Labor Cost To Install Metal Roof
Labor costs to install a metal roof ranges from $3.50 to $12 per square foot, with most homeowners paying about $5 per square foot to install metal roofing. Labor comes out to between $3,000 to install an ordinary roof, and closer to $8,000 for more substantial, thicker, high-end materials. The cost of labor is around 3 to 5 times the rate of the materials alone.
Metal Roof Cost Vs Asphalt Shingles
For many homeowners looking to replace an old roof, the choice often boils down to metal vs. asphalt shingles. In the short run, traditional shingles are a very budget-friendly option, with prices starting as low as $3 per square foot installed. These are 3-tab shingles, that look flat and last only about 10-12 years, sometimes even less.
More expensive, designer architectural shingles, last up to 15 years, and look significantly better. They run $5-7 per square foot on average, but can cost as much as $7-8 per square foot installed. Thus you would be looking at spending anywhere from $4,500 to 10,500 for a new asphalt shingles roof on a 1,500 sq.ft. ranch style home.
To compare, the average cost for a metal roof is about 40-50% more than basic shingles. However, this roof will last at least twice as long, and will require minimal maintenance. Upon closer examination, the math is actually in favor of installing a metal roof. This is because you can get a low-end metal shingle, which is still superior in longevity and performance to the most expensive asphalt product, for about $6.5-7 per square foot installed.
Thus, you can install a new metal roof for about $9,750-10,500 on the same 1,500 sq.ft. ranch style home. This roof will protect your home in any weather, especially against ice dams, snow, rain, hail and fire. Many homeowners spend this much on an architectural asphalt roof, but dont get any of the benefits of metal.
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.
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Metal Roofing Has Seen An Increase In Popularity But How Much Does A Metal Roof Really Cost
Metal roofing has seen an increase in popularity, but how much does a metal roof really cost?
Metal roofing has seen an increase in popularity, but how much does a metal roof really cost?
Metal roofing, once relegated to barns and sheds, has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. Updated designs and incredible durability have drawn the attention of roofing contractors, homeowners, and business owners looking for a low maintenance, long-lasting option. These benefits could increase costs compared to traditional asphalt shingles, but how much does a metal roof really cost?
Customers may have some sticker shock when comparing metal to the pricing of traditional roofing, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Cost To Install Plywood Sheathing Or Replace Roof Decking
The average cost to replace roof decking in a 2,400 square foot home is between $1,050 and $1,575. It will take approximately 75 sheets of plywood sheathing at an average cost of $14 to $21 per sheet. A smaller 1,100 square foot home will only need around 34 sheets for an average price of $600. For roof sheathing, plywood typically comes in sheets of 4 by 8 that measure either 11/32 or 3/8 thick.
Cost to Replace Roof Decking
| Home Size |
|---|
| $1,122 $2,414 |
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What Is Metal Roofing
Metal roofing, as the name suggests are made up of metals like, aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and zinc. They come in the form of corrugated metals, slate roofs, or tile roofs.
Having a metal sheet up on the roof can prove advantageous if you are looking for a long term investment because of its longer life span, sturdiness, low maintenance, and great return on investment. It is a one time investment which can last up to 50-80 years depending upon the metal type.
Components Of A Metal Roofing System
A metal roof has a number of components that go into completing the roofing system. The following are the different sections, starting from the top of the system, and working down towards the framing:
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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.
Defining Metal Roof Costs
To discuss costs, we need to start by defining two terms: first cost and life cycle cost. As you might expect, the first cost is the product cost on the day of purchase. Conversely, life cycle costs also include factors like the life expectancy and maintenance of a product over its lifetime.
For a better understanding, lets look at the comparison of a home office printer. The first costs for printer option #1 are $59.00, while the first costs for printer option #2 are $99.
Based on first costs alone, option #1 seems the logical choice however, upon reading reviews, it seems the print head on the cheaper-priced printer commonly fails within the first year and, of course, after the 90 day warranty expires. With an estimated repair bill of $50, the life cycle costs for printer #1 escalates to $109.
And suddenly, the higher-priced printer option #2 may offer better life cycle costs. Ultimately, life cycle costs are the concept of paying more money for a product on day one but in exchange, reasonably expecting the product to last longer or provide fewer problems during ownership.
We can now apply the same premise to metal roofing panels with a better understanding of life cycle costs. The table below highlights that life cycle costs are a game-changer in any cost comparison between shingle and metal roofing.
|
$13,660.00 |
$19,340.00 |
|
$19,340.00 |
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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.
Reroofing Vs Roof Replacement
Installation costs are impacted on how you are handling your old roof. You can either remove your old roof first or put the metal roof over the old roof. For example, if you have an asphalt shingle roof that will be removed prior to the installation of the metal roof, there will be an extra expense to remove the existing roof.
Editor’s note: Due to the fluctuations in installation cost, we suggest that you get more than one bid to compare.
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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.
