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.
Consider The Whole Picture
Environmental
Aluminum panels are typically produced from 90% or more recycled content. Steel panels vary by supplier, but usually contain at least 10% recycled content. Both types of metal will last for decades and are 100% recyclable after use.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are produced from petroleum products and are typically 19-36% asphalt by weight. Asphalt shingles have to be torn off and replaced every 15-25 years. Approximately 11 million tons of asphalt shingles are discarded each year, with most being sent to landfills.
Property Insurance
Many insurers offer discounts for metal roofing sometimes connected with hail or wind performance rating. Since programs will vary by insurer and location, check with your local agent.
Energy Efficiency
While asphalt shingles will absorb and retain heat from the sun, metal panels will reflect and emit heat away, resulting in lower cooling costs. Several studies by the Florida Solar Energy Center indicate a reduction in cooling costs between 10 and 25%. As always, individual results will vary.
Lifecycle Costs
Strong in the Storm
Of course no roof can completely withstand all the force of nature. However, studies and damage reports conducted by/for FEMA, NHC/NOAA, and FBC over the years consistently indicate that shingle damage from hurricanes is fairly common, while metal roofs tend to perform very well.
Asphalt Shingles Cost Per Square Foot
Three tab asphalt shingles cost between $0.56-75 per square foot without the installation. This is the equivalent of $56-75 per roof square .
Comparatively, the cost of architectural shingles is 10-15% more expensive. Here is a more in-depth look at the costs and pros and cons of using 3 Tab vs Architectural Shingles.
Its important to note that roofing material prices, including prices for shingles, vary widely, depending on where you live. For example, GAF shingles at a Home Depot in Alabama cost $0.56 per square foot, where as the exact same shingles at a Home Depot in Massachusetts cost $0.75 per square foot. This is why when you are trying to estimate roofing costs, its important to check your local prices, and not just national averages published online.
Keep in mind that when it comes to roof replacement, the cost of shingles alone only makes up a small fraction of the total cost about 30%. The rest of the money goes toward professional installation, roof tear off and dump fees, permits, roof insulation and other materials necessary to complete the install and make the roof water tight.
The total cost per square foot to install three tab asphalt shingles is $1.75 4.50, largely depending on local roofers fees and complexity of labor. The average is about $2.50-3.75 per square foot. Keeping this in mind, the average cost to install budget asphalt shingles on a 2,000 sq.ft. one storie house $3,500 9,000. Average total cost is $5,000 7,500.
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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.
Tips On Hiring The Right Roofer
As we have mentioned the importance of quality installation numerous times, the big question is: how do you find the right roofer?
The single best piece of advice is this: Never go for the cheapest or an unrealistically cheap roofer. The lowest bids are are OFTEN an indication of lack of experience, unhappy prior clients, lack of proper worker compensation and insurance as well as a host of other back end problems that indicate a sub part quality business. What could save you money in the initial investment stage may cost you thousands in roof replacement and repair work a few years down the line.
When contacting local roofers for estimates, its very important to get at least 3 recent references and check their credentials. Every area should have a building department or a state consumer protection agency. You can check at their offices to see if your roofer have their credentials in order, all their licenses, and if theyre insured.
Always consider more skilled roofers than beginners. Skilled roofers work faster and although the hourly labor cost is higher, they wont take too long to finish your project. Besides, a job well done is worth every penny.
Note, that basing your hiring decision solely on online testimonials and ratings is not the best idea.
Get free roofing quotes from our vetted, licensed roofers in your area.
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Federal Tax Credit For Energy Star Approved Metal Roofs Ends 12/31/2021
Metal roofing colors that meetthe Energy Star minimum approved solar reflectance index rating of 25 meaning that at least 25% of the suns energy was reflected back into the atmosphere qualify for a special energy-efficiency tax credit. The credit is 10% of the cost of materials installed on your primary residence and up to $500. As you can see from the documented SRI values of our ABM Panel and Commercial Panels, ABSeam Panel, and Textured Panel colors, most of our panel colors met and exceeded the Energy Star minimum requirement.
The tax credit expires on December 31, 2021 and will likly not be renewed. But that doesnt change the fact that you can still enjoy the benefits of an energy-efficient metal roof.
