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.
Top Benefits Of Metal Roofing Compared To Shingles
- Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2-4 times longer than shingles.
- Homeowners like the idea of buying only one more roof in their life instead of potentially several.
- Metal roofing outperforms shingles in cases of hail and other severe weather events.
- Metal roofing is highly reflective and can save 20-40% on electricity bills.
- Metal roofing has a high recycled content which means it helps reduce landfill pressure instead of adding to it like asphalt shingles.
- Metal roofing looks great, improving curb appeal and resale values.
Given the sharp increase in market share, it seems that more and more homeowners are making performance, not price, their dominant purchase decision.
Learn more about metal roof cost.
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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The Difference Between Metal Shingles & Metal Standing Seam Roofing
Understanding how metal shingles and standing seam roofs are different is fairly simple on a basic level standing seam metal roofing material comes in continuous lengths and has a built-in mechanism that allows for expansion and contraction during weather changes, and the fasteners for the individual roofing panels are built-in, while with metal shingles they are nailed on.
Metal standing seam roofing is normally more complicated to install and requires more specialized labor, while metal shingles of any kind steel, aluminum, and other options can be less complex to install.
Of course, that all depends on your individual property, and the decision process can be made easier with some advice from an expert metal roofing contractor.
You should always consult your metal roofing contractor or roofing company that you are working with for advice as to the ideal type of metal roof for your property, regional climate, and budget.
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.
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Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs
Standing seam metal roofs have far superior longevity and last two or three times longer than non-metal roofs. They are the most common metal roof design due to its availability all over the U.S. to roofing installers and easy access to metal materials. The design features vertical panels that are joined by interlocking seams as seen below.
Standing seam metal roofs will cost you about $4.00 to $6.50 per square foot. The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof on the average size home can range from $23,000 to $30,000 in total. They come in painted aluminum, galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and copper or zinc metal roof types. They perform extremely well in harsh weather conditions like heavy snow, hail and fire.
Should I Get A Metal Roof House
The only thing left to decide is what type of metal you want to use, the type of metal roof pattern you want to use, and what color you will buy. Some metals can be painted while others only come in a certain selection.
All-in-all, metal roofs are a great investment. They are durable, long-lasting, and efficient in almost every way. The biggest downfall is the price. So in short, if you can afford a metal roof, theres really no reason not to get one.
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Asphalt Shingles Are Cheaper Up Front But Metal Is A Better Long Term Value
Remember the cliché we started with? You get what you pay for. Heres where that comes in
Life Expectancy
Say you get the high end of asphalt roofing, the pricey product with 50-year life expectancy youre looking at around $6,000 for that same 2,300-square-foot roof material. But asphalt, unlike metal, degrades as it ages. The marketers may say itll last 50 years, but its efficacy against fire and wind, even rainstorms, will decline dramatically with each decade. Asphalt is a 20- to 30-year roof in most BEST cases, whatever the marketing materials may say and the homes resale value in year 25 will reflect that, even on 50-year asphalt shingles. If you go to sell your home that has a 20-year old asphalt shingle roof, its a good bet that the buyer will ask for that to be replaced or at least a discount on the asking price of your home.
Metal, though, has been proven to last decades and newer innovations have made metal roofs tougher than ever. A 50-year metal roof will indeed last 50 years if well-cared for . 60 years is a long time to not have to worry about roof replacement.
Metal Roofing Aesthetics
If you want that traditional asphalt shingle or architectural shingle look, there are metal shingle options available that are great options. Many of these options can be HOA approved as well. Metal shingles offer the same cost and quality options as do metal panels.
Metal: More Than Just a Roof
The Average Cost Of Stone Coated Metal Shingles
Stone-coated metal roofing is typically more than asphalt shingles in fact, sometimes twice as much or more!
Like asphalt shingles, stone coated metal roofing will vary on the style you choose and your roof, but the average is $5.50 to $12.00 per square foot of roofing space.
Of course, we need to explore more than just cost when it comes to a good roofing material for your home. To take a deeper dive into all you should consider read our blog: 7 Factors To Consider When Getting A New Roof.
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How Much Does A Metal Shingle Roof Cost
Metal shingles cost $300-500 per square or $3-5 per square foot for materials only. Including professional installation, metal shingles cost $7-9 per sq.ft..
Thus, if you have a 1,600 sq.ft. roof on a one-storie ranch/cape style home, installing metal roof shingles will cost $11,200-14,000. This price includes tear-off, as well as dump fees.
You can use our Metal Roofing Calculator to estimate the cost of installing metal shingles on your roof.
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Are Metal Roofs Better Than Shingle Roofs
Metal roofs aren’t better than shingle roofs, but neither are shingles better than metal panels. Your roofing material choice depends on your design preference, budget, environment and long-term goals. To help you navigate all those factors, you can speak with our professionals at Roofclaim.com.
If you need additional protection for the top of your house, our team specializes in roof replacements. We partner with experienced contractors who know how to install all types of roofs, including metal and shingle. For more information about starting the process of installing a new roof, you may contact us online or call 855-560-3765 to get a roof inspection.