Zinc Shingles & Panels
Zinc costs range from $8 to $18 fully installed, depending on whether you go with shingles or panels. Zinc isn’t that common in the United States, however it is found much more often in Europe. The advantages to zinc are that the color and style of the roof can be changed to meet the homeowner’s specific requirements and enhance the overall look of the home. — Estimated Price Range: $8 to $18 psf installed —
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Is It Cheaper To Put A Metal Roof Or Shingles
A metal roof is often more expensive to purchase and install than asphalt shingles. Since they last longer than asphalt shingles, you may not have to replace them as often, so it may be worth the investment to save money in the long run. With those factors in mind, a metal roof can be cheaper than shingles over time.
How Much Roofing Do I Need
The amount of roofing materials it takes to cover an incline is more than if the area was completely flat. If you have a flat roof, then the square footage of the uppermost floor of your house is the total for materials needed plus 10% more for waste. Traditional roofs that have an angle on most surfaces need to have the angled area factored into the total square footage.
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Finding A Company That Installs Metal Roofs
If youre ready to make the switch to a metal roof, one of the most important steps to take is finding a company that knows what theyre doing. Since there are limited trade professionals that can properly install metal roofs, it can be difficult to find someone. However, this is extremely crucial for your metal roofs longevity, aesthetics, and overall quality. If metal roofs are not installed properly, there can be a lot of problems. Its more labor intensive, but when you find the right contractor, youll be able to experience all of the advantages of a metal roof for the next 50 to 100 years. Luckily, First Star Exteriors Roofing & Siding is here to help. Were qualified in metal roof installations and work to give you hands-on and personable partnerships. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing high quality work in a reasonable amount of time and with 100% transparency. We have over 10 years of professional experience and are here to help you with all of your metal roofing needs. If youre interested in learning more, or want to receive a free quote within 48 hours, contact us today!
Cost To Replace Tin Roof
You do not always need to remove old roofing when installing a metal roof, but if you decide or need to do so, expect to pay an additional $1 per square foot depending on the type and style of old roof. This means that replacing a 1,500 sq.ft. roof would add an additional $1,500 to the average cost of $12,000 for a total of $13,500. If additional cleaning, repairing, or replacement of the underlayment is required, the cost will increase accordingly. The replacement process starts with the roofers removing the old roofing material, placing new underlayment as needed, and then installing the tin roof. This cost also includes disposing of the old roofing material.
You also have the option of installing a tin roof over the old roofing if you want to save on replacement costs, in which case the old roofing would be used as an underlayment. This is typically a cheaper option because youre skipping the cost of removing the old roofing. Before you decide to roof over an existing roof, make sure to consult your roofer to make sure that you will be able to do it, as some roof structures wont be able to support another roof over them.
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Exposed Vs Hidden Fastener Metal Roofing
Exposed fastener roofing costs $250 to $700 per square after installation versus hidden fastener styles at $600 to $1,400 per square after installation. The fastener type affects price and efficiency.
Exposed fasteners are more economical than hidden. However, the fastener â which typically consists of a roofing screw and washer head â is exposed to the elements which increases the risk for leaking. A good installer will remove the existing material and use a “peel and stick” underlayment to minimize this risk. The standard gauges for this style are 26 and 29.
Concealed fasteners are more expensive than exposed, but they are hidden from the elements, giving greater protection from exposure and potential leaking. They also create a sleeker appearance. The standard gauges for this style are 24 and 26.
Metal Roof Installation Cost Can Vary Depending On Location
Another important factor that affects installation costs is your geographic location. Roofers that operate in high-income suburban areas, expensive cities, such as: San Francisco, Seattle, New York or Boston, usually charge as much as 15-18% more than the national average labor prices for the exact same job.
On the other hand, pros that are located in less affluent regions may charge 10-15% less than the average, depending on local economic conditions.
This is exactly why roofing prices you see online are not exactly 100% accurate, because your location will ultimately dictate how much a roofer will want to charge for his work.
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Can I Pressure Wash My Metal Roof
When you clean a metal roof, its a lot different than cleaning tile or asphalt roof. When you clean metal, you can use light pressure if necessary, and you can use a hot water pressure washer. You can also simply wash it with detergent, depending on how accessible the roof is and what its pitch is.
Metal Roofing Cost Guide 2021
Metal roofs are easier to maintain than their traditional asphalt shingle counterparts and can save you money on cooling costs in the long term. This metal roofing cost guide breaks down some of the most common types of metal roofs and their prices.
The choice to put a metal roof on your house is a significant financial investment, particularly in comparison to materials like asphalt composite shingles. However, there are a number of valid reasons for making this switch, including the increased durability and value of metal roofing. Youll need to budget carefully, but many homeowners find that metal roofing provides a great return on investment and lasts two to three times longer than a traditional roof.
In this guide, well break down the benefits of a metal roof and the costs of different types of metal roofing materials to help you decide whether a metal roof is right for your house.
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