Aluminum Shingles & Standing Seams: Metal Roofing Options
There are a variety of options and metal roofing prices, and if you are considering installing a new metal roof, the variety might seem overwhelming, and there are a lot of reasons to consider getting a metal roof versus shingles, or vice versa.
Knowing the difference between shingles and standing seams is perhaps the first thing that you should learn, and theres more to it than the cost.
After that, you can get into the various types of metal, their appearance, and the available paint finishes, then all of a sudden that are lots of decisions to make.
Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles
If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup. Since the material is also less likely to suffer damage from weather than other roofing materials, moisture may not leak inside your roof.
Even though high-quality shingles can keep water out of your home, they’re more likely to lose their integrity since they have a shorter lifespan than metal roofs. As a result, you may end up seeing more moisture damage from asphalt shingles than metal panels.
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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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.
Does A Metal Roof Lower Your Insurance
This is another tricky one as theMetal Roofing Alliance says a metal roof can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 35%. I’m not saying this isn’t possible, but keep in mind that this is a statement by a metal roofing trade group. After thoroughly researching this subject, several articles that claimed metal roofing lowers your insurance policy. However, I could not find a study that proved it.
A discount is quite possible and makes sense. During my research it appeared that the greatest opportunities receive a metal roof insurance discount was in regions that experience a lot of hail. Hail storms account for a significant amount the of insurance claims on a shingle roof.
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Metal Roof Vs Shingle Roof: The Pros And Cons Of Each
During construction, owners often think about the interior of a building. How many bedrooms should a new house have? Should it have a large kitchen or a smaller kitchen with an enclosed porch to the side? Should a commercial property have individual offices or more of a bullpen-style, open air concept? How many break rooms should there be? While these are important decisions to make, an often-overlooked area is the roof.
Whether you are in the market to upgrade your current property with a roof replacement or have recently acquired a new property, its important to understand your roofing options.
The first impression of a roof is how it looks. Yet, there is much more to consider. Your roof is your buildings first defense system and the type of material used to construct it makes a big difference.
There are various roofing materials that impact the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of your home or commercial property.
The two most common materials for roofs are metals and shingles. Both styles have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider. So, the question becomes: metal roof vs. shingle roof. Which material best fits your needs?
In this article, well explore some of the pros and cons of metal and shingle roofs so you can better understand your roofing options.
Cons Of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing tends to come at a much higher price point than asphalt shingles. If installed incorrectly, their efficiency is not nearly as high, and they are difficult to install yourself. Metal roofing often requires an underlying plywood framing, which requires professional installation.
Some metal roofing is heavier to work with and can result in cuts to the skin when handled improperly or without the right set of gloves.
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Keep Learning About Metal Roofing
Purchasing a metal roof is a big investment and it requires a lot of research. There are so many things that you need to know. You will need to learn about choosing the correct metal roofing panel, picking the perfect color, gauge, choosing a roofing contractor that specializes in metal roof installation, and on and on. Don’t be discouraged as we have an informative and easy to navigate learning center that has all of the answers. We have both articles and videos that are available at our Metal Roofing Learning Center or our YouTube channel.
In order to make your journey easier we recommend that you read or watch:
Cost Of A Metal Roof House
Most metal roofs cost somewhere between $7 and $20 per square foot. Since an asphalt roof can cost less than $2 per square foot, you can see why its so much more popular than metal. Its much cheaper.
Theres no doubt about how expensive metal roofs are. But in order to know why each roof costs what it does, its important to take a look at the different types of metal roofs. Some are better quality while others are better for the environment.
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Do Metal Roofs Require Less Maintenance
With a metal roof in a PVDF paint finish, you have a limited 30-year paint warranty. You will get a much longer aesthetic life of the panel compared to an asphalt shingle roof.
This is also another area where it seems clear that a metal roof costs less to maintain, but finding reliable supporting evidence is difficult.
As a metal roofing manufacturer if you ask me how you should maintain metal roofing panels, I will tell you to have a roofing service look at your roof every year to avoid long term problems. This is CYA legal talk.
The reality is that very few people do regular maintenance. Keep your roof free of debris and don’t have dis-similar metals come into contact with the roof and you will be fine. This is especially true with standing seam metal roofing. If it’s installed properly, there is not a lot that can go wrong. Regular maintenance is designed to catch a minor problem early so that it does not become a major problem later.
If you have an exposed fastener panel, then you need to keep an eye on the screws to verify they were installed correctly, they have not backed out due to expansion and contraction, and that the washers have not worn out. If your budget permits, we recommend a standing seam panel so that you avoid all of these problems.
If you would like to learn more about metal roofing maintenance, read:
Metal Roof Cost Pricing Guide
by BarrettM | Mar 31, 2021 | Blog |
If you are planning on replacing your roof or building a new property, then youve likely considered various options available to you.
Depending on the style of your home, your location, and your preferred aesthetic, the costs of your new metal roof or any other type of roofing will vary based on a variety of factors that we will detail in this article.
Metal roofing has a lot to offer for homeowners and property owners it can be both practical and visually appealing, plus it will likely withstand weather issues like snow, ice, rain, and roof hail damage better than many other types of roofing.
Of course, this is all depending on your climate and always ask your roofing contractor.
