What will a metal roof cost? It’s the big question on a home owner’s mind when it’s time to choose roofing material. We’ll look at the cost of a metal roof, how roofing prices are estimated, and how you can make sure of getting a great deal.
How Much Do Metal Roofs Cost?
Home owners curious about installing metal roofs are also obsessed about knowing how metal roofs are better, longer lasting and resistant – but worry about the expense being higher than their budget will allow.
For sure, metal roofs cost almost thrice as much as conventional asphalt shingle roofs. This price differential is due to the more expensive materials as well as the higher complexity of installing a metal roof, which requires more skill and experience on the part of contractors. Installation of metal roofs is a time consuming and difficult task, which means professionals charge more money to do it.
But despite the higher cost of metal roofs when contrasted against asphalt shingles, they are not much different in cost when you compare them against alternatives like wood shake and tile. Metal roofs are far more durable and sturdy than roofs made of shake or tile, which makes them higher value for money.
And there are many other benefits.
You’ll save money by way of energy costs because metal roofs are cooler due to heat reflection, and can save up to 20% in heating and cooling costs for the average building.
New metal roofs also enhance the asset value of your building. They are a bit more costly to install, but in the course of time metal roofs will earn you back a multiple of this by way of energy savings and lack of repairs. You won’t need to spend any money on repairs or replacements with well installed metal roofs. They also provide excellent protection against elements, lowering the risk of needing repairs or replacement.
So what makes metal roofs so costly?
The initial premium is because the materials used in metal roofs are more expensive. Despite this, metal roofs are an attractive option for home owners.
We must compare this in the context of other premium roofing solutions like expensive wood, tile, or cedar shake. Natural slate roofs cost twice as much (or more) than even metal roofing. Copper roofs are the most expensive metal roofing solutions, and even those are cheaper than slate roofing.
When you ignore the most extreme highs and lows for roofing costs, the more common metal roofs are made of galvalume, aluminum and steel, which cost almost as much as cedar shake roofing systems.
To learn more about metal roofing and why it costs so much (yet are worth the price), make sure to read our detailed report here.
Metal Roof Prices
How Are They Really Determined?
Talk about metal roofing prices and you’ll usually strike fear into the hearts of homeowners around the world!
That’s not without basis, because the most expensive procedures for home repair and improvement are to do with replacing or installing a new roof. But if you don’t do these repairs promptly and efficiently, you risk even greater expense as things become worse.
So it’s important that, as a home owner, you study the different choices available to you and act on them quickly when you realize that your roof needs repair or replacement.
Metal roof costs are higher than other conventional roofing systems. Despite this, metal roofing is fast becoming the most popular choice for replacing a roof. And even though the upfront cost of metal roofing is thrice as much as any other alternative such as asphalt shingle roofs, there are a large number of home owners who think longer term and understand that the cost savings offset the higher metal roofing prices.
Metal roofing prices are spread out over a range which is based upon where you live, what metal you’ll use, and the cost of labor in your area. Typically, a metal roof costs between $300 and $600 to install per 100 square feet. Metal roofing prices are quoted only for materials, and labor is extra. This is something you need to be aware of in order to make a reasonable estimate.
Metal roofing materials are available as shingles and tiles. Durable, shiny, attractive and pretty, lightweight and long lasting, metal roofing materials are worth what you’ll pay.
The copper, aluminum, steel and zinc roofing tiles and shingles are strong enough to serve you for 30 years or more, without needing any kind of maintenance at all. This makes a metal roof twice as durable as asphalt roofing. Aluminum-zinc alloys are even tougher, lasting up to one hundred years or more.
So why is metal roof cost higher?
Metal roofing prices include the warranty which is typically 30 years or longer. Manufacturers boldly stake their name and brand on these materials because they really are so durable. Metal roofing resists fire and corrosion, wind and elements. They can tolerate high temperatures and heavy weather or rainfall.
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Metal Roofing Installation – A Simple Guide To A Difficult Task
The actual process of metal roofing installation begins far before the first brick is laid or the first shingle lifted out of the bundle. Preparing for metal roofing installation involves taking safety precautions, measuring the roof, deciding what roofing panels to use and installing the roofing underlayment.
