The Cost Of Each Metal Roof
The cost of a metal roof will vary based on the size and how many materials you need. The type also affects the price, for example, steel roofs tend to be less expensive than aluminum ones. Take some time to research what kind of material will best fit your budget as well as which type is most durable if durability is a concern.
How Would Metal Roofing Look On Your House
Another major consideration before seriously considering a metal roof for your home is what it would look like.
Go through photo galleries that metal roof manufacturers offer on their web sites to see houses that resemble your homes style to get a feel for how metal roofing would look on your house. Also, check out the metal roof visualizer, where you can upload a photo of your house and see what various types of material roofing would look like on it.
For a comprehensive look at the many different choices in metal roofing, be sure to see the HomeTips Metal Roofing Ultimate Buying Guide.
Featured Resource:Get Free Quotes from Reviewed Metal Roofing Contractors In Your Area
Can Metal Roofs Handle Snow
Yes! A new roof should never have to deal with too much snow during the winter which is why its important to choose a material like steel or aluminum that is meant specifically for snowy climates. If you live in a region where it snows several feet each winter, then you will want to choose something that can handle the excess weight of all of the snow.
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Metal Roof Material Costs
The type of metal used for the install is the main cost factor after labor. The price of metal ranges from an average per square foot price of $1.60 for Galvalume to $22.50 for copper. Contractors will factor in the heaviness of the metal usedits harder to work with heavy materials that dont cut easily.
The secondary most significant cost is underlayment which will add $30 to $50 to the cost of materials. You may be offered upgrade options for the underlayment, with prices between $4 to $5.50 per square foot installed, or $1 to $3 for felt. Items like fasteners, screws, rivets, clamps or clips, plywood or roof deck materials, flashings or pipe boots, sealants or butyl tape are essential components of your installation.
Will A Metal Roof Make My House Hotter
We received an inquiry the other day with a question in the comments form that essentially asked whether a metal roof “catches” more heat than a non-metal roof, making the home underneath warmer.
The answer involves two separate considerations: the roof covering material and the construction of the roof assembly.
When you ask the question about the heat absorbancy of metal, there are a number of variables to consider:
Have a burning roofing question? Fire away on our Ask a Roofing Expert page or give us a call at 775-737-9169. And check our Resources page for our re-roofing booklet and comparison sheets.
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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.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof
The actual life expectancy of roofs is difficult to estimate. The following conditions have to be taken into account:
The climate zone in which the building is located it plays a crucial role in determining the expected service life. Atmospheric pollution and weather conditions strongly impact on roof quality and material deterioration, especially on gravel roofs.
It also heavily depends on materials. To give an example: slate roofs have a longer life expectancy than asphalt tiles. Metal roofs or roofs that are made of metal and wood last much longer than other roof types because they resist extreme weather conditions much better. This makes it difficult to give general advice as to when a roof needs to be replaced, however, given regular weather conditions and proper installation and maintenance, the following common roof types should last in the below ranges.
In addition, the following aspects play a role:
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What Are The Advantages Of Metal Roofing Panels
Metal roofing panels have been used for decades. These panels are ideal for:
- Durability
- Quick Installation
- Easy Repair
The most common form of metal roofing panel, called 5V, includes five small ribs that are pressed into the metal during manufacturing. These ribs provide a barrier to strong winds and add rigidity to the panel. Most metal roofing panels will cover about 16-20 square feet per panel, making them very fast to install. In modern construction, some manufacturers have even taken the time tested design of metal roofing panels and replaced the metal with recycled plastic and other materials. In part, this was done to reduce the main complaint associated with metal roofing panels, which is rust.
Metal Vs Shingles: 3 More Important Comparisons
Now you know that a metal roof is more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. However, you need to know a few more things before deciding which one is right for you.
Dont forget a standing seam metal roof is the recommended choice for residential roofing, so well be comparing it to an asphalt shingle roof for the rest of this article.
