What Is Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is 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 due to its longer life span, sturdiness, low maintenance, and great return on investment. It is a one time investment which can last 50 to 80 years or more depending upon the metal type.
How Is Metal Roofing Priced
Metal roofing and other types of roofing are based on cost per square.
Metal roof pricing for cost per square is calculated per square foot and then that is added up into the cost per square which is definitely something to pay attention to and understand when you are pricing out or looking for a new metal roof, or perhaps, more importantly, talking to metal roofing contractors or roofing companies about installing a new metal roof.
When you are deciding what type of metal roofing to purchase and install, keep in mind that while there are options at a variety of price points, the cost of metal roofing is a literal investment in the roof over your head as well as the roof over your family or employees and customers heads.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles Cost
Is metal roofing cheaper than shingles? is a common question we get. It depends on the type of shingles you choose, but asphalt three-tab shingles cost about $3.75 per square foot. However, you need to keep in mind that asphalt shingle roofs do not last as long as metal roofs. The average asphalt roof lasts for around 20 years, while a steel roof can last as long as 50 years before a replacement is needed. The longer lifespan of metal roofs helps bring more long-term value to your building than shingles. Bonus, metal roofs have additional benefits that shingle roofs do not, including energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance. So, though the initial cost of a metal roof may be higher than asphalt shingles, metal roofs last 3-6 times longer than an asphalt roof. This saves significant money in the long run, increasing the return on investment.
Read Also: How To Install Modified Bitumen Roofing
Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing
The exposed fastener types of metal roofing are the most popular types because they offer a nice, clean look even with visible screws. And, best of all they arent as expensive as hidden fastener roofing. Now, the big downside that youll notice with this type is that its not as resistant to aging and can break down over time, especially around the exposed fasteners.
Durability Of Metal Roofing Is Amazing
The durability alone is one fantastic reason to go with metal roofing instead of opting for the less expensive, asphalt shingles. Metal will also have a much longer life than any ordinary and traditional shingles on the market today. It can be said that the life expectancy of metal versus shingles is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 3 times longer.
Don’t Miss: What Is Average Cost For Roof Replacement
Other Roofing Options Other Than Metal Roofing
If you dont want to opt for metal roofing, you can go with other roofing materials. There are a few options to look into, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The following are some of the most common roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles: In the United States, asphalt shingles are widely known used roofing material. Theyre affordable, durable, and pretty easy to install. They come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. The downside is that they can mold.
PVC roofing: These are translucent roof coverings that provide good thermal insulation and soundproofing at the same time. An advantage of PVC is that its flame-resistant and doesnt become hot in direct sunlight.
Clay Tiles: Clay tiles are a popular roofing material in Europe and Latin America. Theyre durable, aesthetic, and affordable. The downside is that they require regular maintenance which means that it can be damaged by high winds easily.
Slate Tiles: Slate tiles are another popular roofing material in Europe and North America. Theyre very durable and they come in a variety of colors. The downside is that they can be expensive and difficult to install.
Wood: Wood shingles or shakes are popular as well, and some people prefer them over other roofing materials because theyre naturally resistant to fire, rot, insects, and moisture. The drawbacks are that they need regular maintenance and they can be expensive.
Steel Shingles And Tiles
There are several common types of steel roofing. Galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc to deter corrosion, is a popular choice for its strength and durability. A cheaper alternative is Galvalume, which is aluminum-coated steel. On the high end of the scale is stainless steel, which is a rare but striking choicethe Chrysler Building, for example, is roofed with stainless steel.
A 100-square-foot Galvalume panel costs between $75 and $250 and installs for a total of about $5.50 per square foot. Galvanized steel, which is a bit more expensive, runs about $3.35 to $4.25 per square foot, and materials plus installation come out to about $10 per square foot, or $17,000 to $25,000 total. Stainless steel is quite a bit more expensive at $10 to $16 per square foot for materials and as much as $15.50 more per square foot for installation.
Read Also: How To Afford A New Roof
Why Does A Metal Roof Cost So Much Is It Really Worth It
Home»FAQ»Why Does a Metal Roof Cost So Much? Is It Really Worth It?
Home»FAQ»Why Does a Metal Roof Cost So Much? Is It Really Worth It?