After this, you’ll have to assemble the tools and roofing materials you will require for metal roofing installation. Only after this does the actual process of installing a metal roof begin. Let’s talk about the actual installation process, including some special installation methods which differ from the commonly used alternatives.
Accessories for metal roofing installation such as skylights or chimney construction will not be covered, as it is highly unlikely that a do-it-yourself home owner will find it interesting – and professionals would have learned it from peers and experience already!
DIY Metal Roofing Installation
The basics involve making some assumptions about the kind of roof you plan to install.
A simple gable roof on a residential building is the model on which we will discuss this process. With modification, the same principles can be adapted to other kinds of roofing.
A drip edge needs to be installed first. This is simple, yet challenging to a beginner. All existing drip edges and rotting materials must be removed before installing your new roof. You can place your drip edge under or above the underlayment.
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There are benefits to doing it both ways, such as lessening the chance of damp and moisture collecting after rains, and safety considerations. Also, if the size is larger than the roof, trimming it may be difficult later on.
And ultimately it makes little if any difference by way of performance. Metal roofing will prevent water seeping through, and only what condensation happens on the underlayment is an issue. If rainwater does manage to seep through to the underlayment after your metal roofing installation, then you have a serious problem on your hands.
Your drip edge will be installed with screws or 8″ nails in a staggered fashion. Be sure to aim for higher rigidity by overlapping the edges by two inches or more. Drip edges must also be installed over the eaves.
For metal roofing installation, your supplier or metal roof manufacturer plays an important role by delivering trim of specifications that you choose. Standard trim that your supplier stocks may not be suitable for your needs, so be sure to state your requirements, even supporting them with a rough drawing of the kind of roof you are going to install.
A little planning will save you endless worry down the line.
Gable or Rake Trim Installation
You have a choice when it comes to trimming your roof gables. You can use a special gable trim or a regular drip edge. You can install the gable trim at the beginning or end of your metal roofing installation. By bending up an inch or so of the outside edge of your panel, you’ll create a hook to hang your gable trim from. You could also achieve the same result by cutting and folding the double lock panel.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t look pretty, as the gable will cover this up. With longer panels, creating this can be tough work.
Run some measurements to make sure things are just right. Otherwise you may end up with a panel that butts out by a couple of inches, destroying the aesthetics of your metal roofing installation. Now hook your gable into the lock, pull it down, and screw it together using a gasket made of rubber.
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Metal Roofing Installation – Roof Panels and Field Panels
The first panel of your metal roof is the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the project and the overall appearance of your finished roof. You should take special care that the penetrations are not lined up with the lock, as that will cause problems while installing flashing.
Create the hook lock starting from the bottom of a panel. A tiny ‘ear’ that projects out can be wrapped and crimped around the edge after installing the roof panel. Making sure that your roof panel is correctly aligned with the rake board before screwing it into place will ensure that the standing seam metal roofing installation is secure and attractive.
Place clips at intervals of 10 to 12 inches and take care to avoid denting the metal roofing panels. Depending on the underlayment, select the number of screws to avoid splitting the board.
After the first panel is snapped into place, follow it up with the other panels while pushing each panel as far up as you can before locking it into place. It’s best to use a rubber mallet to thump the panels into place than using your hands. Repeat the process until all sides of the building are covered.
Installing Ridge Caps
Never install a ridge vent system on a low slope roof as the risk of water seeping through is high. The same goes for ridge caps which should keep your metal roofing installation waterproof and secure.
After all z-bars are in place, you are ready for the ridge cap to be installed. Bend it into shape, align it with the panels on both sides, and hook the locks into the opposing z-bars before crimping on the ridge cap itself. Apply caulking where the connection with other pieces will be, without using screws. This will make the seal watertight.
Hopefully this short guide is of some value with your metal roofing installation.
