A new roof is a major home improvement project and it is no secret that it packs a hefty price tag. That is why you need to settle on the right type of roofing materials that will ensure that you will get the most for your money. Because when it comes to replacing your roof, it is not always just about the price tag. That is what this simple to follow roofing materials guide is designed to help with. For additional information, visit our website at theallentownroofers.com.
Having a roof installed takes a good deal of time, stress, and research. As a busy homeowner, you do not want to have to go through this process every 10 to 15 years. So, you want to make sure that the roofing materials you select for your roof replacement have a long lifespan, are low maintenance, and are able to stand up to the elements.
The Most Important Thing to Remember When it Comes to Selecting Your Roofing Materials
Keep this fact in mind when you are shopping for the right roofing materials, there is a huge difference between cost effective and cheapest materials. Remember this phase, cheap for a reason. Cheaper materials tend to have a shorter lifespan and you may find yourself in the position of needing to replace your entire roof again, much sooner than if you went with more durable material.
So, the term cost effective in this guide means getting the most for your dollar. You want to select the right roofing materials to ensure you get the most out of your new roof, without wasting time and money.
6 of the most cost-effective roofing materials for your home
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials in the country. In fact, there is a decent chance that you currently have asphalt shingles on top of your home right now, and there are good reasons for that. They are versatile and come in three different color options, gray, brown, or black. And many homeowners enjoy this customization. Their popularity means they are readily available. Roofing contractors like to install asphalt shingles because they are reasonably lightweight and the fact that they come in layer sheets, makes them easy to install.
But what really makes asphalt shingles so popular is their durability and cost efficiency. A properly installed asphalt shingle rooftop can last at least 25 years. And since on average they only cost $1 to $2 per square foot to install, Asphalt Shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing materials options.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles, and metal roofing materials in general, are becoming an increasingly popular option for many homeowners because of their extremely long lifespan and durability. Another popular feature for homeowners considering installing metal shingles on their homes is the fact that these shingles are better designed to stand up to natural disasters and accidents like wild and house fires. They are also considered a more energy-efficient option for people living in warmer climates since metal reflects the hot sunlight and keeps the rooftop cooler.
The thing to keep in mind, with metal shingles, are their extreme durability, have a long lifespan, and natural energy efficiency, which means metal shingles come with a little bit of a higher price tag. So, you can expect to pay $7 to $20 per square foot to have metal roofing materials installed on your home. But the thing that makes metal shingles truly cost effective is that since these roofs can last up to 75 years, choosing metal shingles means this could be the only time you ever have to replace your roof.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are also known for their long lifespan and durability. They stand up to heat extremely well, making them popular in warmer parts of the country. Desert states like Arizona and Nevada frequently use clay shingles for their rooftops.
The price for installation can be difficult to nail down as they might cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot to install.
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are both beautiful and durable, making them a popular roofing material option for many homeowners. In fact, slate shingles are one of the most long-lasting roofing materials you can select. As slate shingles can be expected to last anywhere from 125 years up to 200 years.
So, by selecting to install slate shingles on your home, you are almost guaranteeing that you will never need to replace your roof again unless something absolutely catastrophic happens. This longevity comes with a cost of $16 to $28 per square foot to have installed. But the steep installation cost is well worth it and not needing to replace your roof again for over a hundred years makes slate shingles an extremely cost-effective option for many homeowners.
Synthetic Slate Tiles
Synthetic slate tiles are similar to slate tiles, but they are lighter and a little less expensive. Synthetic slate tiles are often more durable than traditional slate tiles and their lighter weight makes them a better option for many homes.
The major drawback of synthetic slate tiles when compared to slate tiles is that synthetic tiles only last between 40 to 50 years, which is significantly less than regular slate shingles. However, synthetic slate tiles may only cost between $9 to $20 per square foot to install.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are appealing to many homeowners because of their design features and customization ability. Because they are partially made from sand, homeowners can select tiles in just about any color they want. Also, concrete tiles are extremely durable and long-lasting.
You can expect concrete tiles to last at least 50 years and with a cost of $10-$15 per square foot to install, concrete tiles are an amazingly cost-effective option.
Selecting the best and most cost-effective roofing materials for your project
When it comes to replacing your roof you want to make sure that you select the right roofing materials that will help you get the most for your time and money. Your roofing company will be able to walk you through the material selections process and help you make the right decision for your home.
