When you find out you need a roof replacement and hear the average costs, you might panic for a moment. Many modern roofing options offer wonderful benefits, though they have an enormous price tag. Luckily, some of the cheapest roofing materials still provide decent durability, style, and longevity.
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we specialize in roof replacements throughout Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding cities, including Allison Park, Cranberry Township, and Wexford.
Continue reading to learn about the cheapest roofing materials and their pros and cons. When you’re ready to schedule an estimate, call us at Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Roof Pricing Factors
Before diving into the cheapest roofing materials, it helps to understand all the factors that contribute to your roof replacement’s price tag. Aside from the actual shingles, you must pay for:
- Existing roof removal
- Roof decking for weather protection
- Vents for heat release
- Flashing to divert water
- Manual labor
Depending on your project’s complexity, you may also need to purchase other items. For example, homes with chimneys usually need roof crickets to prevent water pooling.
Cheapest Roofing Materials
The cheapest roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal, rolled roofing, and cedar shake. Each type of roof offers different pros and cons, depending on your needs.
Asphalt: Cheap and Popular
Asphalt shingles are America’s most popular roofing materials because of their affordable pricing and durability. Three types of asphalt roofs exist that affect the total cost.
- Three-tab shingles are the cheapest but least durable option.
- Dimensional shingles cost slightly more but last longer and include better warranties.
- Luxury shingles offer style and maximum durability at the most expensive price tag.
Asphalt shingles don’t have the best protective mechanisms against heat, moisture, algae growth, or mold, all of which can destroy a roof. Typical asphalt roofs last 15 to 20 years and require continual maintenance and repair costs.
While the shingles may only cost around $1 to $2 per square foot, you’ll have to pay extra each time heat gets trapped inside the structure and damages the materials.
Metal: Durable and Affordable
Metal roofing costs slightly more than asphalt but provides much better durability and a longer lifespan. Corrugated metal costs around $1.80 to $2.50 per square foot, while steel materials average $3.50. The cheapest metals include galvanized metal and aluminum, and the most expensive are zinc and copper.
Regardless of the metal type, your roof can last up to 50 years. Metal can withstand many weather conditions, including rain, humidity, heat, ice, snow, wind, and hail. The materials also reflect sunlight off your house, reducing your energy bills.
Metal roofs come in many colors. The durable roofing option requires expert installation, so you must pick an adequate contractor.
Rolled Roofing: Lowest Price and Least Durability
Rolled roofing is a flexible roll composed of asphalt materials and minerals. The rolls only cost $0.50 per square foot, though they only last around five years and frequently leak.
With constant replacements and maintenance, you may extend this material’s lifespan, but if you don’t want to do the work, you should look elsewhere. Usually, we only recommend rolled roofing for non-critical structures like an outhouse or shed.
Cedar: Attractive, Pricier, and Long-lasting
Cedar shake shingle roofs are pricier, though they offer a rustic appearance and last around 30 years. While the overall structure boasts durability, the actual wood shakes frequently decay from rain and mold growth, so you should expect added repair costs. Cedar shingles cost an average of $2 to $2.50 per square foot.
Price Considerations When Choosing Your Roofing Material
The quality of your materials and contractors can greatly impact price. Non-experienced roofers may quote you lower replacement expenses, though an improper installation will leave you with another roof replacement in just a couple of years.
You should also consider your investment’s longevity. More durable materials that cost more can increase your home’s value and save you money in the future. The cheapest roofing materials may become costly replacements in only a few years.
Do You Need a Roof Replacement in Greater Pittsburgh? Call Us Today
Do you need a roof replacement from reliable and experienced contractors for a fair price? Contact our team at Gotcha Covered Contracting in Pittsburgh, PA at 724-581-8147 today for a quote.