Remember that this is not a ‘how to’ guide and that you are responsible for any risks you take, consequences you experience, or injuries you sustain due to lack of care and safety. Do not rely on this information for anything except general information about the topic of metal roofing installation and contact a professional contractor for specific advice about roofing your home or building.
Metal Roof Cost Estimate
How To Profit From Getting Them Right
Knowing the correct method to do a metal roof estimate can give you a comfortable lifestyle as a roof estimator, pulling in a five- or six-figure income annually.
But what’s shocking is that some of these so-called professionals are not doing a good job of it.
It is important to learn the essentials about doing a metal roof estimate in order to appreciate and evaluate whether other estimates you get from contractors are right. It often helps to run some calculations on your own.
The fundamentals of a metal roof estimate are simple and easy to understand. Once you have learned how to assess roof difficulty and computer the area to be roofed in squares, you’ll quickly be able to arrive at a fair estimate.
Why Take The Trouble of Doing a Metal Roof Estimate?
Roof repair and replacement is expensive and budgets typically run to a few thousand dollars. Making mistakes in the estimate can cause serious overspends. Just making a wrong estimate by a few squares can leave a dent in your pocketbook from your roofing budget.
That’s one of the major reasons you are better off seeking professional help. But that’s also where things become disappointing.
When the supposedly expert pros are really unskilled folks who simply go through the motions, the consequences are unpleasant and costly for the helpless home owner. If you do not grasp the essential facts of a metal roof estimate, then you are letting yourself be led by unscrupulous manipulators who will cost you dearly.
Talk to any experienced roof estimator who does metal roof estimate work as a job and you’ll no doubt hear some horror stories. Some instances of rival estimators making an incorrect assessment about basics like area to be roofed has ended up costing the home owner a few extra thousand dollars – because the roof estimate didn’t count squares correctly.
In Metal Roof Estimates, Mistakes Cost Money
Where the estimate of roofing costs depends so intimately upon the area that needs to be covered, a mistake in computing this area is almost criminal. And costly, often very costly, to the home owner.
In some cases, the overrun may be several thousand dollars. With metal roof estimates, this risk is higher because the upfront expense of installing a metal roof is higher than that of other types of roofing. As compared with asphalt shingle roofing an error in metal roof estimate can lead to up to spending thrice as much on your project.
But even that isn’t as important as the basic premise of needing accuracy in measuring roof area.
No matter what kind of roof type you install, precise measurements are compulsory. Professional who know how costly this can be should be doubly cautious. Being off in your metal roof estimate by a mere 5 squares can lead to the home owner paying $5,000 more for a new metal roof.
Then you will have to add the fee of the roofer and the cost of buying extra materials. Suppose, the estimator offers a number that is about 4 squares more than actual roof area, then you will be paying for extra materials to the tune of $4000 dollars which is again a big waste.
With the right information and knowledge you will be better equipped to make your own estimations. If and when the professional makes a mistake with your knowledge on roof estimating you will be able to ask them re-verify it. This also prevents your falling prey to cheating contractors.
Not everyone of can maintain calm when under pressure.
If there is leaking roof and your interiors are getting spoiled all we can think of is how to rectify the problem. During this period anyone can take you for a ride if you don’t keep a clear head. You might not even cross-check any metal roof estimate you are presented with. But actually, it is at times like this that you have to double your guard and use your knowledge to check all the measurements.
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Roofing Squares
An important aspect to be remembered when measuring for roofs is to understand what a roofing square means.
The materials for roofs are sold in terms of roofing square. One roof square is 100 square feet in our day-to-day terms.
If all the roofs were designed with simple squares or rectangles then measuring and making metal roof estimate would be so much easier. But, we have to often deal with dormers, skylights, domes, turrets, arches and sloping roofs.
With a little bit of high school maths and some specific roof measurement multipliers we should be able to make accurate roof measurements.
It’s pretty complex, in a sense. Uninformed home owners can be led astray. That’s why every owner should learn the basics of doing a metal roof estimate.
Is Metal Roof Cost Really Higher Than Other Options?
It’s a widely accepted fact that the metal roof cost is high.
