When people ask what is the cheapest roof material, the answer depends on what you mean by “cheap.” Do you want the lowest upfront price or the lowest roof replacement costs over the life of your home? A cheap roof on day one may not be the affordable roof you want ten years later. Let’s look at the roofing materials on the market, from asphalt shingles to metal roofing materials, and see which option fits your budget and plans.
Cheapest Roofing Materials Ranked: Upfront vs Lifetime Cost
When comparing roofing material costs, homeowners should think beyond the first invoice.
Cheapest upfront roofing option: a three-tab asphalt shingle roof or targeted roof repair work. This type of roofing material has one of the cheapest installation costs per square foot, but it trades durability for price.
Affordable roofing material for lifetime value: architectural asphalt roofing shingles or a standing seam metal roof. These materials carry a higher material cost, but the roof can last decades longer, lowering the overall cost of ownership.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Still the Most Common Roofing Material
Asphalt shingle remains the most common roofing material in the U.S. ATC primarily installs asphalt shingle systems and can talk through other options if they’re a fit for your home.
Three-tab shingles: basic profile, lower wind resistance, and shorter service life. Often chosen for rental properties or utility buildings when a cheap roof is needed.
Architectural shingles: thicker, stronger curb appeal, and longer performance of the roof. While more expensive roofing material than three-tab, they remain an affordable roof for owners planning to stay.
When Metal Roofing Becomes an Affordable Roofing Material
Metal roof systems have a higher upfront price of a roofing project, but fewer replacements mean lower roof replacement costs over decades.
Standing seam metal roof: durable roofing material, sheds snow, resists wind, and provides a roof that will last.
Affordable metal roofing: in some regions, the material and labor cost balance makes it one of the most affordable roofing material options for long-term homeowners.
Tile Roofs and Slate Roofs: Expensive Roofing Materials
If you’re market-shopping for a new roof and considering a tile roof or slate roof, know that these are some of the most expensive roofing material options.
Clay tile roof: classic look, but high material cost and heavy roof structure requirements.
Slate roof: considered the most durable roofing materials available, with some slate roofs lasting 100 years. But the total cost of a roof with slate is high, this is not an affordable roof for most.
Synthetic Roofing Materials: A Different Roofing Option
Modern synthetic roofing materials mimic slate or wood while cutting roofing material prices in half. They’re often marketed as high-quality roofing that balances the look of expensive roofing materials with easier installation. While not always the cheapest roofing material, they are a roofing option worth considering.
Budget Guardrails to Protect Your Roofing System
No matter which roofing materials in 2025 you choose, cutting corners can cost more later. Protect your roofing system with these essentials:
- Install underlayment and ice & water in vulnerable areas.
- Use drip edge and starter strips to protect edges.
- Balance intake and ridge ventilation to protect shingle roof life.
- Replace flashing at chimneys and walls during a roof replacement.
- Register manufacturer warranties and note ATC’s 4-year workmanship warranty (lifetime available on request).
These steps keep even the cheapest roofing material performing like a high-quality roofing system.
How to Request a Budget-Friendly Roof Installation Estimate
When getting a roof estimate from roofing companies or a reputable roofing contractor, ask for two versions:
- A minimum compliant roofing system with the cheapest roofing materials ranked at code level.
- A value upgrade roofing project that uses architectural shingles or metal roofing materials, balanced ventilation, and new flashing.
Compare roofing material options and roof replacement costs side by side. You can then choose the right roofing system for your budget and plans.
Examples That Keep Costs Low
Here’s what a roof installation can look like when keeping costs in check:
- Entry-level architectural asphalt roofing shingles with balanced ventilation.
- Ice and water barriers in valleys and penetrations.
- New chimney and step flashing.
- Drip edge, starter, and ridge components included.
- Standard colors for HOA compliance without custom surcharges.
These choices combine materials and installation practices that make a roofing project both affordable and long-lasting.
Get the Right Roof at the Right Price
Choosing the cheapest roofing material doesn’t mean settling for poor quality. With the right guidance, you can compare affordable roof options, balance material cost with long-term value, and protect your home for years to come.
Our team can walk you through both budget-friendly systems and upgrade paths so you see the difference side by side. Whether you need roof repair or a complete roof replacement, we’ll give you clear pricing, timelines, and recommendations tailored to your home.
FAQ
Are three-tab shingles one of the cheapest roofing materials?
Yes. A three-tab asphalt shingle roof is one of the cheapest roofing materials ranked by roofing material prices. But they usually need to be replaced sooner than architectural shingles.
Is a metal roof cheaper over 30 years?
Often yes. A standing seam roof can reduce the number of times you’ll be replacing a roof. Over time, that lowers the cost of a roof replacement compared to multiple shingle jobs.
What’s the cheapest roof for a rental property?
A code-compliant asphalt roofing shingles system. It balances roofing material costs, durability, and curb appeal, making it a popular roofing choice for landlords.