So if you want to compare the energy efficiency of our metal panel colors before making your final selection, take a look at the SRI values for our colors found in the links below.
Disadvantages Of Choosing Metal Roofing
Higher One-Time Cost Its true, metal roofing is more expensive than shingle roofing as a one-time cost. In addition to the higher cost of materials, there also could be a higher price point for labor and the equipment needed to complete the job, though its dependent on where the installers are getting the metal panels.
Limited Qualified Contractors Finding a qualified and experienced metal roofing contractor or installer will make or break an installation, especially since nearly all potential problems with metal roofing stem from some kind of installer error. When compared to shingle roofing installers, there are significantly fewer installers who are equipped and skilled at installing metal roofing.
More Labor Intensive Metal roofing is a precision installation that is much less forgiving than a shingle roof installation. There is virtually zero room to make errors, which is why metal roofing must be installed by a trained craftsperson. This typically means its a little more of a labor-intensive process that could take up more time.
Municipality Issues There are some communities or Home Owners Associations that do not allow metal roofing to be installed on a new or existing home within its jurisdiction. Common reasons for the ban:
- Metal is often thought of as looking industrial
- Inconsistent or goes against the look of a neighborhood
- Can have high-glare issues
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Are Metal Shingles Worth It
Only you can determine the best roofing material for your home and if metal shingles are worth their added cost. To help you decide on the right option, talk to a roofing contractor near you and note some added considerations as well:
- How long are you planning on owning your home? If youre new to homeownership or want to stay in your house indefinitely, a metal roof might be the last roof youll ever need to purchase.
- Consider your own age. If youre 50 or 60 or older, a metal roof could quite possibly outlast you! That added cost for a metal roof probably isnt worth it if you might move to a retirement or assisted living facility in the next decade or two.
- Since metal roofs typically need fewer repairs than shingles, investing in metal now can mean not facing unexpected, expensive roof repairs in a few years’ time. While its good to budget for some minor repairs to metal roofs, your repair costs are usually far lower with metal than with shingles.
- If youre environmentally conscious, consider that metal is more eco-friendly than shingles. You might even find a metal roof manufacturer that uses a large percentage of recycled or reclaimed metal for their roofing materials more easily than a shingle manufacturer.
- Dont underestimate the importance of a homes curb appeal when choosing a roofing material. Metal might seem a bit rustic and out of place on some homes, while shingles might detract from modern designs or give your house a dull, cookie-cutter look.
What Size Sheets Do Metal Roofing Panels Come In
Different types of metal roofing will depend on the manufacturer that produces any specific product. They will vary in style, material, and size for each producer. Standard panel sizes are usually two or three feet in width by 10, 12, 14, or 16 feet in height.
Galvanized, and Galvalume steel will also have a rating referring to the thickness of the anti-corrosive coating. Galvanized Steel will come in G40, G60, and G90 ranges. Galvalume will be measured at AZ35, AZ50, and AZ55. The higher the rating the thicker the coating.
Metal thicknesses are also marked under roofing specifications, with a rating of 22, 24, 26, or 29. The lower the number, the thicker the metal, and the more expensive the roofing.
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Galvalume Metal Roofing Prices
Galvalume metal costs $0.75 to $2.50 per square foot and starts at $5.50 per square foot installed. Galvalume is a combination of steel, aluminum, zinc, and silicone. A wide range of color options is available.
Galvalume metal roof panels typically last around 60 years however, they have a propensity to completely degrade when in contact with other metals like copper or iron, or other building materials like concrete, brick, or the treated wood found in decks. Also, unless treated with KJynar coatings, galvalumes finish can fade in color or develop a buildup of a chalk-like residue, as well as oil canning, which changes the look of the metal.
Selecting A Metal Roofing Contractor
To guarantee the longevity of your metal roof, the installation should be carried out by a professional with technical know-how and experience. To pick the best metal roofer, use the following criteria when looking at the professionals here on HomeGuide before you make your final selection. Create a list of contractors who have as many of these as possible:
- Are A/A+ rated with the better business bureau
- Are licensed, insured, and bonded in your state
- Have been installing metal roofs for at least five years
- Present you with documentation detailing roof specs, total costs of materials and labor, manufacturer-approved installation methods, and available warrantiesdetails of the base warranty package and upgrade optionsin their proposal.
