Cheapest Roofing Materials in 2025

Cheapest Roofing Materials: Getting the Highest Value for the Lowest Cost

Though no roof is ever truly cheap, the materials you choose make a huge difference in how much your new roof will cost. From the traditional asphalt shingle to luxurious slate, there is a material that fits every budget and aesthetic style. Most roofing projects fall between $5,800 and $12,800 for a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, expect to pay around $9,200 for a roof replacement. Let’s take a look at the cheapest roofing materials, where you get the greatest bang for your buck.

What Is the Cheapest Material for Roofing?

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From budget-friendly to built-to-last, here’s a breakdown of the most popular roofing materials and what you can expect from each one.

Spray Foam Roofing

Spray foam roofing provides a seamless look and exceptional insulating properties. This is best for those who want a long-lasting material that provides over 50 years of solid service (though it will need occasional recoating). It’s among the most affordable options, starting at $3.50 per square foot.

Pros

• Exceptional insulating properties
• Lasts up to 50 years or more
• Environmentally friendly

Cons

• Doesn’t stand up to debris or harsh winds
• Potential for mold growth
• Might restrict ventilation

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices for roofing material, thanks to their affordability, ease of installation, and longevity — these can last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. They’re best for those who want a traditional look at a good price, starting at $4 per square foot.

Pros

• Easy and affordable installation
• Good weather resistance
• Wide variety of styles and colors

Cons

• Not the best for the environment
• Isn’t the safest for fire hazard areas
• Might need periodic repairs

Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are made of a blend of materials like asphalt, fiberglass, and other substances, creating a roof that can stand up to extreme weather, including fire. Plastic shingles, a subtype of composite shingles, are made from recycled plastics and can provide even more durability and eco-friendliness. These are best for those who don’t mind spending a little more to get the safety they desire and at least 20 years of solid service. Composite shingles start at $4 per square foot, but the price can increase if you opt for higher-end options.

Pros

• Eco-friendly and durable
• Can look exactly like slate or cedar shakes
• Usually comes with good warranties

Cons

• Doesn’t last as long as some other options
• Might be more expensive for installation
• Limited availability in some areas

Tar & Gravel

This tar and gravel layered roof system is ideal for someone who needs a flat roof and wants peace of mind for at least 20 years. Regular maintenance is required, but it doesn’t break the bank. Starting at $4 per square foot, this affordable option can be great for a strong barrier against the sun and serious weather.

Pros

• Excellent fire resistance
• Affordable maintenance
• Strong weather resistance

Cons

• Heavy enough to need additional support
• Complex installation
• Not as aesthetically pleasing as other options

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Cedar Shingles

These are the most common wood roofs. They can last up to 25 years with proper care; however, they are a bit more expensive, starting at $6 per square foot. Cedar wood shingles are not the best at fire resistance, so they aren’t recommended for areas where wildfires are common. These are best for those who want a discerning look and aren’t in a typical fire hazard area.

Pros

• Gorgeous design options
• An eco-friendly material
• Provides excellent insulation

Cons

• Can’t stand up to wildfire
• Needs regular maintenance
• Potential for insect damage

Single-Ply Roofing / Rubber

Usually employed in commercial settings, single-ply roofing is best for those who want impressive durability but don’t care about aesthetics. In most cases, the material is actually thin rubber. The cost starts at $6.50 to $7.50 per square foot and has a lifespan of at least 15 years.

Pros

• Very easy installation
• Lightweight material
• Flexible to accommodate complex roofs

Cons

• No aesthetic appeal
• Membrane can be punctured by debris
• Seams can be vulnerable to leaks

Metal

A metal roof is known for lasting up to 80 years or more, which makes it a true one-time investment. Steel, aluminum, and copper all impart a different look for discerning homeowners. This is best for those who want something lightweight that can stand up to the weather. Prices start at $8 per square foot for shingles and $10 per square foot for standing seam roofs.

Pros

• Available in a wide variety of colors and styles
• Highly durable
• Lightweight and eco-friendly

Cons

• Can be noisy during rain or hail
• Can be dented by flying debris
• Installation requires specialized knowledge and tools

Slate

At a starting price of $10 per square foot, slate roofing is not the cheapest roofing material, but it can also last a whopping 150 years. That makes it perfect for those who want their home to become a family legacy.

Pros

• Slate can last up to 150 years
• It’s very durable and can withstand quite a bit of weather
• Often softens to a gorgeous patina

Cons

• Heavy enough that it might need extra reinforcement
• Damage can be expensive to repair
• Higher-end options are quite pricey

Green Roof

Starting at $10 per square foot, a green roof is a wonderful idea for those who want to give back to the environment and enjoy better insulation in the process. A green roof is known for absorbing pollutants. It does, however, require more maintenance than the average roof.

