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Is It Cheaper To Do A Metal Roof Or Shingles

Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs

How To Metal roof for cheap

Standing seam metal roofs have far superior longevity and last two or three times longer than non-metal roofs. They are the most common metal roof design due to its availability all over the U.S. to roofing installers and easy access to metal materials. The design features vertical panels that are joined by interlocking seams as seen below.

Standing seam metal roofs will cost you about $4.00 to $6.50 per square foot. The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof on the average size home can range from $23,000 to $30,000 in total. They come in painted aluminum, galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and copper or zinc metal roof types. They perform extremely well in harsh weather conditions like heavy snow, hail and fire.

What’s The Difference Between Asphalt Shingles And Metal Roofing

Asphalt roofing is a popular roofing material available in several colors and textures to accommodate any home aesthetic at an affordable cost. This durable shingle features a matting or fiberglass core with a coating of asphalt and a ceramic or stone surface. You can choose standard three-tab, laminated or architectural asphalt for your property.

Metal roofing is also becoming more prevalent because it features more visual options than asphalt shingles. You can choose from different shapes and colors that make your roof look like other popular materials, such as wood or slate. There are many types of metal roofs, including tin, steel, aluminum and copper.

Despite the differences between these two roofing materials, they’re both wise investments for your property. The choice you make depends on your design preference, local climate and durability requirements. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each before you decide which one to install.

Additional Costs Associated With A Metal Roof

An additional cost you may incur that is not reflected in the quote would be the removing and disposing of old shingles if replacing them with more asphalt shingles. Since metal can be installed on top of an asphalt shingle roof , youll save labor and disposing costs, but keep in mind you will have to buy and install wood purlins to provide an even base for the metal panels. So the cost might still be a wash.

If the project is new construction, such as an addition or new garage, metal is a big winner because an asphalt shingle roof would require a plywood base.

Also, the cost will be affected by the complexity of the roof. If it is a simple roof with few or no valleys, metal panels may be significantly cheaper and faster to install than asphalt shingles . But if the roof is more complex with several valleys and peaks, though the material costs might still be about the same, asphalt shingles are going to install faster and cost less in labor than metal panels. That said, it is still hard to beat the longterm savings of a metal roof.

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Metal Roof Cost Compared To Shingles

First note that roofing prices are typically figured per 100 square feet, or what roofers call a square. One 10-foot by 10-foot square equals 100 square feet or one square of roofing area. A typical two-story, 2300 square foot house will usually have about 1500-1700 square feet of roof area or 15-17 roofing squares.

Metal roofs might average between $120 and $900 per 100 square feet, while shingles might cost between $100 and $400 per 100 square feet, as said. These costs are just for the materials themselves and typically dont include labor costs for installation.

While these figures can give you an average price for roofing materials, note that reroofing costs might also increase for steeply sloped roofs or those with lots of eaves, dormers, and other obstructions. Needed repairs to the underlayment and decking can also add to those costs.

While shingle roofs are cheaper upfront, this doesnt mean theyre the best or most cost-effective option for your home! For example, metal roofs are more fire-resistant and arent likely to combust if hit by lightning, as do shingles. In turn, some insurance companies might offer a discount on your homeowners insurance for a metal roof.

Using Galvalume As A Roofing Material

Types of Roofing: Do You Have the Right One?

Galvalume® and standard galvanized metal roofs both involve a coating applied to a steel core. Bethlehem Steel, where my father worked for 27 years, first introduced the Galvalume coating to the construction industry in the early 1970s. Galvalume combines steel, aluminum, and zinc. Basically, a carbon steel base sheet is continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys until it reaches a coating consisting of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. Its become one of the most popular materials used in roofing.

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Advantages Of Choosing Metal Roofing

Lightweight One of the major benefits of metal roofing is that its a very lightweight material. First, its easier for the installers to handle and transport up on the roof during the rollforming and installation process. Second, it doesnt weigh down and put unnecessary stress on a structure, which reduces frame damage and preserves the integrity of the building.

Longevity Perhaps one of the biggest differences between metal roofing and shingles is the length of its life. For metal roofing, its expected that metal roofing should last at least 50 years until signs of degradation begin to show. Different metal materials, such as copper and zinc, have even been known to last 100 or more years in some instances.

Lower Long-Term Cost As we will discuss later, metal roofing is more expensive as a one-time cost. That being said, metal roofing is typically less expensive in the long-term because one metal roof can easily outlast at least three asphalt shingle roofs .

