How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost
On average, homeowners across the US report spending $8,500 10,000 to install a metal roof. Metal roof prices can vary greatly depending on the type of metal roof you choose to install.
For example, corrugated metal roofing panels are the most budget friendly metal roof and can cost as little as $5,000-6,000 installed on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof. On the on the upper end of the price spectrum are standing seam panels that cost as much as $11,000-15,000 for the same size roof.
Another factor that greatly increases your overall cost for a metal roof is the type of metal its made of. Steel is the most common and reasonably priced metal roofing material. However, there is also aluminum, zinc and copper. These metals can cost 15-35% more than a steel roof.
Here is a list of metal roof prices per square foot
1. Corrugated steel panels: $4 5.65 per sq. ft. 2. Metal shingles: $7 9 per sq. ft. 3. Stone-coated steel tile: $8 9 per sq. ft. 4. Standing seam: $7 13 per sq. ft. installed
Keep in mind that these are prices charged by licensed contractors who specialize in metal roofing installation.
Included in the total price quote are the following items:
Materials that a contractor buys for the job Removal of old shingles All necessary flashing and snow guards Building permits Debris removal/dump fees
Note, that snow guards are installed in the snow country to prevent ice damming and chunks of snow from falling on your head, or cars parked directly below the roof.
Whats The Total Price Of Copper Roofing
Copper roofing prices tend to vary more than aluminum or metal. Its a premium product at a high price point so its not uncommon for the installer to charge a premium when bidding a copper roof. Copper roofing prices will vary depending upon the difficulty of the installation, location of the job, and the accessories that are required.
Heres a ballpark cost including materials and labor:
- Price Of Corrugated Copper Roofing – Materials and Installation
$19 to $28 Per Sq. Ft.
- Price Of Standing Seam Copper Roofing – Materials and Installation
$23 to $35 Per Sq. Ft.
Coatings For Metal Roof Maintenance
Prior to the application of maintenance coatings, all required repairs should be completed. Initial repairs should be attempted at fasteners, seams and laps. There are a number of products available for repairs in these areas. Fasteners are typically waterproofed with sealants or compounds. Seams and laps can be waterproofed with a combination of fabric, such as polyester, applied in a flashing compound, such as high-solids acrylics.
Once the repairs are completed, preparation of the metal surface is required. The metal surface should be thoroughly power-washed. Rust and corrosion should be treated with a rust inhibiter after all loose rust is scrapped from the surface. When the preparation is completed, the metal coating should be applied in accordance with the manufacturers latest printed specifications in reference to application rates and requirements.
Most coatings used for metal roof maintenance are acrylic-elastomer-based reflective coatings. These coatings are available in high-solids formulations and can be VOC-compliant, with some manufacturers offering waterborne products. They are available in a variety of colors. Lighter colors are preferable for reflective ability. The application rate and number of coatings determines the type of warranty offered. Warranties range from one to 10 years.
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Things To Consider With Metal Roofs
If you are unfamiliar with metal roofs, you may have concerns about the potential for rust, noise from rain and wind, and denting, but rest assured that modern engineering addresses these concerns. Additionally, some believe that metal roofing will increase your likelihood of a lightning strike. While metal does conduct electricity, electricity is not drawn to it. In fact, because it is fire resistant, if your home is struck by lightening, your risk of fire is actually with a metal roof. Finally, a metal roof will not make your home colder in the winter. As long as your attic is properly insulated, your home will stay just as toasty as any other home in the winter.
What Weather Conditions Will Your Metal Roof Be Exposed To
Depending on the type of metal you choose, some weather conditions can affect the life expectancy of your metal roof. Any weather system that causes moisture like rain, snow, sleet and humidity will rust metal. Hail can damage certain types of metal roofs more easily than other metal types. Sun exposure and heat can also cause corrosion and impact your metal roofs lifespan.
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Can Skylights Be Installed On A Metal Roof
Yes! Almost any kind of roof can have skylights installed, including metal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to install them:
- Think about when you want the skylights installed. Its much easier to add skylights while installing or replacing your roof rather than on a roof thats already in place.
- While you can prevent a metal roof from being noisy when it rains, its more difficult to soundproof a skylight. If your area tends to get plenty of rain, you might want to skip the skylight.
- Skylights can impact your buildings energy efficiency since it can alter the heat entering and escaping your home.
