Are Metal Roofs Cheaper Than Shingle Roofs

Best For Matching Siding Colors: Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles can come in dozens of colors depending on the brand and manufacturer. Asphalt might be the best choice if you want a larger variety of colors to match your homes siding. However, as time goes on and metal becomes more popular, manufacturers have begun to make more basic colors for metal shingles such as greens, browns, greys, and even black.

The Cost Of A Metal Roof

Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? Well, its true that it will cost more to have the metal roof installed, rather than the shingle roof.

Youre paying for a slightly more expensive material, as well as the expertise needed to get the roof installed.

However, the roof becomes cheaper when you consider the repair and upkeep costs. Metal roofs are known to be a lot more durable, so youll save on repair costs over time.

Depending on the metal you use for your roof, it may be able to resist winds of up to 140 mph, meaning you wont have to worry about wind damage should a storm strike.

Certain metals are also impact resistant, so you wont have to deal with the bruising or damage that happens to shingle roofs when hit with hailstones or similar impacts.

A metal roof is overall much more durable than a shingle roof. Of course, you will still need to inspect it from time to time.

This will help you see if there are any problems, and to catch them in time before they become more costly.

Below, there are 4 aspects of a metal roof that make it cheaper than shingles in the long run.

How To Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles

Whether youre looking to install a steel roof over shingles or another type of metal, its a good idea to learn the know-how. Knowing how to install a metal roof over shingles is important for a homeowner whether theyre looking to do it themselves or hire professionals. Remember that if you choose to install metal roofing over shingles, its best to add an underlayment or purlins.

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How To Know If Metal Roofing Is Right For You

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Metal roofing is a popular choice for many homeowners, and its only going to keep getting more popular. As of 2015, 750,000 U.S homeowners had installed metal roofs, a rate that was second in popularity only to asphalt shingles.

Metal roofs look great and provide protection from the harsh weather conditions that can damage your home. However, metal roofing isnt right for everyone. If youre considering getting a metal roof installed on your house, its important to know how to tell if this is the best option for you.

This blog post will talk about some of the benefits of metal roofs. Read on to learn.

Defining Metal Roof Costs

To discuss costs, we need to start by defining two terms: first cost and life cycle cost. As you might expect, the first cost is the product cost on the day of purchase. Conversely, life cycle costs also include factors like the life expectancy and maintenance of a product over its lifetime.

For a better understanding, lets look at the comparison of a home office printer. The first costs for printer option #1 are $59.00, while the first costs for printer option #2 are $99.

Based on first costs alone, option #1 seems the logical choice however, upon reading reviews, it seems the print head on the cheaper-priced printer commonly fails within the first year and, of course, after the 90 day warranty expires. With an estimated repair bill of $50, the life cycle costs for printer #1 escalates to $109.

And suddenly, the higher-priced printer option #2 may offer better life cycle costs. Ultimately, life cycle costs are the concept of paying more money for a product on day one but in exchange, reasonably expecting the product to last longer or provide fewer problems during ownership.

We can now apply the same premise to metal roofing panels with a better understanding of life cycle costs. The table below highlights that life cycle costs are a game-changer in any cost comparison between shingle and metal roofing.

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Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofs For Your Home

Whether you’re buying a home with one or thinking of installing, here’s what to know.

Whether you’re putting a roof on a new home, or your existing roof requires a total makeover, there are many materials available. But no matter what roof style you have, metal roofs can be an attractive option because of their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. Material choices include steel , aluminum, copper, zinc and tin. Product types are vertical seam, pre-formed panels and granular coated panels. Style choices allow you to have the look of shingles, slate, tile, shakes or vertical panels. Make sure your metal roofing product is tested, labeled and listed with a testing organization such as UL, FM Approvals or Intertek to meet rigorous wind, fire and impact resistance rating requirements. Please also remember that installation can vary from geographic location, manufacturer guidelines and as a result of local building code requirements.

Is There A Metal Roof Insurance Discount

If you live in a region that has frequent hail storms such as Texas then you’re more likely to receive an insurance discount when compared to someone that lives in California. However, it’s dependent upon the insurance company. Let’s call this a “maybe” and call your insurance company to see if you qualify for a policy discount.

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Diy Metal Roofing Or Hire A Contractor

While one could think that theres nothing to installing a metal roof, a lot could go wrong, which is why youll save much more in the long run if you hire a contractor who has been installing metal roofing panels and shingles for many years.