Every year, you should expect to spend at least 3% of your homes value on performing routine maintenance.
That percentage varies depending on the age of your home and whether or not youre taking on any large maintenance projects that year. Of the larger maintenance projects, replacing your roof or re-roofing your home is one of the more costly.
When it comes time to think about a new roof, youve got options ranging from asphalt to concrete, plastic to metal. And while the cheapest option is asphalt, one of the most durable, sustainable, and low maintenance options is metal.
So how much does a metal roof cost, and is it worth it? Keep reading to find out.
A Guide To Metal Roof Costs & Benefits
If youre drawing up plans for a new building project, cost is likely one of your first considerations. You want to get the most out of the budget, so many of the most frequently asked questions we get are related to metal roof costs. The cost comes down to several factors, but its also important to remember that you want to choose a roofing option that will stand the test of time when youre budgeting for a metal roof project.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Best Roofing Shoes
So Should You Get A Metal Roof Or Asphalt Shingle
Only you know if its a great choice for your housing style or your region, but we think theres a case for metal roofs in nearly every town in North America.
If youre planning on selling your home in the next five to 10 years, youll make up to 6% more on resale value with a metal roof versus an asphalt roof. Granted, if youre in a windstorm or wildfire region, your roof needs to stay intact that long for that to compute, but having a metal roof is a great step in that direction.
But all we can say about metal roofs and their cost effectiveness is that you really do get what you pay for. With pro installation, a high-quality metal roof is conceivably expected to last over 60 years Thats 35 to 60 years of reduced energy costs, potential energy savings, and low maintenance. You can bet that adds up, too.
Is A Metal Roof Or An Asphalt Shingle Roof Right For You
After reading this article, you should have a good idea if a metal roof or an asphalt shingle roof is right for you. Remember, a standing seam metal roof will always be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof.
No matter which roofing material you choose, it means nothing if you make the wrong hiring decision. The truth is, the roofing contractor you hire has the biggest impact on every aspect of your roofing project.
Thats why you need to know how to hire a great one in your area. To help you do this, we created a checklist of 16 questions that every homeowner needs to ask potential roofing contractors.
Not only does the checklist give you the questions to ask, but it also gives you the right answers you should get back. Dont get taken advantage of by a roofing contractor get your checklist now.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. When getting a roof replacement with us, your roof gets the attention to detail it needs, and youll have a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for any of your roofing needs.
Heres your Checklist of 16 Questions You Need to Ask a Roofing Contractor to help you find a reputable roofer in your area.
Recommended Reading: How Much Solar Energy Can My Roof Produce
Roofing Prices On The Rise Across The Us
People who are doing any kind of renovation, including re-roofing, often face the fact that today contractors are charging at least 15 -20 % more for the job than what their friends or neighbors paid only a few short years ago.
While there are a number of reasons for this spike, there is one that most consumers are not aware of. I would like to shed light on it here: contractors costs for roofing materials keep increasing!
I have had my roofing business for the past 15 years, and for the last 10 of them, Ive been amazed and frustrated with the fact that the cost of roofing materials continues to rise. This includes the shingles themselves, as well underlayment, and all kinds of other necessary accessories.
Every spring, distributors send out notices to pros that read something along the lines of:
Dear Customer,
XYZ Manufacturer has increased the selling price of their product, and we have to pass the added cost on to you. Beginning March 1st, the cost of ABC Product is going to increase by 7%, and most accessories will go up 3-8% blah blah blah
Think about this for a moment:
- In 2008, a gallon of EPDM Primer from Harvey was about $18-20. Recently I picked one up for $36 .
- In 2007, I used to pay about $220-275 per square of metal shingles and $130 per 10 square roof of GAF DeckArmor underlayment. Now, my cost is $370-450 and $250-280 respectively.
- Architectural asphalt shingles were about $70 per square, and now they are at $100 or more.
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.
Also Check: How Long Is A Roof Good For In Florida
Why Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing So Expensive
Have you ever researched a product and decided on a top-of-the-line product only to learn the price is much higher than you expected? And worse yet, perhaps more than you budgeted for the purchase? Unfortunately, the sticker shock saga for high-end products can happen to anyone.