Metal Roofing Prices In Canada By Product Type
Now that we have covered the kinds of factors that will affect metal roofing prices, lets look at what to expect in terms of pricing for each type or class of metal roofing product. Note: Metal roofing price estimates are based on price of material per square foot of roof space plus installation cost, referred to as installed price. In big box home improvement stores it is important to note list prices are for panels of roofing material only. The following price ranges reflect the factors listed above but do not include stripping and disposal. The prices by product will give you an idea of what you can expect to get or be giving up based on your budget. Included are re-roofing cycles so you can see how many roof replacements you might need to do over 50 years.
Economy Metal Roofing: example of a batten mounted steel roof with exposed fasteners.
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Correct Installation Is Crucial
When your metal roof is being installed, whether by yourself or by a hired contractor, ensuring the panels are installed correctly is crucial to preventing rust. Here are a few things to remember during installation:
- Edges should be cut crisply and cleanly
- Any scratches that occurred should be touched up with a paint pen or other type of sealant
- Fasteners should be driven in correctly, as overdriving, underdriving, and driving them in at the wrong angle can put your panels at risk for rust
After your metal roof is installed, its important to give it a thorough inspection at least once a year. You should keep your eye out for any exposed edges, deep cuts or scratches, and any other issues that could expose the panels and lead to rusting.
Overall, you can expect your metal roof to stay intact for decades to come without fear of rusting. Each element that makes up a metal panel helps protect it from rusting. Metal roofs are durable and high-performing, and are a great option for those looking for a low maintenance and long-lasting roofing solution. If youre ready to take the next step about installing a metal roof, get in touch with our team of expert Product Specialists. We can help you select the right metal panel and paint system or finish based on your projects specific needs. Contact us today or fill out our Get a Quote form to get the process started.
Mechanically Seamed Metal Roofing Panels
Finally, lets looks at a few types of mechanically seamed metal roofing panels.
A mechanically seamed metal roofing panel is a type of metal roofing that has to be crimped or folded together after the metal roofing is laid. Each panel is crimped, creating a water tight seam between the metal roofing sheets. The major advantage of this type of metal roofing is its ability to be used in low slope applications like steel buildings or on other types of structures where the roof pitch is below a 3 /12. Common mechanically seamed metal roofing profiles include the 2, 138T, 238T mechanical and the trapezoidal panel. These metal roofing panels are most often found on steel buildings in commercial or industrial applications.
As you may have learned there are many different types of metal roofs, each with a specific use and application. That is really where metal roofing preforms, when the right type of metal roof isused in the right roofing application.
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Install Lock Strips At The Rakes And Eaves
After your old roof is torn off, the starter lock strips are ready to be installed. Lock strips are what hold your standing seam metal panels to your roof edges and keep them from flapping in the wind or strong storms.
The lock strips will be installed at the eaves and rakes . Your lock strips will be made out of the same color and gauge as your metal panels.
Concealed Vs Exposed Fastener Metal Roof
Did you know? Corrugated panels are an exposed fastener metal roofing system. This means that screws are used to penetrate the face of the panel and attach it to the roof deck, leaving the heads of the screws exposed to the environment.
In addition to the fact that these exposed fasteners dont look particularly attractive, they also make your roof susceptible to leaks. Thats right, this particular metal roof can leak, because due to thermal expansion and contraction of the panels the screws get loose over time, and water can seep through.
They are also susceptible to rust and corrosion. To combat this problem, you will need to periodically replace the old screws and dried up rubber washers with new ones that can be tight once again.
Many homeowners mistakenly think that corrugated metal panels are just a more budget friendly version of standing seam, because they look a little similar. Nothing can be further from the truth!
R-panels dont provide the same durability, longevity or energy efficiency as true standing seam metal. They last only about 20 years, because they are made from a lower grade G60 galvanized steel. This is not much longer than the service life of regular asphalt shingles. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, so you need to decide which product best suits your needs and wallet.
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Tear Off Your Old Roof
Before your new metal roof can be installed, your old roofing materials need to be torn off to get to a clean deck. What this means is that your roofing contractor will go section by section removing old roofing materials and tearing off your old shingles from the roofs decking.
Starting on the end furthest away from the dump trailer, theyll start using special tear-off forks to tear-off your old roof by sections. While one crew is going from section to section tearing off, another crew is making sure the torn off materials end up in the dump trailer or the tarped landing zone in your yard.