Beginners tend to get a bit overzealous when screwing in the metal screws and adding sealant, and they overlap the panels without taking wind resistance and drainage into full account. They also do a poor job installing the metal around chimneys and vents, which can mean leaks down the road.

Additionally, they might not take the proper precautions when working with cheaper underlay. FEMA recommends exposed fastener panels and making sure clips are placed close to the eave if you live in a high wind area.

Cons Of Asphalt Shingle Roof

One of the biggestproblems that you will face with the Asphalt shingle is the fact that theymight get damaged during the installation. More importantly, its easy forthese shingles to get damaged during cold temperature. Shingles are alsosusceptible to wind and they can easily crack especially if they are notinstalled properly. Overall, asphalt shingle is a good alternative to any home.

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Stamped Metal Shingle Roofing Characteristics Advantages & Disadvantages

Stamped metal shingles are smaller modular panels stamped/pressed to resemble the look of shingles, shake, tile, and slate roofing. Stamped metal roofing often utilizes a four-way interlocking system at all sides of the panel, which is then installed in staggered courses. Most stamped roofing is made from pre-painted PVDF-coated steel and aluminum, making it a premium roofing material for residential and small commercial applications.

Adds The Most Value: Metal

The lifespan of a metal roof immediately adds immense value to your home. Even if you were to install a metal roof and not sell your house for another 20 years, those 30 remaining years constitute a significant selling point and can allow you to sell your house for even more just based on the durable roof.

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Can You Put A Metal Roof On Top Of Shingles

Since most metal roofing is light, pliable and thin, it’s usually possible to put these panels on top of your existing shingles. Both the shingles and underlayment should be in good condition so you don’t have to replace your whole structure for at least a couple of decades.

You may want to consult a professional in the roofing industry to inspect the top of your house and determine the quality of your existing shingles. It’s also helpful to consider what local regulations require for your roof. In general, most states allow you to have a maximum of two or three layers on top of your house, so if you’ve already had this done, you’d need to remove the existing layers before installing your new roof.

Is Metal Roofing Cheaper Than Shingles Factoring In Replacement Cost And Inflation

One thing that we don’t know for sure is: what will a new roof cost in the future?The cost of a new roof seems to double about every 15 years. Let’s look at these numbers based upon this happening and an escalated replacement cost of the existing roof..

• Cost Before 15 Years = $15,000
• Cost After 15 Years = $15,000 + $30,000 = $45,000
• Cost After 30 Years = $15,000 + $30,000 + $60,000 = $105,000
• Cost After 45 Years = $15,000 + $30,000 + $60,000 + $120,000 = $225,000

Now, can I tell you for certain a new roof will double in cost every 15 years? I can’t guarantee it, but it’s likely based on past data.

The example above is intended to provide a realistic example of a likely replacement cost scenario. What you can be certain of is a significant increase of greater than 50% every 15 years.

Either way, today’s price of $27,500 is much cheaper than the price of 2-4 asphalt roofs that will increase in cost each time they are replaced.

When you look at the numbers above, there are two paths that you can take to see an ROI for your new roof.

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What Are The Advantages Of A Shingle Roof

A shingle roof has the following characteristics that can benefit your home:

• Cheaper to purchase and install: Asphalt can be about half the upfront cost of metal because it’s more popular with homeowners, so it’s widely available. They’re also significantly cheaper to install than metal roofs.
• More visually appealing: Asphalt shingles offer plenty of color and texture options to help you find a cost-effective material that enhances your property’s aesthetic. If you live in a suburban area, it’s also more likely to blend in with the other houses in your neighborhood.
• Cheaper to repair: Since it’s more affordable to purchase and install, shingle roof maintenance is more manageable and less expensive. You can remove each shingle one at a time instead of replacing the whole roofing structure.
• More contractors available: Asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, so more contractors are willing to offer them than metal roofing. Keep in mind that finding the right roofing specialist is essential to getting a protective, long-lasting roof.

Cons Of Shingle Roofs

Despite the benefits of shingle roofing materials, they also have a few shortcomings.

Shingle roofs made from high-end materials can last for some time. However, they have shorter lifespans than metal roofs. Bearing in mind how often you have to change your shingles, you may find it ideal you invest your money on metal roofs.

Shingles can easily get damaged by snow, hail, and wind, cutting the lifespan short. Also, poor installation of the roof leads to shingles being ripped off one at a time.

Shingles are class-A fire-rated, but they are flammable materials. Although granules can protect the shingles from fire, the asphalt coating may catch fire if it comes in contact with a flame.

