Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Shingles
Here are the answers to some of the most questions homeowners have when they are considering installing a metal shingle roof on their house.
Can you walk on metal shingles?
Its possible to walk on metal shingles, if your roof is not too steep. Also, keep in mind, that metal shingles will be slippery after it rains, so its best to avoid walking on the roof at that time.
Overall, its best to ask a roofing pro to come check out your metal roof if there is an issue with it, instead of walking on it yourself, unless you have experience with safely walking on a roof.
Will a metal roof make my house hotter?
You dont need to worry about excessive heat inside your home with a metal roof. In fact, the opposite will happen a metal roof will actually make your house cooler.
This is because most metal shingles come with special coatings that repel sun rays, making your home more energy efficient.
A classic dark color asphalt roof will heat up in the sun and retain heat a lot more than a metal roof.
For maximum energy efficiency, consider installing a lighter metal roofing color.
Does a metal roof interfere with cellular service/wifi signal?
You dont have to worry that installing metal shingles will cause trouble to your cell phone or internet signal. There is absolutely no evidence of a metal roof causing such issues.
How long will metal shingles last?
With quality installation, you can be sure that your metal shingles roof will last at least 40-50 years.
Zinc And Copper Roofing
You can expect to pay about $700-900+ per square of copper or zinc roofing with accessories. Note that these are usually manufactured in the form of standing seam . Prices for these premium metals are a lot more volatile than for steel or aluminum. They can change up or down many times throughout the year.
Consider This Metal Roofing Cost Before Making A Choice
When installing a new roof or replacing a run-down one, many factors come into play. The cost of replacing or installing such a roof is among the most important factors to consider. Metal roofs are a favorite for most people, given their durability and quality.
It would help to understand the metal roofing cost for each metal type before deciding on what best suits you. These types of metal roofing have varying costs when considering the installation and the materials. Before settling for specific metal types, you could start by considering the cost of installation vis-à-vis other factors such as energy-efficient roofing.
Are you looking for reliable pricing ranges for your next project? Visit our page today for accurate information on all home building-related costs.
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Which Metal Roof Is Right For You
Each metal roofing type has its own set of components and accessories, which are required for the system to function properly and not leak. These accessories are similar in nature, but differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, and from one type system to another.
For example, standing seam requires the use of Z-bar flashing between the ribs, when you do a head wall flashing or a ridge cap, and on pretty much any square penetration in the roof.
Metal shingles do not need these as they are flat in nature and do not have protruding ribs. A tile system has its own flashing that follows the barrel profile of the tiles.
If you are not sure which metal roof is right for you consider these tips:
1. Most homeowners looking to install their first metal roof usually select metal shingles. Their greatest advantage is the tremendous variety of colors and styles available. Many are designed to replicate the look of cedar wood, or architectural asphalt shingles. They are also a lot more affordable compared to standing seam roofing or stone coated metal tile.
2. If you are on an extremely tight budget, but still want to the advantages of metal roof, go for a high quality corrugated metal panel system, or low-end interlocking metal shingles.
3. If you want a high-end contemporary look, standing seam panels are your best bet. They are also ideal for homeowners who are interested in installing solar panels on their roof.
Choosing Metal Roofing Materials
When choosing metal roofing materials, there are many things to consider. First and foremost, its important to ensure that the customers are receiving the highest quality materials. Many may have some sticker shock compared to the pricing of traditional roofing, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Metal roofing materials with a lifespan of at least 30 to 50 years can help justify the higher initial cost, and brands that offer a warranty provide home and business owners peace of mind about the large investment.
Geographic locations will also play a part in the types of material selected. Homes near the beach may require materials that are more resistant to corrosion, like aluminum, where customers in colder climates might prefer insulated metal panels. Aesthetics are also an important consideration. Some styles offer more color and design options, while others may follow certain style trends, like the popular farmhouse look.
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Insulated Metal Roof Panels Price
The average cost for insulated roof panels ranges between $5 and $14 per square foot. Insulated roof panels consist of metal panels with steel skins and an insulating foam core. The foam core adds a layer of insulation to the roofing, increasing energy efficiency. Insulated panels are known for their design flexibility, quick installation, and thermal properties. A bonus is their curb appearance. Insulated panels protect from wind, rain, and moisture.
Cost Of Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal roofing is one of the cheapest metal roofing types available, ranging between $4 and $6 per square foot. This metal roofing gives off an old-school appearance. It is often coated with a zinc finish to protect against corrosion. Corrugated roofing can be painted virtually any color. This roof requires more maintenance, especially after around 15 years.
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Cost To Install Metal Roof Over Shingles
It costs an average of $4 to $30 per square foot to install a metal roof over shingles. In many cases, metal roofing can be installed over existing shingles, making metal roofs a popular choice. Their installation does not require completely tearing off the existing roof, which can be a time-consuming and expensive job. Metal, although very strong, weighs less than most shingles. So, it doesnt increase the weight load for the homes structure to bear. Before pursuing this project, it is important to note that most regulations wont allow for more than two layers of roofing and that installation will still require an underlayment.
Average Cost Of Materials For A Metal Roof
As described above, the average cost of materials for a metal roof is around $12.00 $13.00 per square foot, but that can definitely vary based on your area, the exact type of material you choose for your metal roof, and the idiosyncrasies of your property, and other environmental factors that impact the final metal roofing quote.
Installation and labor costs also make up a major component of the cost of your new metal roof, regardless of the type of materials that you choose, so take that into consideration when you are getting started on choosing a metal roof or any kind of roof for your home.
That said, knowing the average cost of materials for a new metal roof in the United States is an important starting point!