Metal roofs are also highly resistant to fires and related smoke damage, which can make them an excellent long-term choice even though they tend to be more expensive and might require crews with specialized experience to install.
The cost of a metal roof does tend to pay off in the end.
Whats more, there are a variety of options at different price points even though at first glance metal roof price might seem overly high compared to more common wood or asphalt shingle options, so if you are concerned about the cost of installing a metal roof, chances are that there is a type of metal roof or metal roofing material that fits into your budget.
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What Is The Best Way To Install A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Before installing a metal roof over your asphalt shingles, the shingle roof and its underlayment need to be in good shape. To apply your metal panels, you can have the contractor run new underlayment over an existing shingle roof, covering the old material and protecting it from moisture damage.
As an alternative, you can install a metal roof over shingles with purlins, timber pieces that provide additional support for the roofing structure. The contractor screws down the purlins onto the roof deck and installs the metal on top of them. This method gives the installer a flat surface to place the metal roofing panels instead of the shingles’ grooves and irregularities.
What Is A Concealed And Exposed Fastener Panel
If you are just beginning your research about metal roofing the first decision you should make is whether you will purchase an exposed fastener or a concealed fastener panel.
Standing seam metal roofing is an example of a concealed fastener panel. That means that the screws and fasteners are concealed. You dont have screw penetrations in the panel. Its the most weather-tight roofing system, requires the least amount of maintenance, but its also the most expensive.
Corrugated metal roofing is an example of an exposed fastener panel. That means the screws penetrate the panel. You will have thousands of screws on your roof and each screw is a potential leak point. Corrugated cost about half as much as standing seam, is much easier to install, but it requires more maintenance and is not as weather-tight.
If you would like to learn more we recommend you read:
Gain of $10,000 & 50% ROI
Loss of $7,500 & 73% of investment was recouped
Loss of $30,000 & Nearly entire investment is lost
This situation is not really applicable as its unlikely you would have the highest install cost and the least gain in value. If your roof has lots of peaks and valleys, your roof installation would cost more. Its just unlikely that a roof of this investment would be a worst case scenario. The first two scenarios are much more likely.
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Are There Different Styles Of Metal Panels
Metal options come in two general styles: vertical panels and interlocking shingles. Both styles offer a range of colors to complement the style of your home. Metal roofs come in more than 100 colors, while standard shingles typically provide 15-20 color options. Vertical panels use metal-standing seams, while metal-stamped panels are meant to match the look of traditional roof materials.
Differences Between Metal Roofs & Shingle Roofs
The primary difference between metal roofs and shingle roofs consist of the fact a metal roof is metal, and a shingle roof is developed from an asphalt-like material. Both have great durability and long-lasting qualities to them, yet there are nuanced differences between both types of roofing which well explain below.
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Is It Difficult To Replace Asphalt With Metal
Replacing shingles with metal roofing requires more labor and time than it takes to install asphalt shingles. However, an experienced roofing contractor can adequately replace your roof with metal panels with minimal difficulty.
The roofing specialist might need to remove the asphalt shingles first, but it’d be much easier if they’re able to install the metal panels on top of your old roofing. You can consult with them about the installation process and how much the roof replacement may cost.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Durability
Roof fixes and replacements are some of the most expensive homeowner repairs. The more durable the roof, the better your chances of warding these off. In areas with extreme weather especially, the roof type you choose is crucial.
Constant thermal cycling weathers asphalt shingles, reducing their lifespan. Because asphalt is absorptive, water can enter, freeze and dry, causing its structure to break down.
Metal roofs, however, are non-absorptive. Plus, theyre engineered and installed with fastening clips or slotted screw holes that allow for thermal movement of the metal with temperature changes without breaking down over time, according to Classic Metal Roofing Systems President Todd E. Miller. That means that in any climate, metal roofs have an average lifespan of 50 to 70 years, versus 20 to 25 years for asphalt shingles.
Winner: Metal roofing.
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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.
Does A Corrugated Metal Roof Increase Home Value
This time we will compute the cost of an exposed fastener panel based upon the first study. In this example, we used a less expensive metal roofing, Corrugated. If you had a 2,500 square foot roof on a house that was worth $500,000, it would break down as follows. The study referenced above specifically was for standing seam and not corrugated metal roofing, but I thought it would be interesting to apply the numbers anyways.
Total corrugated metal roofing cost are $5 to $8 per square foot
Total Increase in home value is 1% to 6%
Gain of $17,500 & Almost 2.5 X ROI
Gain of $3,750 & Appx. 20% ROI
Loss of $15,000 & 75% of investment is lost
When you install an expensive roof it normally has lots of peaks and valleys. This type of metal roof will completely transform the look of your house. Its just not probable that the most expensive installation will yield the least amount of resale value. The first two examples are the most realistic outcomes.
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Should You Invest In A Metal Roof
A metal roof can be a great choice due to its durability, appearance, and resale value. Using a metal roof cost calculator can help you determine what is the best choice regarding the cost of metal roofing versus shingles, the right style for your property, your budget, and your design preferences as well as a potential price on metal roofing that works for your bank account and style.
The metal roof vs shingles cost can be a complex decision, but your roofing company or roofing contractor can help you sort out the price of a metal roof as well as the different types of metal roofing and help you make the right choice for your property .
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:
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