What qualifies as a budget-friendly roof upgrade will vary depending on how much you can afford to spend on a new roof and your ultimate goals. For many homeowners in Dallas–Fort Worth, a budget-friendly upgrade will be a roof replacement using architectural asphalt shingles. These types of shingles balance durability and longevity with cost-effectiveness, providing a step-up in quality and aesthetics without the high cost of premium-tier roofing materials like slate or tile roofing.

If you already have architectural shingles and you’re looking for an affordable way to upscale roofing quality, and you have the budget for an upgrade to a higher grade of materials, you may want to look into tile, slate or metal roofing.

Tile roofing adds a unique and striking flair to all types of homes, but especially those with a Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial or Mission Revival exterior style. Although tile roofing wouldn’t necessarily be categorized as “budget-friendly” in comparison to asphalt shingles, they are less costly than slate or the highest tier of metal roofing materials like zinc or copper.

Why Choose Architectural Shingles Over Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles?

Stepping up your roofing material doesn’t have to break the bank. It could even be argued that architectural shingles are more cost-effective in the long run than the lowest-quality roofing materials.

Architectural asphalt shingles are essentially a thicker, more advanced version of three-tab shingles. Although visually similar to their thinner three-tab ancestors, the thickness of architectural shingles adds an attractive dimension to roofs, instilling some classy character to what may otherwise be a boring, uniform roof.

Architectural shingles also last roughly 10 years longer on average than three-tab shingles. In other words, you might only need to replace architectural shingles twice in the same time span that would necessitate three replacements of three-tab shingles.

This increased longevity can lead to long-term cost savings, meaning it’s most relevant to people who may plan on living in their home for the rest of their lives. That said, this upgrade in quality may appeal to future homebuyers as well, resulting in at least a marginal increase in home sale price compared to a similar home with basic three-tab shingles. The improved aesthetic appeal of architectural shingles may also set your home apart from other homes for sale in the area and may contribute to your home selling more quickly.

There are also the practical benefits to upgrading to a higher tier of asphalt shingles. They’re far more durable, less likely to be damaged by high winds and hail and are less likely to leak – especially when properly installed.

As an added bonus, the longer expected lifespan of architectural shingles, enhanced quality and the slightly higher price entitles homeowners to a longer and more comprehensive warranty. If the material fails prematurely, you won’t be expected to pay out of pocket for replacement costs.

Is Metal Roofing Worth It?

On the spectrum of roofing material price comparisons, metal roofing ranks just above architectural shingle styles but below wood shake and tile. Metal roofs last a very long time – usually more than 50 years – but their unique appearance doesn’t appeal to everyone.

The material can be painted to match or complement your siding, exterior paint or the color palette of your landscaping. The metal roof aesthetic may also pair well with certain home styles, like modern or contemporary homes or farmhouse homes.

If you do like the look of metal roofing, you’re interested in energy efficiency enhancements and you’re thinking about paying a little extra for a roofing upgrade that will last longer, metal roofing can be a great investment. 

Get a New Roof That Works for Your Budget in Dallas

Upgrading your roof doesn’t have to be a cost-prohibitive venture, especially if the roofing company offers competitive financing and reasonable roof replacement prices. At Billy Harris Roofing, we strive to combine detail-oriented craftsmanship with the best materials available at a variety of price points.

“Affordable” and “cheap” are two distinct concepts. We don’t install cheap, low-quality roofs, but we do offer many budget-friendly options that are affordable to all types of homeowners in DFW. Call us at (817) 249-3338 to schedule a roof replacement estimate.