Being a homeowner is an achievement, but it also has its challenges. You need to take care of both the interior and exterior and ensure that everything is in good condition to keep you and your family safe.
Sometimes, this involves replacing the roof of your home. Whether you’re upgrading due to age, damage, or appearance, the anticipated cost can be daunting.
The good news? You have options, even if you’re on a budget. To help you further explore the options out there, this blog post covers different roofing materials for both pitched and flat roofing systems. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which option suits both your financial situation and your home’s needs.
Materials for Residential Pitched Roofs
Most of the homes in Wisconsin have a pitched or sloped roof. If you are also looking to replace your home’s roof, you’ll find a variety of roofing materials to choose from. Below, we’ve categorized different roofing materials as per the average cost. So, you will find everything from the cheapest roofing materials to premium options.
Here’s a breakdown by budget category:
Affordable Roofing Options
When To Consider: If budget is a concern or if you are planning to move in the coming years
3-Tab/Architectural Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common and cheapest roofing material in Wisconsin. They offer a great balance of cost and appearance. You also get reasonable durability as well, making them a practical choice, even if you do not want to spend much on your roof.
Types Of Asphalt Shingles That Fit A Tight Budget:
3-Tab Shingles: The most affordable option, with a uniform, flat appearance. While cost-effective, they offer the shortest lifespan.
Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles: Slightly more expensive but significantly more durable and visually appealing. Their layered design adds dimension and can mimic the look of wood or slate.
- Cost: $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 15 to 25 years, depending on the type
- Maintenance: Occasional repairs or replacement of damaged shingles
- Weather resistance: Standard shingles can withstand moderate winds, but Wisconsin’s frequent hailstorms may reduce their lifespan
Note: While 3-tab shingles are widely available and come cheap, we recommend installing architectural shingles if you are on a budget. 3-Tab shingles are very thin and are not as valuable when you find yourself making repeated affairs.
Mid-Range Roofing Options: $6.00 to $10.00 Per Square Foot (Installed)
Luxury Asphalt Shingles
These top-tier products offer enhanced thickness, multi-dimensional appearance, and premium performance. You can even get the look of natural slate or cedar shake, as these shingles mimic the look of premium materials.
- Cost: $6.00 to $8.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 25 to 40 years
- Maintenance: Low, occasional replacement of damaged shingles
- Weather resistance: Better wind and hail resistance than basic asphalt shingles
Metal Roofs (Aluminum and Steel)
For Wisconsin homeowners seeking durability and long-term value, metal roofing options in aluminum and steel offer exceptional performance. These materials provide superior protection against Wisconsin’s harsh winters and summer storms while maintaining a modern, attractive appearance for your home. These materials (especially galvanized steel) are also much more affordable than premium metal roofs, but also last longer.
- Cost: $8.00 to $10.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 40 to 70 years
- Maintenance: Minimal, you’ll only need occasional checks of fasteners and seals
- Weather resistance: Highly resistant to Wisconsin’s hail, high winds, and heavy snow loads
Wood Shakes
Another moderately affordable roofing material with good durability is wood shake roofs. Wood shingles and shakes both offer a classic appearance and quality insulation and wind resistance. However, they are not as popular as they were because of high maintenance costs. While they require more maintenance, their visual appeal makes them a desirable mid-range option.
- Cost: $7.00 to $10.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 25 to 40 years with proper care
- Maintenance: Regular sealing and protection against moisture and insects
- Weather resistance: Vulnerable to fire and moisture unless treated
Premium Options: $10.00 to $20.00+ Per Square Foot (Installed)
Slate Roofing
Slate is one of the most durable and elegant roofing materials available. Slate is composed of rocks and stones found in nature. This natural composition makes it incredibly resilient and visually stunning. However, as we already said, it comes with a premium price, and you need to be really careful with the contractor you hire as installation requires expertise.
- Cost: $25.00 to $35.00+ per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 75 to 100+ years.
