Final Thoughts On Metal Roofing Vs Shingle Roofing
So, when it comes to metal vs. shingle roofing, which should you choose?
Truthfully, both are great options it just depends on your individual needs.
Ask yourself these questions as a good starting point:
- How much money am I comfortable spending on a roof?
- How important to me is using recycled or recyclable materials?
- Do I live in an environment that could face severe weather events?
- How much searching for roofing contractors am I willing to do?
- Do I want a bright, vibrant color? Or more of a gray tone?
- Does my HOA restrict different roofing types?
At Sheffield Metals, we sell the sheets and coils used to make metal roofing panels. At the same time, we also care about helping you choose the right roofing product for you and your specific needs.
Roofing Labor Cost Per Square
With a few different variables at play, roofing labor is generally between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot. If your roofing professional is using Per Square in the bid , their prices for labor will reflect this multiplied out by 100 to show between $150 and $300 per square. According to the United States Census, the average roof is 17 squares or about 1,700 square feet.
Metal Roof Underlayment Costs
At an average cost of $0.06 to $0.21 per square foot, underlayment acts as a secondary barrier to water and wind damage for metal roofing. Different roofing professionals will likely have different underlayment options available for your roofing project. Underlay is attached with staples, roofing caps, or the back side of the product has an adhesive layer to stick it to the roof deck.
There are two types of underlayment product available synthetic and felt paper, also known as asphalt felt, tar paper, or roofing tar paper. The heavier the felt, the better.
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Wood Shingle Roof Cost
Wood shingles come in two styles: Wood shingles and wood shake. The two differ slightly in appearance as well as cost.
Wood shingles consist of different types of wood cut into perfect shapes during manufacturing. They cost $4.25 to $9.50 per square foot.
On the other hand, wood shakes are cut by hand from cedar trees. As a result, they feature a rustic appearance that gives them a classic look.
Wood shake is more expensive than wood shingles at $6 to $10 per square foot. But it last longer when properly maintained.
Wood shingle roofs can last between 20 to 40 years. However, they are susceptible to rot, fire, and insects. They are also not sustainable.
Different Styles And Colours
For many years, metal roofs were used only for commercial and industrial buildings. Despite their high quality, they were not considered as a covering for private houses for a long time, because of their unattractive appearance.
However, a lot has changed since RUUKKI developed the first type of tiled metal roof. This covering mimicked the appearance of the tile roof that was so popular 20 years ago. This gave the metal roofs a style that, in addition to quality, was unmatched by conventional tiled roofs.
Following this successful experience, many types of metal roofs have been developed. They can imitate various types of popular roofs, and there are also modern types of metal roofs that are completely different from other types of roofs, such as standing seam metal roofs.
The development of metal roof styles has led to their popularity among homeowners. They look very modern and come in completely different colors. This allows homeowners to customize their roofs the way they like, giving them a lot of room to make their dreams come true.
As for the shingles roofs, they are pretty monotonous. They come in different shades and colors, but due to their structure, shingles roofs simply follow the shape of the roof, without the possibility of changing its appearance. Such stylistic features tend to favor metal roof vs shingles.
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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.
Finding The Right Metal Roofing Contractor To Install Metal Roofs
You may be asking yourself if you can DIY a metal roof installation but we recommend you think about that again. Metal roofs can be a trickier roofing material to install, making it a job for professional and reputable roofing companies you should never try to perform a DIY metal roof installation without experience.
To find the best metal roofing company, youll first want to get a clear idea of which type of metal roofing youll want for your home. From there, you can meet with different roofing contractors who can provide you with estimates and help guide you through the decision process.
Its best to find a company with a local office so you are able to meet in-person if need be. We also recommend finding a company that not only offers a lengthy material warranty, but also a workmanship warranty that protects you against a poor installation.
Lastly, ask for referrals from former customers who have worked with this company so you can verify that people have had a good experience with their metal roof installation.
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House Method Roofing Methodology
Arranging for a home repair of this scale is going to be a fairly involved project. If you havent conducted renovations like this either via a contractor or on your own then it can be a bit overwhelming. At House Method, we pride ourselves on being able to take all of the guesswork out of the equation for you.
Weve thoroughly evaluated each roofing type to make your selection process easier. Through exhaustive research into hundreds of different roofing providers throughout the United States and analyses of thousands of individual homeowner experiences, weve broken our roof rating system down into the following categories.
All roofs receive an aggregate rating between and . This rating is comprised of six key evaluation criteria, which weve outlined below. The rating between and will correspond to a secondary rating out of five stars, which is displayed more visibly in our articles across this category.
- Free estimates based on your roof, no phone call required
- Typically costs between $1$25 per square foot
- Get your quote in 30 seconds
Metal Roof Paint Finish Quality
After you pick the color, then you need to decide on the finish.
The paint finish quality on the metal roof that you choose will help your roof stand up to the elements and look great through major weather events, so making that choice is an important part of the metal roof replacement process.
Accordingly, different types of paint finishes offer varying levels of durability, resale value, initial costs, and subjective aesthetic appeal.
There are two different types of paint finishes typically used on metal roofing: PVDF and polyester.
PVDF or polyvinylidene fluoride is usually referred to commercially as Kynar or Hylar, which are popular due to their ability to resist UV rays and the subsequent fading and associated problems.
Polyester is not rated as well in regard to its ability to withstand the suns impact or other weather-related issues, so PVDF is becoming an increasingly popular choice for property owners.
