Metal Roofing Cost: What To Expect
So how much does a metal roof cost, actually?
As of March 2021, you can most likely expect to pay between $8.50 $16.00 per square foot of metal roofing including installation, or $850 $1,600 per square in roofing terms, a square or sheet refers to 100 square feet of roof or a roll that is designed to cover 100 square feet of roof.
So, you can calculate the cost of your potential new metal roof per square foot based on the size of your roof and the price per square or metal roofing price per sheet.
Of course, this sizing is somewhat approximate so you will need to give or take a bit, depending on your property and any architectural details like skylights or unique spots that you need to account for so always check with your roofing contractor and make sure that the particular type of roofing they are working with is ideal from their perspective and if there might be any additional costs.
The price of a square depends on the type of metal roof that you end up selecting for example, metal shingles typically cost between $10.50 $14.00 per square foot including installation, while standing seam metal roof costs tends to be slightly more expensive, costing between $12.00 $16.00 per square foot on average.
Also, be aware that you may need to cover the costs of removing and disposing of your old roof .
Is Metal Roofing Hot
If you live in a state where its hot much of the year, you may be concerned about whether or not you can have a metal roof. The truth is, yes, metal roofing does get hot, but that doesnt mean it cant be installed in a hot climate. Metal roofing can be coated with colors meant to deflect some of the suns rays , which can help keep your home cool, even in hot weather.
What Is The Best Type Of Metal For A Metal Roof
Treated steel is probably the best option as you have all the advantages of the robustness and toughness, avoid aluminium as it is quite soft and will dent easily and can lose its color over time too. Steel has always been popular as it is quite cheap and if treated or galvanized, offers all of the prime advantages in terms of weatherproofing and durability. Coating steel with zinc makes it more resistant to corrosion. Steel is also available in a wide variety of colors and usually comes ready painted and pre-treated with weather resistant materials making the homeowners life super easy.
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What About Green Roofs
Youve no doubt seen these leafy roofs. Theyre currently on trend for a number of reasons: they increase biodiversity by promoting habitat for birds and insects, reduce stormwater runoff and lower energy costs. These roofs are increasingly gaining popularity among building owners.
There are two common types of green roofs: extensive ones with no cultivation being done and intensive ones where people actually put in place produce gardens.
Although it sounds like a great idea, green roofs can also be quite prohibitive. First off, theyre expensive to install and require a lot of maintenance. Also, theyre only effective on angles of less than 25 degrees . And, youll need to invest in special soil because regular garden soil will compact and kill the plants.
Cost To Install Flashing On A Roof
When you have your roof replaced, all the around skylights, chimneys, vents, and other protrusions is also replaced. Bob Vila recommends installing flashing to prevent the roof from ice dam damage if you do need to install it later on, it can be easily added. The cost to add flashing is around $300 to $600 on average.
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Different Types Of Metal Used In Roofing
In addition to the installation methods, another option to consider when choosing metal roofs is what type of metal to select. Each metal type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and should be taken into account when deciding to install metal roofing. The following metals are used on residential metal roofs:
Galvanized Steel Galvanized steel is made by coating the steel core of the roof with a layer of zinc. This is done to slow down corrosion from exposure to the elements, and ultimately prolongs the life of the material. Galvanized steel metal roofing is the most common type in use today.
Galvalume Steel very similar to galvanized steel, Galvalume uses a zinc and aluminum layer to coat the inner steel core. The combined zinc and aluminum offer better protection from the elements, and does give the roofing a smoother, more uniform appearance. Galvalume has a better protective surface than regular galvanized steel, but is more susceptible to scratching.
Stainless steel as differentiated from Galvanized, or Galvalume steel, Stainless Steel is made not by coating a steel core, but by adding chromium to molten steel itself. This makes the resulting metal rather strong and highly resistant to corrosion, even saltwater. Chlorine does a number on stainless steel. Therefore, its recommended that it not be used in areas like pools that have a high presence of the substance.
Things To Consider With Metal Roofs
INSTALLATION
Installing metal panels, although designed to be easy, will require research and advice. We recommend referring to our YouTube videos and Installation Guides for more information.
