Many homeowners replacing their roofs worry about the cost, as some roofing materials carry hefty price tags. Fortunately, the roofing industry has plenty of affordable and durable materials that safeguard your family from harsh weather. Check out five budget roofing products below.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing products in the U.S. due to their affordability. However, the cost of your asphalt shingles depends on which type of shingles you use.

3-tab shingles are the most affordable but have a short lifespan. Architectural shingles cost 15% more than 3-tab shingles but withstand strong winds and are more durable. Luxury shingles are the most expensive but offer incomparable curb appeal and longevity. 



In general, asphalt shingles last 20 to 50 years, depending on the installation quality, type of shingle, and maintenance. The shingles come in many colors and styles to match your home's architecture or meet your neighborhood's guidelines. 

2. Cedar Wood Roofs

Roofing manufacturers make wooden shingles from red cedar because it resists pests and withstands extreme weather conditions. Many homeowners also like the rustic and distinctive look of cedar shakes, as they are split by hand rather than a machine. 

Wood shakes and shingles withstand most weather conditions, are naturally insulating, and resist moss and insects. When buying cedar roofs, check for class-A fire-rated options with a fire-resistant coating.

Cedar shakes need replacement less frequently than asphalt shingles, which means that you save on maintenance costs. These products have a 25 to 50 years lifespan, and regular inspection helps extend your wooden roof's lifespan.

3. Metal Roofs

The popularity of metal roofs is growing across the country thanks to the availability of affordable metals like aluminum and galvanized steel. Your metal roof's cost primarily depends on the type of metal used. You may also want extra features like high ratings for impact and energy efficiency.

Metal roofs save on maintenance expenses because they need less repair than other materials. The roofs last for up to 70 years, and you may not need to replace the roof even if you stay in your home for several decades. Lastly, metal roofs are impressively energy-efficient, saving energy bills and keeping your interior comfortable all year round. 

4. Single-Ply Roofing

Single-ply membranes are excellent options for flat and low-slope roofs. Manufacturers produce single-ply roofs in large sheets of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). 

EPDM has been in the roofing industry longer than TPO, and roofers use seam tape to install EPDM sheets for strong resistance against harsh weather. This material suits cold climates because of its heat-retention capabilities, but you may need extra insulation. 

TPO is commonly available as white sheets, but you can get tan, blue, red, and gray options to complement or contrast exterior elements. Roofers use a hot-air gun to fuse the seams on TPO sheets to prevent leaks.

Because your low-slope or flat roof isn’t easily viewed from the road, single-ply roofing offers an inexpensive roofing option that doesn’t concern aesthetics.

5. Synthetic Slate

Many homeowners admire the aesthetics of a slate roof, but it has a steep price tag. Synthetic slate is cheaper than slate because manufacturers use recycled materials like hemp fiber and post-industrial plastics. 

While synthetic slate is costlier than asphalt, it lasts up to 30 years longer, saving you on roof replacement costs. However, synthetic roofing isn't ideal for wildfire-prone areas because some synthetic slates don't satisfy the roofing industry's standards for fire rating requirements.

Our seasoned roofers at SL Construction work with different kinds of budgets without compromising durability and performance. Contact us today to explore your roofing choices.