- Are highly rated on HomeGuide and Google
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted metal roof installers:
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Metal Roof Panel Prices At Home Depot And Lowes
Do note that both Home Depot and Lowes sell these metal roofing panels only at select locations, usually in the Midwest, the South and Northern States. Check your local branch if youre not sure if theyre available in your area.
Standing seam roofing is sold by specialized dealers, and isnt usually available at either Home Depot or Lowes.
Note, that Lowes sells metal panels manufactured by Fabral, which is a well known brand, while Home Depot sells panels by a no name brand called MSMC. This is the reason why Home Depot is able to offer much cheaper pricing for the majority of their corrugated metal panels, compared to the prices at Lowes
Is It Ok To Put New Roof Shingles Over Old Ones
Many homeowners who are trying to save as much as possible on a re-roof, consider the idea of installing new shingles over the existing ones, since its faster and can save over $1,000 on tear off and removal fees alone. Often this advice is offered by roofers who are trying to get the job and are willing to lower the labor costs by foregoing tear off work.
However, while this may initially sound attractive, its USUALLY not a smart idea to install asphalt shingles over the old shingles. Here are some points to consider and ask your roofer:
Does your local building code allow for two layers of shingles? Some do, while others dont. You dont want to do any kind of install that will be in violation with local building codes.
Is the existing roof old/rotting/leaking/overall bad shape? In any of these cases installing new shingles will not take care of your existing roofing problems, and can actually make them worse.
Does your shingle warranty allow for two layers of installation? Many manufacturers will automatically void the roofing warranty, if their shingles were installed on top of an existing roof.
Compromised roof ROI: If you go to sell your home, and the inspection discovers that the new roof is installed over old shingles, this may lower the overall value of the property and scare away some buyers who may worry about potential roofing problems.
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Influences On The Overall Cost Of A New Roof :
To start, there are a number of influences that will affect metal roofing materials and traditional asphalt shingles equally relative to base material cost. Those items dont really effect the metal roof vs. shingles debate too much, and those are:
Is Steel Roofing Better Than Shingles
Whether you are looking for a new roof for a new home or in the market for replacing an old one, you might have doubts of steel roof is better than shingles?
- Style: Modern metal roofs come in a variety of colours and styles which gives you an opportunity to style it to match your exterior design. Asphalt shingles are not that much versatile.
- Cost: As for the steel roofing cost yes, it is more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, when you look at the life-cycle costing, you will see that it is much more budget-efficient to invest in something more durable and reliable as a steel roof. Steel roofing will last you from 40 70 years with occasional care compared to 12-20 years of asphalt shingles.
- Energy Efficient: A steel roof will reflect the rays of the sun, thus keeping your home cool on hot days. Your new steel roof will keep money in your pocket by reducing your air conditioning costs by 10-15%. The roof that keeps on giving! In contrast, heat goes literally through asphalt shingle.
- Durable: Protect your home from harsh Toronto weather with steel roofing. Compared to asphalt shingles, steel is: able to withstand winds, will not crack against impact, and will not ignite due to fires or lightning. Best of all, this means that your roof will not require as much maintenance like other roofing materials!
In other words, it is a validated decision replacing a shingle roof with a steel roof.
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Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Appearance
A roof plays a crucial part in the overall appearance of a home. It can be the definitive factor that adds to or crushes your curb appeal.
Asphalt shingles have come a long way in looks and can be manufactured to resemble wood shakes, tiles and even slate-style roofs. They often lend depth, too. You can have a variety of lighter and darker granules within each shingle, giving it a 3D or multicolored look,Overson Roofing contractor Mike Smyth says.
Traditional metal roofing has a distinct look that comes in various solid colors. They, too, can be manufactured to look like other roofing materials including asphalt shingles.
Winner: Its up to you! Appearance is subjective, and both roof systems offer an aesthetically pleasing look. Consider the other roofs in your neighborhood in mind when deciding. You might not want to be the only home with a roof that stands out.