Roofing Z Purlins will need to be in place to support the roof and these can cost £4.66 per foot. Made from structural grade Z39 galvanised steel, and measuring 1.8mm thick and 175mm in depth, Z Purlins are a strong and lightweight alternative to timber purlin supports.
COST ESTIMATION
Cost estimation is a complete look at the costs involved in installing a roof and the materials involved. This is a way of forecasting the final price, and how long the installation might take to complete.
As an estimation, this is only a prediction so be prepared for this to change depending on the variables, such as the weather forecast and delays in materials which will extend any scaffolding or labour costs.
COLOURS
Another factor to take into consideration is the thickness of the metal and finish. The thicker and harder-wearing roof panels are generally the more costly.
One of the benefits of steel roofing is the range of colours available. These vary depending on the type of coating you choose, for example, Cladco Polyester Paint coated panels are available in five colours, whereas PVC Plastisol coated panels are available in 11 colours, both with Galvanised options, to suit the surroundings or existing buildings, with additional benefits of being resistant to corrosion.
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Metal Roof Installation Cost Factors
Metal roof installation costs are about the same price or slightly more than your metal panels or shingles. For example, aluminum roof shingles cost about $4.60 per square foot and $10 per square foot installed, while galvanized steel roof panels cost $3.35 per square foot and $7.75 per square foot installed. Many factors will weigh in on the total cost to install your new roof.
Metal Roof Cleaning Cost
A roof’s constant exposure to the elements and open air can cause a build up of debris and dirt over time, along with stains, mold, and moss. Accumulation of dirt and debris can lead to serious damage. This is why professional scheduled cleaning is essential to keeping your roof in good condition. Due to their strong durability, metal roofs can withstand a high-power pressure wash. This rids your roof of any dirt and debris. The frequency of cleaning depends on your climate. A local roofing professional can help you determine the best cleaning schedule. The average cost for this kind of metal roof cleaning is between $0.20 and $0.70 per square foot.
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Cost To Install Metal Roof Over Shingles
Installing a metal roof is very labor intensive. Such a project requires a competent roofer who has experience undertaking these types of projects. Most companies charge per square foot. In terms of the square you can expect to pay anywhere between $350 -$700 per square. In some instances, the price point can increase if you are using a more expensive metal material. The roofer will have to determine what type of screws and washers are the best fit for the metal material that you decide to use on your roof to hold it down so that you can have a quality installation.
And because metal roofs are known for being resistant to the harshest of weather conditions like cold climate, this type of material makes it much more expensive to install than a shingle roof. Plus, metal is the most energy efficient material available today because of its cooling properties.
How Much Does A Shingle Roof Cost?
Shingle roof systems are popular because they are one of the most affordable roofing options. In addition, its a durable and easy to install roofing solution. The average cost of installing a shingle roof costs between $2,000-$10,000 for the overall project. The national average is approximately $6,000. The cost of a shingle roof can vary based upon a number of factors.
Cost of Shingles
- Asphalt
- Tile
Additional Roofing Considerations
Permits and Local Fees
Old Roof Removal or Disposal
Complexity or the Roof
Is A Metal Roof Very Noisy
Many homeowners worry that a metal roof will make a loud noise during rain or hail storms. However, this is actually a myth, and metal roofs are designed to be just as quiet and noise resistant as any other type of roofing.
In order to ensure that your metal roof does not conduct any noise from the outside elements, you need to install a proper roof deck, along with sheathing an insulation. Really, the same thing you would do when you install any other type of roof.
The only time a metal roof can make noise is if its installed directly over open framing of the ceiling, without the roof deck. This type of structure is common on sheds, barns, garages, etc. In this scenario, you will actually hear the noise from the rain or hail.
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How To Choose A Color For Your Metal Roof
Much of the metal roofing color decision depends on your propertys style, the neighborhoods overall look, your climate, and your personal preferences.
For instance, if you prefer a more subtle look then you might want to pick a color that echoes your roofs siding, or is almost the same color for a chic monochrome appearance.
However, going for contrast can make for some great drama and lend your home some serious curbside appeal due to the visual impact of your new metal roof.
The color of your metal roof also plays a role as to how long it looks like new saturated colors or brighter shades tend to fade more quickly, while more neutral colors tend to weather in a way that looks more natural and that you might find more visually pleasing.
Our guide on roof shingle colors complete with visuals also applies to metal roofing with some caveats.