In the metal roofing industry, buyers are often surprised at the cost difference between standing seam metal roofs and exposed fastener roof panels. In fact, its one of the more common questions we receive. The reasons for the price differences fall into three primary areas: material, manufacturing, and installation.
Why Metal Roofing Is The Best Option For Energy Efficiency
Before settling for any type of roof, its essential to consider the benefits youll gain from the option. Metal roofs are the best when it comes to energy efficiency. This is because metal can reflect heat up away from buildings.
When metal roofs redirect such heat away from the buildings, your house achieves a high energy efficiency level. When you install high-quality metal roofs, you can save as much as 40 percent of your energy costs, which is a significant cost saving outcome. Before installing your roof, it would help to consider this vital energy saving aspect.
Don’t Miss: How To Fix Hail Damage On Roof
Reasons Why Some People Dont Opt For Metal Roofing
When it comes to metal roofing, there are lots of materials that can be used for this purpose. These kinds of roofs are fairly versatile as they are made up of different types of metals which are supposed to neutralize or lessen the effects of extreme weather conditions. One would think that their durability would make them the first choice when on the market for roofing material, but this is not always the case.
There are many factors that come into play when someone is deciding on what type of roof to install on their home, and sometimes metal roofs dont come out on top.
The following are some reasons why some people may not opt for metal roofing:
1. A metal roof is expensive probably the most common reason why people dont opt for metal roofing is its price. Due to their durability and resistance to weather conditions, these roofs are more expensive than other types such as shingles or asphalt tiles. The installation cost could also add up, making the entire roofing project more costly than one would want.
2. Metal roofs are loud another downside to metal roofs is that they are very loud in rain or hail storms. This can be irritating for some homeowners, as well as disruptive to those who live below the home with a metal roof.
3. Metal roofs can easily dent this is another downside to metal roofs, as they can be easily dented if something falls on them. Unlike asphalt shingles or tiles, metal roofs cannot always be repaired once they are damaged.
How Different Factors Affect Price:
Substrate: The pricing on metals used to form the roofing panel are affected by supply and demand for raw materials and associated processing costs. Galvanized Steel and Aluminum are the most common metals used for residential roofing because they provide the best performance for the money. Although exotic metals like copper, zinc and stainless steel perform exceptionally well, they are less common roofing options because the cost is prohibitive for most people.
Panel Design: The 2 major design options that affect price are overlapping vs interlocking panels. Interlocking panels will cost more than overlapping panels because they have more structural detail, go through a more extensive forming process and take up more room on a truck to ship. Panels designed to interlock on four sides will also tend to have a better quality finish which also adds to the cost.
Finish: Also referred to as coating, is an important factor to consider as it can drastically change the cosmetic lifespan of a metal roof. Polyester based paints are the cheapest form of coating with the shortest lifespan while PVDF formula coatings are accepted as the industry gold standard due to their exceptional lifespan, adhesion, chalk and fade resistance.
Underlayment: Often overlooked, the underlayment of a metal roof is a crucial second line of defense against the elements. If the roof is a new build it will require an ice and water shield which costs up to 5 times more than a breathable synthetic membrane .
Don’t Miss: Can Gutters Cause Roof Leaks
The Full Scoop Lets Compare A 30 X 30 Garage Roof
Both metal and asphalt roofing get the job done when it comes to sheltering a building, but they really part ways in respect to durability, energy efficiency, and long-term savings.
Lets look at a 30 x 30 garage for an example. But before we go any further, lets just clarify that the example and prices are not meant to be an official quote. The numbers in our example are for informational purposes only but are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Every roof project is different. Rest assured we have a dedicated and knowledgeable team that would be happy to get you a custom quote.
On the surface, an asphalt shingle roof is the slim winner at $1,194 versus $1,267 for an ABM Panel metal roof . But if you look at the bigger picture, metal is the obvious choice. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association states on their website, If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, it is a prime candidate for reroofing.
Compare that to our ABM Panel that comes with 40-year paint warranty. There is no question that a metal roof can stand the test of time better than asphalt shingles in most situations, and contractors will tell you that there is very little keeping a properly maintained metal roof from lasting over 100 years . Metal lasts longer, is more energy efficient, is more beautiful, and can cost about the same as asphalt shingles.
Lets take a closer look at the cost.
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.
Read Also: How To Fix A Leak In A Trailer Roof
