What Is the Cost of a Metal Roof?
Are you planning to have a metal roof installed at your home? What is the cost of a metal roof? Read on to learn what it would cost you.
Full roof replacements occupy over 90% of the market for the roofing industry. As buildings age and wear away, a roof is an important barrier against the elements that must be replaced. So how do you choose the right one?
In terms of durability and efficiency, metal will always be the material of choice. If you are wondering, “What is the cost of a metal roof?” then read on for our expert guide below.
Like any home renovation, this can be hard to answer as it depends on a multitude of factors. This can include the types of materials, the size, and the labor involved.
On average, you can expect to pay between $5000 to $14,000. The national average will come in at just under $10,000.
However, take this as a very loose estimate. Aside from the factors listed above, the materials required for a metal roof can fluctuate. They may be cheaper or more expensive from one month to the next depending on market prices.
An easy way to work it out is to find out the cost of the materials. Add this to the labor costs, then add an overhead or contingency. You should then have a much better idea of the final metal roof cost.
Calculating Your Roof Size
When getting a quote, you will need to know the size of your roof. This is calculated by roofers using a measurement known as a roofing square which is simply a 10 x 10-foot square.
Therefore, measure your roof in squares of 10 x 10 feet. Always add a contingency of around 5% to 20%, leaning to the larger end if you have a bigger roof. Knowing this will also help you get an idea of labor costs in relation to the roof size when getting quotes.
Types of Metal Roof
Metal roofs come in several different types, each with its own cost attached. All of them will be more expensive than asphalt shingles, though they will last much longer and need less maintenance.
Copper Tiles
Few materials look as stunning on a rooftop as copper. Lightweight and hard-wearing, it costs around $14 to $20 per square foot. This makes it one of the most expensive options, and with costs rising, it is something you should not put off buying.
Aluminum Shingles
Working similarly to asphalt shingles, aluminum gives added resistance from the elements. As it is easy to work with, labor costs are also kept down. Finally, the material is cheap to buy, working out at around $3 to $6 a square foot.
Aluminum does have its downside. It expands and contracts with temperature changes, meaning it can strain other parts of the roof. Easily dented, it also has an appearance that dulls over time.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is cheap and has a design that makes it very easy to install. Unfortunately, it is not as durable as other forms of metal. You may find it on outbuildings or, because of its lightweight quality, placed over other roofs.
Most metals can come as corrugated versions, but galvalume and steel are the most used. You can expect to pay as little as $1 to $2.50 per square foot.
Standing Seam
Standing seams roofs can last two or three times longer than other non-metal types. They have panels that run vertically and fit together using interlocking seams. You can expect to pay between $8 to $14 per square foot, making them affordable and extremely durable.
Steel Tiles/Shingles
Steel roofing can also come in a wide range of types. The cheapest is galvalume, an aluminum that gets coated for durability. You can expect to pay around $6 per square foot for this.
Stainless steel is the most durable and looks great, but is very expensive. it will set you back $10 to $16 per square foot. In the middle of these is galvanized steel, which will cost $3 to $5 a square foot.
Benefits of a Metal Roof
There are many benefits to a metal roof, particularly when comparing them to ones with asphalt shingles. Metal roofing will last between 30 and 50 years, much more than other roof types.
Metal roofing is also very durable. Hard to dent, it can withstand weather damage well. This includes hail, storms, and extreme temperatures.
The huge environmental benefits should also not be overlooked. Most metal roofs will be in some part recycled, and metal can be used again once it is removed from your roof in the future. They also need replacing less frequently.
Finally, they also reflect heat. This can save you money on AC bills, as it will naturally keep your house cool in summer.
Maintaining a Metal Roof
Metal roofs will require very little maintenance. A coating can be added as they come out of the factory to protect their base. You can choose to have them in different thicknesses, with more depth increasing the lifespan of the roof but adding to the cost.
Cleaning the roof can be done using soap and water. Pressure washers can be applied but only if done with caution, as you don’t want to damage or dislodge parts, especially if you use abrasive brushing equipment. An occasional clean will prevent certain substances from eroding the material and prolong its lifespan.
Finding an Expert for Installation
If you were wondering, “What is the cost of a metal roof?” you should now have a better idea. Make sure you decide on a budget, consider what look you want, then measure the roof. This should be enough to approach companies about quotes.
Unrivaled Roofing should be your first stop. We can deal with full repairs or small replacements. Contact one of our expert staff and discuss your next roof upgrade.