But what isn’t given so much prominence is the reality that, when contrasted against other types of roofing, metal roofing cost is actually lower over the lifespan of your roof.
Metal roofing materials are expensive. Installation is specialized and takes longer. Both these factors are responsible for the higher metal roofing cost.
But even if metal roofs are costlier than asphalt shingle and other conventional types of roofing, the overall expense for roofing is equivalent to tile or cedar shake roofs. Metal roofing has the advantage of being longer lasting, often outliving the building and definitely longer than shake or tile roofs.
In addition, metal roofing is more energy efficient. Home owners who chose to have metal roofing installed are enjoying 20% reductions in their energy consumption expenses. Metal roofing reflects ambient sunlight and heat, keeping the roof cool and lowering the energy expenditure for air conditioning.
Metal roofing also enhances the overall value of a building for the long term. When it comes time to resell or flip the property, your metal roof cost actually is revealed as the investment it is – because the return on your property is far higher with a metal roof on it.
Your metal roof will more than pay for itself.
Metal roofs are not just energy efficient and value enhancing in their impact. Metal roofs require little if any maintenance for many years, saving costs on repair and replacement. They provide secure and reliable protection, preventing damage to wood from water or weather extremes.
All of these factors lower your roof cost over time, and is the reason why metal roofing cost is really lesser than alternative options over time.
What are the factors that impact your metal roof cost?
The initial cost of metal roof installation is certainly more than for other types of roofing. But as compared with premium roofing options like slate or wood shake roofing, metal roofing shows up as being advantageous in many ways.
How does this apply? To see why, you must take a closer look at other alternatives to metal roofing.
How Metal Roofing Insulation Can Significantly Lower Your Energy Costs?
Metal roofing insulation is achieved by many different ways. While some are better than others, you will save money on energy costs regardless of which metal roofing insulation system you use.
One of the better styles of metal roofing insulation is to use Low-E Reflective Insulation.
Why is this a better system?
Primarily because the Low-E reflective method of insulation saves more energy expenses. The insulation material has a lower R value, but that isn’t by itself a major advantage. What matters more is that over 95% of the radiant heat is reflected away from your building by this insulation material.
The nicer part is that any heat from within your building is similarly reflected back inside, saving you heating or cooling expenses. Low-E keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Quite a few householders have claimed a lowering of energy bills by 20% to 30% after using this metal roofing insulation system.
The reflective insulation material has a thin layer of polythene that is sheeted between two layers of 99% aluminium. The insulating material has a Class A fire rating, which adds further protection to the building. By reflecting away heat, this adds to your building’s R value as well. This helps save on energy consumption to cool or warm up a room.
Most metal roofing insulation is made up of fiber glass. This acts to store heat, soaking up heat from within the building and then releasing it back when the temperature drops. Think of it like a battery that stores power only to gradually radiate it back into the room.
Insulation material of all kinds reduces the circulation of hot air within any room. But this lack of free movement of air itself creates a problem when the saturation point is reached. This is when your radiation system breaks down and releases stored heat back into the room.
To make up for this extra heat, your air conditioning systems consume more power to work harder.
But by adding Low-E Reflective metal roofing insulation, you’ll be able to prevent the heat from reaching the fiber glass layer itself. That heat will get reflected back into the room, or kept outside it. That way, the fiber glass material doesn’t get heated, and so the amount of heat radiated back into the building is less.
Insulated metal roofing attacks the problem at the most effective level.
The roof is one of the areas of your building most prone to radiate back heat or lose it through the extensive surface area. By insulation your roof well, you can enjoy a much cooler home. Lesser use of air conditioning saves you money on energy bills.
You can install metal roofing insulation in different ways. In one method, the insulating material is laid under plywood or ASB substrate. In another, the Low-E material is draped between rafters, and below a metal roofing that is laid above it. The third method is to apply tab insulation once the roofing construction is finished.
Metal roofing insulation can be a complex and controversial topic unless you do your research well and correctly identify systems that will reduce heat transfer in and out of your home and save you money on heating and cooling energy consumption.