- Maintenance: Very low, occasional replacement of cracked tiles
- Weather resistance: Highly durable against wind, fire, and hail
Tile Roofing (Clay/Concrete Tiles)
Another premium and aesthetically pleasant roofing material that you should consider is a clay tile roof. Clay tiles, with their reddish-brown color, offer a classic Mediterranean or Spanish-style look. While heavy and expensive, they are long-lasting and excellent for insulation. Concrete tiles are also a good option.
- Cost: $10.00 to $20.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 50 to 100 years
- Maintenance: Low, occasional sealing and tile replacement
- Weather resistance: Excellent durability in hot climates but vulnerable to heavy impact
High-End Metal Roofing (Copper or Zinc)
For a modern, luxurious look, high-end metal roofing like copper or zinc offers longevity and a striking appearance.
- Cost: $15 to $30+ per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 70+ years
- Maintenance: Minimal, occasional cleaning and inspection
- Weather resistance: Highly resistant to wind, hail, and fire
Residential Flat Roofs: Balancing Cost and Value
If your home has a flat or low-slope roof or you are considering replacing your commercial roof, then the choices you get are quite different from those for pitched roofs. Here are some flat roofing materials that you can consider depending on your budget.
Affordable Flat Roofing Options: $4.00 to $7.00 Per Square Foot (Installed)
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BURs are a traditional, cost-effective option for flat roofs. It consists of multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric. There are also alternative layers of asphalt and plies, with the top layer consisting of gravel stones for better durability.
- Cost: $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
- Maintenance: Periodic sealing and patching
- Weather Resistance: Durable against foot traffic but susceptible to ponding water
Modified Bitumen
While the BUR systems are quite traditional, modified bitumen presents you with a modern alternative. A durable, budget-friendly option, modified bitumen is a rubberized asphalt material applied in layers.
- Cost: $4.50 to $7.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years.
- Maintenance: Occasional re-sealing
- Weather resistance: Good against rain and moderate heat
Mid-Range Options: $7.00 to $12.00 Per Square Foot (Installed)
EPDM (Rubber Roofing)
Also known as EPDM, this is a synthetic rubber material that offers great flexibility and strength. Usually black in color, there are now white EPDM membranes available too.
- Cost: $5.00 to $12.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years.
- Maintenance: Low, occasional resealing
- Weather resistance: Highly durable and resistant to Wisconsin weather, white EPDM options are excellent for heat and UV protection.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO is a popular choice widely renowned for its reflectivity and tear resistance. TPO has a shiny white, reflective surface that helps keep away the harmful effects of UV rays. They tend to be more expensive than EPDM but it depends on manufacturer quality.
- Cost: $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
- Maintenance: Low, periodic cleaning.
- Weather resistance: Highly reflective, reducing heat absorption.
Premium Options: $12.00 to $20.00+ Per Square Foot (Installed)
PVC Roofing
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a top-tier flat roofing material known for its durability, energy efficiency, and resistance to chemicals and fire. It’s the go-to option if you want to replace the roof of your warehouse or any other factory-related work. PVC is not very common in residential areas but can easily work in Wisconsin’s extreme weather.
- Cost: $7.00 to $15.00 per square foot installed.
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years.
- Maintenance: Low, occasional cleaning and inspection of seams.
- Weather resistance: Excellent against UV rays. It’s also highly fire-resistant and resistant to chemical exposure.
Also Read: TPO vs. PVC Roofing: What Is Best For You?
Find A Premier Roof Replacement Contractor in Wisconsin
Your roof is a major investment, but with the right material, you can find a solution that fits your budget while enhancing your home’s protection and value. For expert guidance on choosing the best roofing material for your Wisconsin home, trust the experts at Prestige Roofing LLC. With more than 50 years of combined experience and best-in-class contractors, we can take care of your roofing system. Get started with roof replacement today, contact us at (920) 791-0414.