And naturally, when you are choosing the roofing colors for your home, always check in with your homeowners association or any similar governing bodies if applicable.
If you have a historic home and therefore are subject to specific colors or material types, or requirements for color palettes that may be otherwise limited, it is certainly better to know in advance if theyll have a problem with your new roof.
For instance, some color options for metal roofing include the often-dramatic look of bare metal.
Are Metal Roofs Noisy When It Rains
This is a complete myth probably spread by people who remember standing in the shed with an old corrugated tin roof during a hailstorm! First off, you wont ever hear the rain hitting the roof in the house at all unless you have converted the attic into living accommodation weather noise is usually inaudible on the ground and first floor. Second, you can insulate metal inside if you are converting the roof void if you are worried about the sound of heavy rain or hail but in general terms, metal roofs are not noisier than any other form of roofing material.
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The Benefits Of Installing A Metal Roof:
There are many reasons homeowners switch to metal roofs vs. standard asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. Metal roofs have one of the biggest ROIs you can get with longevity, durability, and beauty improvements.
While other roof materials might diminish in value as they age, metal roofs offer lasting benefits, including:
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Should You Remove Shingles Before Putting On A Metal Roof
Your local roofing contractor may recommend tearing off your old shingles before installing a metal roof if any of the following conditions apply: Rough or uneven asphalt shingle roof will affect the metal roofs appearance. Nails and screws for the metal roof wont reach far enough into the layers of existing roofing.
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Metal Roofing Costs By Type
In roofing, a sheet equates to 100 square feet. Any metal roofing materials cost estimate you receive from a roofing contractor will likely be listed in sheets, so its important to understand this. When it comes to roofing material, there are many different types of metal roofs, and they all vary in price. Below, weve included a table to compare the different metal roofing prices, and a brief explanation of some of the most popular types of metal roofing.
How To Pick The Right Metal Roof Color
Due to the advance of paint technology, the colors available for use on metal are practically limitless. If you have a color in mind, there will probably be a manufacturer that produces it. Whats important to take into consideration when choosing the color of your metal roof is to look at the overall aesthetic of your house.
The design of your home and the color of your siding will pretty much dictate the color of your roof. This is a significant factor, as metal does hold paint well, and this color will certainly last for years before youll need to repaint it. Even the metallic sheen of an unpainted roof can lend the home that modern feel, if its balanced by the overall design.
There are also the surroundings to take note of when choosing the color of your roof coating. Do you want your home to stand out from the rest? Do you want to blend in with the environment?
When picking color coatings for a metal roof, be sure to go with Kynar 500 or Hylar Coatings, as these are the highest quality paints in the roofing industry. They are fade and chip resistant, and will help your new roof maintain its fresh original look for years to come.
Did You Know? Although not all metal roofs are made from recycled material, all metal roofs can be recyclable depending on age and damage. This is the reason that metal roofing is considered as the more environmentally friendly option.
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Install Your Metal Panels Or Shingles
Now you can start installing the metal panels or shingles. To do this, first attach galvanized steel frame strips to your roofs edge for stability and then use nails, screws, or staples to secure them in place before moving onto the next row of material.
If youre installing metal shingles, then youll want to install screw-on brackets. These help keep the roofs shape secure and also attach any pre-cut lengths that might be available .
Choosing The Right Metal Roof
When you make any large purchase, you have to make sure the decision is compatible with your finances. While a metal roof is not the most affordable type of roof, there are many different options that can make a metal roof either more affordable or more extravagant. The decision ultimately comes down to your needs and budget.
Weve discussed each aspect of what goes into metal roof costs throughout this guide. You now have a better understanding of what to expect in terms of cost and which type of panel best fits your circumstances.
If you are looking for a metal roof that is lower in cost, consider going with:
- A corrugated or exposed fastener panel
- A color in the SMP paint system
- A thinner gauge.
If cost is not your primary concern and you are more interested in the performance of your roof, consider going with:
- A standing seam or concealed fastener panel.
- A color in the Kynar® paint system.
- A thicker gauge.
If you still have cost concerns that were not answered in this guide, our team is happy to answer your questions.
To move forward on purchasing a metal roof, the first step is to request a quote. Click on the button below to get started.
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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.
