Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in the US due to their lower cost and ease of installation. They are generally the most affordable option, though the cost can vary widely depending on the exact type of shingles used.
Gable Roofs:
Gable roofs are among the most common and economical, characterized by their triangular shape. Their design simplicity leads to lower installation costs. The steep pitch allows easy water runoff, reducing potential risks of water damage.
In general, your homeowners insurance may cost less if you have a newer roof made of more durable materials, like metal or slate. Explore Progressive's editorial standards for Answers articles to find out why you can trust the insurance information you find here.
Asphalt roof
Some shingles, like energy-star-rated ones, are more energy efficient. Asphalt roofs with lower emissivity, like Duration® Premium Cool and Supreme Owens Corning shingles, are among the most energy efficient shingles.
Asphalt shingles are well known for being the cheapest roofing material you can get, averaging between $5,000 and $18,000. They're also the most common, with 70% of all homes having asphalt roofing.
Cool option: Wood shingles and shakes are naturally “cool colored” materials. Polymer shingles (also known as synthetic or composite shingles) are formed of polymer shaped to resemble asphalt shingles, wood shingles, wood shakes, slate, clay tiles, or concrete tiles.
Roof age significantly impacts insurance coverage. Most insurance companies won't cover roofs older than 20 years. Additionally, if a roof is over 20 years old, insurance may only cover the original cost and not the current replacement cost.
Slate is the most expensive roof material available. Its high cost is due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. This article explains why slate is costly, its benefits, and if it's worth investing in for your home.
Average Costs by Roof Size
Here's a breakdown of average costs for different roof sizes using asphalt shingles: 1,000 Square Foot Roof (10 Squares): $1,500–$7,000. 2,000 Square Foot Roof (20 Squares): $3,000–$14,000. 3,000 Square Foot Roof (30 Squares): $4,500–$21,000.
There is one affordable and durable option…
Rubber roofs are inexpensive to install compared to other materials like metal or slate, often making them the number one option for budget-conscious homeowners. Plus, their low maintenance requirements contribute to further cost savings over time.
Metal roofing has up to 85.9% return on investment because of its durability and energy efficiency. Slate and copper roofs can last over a century. They give you a high return on investment because of their long life and added home value.
From a cost perspective, gable roofs are typically less expensive to build, with costs ranging between $16 and $30 per square foot. In contrast, hip roofs can cost between $20,000 and $50,000, or about $8 to $12 per square foot.
Generally, a gable-style roof with asphalt roofing shingles is one of the most affordable roofs you can build on a residential home.
Furthermore, metal tiles are much easier to install than asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles must be laid one at a time and nailed down properly with special nails that won't rust. Metal tile, on the other hand, can be laid in large sheets or strips and fastened securely with simple screws that won't corrode over time.
Felt is probably one of the most commonly used materials for re-roofing a shed, and there's a few reasons why - a big one being budget! Pros of felt roofing: It's the cheapest option out there It's easy to pick up from most DIY stores. It's fast and easy to install It's flexible, suiting many roof styles and shapes.
Asphalt Shingles
They are an affordable, easy-to-install option that is also easy to repair and replace as needed. You can even choose from a basic asphalt shingle to something higher-end like 3-tab or architectural.
Plain and simple, the absolute cheapest roofing material based on cost alone is asphalt shingles. However, some other options are more expensive at the initial cost but will last longer, such as wood shingles, metal shingles, slate shingles, and solar glass shingles.
Fiberglass asphalt shingles, also known as square shingles, are a cost-effective and durable roofing option. These shingles consist of a fiberglass base mat covered with mineral granules and asphalt. They provide excellent protection against harsh weather conditions and can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
Filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage
They'll send a claims adjuster to assess the damage and verify the loss. If your claim is approved, your insurer will write you a check for the cost to repair or replace your roof.
The age of your roof is one of the most critical facts to uncover. Most roofing experts suggest that roofs will last between 25-30 years. This is a significant investment, so you should find out the exact date when your current roof was installed before you purchase your home.
Metal roofs are extremely durable, resistant to many weather conditions, and have good longevity. This roofing material is typically a plus for insurers.
Metal roofing is by far one of the best choices you can make for your roof in general. They're the most energy-efficient roof for residential installations, can last more than 50 years, and require very little maintenance. Metal roofs are very reflective, which is why they get so hot to the touch.