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Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
Standing seam metal roofs cost $4 to $4.50 per square foot for the materials with the average homeowner paying about $10 per square foot for both materials and labor installation. One of the most popular metal roof installation methods, standing seam roofing has raised seams where each metal roof panel connects to the next and creates the weathertight seal.
Generally, each standing seam is formed at the manufacturing plant, and a seam-locking tool is used onsite to join the panels together as they are being installed. The primary benefit from this style of metal roof installation is the fact that there are no holes in the exterior surface since all the fasteners are on the underside of the roofing material. When comparing to metal shingles, both are effective in withstanding heavy rain and high wind speeds.
The Structural Soundness Of The Building
A metal roof can add a significant amount of weight to your home and might even alter its structural stability. Do some research on the structure of the house to make sure that it will be able to handle the additional weight and stress during a storm. You can also ask a contractor if they can make any renovations to the structure of your home before installing additional weight.
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Wood Shakes And Cedar Shingles
These both come in natural wood and typically last 20 to 40 years. This kind of roof is another great choice if you like the rustic, old-fashioned look as it comes in many different shapes and textures to create a beautiful finish. When you put this type of shingle on your house, youre not only improving your homes appearance, but you are also adding more insulation value. This roof is made to last if the materials are high quality, so you can expect at least 20 years of life with proper maintenance. The average cost of wood shakes and cedar shingles roof is about $19,000 in the United States.
Which Metal Roof Colors Are The Coolest
Lighter colors tend to be more reflective and are typically the right choice when it comes to picking an energy efficient color for your metal roof. Colors such as pale blue, light green, white, beige and lighter bronze are especially good options if you live in a region that has lots of direct sunlight and a hotter year-round climate.
Additionally, the EPA has an entire list of Energy Star-certified roofing products and information available at
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How Does A Roof Age And Wear Out
Roofs are complex components in buildings, consisting of multiple layers and sections. Due to the environmental conditions, they are exposed to, such as heat, rain, wind, and pollution their age mainly depends on how well these have been treated during their service life. The following factors can accelerate this process:
The weather conditions of the respective roof region play a role in the life expectancy of roofs. The more negative standardized climatic data is taken into consideration, the shorter the service life of roofs will be expected. Another factor to consider is that heat and ultraviolet radiation weaken most materials over time and will lead to natural deterioration.
Metal Roof Installation Cost Factors
Metal roof installation costs are about the same price or slightly more than your metal panels or shingles. For example, aluminum roof shingles cost about $4.60 per square foot and $10 per square foot installed, while galvanized steel roof panels cost $3.35 per square foot and $7.75 per square foot installed. Many factors will weigh in on the total cost to install your new roof.
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Is A Metal Roof Better Than Shingles
Lets start off by clarifying that both materialsasphalt shingles and metal roofingare great options for residential roofing. Both will protect your home and should last for many years. However, one or the other might be better suited to your needs and preferences.
Asphalt shingles remain to be the most popular material for roofing residential properties and are available in a wide array of colors and textures. Standard, three-tab shingles are most commonly used, though laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are also available. A matting or fiberglass core, an asphalt coating, and a stone or ceramic surface make for a highly durable shingle.
Alternatively, metal roofing tends to be lightweight, as well as durable and energy efficient. It also comes in a variety of designs which makes for a versatile and therefore appealing product. But what are their specific pros and cons and which roof is best for your home?
Are Shingles Better Than Metal Roofing Panels
Both designs do a great job, just in different ways. Both shingles and metal panels have been around for many years, yet we tend to use one more than the other, depending on the application. We dont often see metal roofs on our homes, and we rarely see shingles on a barn.
Why is this? For the most part, the reason lies with the use of the material. Shingles are generally considered more attractive, yet metal panels are considered more durable. Metal panels can be installed very quickly, while shingles usually take longer to install, so which is better? The answer to this question is typically found in both the function and use of the material itself.
For example, either material will work well on most structures, but shingles are considered more applicable on most residential home designs. This is often more of an aesthetic choice than a structural one, because shingles are available in an array of styles, materials, and colors. Shingles are not complicated to install, making them a popular do-it-yourself project.