The two photos on the right represent a 60-year cost comparison between mid-range shingle roofing and metal roofing . In this scenario, the mid-range cost for one architectural shingle roof is around $8,700 and the cost for one 24-gauge Steel Standing Seam roof with Kynar 500, a high-end paint system, is about $17,400. Even if the shingle roof lasted 20 years, you would need to pay for a shingle roof three times and a metal roof one time in a 60-year span, making the metal roof a more economical choice.

Asphalt Shingles Are Cheaper Up Front But Metal Is A Better Long Term Value

Remember the cliché we started with? You get what you pay for. Heres where that comes in

Life Expectancy

Say you get the high end of asphalt roofing, the pricey product with 50-year life expectancy youre looking at around $6,000 for that same 2,300-square-foot roof material. But asphalt, unlike metal, degrades as it ages. The marketers may say itll last 50 years, but its efficacy against fire and wind, even rainstorms, will decline dramatically with each decade. Asphalt is a 20- to 30-year roof in most BEST cases, whatever the marketing materials may say and the homes resale value in year 25 will reflect that, even on 50-year asphalt shingles. If you go to sell your home that has a 20-year old asphalt shingle roof, its a good bet that the buyer will ask for that to be replaced or at least a discount on the asking price of your home.

Metal, though, has been proven to last decades and newer innovations have made metal roofs tougher than ever. A 50-year metal roof will indeed last 50 years if well-cared for . 60 years is a long time to not have to worry about roof replacement.

Metal Roofing Aesthetics

If you want that traditional asphalt shingle or architectural shingle look, there are metal shingle options available that are great options. Many of these options can be HOA approved as well. Metal shingles offer the same cost and quality options as do metal panels.

Metal: More Than Just a Roof

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Q: For A Replacement Roof How Long Does It Take To Take Off And Put On A New Roof

A: The time for replacing a roof depends on the type of roofing material you choose. It also depends on whether further structural damage to the actual frame of the building is found upon removing said roof. In addition, timeliness can depend on your construction crew and their workload as well, so its important to have clear communication and set expectations with your contractor or the foreman on site for the project.

Then there are things like the weather. If it is raining, for example, youre not going to want your old roof to be removed at this time or a new roof to be installed with wet materials.

Based on our experience, if all of the components are solid, the weather is good, and the job is straightforward, a standard asphalt roof replacement can take less than a week to finish completely. A more involved roof like one made from individual copper pieces takes a different level of skill and installation techniques, so always ask your contractor for a realistic estimate.

How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost

Metal Roofing Vs. Shingle Roofing

In general, the upfront cost of a metal roof is much higher than the cost of a roof containing asphalt shingles. However, given a metal roofs durability, the overall cost of installing and maintaining it is much lower than needing a total roof replacement every 15 to 20 years.

Here are some of the most common metal roofing materials and how much they cost to purchase and install. The overall prices are calculated for the average American roof size of 1,700 square feet.

Read Also: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost

Top Benefits Of Metal Roofing Compared To Shingles

  • Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2-4 times longer than shingles.
  • Homeowners like the idea of buying only one more roof in their life instead of potentially several.
  • Metal roofing outperforms shingles in cases of hail and other severe weather events.
  • Metal roofing is highly reflective and can save 20-40% on electricity bills.
  • Metal roofing has a high recycled content which means it helps reduce landfill pressure instead of adding to it like asphalt shingles.
  • Metal roofing looks great, improving curb appeal and resale values.

Given the sharp increase in market share, it seems that more and more homeowners are making performance, not price, their dominant purchase decision.

Learn more about metal roof cost.

Metal Roofing Panels Cost Per Sheet

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Corrugated metal roofing costs anywhere from $ 1.70 to $2.37 per square foot, or about $170 to $237 per square sheet of 100 feet. 5 V Crimp Panels, and R Panels can go from $3.03 to $6.40 per square foot, or $303 to $640 per square. Standing Seam metal roofing can cost from up to $6.10 to $11.53 per square foot, or $610 to $1,153 per square.

You can use our Metal Roofing Cost Calculator to get an accurate price quote on your roof replacement project.

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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.

For more information about metal roof insurance discounts, we recommend reading:

How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost

A Better Alternative to Stone

That all depends on the type of roofing materials that you choose and the style of property, along with any other individual details that may make installing a metal roof more or less complicated.