The tear-off process is crucial to the replacement process. To learn more about what this looks like, read this article on what a roof tear off is and how a contractor does it.
Advantages Of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:
- Longevity. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years.
- Durability. If installed correctly, some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack and may be impact-resistant . In addition, metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.
- Safety. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.
- Energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect the suns UV and infrared light rays that contribute to roof surface radiant heat, which can result in a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs.
- Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, most shingle tear-off waste ends up as part of the building-related waste stream up to 20 billion pounds per year.
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How Long Will Your Standing Seam Metal Roof Last After It’s Installed
Now you know the process to install your new standing seam metal roof. Knowing these 6 steps helps you understand what your roofing contractor will do when its time for your new metal roof to be put on.
As long as your new standing seam metal roof is installed properly, you can sit back and enjoy it for many years to come. But how many years of peace of mind do you get out of your new standing seam metal roof?
Because the lifespan of your new metal roof is something every homeowner needs to know, we broke it down for you.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been installing standing seam metal roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your new metal roof.
To learn how much life you get out your new metal roof, check out this article on How Long Your Metal Roof Should Last.
Disadvantages Of Zinc Roofing Panels
- Expensive
- Less Availability
Zinc Roofing Panels Are Expensive
Similar to copper, zinc roofing panels are not the right choice if keeping your cost low is a top priority. While its cost is often justified by its long lifespan, its still one of the most expensive metal roofing options.
Chalking On Zinc Roofing Panels
Once zinc patinas and turns to its blue/gray color, its possible for a chalky residue to develop in areas where water runs on the roof. These white streaks are generally perceived as being unattractive.
Limited Availability Of Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing panels are the most difficult material to purchase thats currently available. There are only a handful of suppliers in the United States and most of them import the zinc from Europe. VM Zinc is a supplier of pre-patinated zinc materials, but they dont manufacture the zinc roof sheeting.
If you want an article thats a much deeper dive into zinc roofing:
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How To Choose The Right Metal For Your Roof
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to metal roofing. To help narrow down your choices, we recommend considering the following:
- What is your roof budget?
Metal roofing materials come in a very wide price range. If you are looking to be as cost-effective as possible, then a corrugated metal roof is an affordable solution. On the other hand, if cost is not a concern, consider a copper or zinc standing seam roofing.
- What is your desired roof appearance?
Each material we discussed has its own unique look and style. Which one is best for you depends on your personal preference.
- How long do you want your roof to last?
If you are looking for a metal roof with a traditional look, metal shingles will blend in nicely with the rest of your neighborhood. If you are looking for a striking appearance, copper has a beautiful appearance that will stand out. If you are looking for a modern look, standing seam is very popular for its contemporary aesthetic.
- Is your roof near the coast?
You cant go wrong with any type of metal roofing when it comes to longevity. While they all have long life expectancies, installing a standing seam roof in zinc or copper roof can potentially last over a century. This will ensure that you never have to worry about installing another roof on your home again. However, even a corrugated metal roof can last up to 40 plus years.
- Do you plan on installing the roof yourself or hiring a professional?
Ensure Your Metal Roof Lasts A Lifetime
Ensuring the longevity of your metal roof is easy. Proper care and maintenance will be the key. Its important to clean your metal roof at least once per year, but ideally after the change of the seasons. Clean gutters, drains, and sweep other dirt or debris from the surface of the roof. Structural maintenance is more in-depth. You should have your panel seams inspected at least once per year and make sure areas in need of new/more sealant are attended to.
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How Much Does Metal Shingle Roofing Cost
Metal shingle roofing runs between $3- $5 per square foot for materials. When you include installation its about the same price as standing seam. Metal shingles will cost $8 – $12 per square foot including materials and installation.
The price range shown is for shingles made of steel or aluminum. Shingles can also be made of copper or zinc although those shingles are much rarer and more expensive.
How Much Does Metal Tile Roofing Cost
Metal tile roofing costs $4.00-$6.00 per square foot for material. The installed price of a metal tile roof is slightly higher than the other metal roofing options listed in this article.
By comparison, a clay tile roof costs anywhere from $10.50-$18.50 installed, but without factoring in the potential cost of reinforcing your home if needed.
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