How to Save Money on a New Roof Without Cutting Corners
- Staff
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you need a new roof but money is tight, the first thing you should do is simple: tell your roofer. Be honest. Tell them you're in a bind, you need the roof replaced, and you're trying to pinch every penny while still having the job done correctly.
A good roofer should be able to tell you where you can save money and, just as importantly, where you shouldn't. If you explain that money is extremely tight and they immediately start trying to sell you the platinum-coated-super-deluxe drip edge, you may want to call someone else.
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Start With a Basic Architectural Shingle
For most homeowners on a budget, I recommend starting with the manufacturer's basic architectural shingle. CertainTeed has Landmark, GAF has Timberline HDZ, and Owens Corning has Duration. These are good, mainstream architectural shingles installed on homes every day.
Each manufacturer has more expensive product lines, and there's nothing wrong with them. But you're going to pay more for them. If your goal is getting a good roof for the lowest reasonable price, you probably don't need to move beyond the basic architectural line.
You might think stepping down to an old-fashioned 3-tab shingle would save even more money, but I generally wouldn't recommend it at this point. Three-tab shingles are becoming harder to find, and they're often not enough cheaper to justify the downgrade. For a budget roof, a basic architectural shingle is usually the minimal requirement.
Don't worry too much about color affecting the price, either. Within a particular shingle line, standard colors are generally the same price, with rare exceptions. Pick the color you like.
Save a Little on Underlayment and Accessories
Underlayment is one place where you may be able to save a little money. Synthetic underlayments have largely replaced traditional roofing felt, and there are now all kinds of grades and brands available. Some are considerably more expensive than others.
The truth is that felt paper worked perfectly well under roofs for decades before synthetic underlayment became the norm. I'm not suggesting going back to felt necessarily, but you probably don't need the most expensive synthetic underlayment available if you're trying to keep the price down. A less expensive product that meets the requirements for your roof will likely perform perfectly well for what you need it to do.
The same applies to many of the accessories used on a roof. Everything doesn't necessarily need to have the shingle manufacturer's name printed on the package. Quality third-party starter, ice and water protection, drip edge and other accessories can meet applicable requirements and perform perfectly well.
There can be warranty advantages to using an entire roofing system from one manufacturer, so that's something you should discuss with your roofer. But if the objective is simply a good, properly installed roof at the lowest reasonable cost, paying extra to have the same brand name on every component isn't always necessary.
Don't Go Cheap on the Ridge Vent
One place I personally wouldn't try to save a few dollars is the ridge vent. Cheap ridge vents can look wavy after installation. You can put a beautiful new roof on a house and ruin the appearance of the entire thing with a crooked, wavy ridge running across the top.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a name-brand ridge vent. What I want is a high-sitting, rigid plastic ridge vent that performs well and gives you a nice, straight finished ridge. The difference in the overall cost of the roof is relatively small, so this isn't where I'd try to squeeze out the last few dollars.
At Some Point, the Roof Just Needs What It Needs
Beyond those choices, a roof needs what it needs. There isn't a budget version of properly flashing a chimney or wall. The shingles have to be fastened correctly. The correct nails need to be used. Flashings, valleys, penetrations and roof transitions have to be installed in a way that prevents water penetration.
If deteriorated decking is uncovered when the old roof comes off, it needs to be addressed. If flashing needs to be replaced, it needs to be replaced. Trying to save money by ignoring something necessary isn't really saving money. You're just increasing the odds that you'll be paying for a repair later.
This is also why workmanship matters more than buying an expensive shingle. I'd take a basic architectural shingle installed correctly over a premium designer shingle installed poorly every single time.
Give Your Roofer Something in Return
Here's something most homeowners probably wouldn't think about: offer to leave a positive review if the job goes well. Reviews are extremely valuable to local roofing companies. Obviously, don't promise a fake review or say something you don't believe. Just tell the contractor that if they take care of you and you're happy with the work, you'll take the time to leave them a good, honest review.
Also think about whether you know anyone else who needs a roof or another service the contractor provides. Maybe your neighbor has mentioned needing a roof. Maybe a family member needs siding or gutters. Tell the contractor you'd be happy to refer them if you're happy with the work.
A legitimate referral has real value to a contractor. That doesn't mean someone is going to knock thousands of dollars off your roof because you might send them another customer. But if you're asking someone to sharpen their pencil and help you out, it certainly doesn't hurt to show them that you're willing to help them out too.
Just Tell Them the Truth
Sometimes the best approach is simply to say, "I need this roof, but money is really tight. I don't care about fancy upgrades. Give me the least expensive roof you can install correctly, and tell me where we can save without doing anything stupid."
A good roofer should understand exactly what you mean. There are ways to reduce the cost of a new roof without turning it into a cheap roof. Start with a basic architectural shingle, don't pay for upgrades you don't need, use reasonably priced accessories where appropriate, and don't skimp on the components or workmanship that actually keep water out of your house.
Remember, the goal isn't to buy the cheapest roof. It's to buy the least expensive roof that's still a good roof.
If you live in our service area, call us today. We're happy to help you get the new roof you need without trying to sell you anything you don't. Call (877) 846-9566 or schedule your free roof consultation online.
