What Are The Most Cost-Effective Roofing Materials?
Choosing a new roof for your home comes with a lot of responsibility. How do you know the roofing material you choose is going to provide your home with enough protection? And how much money is that protection going to cost? As you start searching around for answers, you might find that cost-effective roofing is not just based on price but also on longevity, sustainability, and other elements that go into a long-lasting roof.
There are plenty of roofing materials on the market that may check off the boxes on your must-haves list, but only a few are known to be budget-friendly. Today, we’re going to introduce you to the five most cost-effective roofing materials available. Let’s have a look.
Asphalt Shingles
You will find that durability and price often go hand-in-hand. The less durable the roofing material is, the less money it costs. So, how do you balance quality with price? You look at asphalt shingles. This roofing material has been exceedingly popular throughout the years, because asphalt shingles are low maintenance, cost-effective, and resilient. However, that depends on which kind of asphalt shingle you choose.
3-Tab shingles are the cheapest version, but they are the least effective at what they do. They also only last between 10-15 years, so it’s not that great of an investment. If you live somewhere windy or where you get a lot of extreme weather conditions, you should upgrade to architectural shingles. Rated higher for wind resistance, impact resistance, and fire resistance, architectural shingles make spending a little bit more a smart move. You also get at least 25 years of protection with architectural shingles.
Metal Roofing
Built to last between 30-50 years, metal roofing is an option for those who plan on staying in their home for a long while. Metal roofing consists of durable materials like zinc alloy, aluminum, copper, and steel. Although slightly more pricey than asphalt shingles or wooden shakes, metal is significantly more durable. Overall, metal is a wonderful insulator, resists temperature changes, and is highly energy-efficient. If you like the sound of rain pattering off a metal roof, then this is the material for you.
Wooden Shingles and Shakes
Is going green cost-effective? You bet. Wooden shingles and shakes are another popular option. The difference between shingles and shakes is that the former is machine-cut, so everything is
uniform and the same size. Shakes are handcrafted from raw blocks of wood, making them appear more rustic. Shakes are slightly thicker than shingles, so they are also a little more expensive. Now, here is the caveat: Wood requires a lot of maintenance.
Wooden shingles and shakes are made from either redwood or cedar, so it contains natural oils that makes them resistant to moisture and pests. When treated, wooden shingles also have a Class A fire warning. You also save money on your utility bills, because wooden roofing materials have twice the R-value of asphalt shingles; since they last 5-10 years longer than asphalt, the cost of installation versus the money you save overtime is worth considering. Plus, wooden materials can all be recycled.
Slate Tiles
Coming in at one of the most expensive roof materials to pay for outright is slate. Natural stone like slate has been used as roofing for centuries, and it can last over 100 years with proper maintenance. That said, you won’t have to worry much about maintenance at all. Fireproof and pretty much indestructible, slate will withstand all kinds of weather and is highly sustainable.
One of the reasons slate is expensive is the installation process. Unlike other materials, slate is heavy, and that can put a burden on your home’s internal structure. Unless your home is reinforced, that roof could end up doing more damage than good. Plus, slate tiles will crack under the weight of a person, so you can’t lay them like you would shingles.
Of course, if you opt for slate, you get unparalleled protection, durability, longevity, and insulation. Is it worth it? Yes.
Solar Glass
It may not be the most well-known option right now, but there is a reason to keep solar glass on your radar for your roof: it is one of the most energy-efficient options available. Right now, Tesla is the only manufacturer offering solar panel roofing that works like shingles do. Yes, it can be expensive outright, but consider what you get in exchange. The roofing comes with a lifetime warranty and will help you cut back on your utility bill, since you will be able to harness the power of the sun. In some states, you could also qualify for a tax credit.
Generating your own energy definitely offsets the price of installation. Because of that, solar glass deserves a place on this list of the most cost-effective roofing materials.
Bottom Line
There are so many roofing materials to choose from, but if you are looking to save a little (or a lot of) money in the long run, then some options stand apart from the competition. Asphalt shingles are popular and affordable while some materials, like slate or solar glass, are rarer but pay for themselves overtime. Depending on your finances and the goals for your home, one type of roof material may be better than the rest.
Still can’t decide on a roofing material? Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form or picking up the phone. We have been helping homeowners with their roofing for many years. Trust us to have the answers.