Pros

• Can last 40 to 50 years with proper maintenance
• Exceptional insulation
• Good for the environment

Cons

• Needs regular maintenance
• Can be heavy
• More expensive to install

Clay

Clay tiles are a bold style choice, but they are also quite durable, lasting for up to 100 years (or more) with proper care. These tiles are best for those who want a Mediterranean look, though clay tile has been known to fit in well with traditional homes. Expect the cost to begin at $12 per square foot.

Pros

• Tiles last for a very long time
• Individual tiles can be replaced
• Offers a unique design element

Cons

• Expensive compared to other types of tile
• Heavy enough to need reinforcement
• Installation can be time-consuming

Solar

Solar shingles generate electricity, which might offset the starting cost of $20 per square foot. They are best for those who live in areas with a lot of sunlight. Solar shingles are often paired with other materials, as they work best on parts of the roof that get continuous sunlight. Expect them to last for 20 to 25 years.

Pros

• Can potentially make back your money in utility savings
• Last for at least 20 years with proper maintenance
• Can look much like other shingles

Cons

• Higher potential for leaks
• One of the most expensive roofing options
• Might require an ongoing contract

Cheapest Roof Materials by Type

Choosing your roofing materials based on type can help you with design options and controlling costs.

Cheapest Metal

• Aluminum: $4 to $11 per sq. ft.
• Tin: $5 to $12 per sq. ft.
• Zinc: $6 to $12 per sq. ft.

Cheapest Shingles

• Composite: $7.50 to $13 per sq. ft.
• Asphalt: $3.50 to $16 per sq. ft.
• Wood: $5 to $15 per sq. ft.

Cheapest Tiles

• Concrete: $2 to $4 per sq. ft.
• Metal: $6 to $15 per sq. ft.
• Composite: $2 to $6 per sq. ft.

Cheapest Wood

• Wood shingles: $6.00 to $8 per sq. ft.
• Wood shakes: $6.50 to $9 per sq. ft.

Cheapest Waterproof

• TPO: $5.50 to $9.50 per sq. ft.
• PVC: $5 to $12 per sq. ft.
• EPDM: $3 to $12 per sq. ft.

Factors That Affect Roofing Costs

There are other factors in addition to the material itself that make a difference in the bottom line for your roofing project.

• Required items such as underlayment, any necessary repairs to the wood base, and any additional insulation.
• Removing and disposing of old shingles or other roofing material.
• The size and the slope of your roof. A larger roof requires more material to cover, and the slope of the roof helps determine how difficult the installation might be.
• Any permits that are required in your local area to replace or repair a roof.
• Your location makes a difference when it comes to labor costs, and possibly shipping costs for the roofing material.
• Most roofing material comes with a solid warranty, but you can also opt for extended warranties for an extra fee.
• The lifespan of the material determines when you might need another roof – those who want true longevity can go with metal, slate, or clay.
• Roofing material durability matters when storms and severe weather arrive; the more durable it is, the less likely you are to face the cost of repairs.

How to Save Money on Your Roof Installation

There are some ways you can save money on your roof installation, and you don’t have to be a serious DIY enthusiast to do it!

• Repair Instead of Replace: Does your roof have some life left in it? If only a small portion of your roof is too worn or was damaged by debris or storms, you could consider replacing the affected section.
• Regular Maintenance: Making sure your roof is in good shape will slow down wear and tear. Inspect your roof with binoculars every month or so, looking for any problems. Address those issues right away.
• Compare Quotes: When you reach out to installers to put on the new roof, make sure to get at least three quotes — more is even better. Make sure the contractors are comparing apples to apples and giving you the same information. You want to get down to the price and make your comparisons with clarity.
• Haul off the Old Roof Yourself: Some contractors charge up to $500 to bring in a dumpster and haul off the old roofing. But if you want to do it yourself, you might be able to save a nice chunk of change.
• Consider Other Materials: Maybe you’ve had an asphalt roof for years and that’s what makes you comfortable, but would it be worth the extra money to go with metal? Be open to different materials than what you’ve used in the past.

Finding a Pro Roofing Contractor

When you’re ready to choose your materials and get started on your new roofing project, Modernize can help. We connect you with the best contractors in your area who are well-versed in the type of roof you want to put on your home. Let us help you find the people you need to do the best job possible for your home.

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