The national average for a new metal roof is $18,500 , but of course, that varies depending on the type of roofing materials, your location, and your property.
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How To Estimate The Cost Of Your New Metal Roof
Of course, the cost of a metal roof also depends on the size and shape of your roof, your local market rates, the type of home you have, and any other special conditions such as unique climate or weather factors like wind damage on your roof.
The thickness of the metal roof, the roof type and quality of the paint finish that you choose, and the unique shape, details, and other factors that make your roofing project unique all play a role in the cost of your roof as well.
All of that said, you can begin to estimate based on the aforementioned costs and start to assume that your new metal roof will cost around $12.00 $13.00 per square foot, and a typical single-family home requires between 1,500 2,000 square feet of metal roofing , so you can assume that your new roof will cost between $18,000 $26,000.
There are less expensive or cheaper metal roofing options like corrugated steel or ribbed steel as well.
Read on to learn more about the various types of metal roofing, which range from high-end standing seam metal panels to metal shingles and everything in between.
The most important thing is to find something that fits your budget, style and will provide the best protection as the literal roof over you and your familys heads.
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.
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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.
Are There Different Types Of Metal Roofs How Much Do They Cost
Corrugated metal roofing is not the only type of metal roof you have to choose from. If you have a larger budget then standing seam metal roofing would be a great option. It will cost about double the price of a corrugated roof, but will provide excellent value. We made a short video that discusses the price of this popular residential metal roofing panel.
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Steel Shingle And Shake:
In Canada there is a wide range of steel roofing products designed for residential use. G90 is the accepted standard for roofing. G110 and G115 will perform better against acid rain or in marine environments. A high-end steel system will not need battens and strapping for installation, and panels will be interlocking . A galvanized steel roof with interlocking design and PVDF finish will have a better life expectancy than cheaper steel options. Coatings on a high-end steel system sometimes include reflective pigments to enhance energy efficiency. Keeping in mind that there is no steel roofing product that unconditionally guarantees against rust, cosmetic life is shorter than functional life.
Maintenance Required: Optional, re-paint to cover rust.Re-Roofing Cycles Over 50 Year Period: 1 if corroded through back of panel.Expect to Pay: $10.00 $13.00 CAD per square foot installed.
Example of a Shake Style Aluminum Roofing System. Other aluminum variations include shingle, slate and tile styles.
Why Choose Colorbond Roofing
Designed specifically for Australian weather and climate, Colorbond roofing is available in a wide range of designer colours and profiles to suit all styles of home. Options include:
- Corrugated iron or steel the cheapest Colorbond roofing, more suitable for a shed than a house
- Powder-coated Colorbond the most popular choice for homes
- Double-sided Colorbond recommended for exposed structures such as patios and pergolas
- Colorbond Ultra a more expensive option, but this more durable roofing is recommended for coastal properties where salt water corrosion is an issue
Acoustic and thermal insulated Colorbond roofing helps keep your house cooler in summer, and you won’t be overwhelmed by the sound of rain on your roof in the winter.
Low maintenance and a life expectancy of 70 years also make a Colorbond roof a cost-effective investment in your property, so you won’t have to worry about roof repair cost or replacing the roof any time soon.
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What Is The Best Sheet For Roofing
Bitumen Roofing Sheets Bitumen roof sheets are one of the best priced roofing solutions on the market and are Roofinglines most affordable roofing sheets. Waterproof, low maintenance, lightweight and straightforward to install, bitumen sheets are a long-lasting option that can be modified to suit most roofing needs.
Cost To Paint Metal Roof
Hiring a professional to paint your metal roof costs between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. Some factors affect the cost of painting your metal roof. The steeper the roof, the more it will cost due to the safety precautions needed for the painters. The color of paint you choose also affects the cost as some colors cost more than others. Some paints require more than one coat which will also increase the cost of the project. The roof’s surface needs to be free of mold, dirt, and debris before painting. The need for roof cleaning and power washing increases the cost. Finally, the larger the roof, the more it will cost to paint.
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Energy Efficiency And Eco
As homeowners become more aware of the wider environmental effects of heating and cooling their homes, many begin to prioritize efficiency as both a means of saving money and protecting the environment. Metal is a highly reusable material, with many metal roofs being made of about 30%60% recycled metal. Their high durability also means they dont need to be replaced as often, whereas torn and damaged asphalt shingles end up in the landfill.
Additionally, since most metal roofs are reflective, they direct the heat of the sun away from the building they cover, blocking heat and lowering cooling costs. Even non-reflective metal can be treated with special paint that blocks UV rays. Experts typically estimate that youll save about 20%30% off the cost of cooling your home in the summer with a metal roof.
Types Of Steel Metal Roof
Corrugated steel roofs are the cheapest and cost around $6 per square foot installed. They come in a variety of colors, but their style is very simple so they dont add much to your homes curb appeal or value. The only problem with corrugated steel roofs is that they rust over time, especially near the seams, and they can be damaged by extreme weather changes. If you live in a coastal area or one that gets a lot of rain or snow then corrugated steel roofs may not be the best option for your home because it could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Steel shingles cost around $7.5 installed and come in but homeowners can expect them to last between 20-30 years. They are very easy to install and come in a variety of colors. Plus, homeowners can expect them to add value and curb appeal if they go with shingles that match their homes exterior design or color scheme.
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Contact Southern Roofing System For Metal Roofing Cost Information
Contact Southern Roofing System today for more metal roof cost information. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the entire process of choosing a new metal roof. Once we complete an inspection of your home, well provide you with a free estimate that includes all material costs as well as professional installation fees. Were looking forward to adding a new metal roofing system thats built to last for many years on your home.