Metal panels on the other hand, tend to be used when durability is more important than appearance, or when the design of the structure requires it. On livestock barns, for example, metal roofing panels are often used as both roofing and siding, due to its ability to withstand impacts. More modern residential versions come in a number of colors and shapes, making them suitable for an upscale home design like a barndominium.
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Are Shingle Or Metal Roofing Best For Warm Climates
Lets make it clear from the beginning: Metal roofs are a smarter idea than asphalt shingles in warm climates. But why? And why does it have to look so bad?
The reality today is that metal roofing isnt like the corrugated tin people put on chicken coops and storage barns decades ago. Todays metal roofing is available in many types, styles and colors. And since homes are being designed differently now, metal roofing often fits right in.
But surely all that metal makes a home hotter, doesnt it?
Actually, asphalt shingles absorb more heat, and that heat doesnt stop at the shingles. It absorbs into your homes structure, contributing to an indoor increase in temperature of up to 20 to 25 degrees, according to studies. Metal roofing, however, reflects away much of the suns hot rays, leading to an energy savings that can reach 50 percent. Thats easy to prove by measuring the temperature of an asphalt roof verses a high-quality metal roof. The metal roof can be as much as 100 degrees cooler in the same conditions, according to research.
Theres another factor: Shingles weaken with sun exposure, curling and cracking, decreasing their effectiveness against sun, rain wind and other environmental forces and leading to early replacement. Metal doesnt take in the heat as much, so it doesnt degrade because of it. It can last the entire life of a home with little maintenance, reflecting away heat all that time.
Types Of Materials Used In New Roofs
Roofs currently come in a variety of types and materials:
Asphalt shingles: These roofs are generally the most affordable and can last for more than 20 years if properly installed. They require less maintenance than other roof materials, which is generally inexpensive. However, during heavy rains, they can deteriorate more quickly than other common
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Can Hide Imperfections
A dark color can hide imperfects on your roof since they will be less visible against the dark surface. The black color helps project seamless visual aesthetics that mask problems such as oil canning and scratches. As a result, your roof can still look new even after decades of abuse from UV, foot traffic, and harsh weather.
Sun Exposure And Mass
The more direct sunlight a roof gets, the hotter it will become. As the sun goes down, your roof begins to cool until it reaches the same temperature as the air around it. However, heavier materials with more mass take longer to do so.
Lightweight materials lose heat the fastest, preventing that heat from transferring into your home. Luckily, metal roofing products are lighter than many other roofing material options.
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Pros & Cons Of Metal Vs Asphalt Shingle Roofs
When it comes to these two materials, there are categories in which one or the other is clearly the best choice. But, there are also categories in which the choice comes down to preference.
The following guide addresses the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing in general versus three-tab asphalt shingles. This chart outlines the best options for major considerations and uses.
Which is Better: Metal or Shingle Roof?
| Metal is best for |
|---|
- Most builders stick with standard colors, textures and shades because they are widely available and low-cost.
Metal
Get The Best Metal Roofing Solutions For Your Home From Our Experts
At Ironclad Roofing, we care about protecting you, your family, and your home, which is why we provide you with the highest quality metal roofing products and services. With many successfully completed projects, we have garnered extensive experience delivering reliable, durable, and environmentally friendly roofing solutions that look great and last for decades. Get in touch with us today to get a free estimate for your next metal roofing project.
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Cost And Energy Savings
A cool roof does not necessarily cost more than a non-cool roof, especially if you are installing a new roof or replacing an existing one. However, converting a standard roof that’s in good condition into a cool roof can be expensive. Major roof costs include upfront installation and ongoing maintenance . Additional cool roof costs include specialized materials and labor.
Cool roofs can save money several ways, including energy savings, rebates and incentives, HVAC equipment downsizing, and extended roof lifetime. One way to estimate how much energy you would save by installing a cool roof is by using the Cool Roof Calculator.