The cost of metal roofing per sq. ft. or the metal roof cost per square or the cost of a metal roof vs. shingles obviously makes a difference, but there are other factors including the aesthetics of your property, the amount of time you plan to spend there before you resell , and the energy efficiency of having a metal roof versus asphalt or wooden shingles.

You should also keep in mind that the total cost of a standing seam metal roof or a metal shingle roof also includes the specialized labor required to install the metal roof as well as the raw materials, and this may be the reason why some homeowners choose shingles over metal roofing.

For some properties, the style of the home and the climate of the area it is located in may mean that asphalt shingles or wood shingles are a superior choice.

That said if you choose metal roofing systems of any kind whether you go with standing seam, copper shingles, zinc shingles, steel shingles, aluminum roofing, or any other kind of metal roofing system, you will likely benefit from their durability and longevity, heating and cooling efficiency, resale value for both the metal roofing materials themselves and your property as a whole, and overall pleasing visual appearance.

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Are Metal Roofs More Energy

Metal roofs are considered more energy-efficient than shingles, as metal facing reflects up to 83% of the suns energy away from a home, keeping it cooler during summer months. While this can mean lower cooling costs during summertime, does this mean that metal roofs are a poor choice for homes in colder areas?

While the surface of a metal roof might get cooler in wintertime, the underlayment used for metal roofing and the gap between the roof decking and metal itself doesnt tend to absorb that cold. In many studies, the air in that gap stayed the same temperature as the homes framing underneath.

In other words, the layers placed under a metal roof provide added insulation for a home so that outside cold doesnt transfer to your interior rooms. A metal roof can then mean lower utility costs year-round, with more comfortable interior spaces no matter the outside temperatures.

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.

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Cost Of Metal Roof Underlayment

Roofing underlayment is the layer of material that is laid just underneath the actual metal roof. This material is important as it protects the roof frame and decking against weathering, and corrosion. Consider this as a second line of protection for your home. Most warranties also require that underlayment be installed in order to remain valid.

Prices for underlayment depends on whether its synthetic, felt, or self- adhering membrane. Felt underlayment has been the traditional type used during metal roof installations and costs about $14.50 to $15 per 72-foot roll.

The self-adhering membrane underlayment, as the name suggests, stick to the roof decking, and are recommended for colder climates. These types cost about $80 to $85 per 65-foot roll.

Synthetic underlayment, which has become popular due to its light weight and better protective properties cost about $82 to $86 per 66-foot roll.

These costs of course do not include installation, and should also be taken onto account.

Is A Metal Roof Better Than Shingles

Why you may want to consider installing a metal roof

Lets start off by clarifying that both materialsasphalt shingles and metal roofingare great options for residential roofing. Both will protect your home and should last for many years. However, one or the other might be better suited to your needs and preferences.

Asphalt shingles remain to be the most popular material for roofing residential properties and are available in a wide array of colors and textures. Standard, three-tab shingles are most commonly used, though laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are also available. A matting or fiberglass core, an asphalt coating, and a stone or ceramic surface make for a highly durable shingle.

Alternatively, metal roofing tends to be lightweight, as well as durable and energy efficient. It also comes in a variety of designs which makes for a versatile and therefore appealing product. But what are their specific pros and cons and which roof is best for your home?

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Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles

Metal roofing is growing more and more popular in the roofing industry. This has sparked homeowners to start comparing the more commonly used asphalt shingle roof to metal roofing.

One of the biggest comparison questions we get is, Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has over 30 years of experience answering questions just like this one. To ensure homeowners like you make the right purchasing decision, well be breaking down if a metal roof is cheaper than shingles.

Not only will we be comparing metal roof cost to shingle cost, but well also be comparing their lifespans, warranties, and more. By the end of this article, youll know which one is right for you and your replacement.

Are Metal Shingles Worth It

Installing a metal shingle roof is an expensive investment, and its important to figure out whether its really worth it.

In terms of ROI, any metal roof, including metal shingles offers top returns of over 85%

In the snow country, where metal roofs provide the biggest protection against snow and ice dams, installing a new metal roof bring in an ROI of 95%+

Moreover, a metal roof brings in significant savings over a few decades by virtue of requiring minimal maintenance and repairs.

On the other hand, an asphalt roof will cost thousands of dollars in repair and maintenance fees in the same span of time.

Overall, if you are looking to keep your house for at least 10 years, its worth it to invest in a metal roof.

However, if you plan to sell your home in the next 3-5 years and are on a tight budget installing a cheaper roofing material may be best.

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