The paint finish quality of your metal roof also affects the longevity of the roof, since paint fading and therefore reducing the efficiency of UV protection of your metal roof can reduce the value.
Keep in mind that it may be possible to repaint or refinish the roof in the future, depending on the base roofing material.
Your roofing contractor will be able to advise as to what colors would work best for your property as well as the finishes and type of paint that should be used for the best results.
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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.
Diy Metal Roofing Or Hire A Contractor
While one could think that theres nothing to installing a metal roof, a lot could go wrong, which is why youll save much more in the long run if you hire a contractor who has been installing metal roofing panels and shingles for many years.
Beginners tend to get a bit overzealous when screwing in the metal screws and adding sealant, and they overlap the panels without taking wind resistance and drainage into full account. They also do a poor job installing the metal around chimneys and vents, which can mean leaks down the road.
Additionally, they might not take the proper precautions when working with cheaper underlay. FEMA recommends exposed fastener panels and making sure clips are placed close to the eave if you live in a high wind area.
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Galvanized Steel Shingles Roof Cost
Galvanized Steel Shingles cost $3 to $3.50 per square foot and start at $7.50 per square foot installed for interlocking steel shingles. The two common types of galvanized steel used in roofing are G-60, which is a low-end product used for roofing on garden sheds or workshops, and G-90, which is used for residential roofing applications. During the manufacturing stage, the metal is treated with a thin coat of zinc oxide and painted with a resin-based architectural coating called Kynar 500 to preserve the finish.
Repair & Roof Maintenance
Any style roof will need maintenance and repair from time to time, especially if you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather. Metal roofs are not only more durable, but theyre also more resistant to damage and leaking. As such, installing a new metal roof will tend to lead to low maintenance or a maintenance-free roof and greater peace of mind that you wont run into any issues.
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Installing Metal Roof Labor Costs
Its not as hard to install metal compared to many other roofing materials, as its surprisingly lightweight. Plus in some cases, you can install metal roofing panels right over your existing roof, even if its made of asphalt or wood shingles.
This means your roofer may not need as much time for installation, which could save you some money on labor costs.
However, you will be charged if your old roof including flashing and underlayment needs to be removed.
Cost Of Aluminum Vs Steel Metal Shingles
Its important to note that pricing will vary depending on the type of metal you want. Aluminum is a premium material, priced at about $4 per sq.ft.
Aluminum shingles are actually installed very rarely, and few manufacturers offer them. As a result, you will have less color and style options.
The two most reputable and commonly used companies are Interlock and Classic Metal Roofs.
Steel shingles are the most common. They cost less than aluminum, about $3.00 per square foot You will have a lot more style and color options, and there are many manufacturers to choose from.
Tamko manufactures the most budget-friendly, but great quality steel shingles. EDCO product lines are in the middle of the price range, while Matterhorn metal shingles products are the most expensive.
Additionally, you will see a difference in price of metal shingles depending on the color you want.
Standard metal roofing colors can cost as low as $2.65/sq.ft, while premium, or two-tone colors start out at about $3.75/sq.ft. and can go up to $4.75/sq.ft.
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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.
How Much Do Metal Roof Shingles 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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Is A Metal Roof More Expensive Than Asphalt Shingles
A metal roof is often more expensive to purchase and install than asphalt shingles. However, it depends on the kind of roofing you end up installing. Architectural shingles tend to be the most costly form of asphalt shingles, and you can get inexpensive aluminum metal roofing.
It also helps to consider the benefits of metal roofs because they may outweigh the upfront cost you have to pay. 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.
Return On Investment Metal Roofing Vs Shingles
- Metal roofing costs about twice as much initially, but after about 15 years metal roofing is actually 50% cheaper. After 30 years, asphalt shingles will cost you about 3 times the price of a metal roof.
- Shingles look old and worn within 5-7 years while metal roofing will have a 30 year paint warranty. A shingle roof that looks old and worn out will detract from the curb appeal of the house and reduce your resale value.
- A metal roof is more energy efficient than a shingle roof. This will decrease your heating and cooling cost.
- Metal roofs cost less to insure than shingle roofs.
- Metal roofs require less maintenance than shingle roofs.
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Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Which Is Better
A well-maintained roof is essential for a warm, dry home. However, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming when it comes time to select which is best, a metal roof vs shingles. Comparing the two types of roofing is often the easiest way to determine which is better for your home.
Asphalt shingles are less expensive and easier to install and replace. Metal roofing is more expensive but will last much longer, making it cheaper overall. Shingles make up about 80% of roofing finishes in the U.S.A. However, metal roofing is more durable, longer lasting, and more resistant to fire, solar heat, hail, winds, rain, and snow.
In this article, well discuss steel and asphalt shingles, their pros and cons, and compare key factors. Well explain how both types respond to hot climates and are more likely to leak. Well look at applying metal over shingles and what problems this can create. Plus, well identify if a metal roof will increase a homes value, if it affects Wi-Fi, and whether it attracts lightning. Our aim is to assist you in determining which type of roofing, metal roofing vs asphalt shingles, is better for your home.
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Adds The Most Value: Metal
The lifespan of a metal roof immediately adds immense value to your home. Even if you were to install a metal roof and not sell your house for another 20 years, those 30 remaining years constitute a significant selling point and can allow you to sell your house for even more just based on the durable roof.
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