Granules that give color and protect your shingle can fall off and get stuck in your pipes and gutter. As a result, it will compromise the efficiency of your roof and gutters

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Metal Roof Over Shingles

Metal roofs are far more durable than almost any other option, withstanding much of Colorados extreme weather. These roofs have been known to last 50-60 years without any issues. That durability costs homeowners upfront: In most cases, metal roofing can cost two to four times as much as traditional shingles per square foot, though that number can be much higher if you opt for high-end copper or zinc roofing.

Choosing between shingles or a metal roof ultimately comes down to how much youre willing to invest and how long you plan on staying in your home. If you plan to stick around for a while, a metal roof is well worth your investment, but if you have plans to sell in the short-term future, going with asphalt shingles is a safe and wise decision that remains popular for good reason.

Planning Your Metal Roofing Project

As you begin planning your roofing project, consider the following three tips to help make it a successful project:

• Determine what is going to be done with your old roofin some cases, you will not have to pay for the removal of the old roof, since it may be possible to install the metal roof on top of what is there.
• Check with your municipality/HOA before you buyas with any modification to the exterior of your home, you might violate local HOA statutes by installing a metal roof.
• Ask the roofing companies you have requested bids from how long their proposal is good for. Any number of factors in the metals market could cause the price to go up if you sit on the bid too long before giving the go-ahead.

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Asphalt Shingles Vs Metal Roof Cost: Real Life Example

For our example below, we will compare the cost you’ll pay over time if you have a 2,500 square foot roof. These numbers are based on averages for the cost and lifespan of each option. Because you’ll have to replace shingle roofing every 15 years or so, you’ll see the cost of a new roof at 15-year increments below.

Metal Roof Underlayment Costs

At an average cost of $0.06 to $0.21 per square foot, underlayment acts as a secondary barrier to water and wind damage for metal roofing. Different roofing professionals will likely have different underlayment options available for your roofing project. Underlay is attached with staples, roofing caps, or the back side of the product has an adhesive layer to stick it to the roof deck.

There are two types of underlayment product available synthetic and felt paper, also known as asphalt felt, tar paper, or roofing tar paper. The heavier the felt, the better.

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Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Which Is Better For My Home

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When it comes time to install a new roof, its easy to grow overwhelmed by the options available.

Asphalt shingle roofing has been the dominant choice for residential homes for a long time, but more recently, metal roofing has surged in popularity. Metal shingles, metal panels, and other metal roofing options that imitate tile, wood, slate, and even asphalt can make it incredibly difficult to choose whats best for your home.

Both options have their own list of pros and cons, so before you decide what to use for your roof and make a long-term investment, lets do a comparison: metal roof vs. shingles.

What Is A Metal Roof

A metal roof is a more premium roofing material option and comes in many styles and design options. Metal roofs may be made of tin, zinc, aluminum, steel, or copper and will be either standing seam, corrugated, or modular panels. They also come in shingles, which is a newer style and one that is growing in popularity.

When you think of a metal roof, you may think of the large exposed fastener panels you see installed on pole barns or lean-tos. But metal roofs have transformed to be one of the most attractive options for residential homes today. They are durable, fire-resistant, and give a great return on investment by lasting for 50+ years with little maintenance.

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Advantages Of Choosing Metal Roofing

Lightweight One of the major benefits of metal roofing is that its a very lightweight material. First, its easier for the installers to handle and transport up on the roof during the rollforming and installation process. Second, it doesnt weigh down and put unnecessary stress on a structure, which reduces frame damage and preserves the integrity of the building.

Longevity Perhaps one of the biggest differences between metal roofing and shingles is the length of its life. For metal roofing, its expected that metal roofing should last at least 50 years until signs of degradation begin to show. Different metal materials, such as copper and zinc, have even been known to last 100 or more years in some instances.

Lower Long-Term Cost As we will discuss later, metal roofing is more expensive as a one-time cost. That being said, metal roofing is typically less expensive in the long-term because one metal roof can easily outlast at least three asphalt shingle roofs .

The two photos on the right represent a 60-year cost comparison between mid-range shingle roofing and metal roofing . In this scenario, the mid-range cost for one architectural shingle roof is around $8,700 and the cost for one 24-gauge Steel Standing Seam roof with Kynar 500, a high-end paint system, is about $17,400. Even if the shingle roof lasted 20 years, you would need to pay for a shingle roof three times and a metal roof one time in a 60-year span, making the metal roof a more economical choice.