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Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofs Over Shingles
Despite the initial negative of the higher cost, the reasoning behind purchasing a metal roof becomes clear with the list of benefits that come with it. The average lifespan of a metal roof can be over 50 years depending on the material, more than doubling or tripling the lifespan of a shingled roof. This effectively multiplies your investment and ensures that there will be no need for drastic repairs or replacements for a very long time. The metal roof is a far more durable source of protection against the elements, particularly hail, wind, and snow, than a shingled roof.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles: What Is The Difference
As a homeowner, you know how important it is to choose the right roofing system. With so many options available in the market today, it is easy to get really confused. But when you make a decision, you should keep in mind the cost-effectiveness, durability, aesthetics and the overall effort that goes into maintaining the roof. There are many types of roofing systems that you can choose from. However, metal roofs vs shingles are a common comparison and to analyse which one is the best for you, you need to know various aspects of both. In this article, we have analysed both types of roofs objectively and instead of intense confusing information about both type of roofs, we have described defining aspects of each of these roofs. This is will help you make a more informed decision.
Another important thing to know that between the two roofs, one is better than in some aspects and falls short in some other aspects. This is why it is important to weigh your options objectively and be clear on what you as a homeowner expect from your roof.
Here are the various defining features of shingles vs metal roof:
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Disadvantages Of Metal Roofs
Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.
- Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
- Noisiness. Metal roofs may be more noisy during a heavy rain or hailstorm than other products depending on the type of decking used during installation . Adding more attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that may increase costs.
- Expansion, contraction and fasteners. Metal roofing material assemblies that are attached as large panels are designed to expand and contract as they warm and cool. However, both exposed and concealed fasteners have varying lifespans. Depending on the climate, neoprene washers and the screws used during installation may degrade and become dislodged over time.
- Inconsistency of color match. If a repair is required or a home extension is added years later, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal.
- Performance. If water accumulates anywhere on the roof because of poor-quality installation or repair, it can eventually cause serious damage. Low-grade metals may also be thinner gauge and less durable. Some metals rust in certain climates or dent more easily than others during hailstorms or installation.
Metal Roof Resale Value
Everyone has an opinion, but facts drive decisions. I could only find one study online about this subject, but it appeared to be legitimate.
A study that was done by Remodeling magazine and published by Angies List concluded metal roofs renovated with standing seam metal roofing recoup 85% to 95% of the costs. These gains in resale value amount to 1% to 6%, respectively, over homes roofed with asphalt shingles.
Its important to note that there are two broad types of metal roofs: concealed fastener panels and exposed fastener panels.
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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.
Need An Expert For Your Roofing Project
Whether youre interested in the energy efficiency of a metal roof or the classic design of a shingle roof, trust Long Roofing for your roof replacement. They specialize in both metal and asphalt shingle roof replacements and use only the best products on the market.
Call 866-270-7058 or visit them online to get a quote, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any of your roofing questions!
This content is from our sponsor. The FOX editorial team was not involved with the creation of this content.
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How Much Does It Cost To Put A Metal Roof On A 2000
According to Fixr, a 2,000-square foot metal roof costs between $8,000 and $60,000, including the cost of materials and installation labor. Although this price range is very wide, your project probably wont come in towards the upper end of that scale unless you select a pricey material like copper.
However, bear in mind that your roof area will be larger than your homes footprint unless you have a flat roof. The roofs pitch angle will affect the overall square footage the higher the pitch, the greater the roof area.
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How Much Do Metal Roofs Cost
There are several different types of metal roofsincluding standing seam metal roofs and metal shingles, so because of this, theres a wide gap in the price range.
For example, you should expect to pay anything between $5.50 and $12.00 per square foot for your metal roof. Metal shingles are often cheaper, around $7.00 to $10.00 per square foot, than standing seam metal roofs, around $9.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
But you also have to add labor costs on top of that.
In other words, the average price for an average metal roof hovers around $17,000.
Read Also: How Much Is A Steel Roof Cost
Lots Of Roof Options For Consumers
Nearly everyone is familiar with composite shingles. However, more and more homeowners are turning to metal roofs and tile to top off their structural design. In the tile vs metal vs shingle equation, you have many choices when deciding on a roofing material. To help you decide which material is right for you, we decided to put together a brief overview of the most common choices available to consumers. Well outline some of the pros and cons of each.
Installing a new roof is no small task or expenditure. Material prices have only ever gone upparticularly over the past decade. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the home, a higher up-front cost may actually result in long-term savings.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Lifespan
The expected lifespan of a roof is a crucial consideration when choosing the roofing material of your home. Generally, the more durable your roof, the better, since it allows you to avoid expensive roof fixes and replacements during your stay in the house. Limiting how often you need to replace your roof is obviously a better financial choice, so lets find out what the better roofing material is.
In this regard, metal roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles. They are non-absorptive, i.e., donât allow water to enter, and can quite easily withstand most of what mother nature throws at them. Although strong hail storms can dent the roofing material, they are pretty resistant to storms and strong winds.
Metal roofing also features slotted screw holes that allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the metal with temperature changes. Thus, metal can last anywhere between 50 to 70 years under normal usage and feature warranties of 30 to 50 years.
Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan due to various weaknesses in their design. For instance, they are made from absorbent material. So, during winter, the freezing and thawing of water within the shingles break down the roofing material.
Constant thermal cycling in areas that experience sudden temperature fluctuations also reduces the lifespan of asphalt shingles.
As such, the average lifespan of shingle roofs, depending on the climate, is 25 to 30 years. In addition, they usually come with a warranty of 15 to 30 years.
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