future problems down the road.
Cheapest Type of Roofing Material vs. Cheapest Roof Replacement
Now you know what is the cheapest type of roofing material, and how to decide which type of asphalt shingle is right for you. We know price is the biggest deciding factor for most, but it’s always important to consider lifespan, warranties, and looks, as well. We also find it important to mention that while looking for the cheapest roofing material is fine, looking for the cheapest roof replacement is not.
A cheap roof replacement may sound like a good idea at the time, but there are huge risks to consider. Usually going the absolute cheapest route results in stress, cutting corners during installation, and more money down the road. We want to help you avoid dealing with the problems that come with a cheap roof replacement which can include:
- Getting the quality you paid for: The cheapest roof means the cheapest materials, components and labor, which can affect the final quality of your roof. Some roofing contractors even cut costs by not installing crucial components, like a drip edge, for example, which can lead to roof failure.
- Paying more in the long run: With the cheapest roof available, you will more than likely see roof problems sooner than later. This will cost more money in the long run by way of roof repairs and a premature roof replacement.
- Limited warranty options: Going with the cheapest roof replacement means you may not have access to the best warranties. If you mix and match roofing components, you won’t qualify for the materials enhanced warranty. If you do qualify, it may still be voided due to improper installation or attic ventilation from poor workmanship and cheap labor. Even further, if the materials warranty is off the table, all you have to fall back on is your roofer’s workmanship warranty. However, if you hired the cheapest company with the lowest labor costs, their workmanship warranties are usually limited or nonexistent.
- Your roof won’t last as long as it should: We’ve seen this time and time again. When you use the cheapest materials and the cheapest labor for installation, your roof’s lifespan won’t reach its full potential. Even if you’re looking for the cheapest type of roofing material, make sure you invest in quality workmanship. This will help to ensure that your roof reaches its maximum lifespan and full potential.
Hiring the Right Contractor to Do the Job
As you can see, there are a lot of factors at play when answering the question, “what is the cheapest roofing material?” And while going with cheaper roofing materials can still make for a marvelous roof, it all boils down to who installs it. Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s crucial to consider quality when it comes to workmanship and the contractor you choose for your roof installation.
Looking for a high-quality roofer can be overwhelming for many, especially when there are so many contractors to choose from. In order to help combat this, we’ve created this blog, “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind].” This will guide you in the hiring process so you can make an informed decision, and choose the roofing company that’s right for you.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only are we fully bonded, licensed, and insured, but we can provide any references you may need, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information!