Does Metal Roofing Cost More? Really?

That metal roofing cost is higher is widely known and accepted. What isn’t so well known is that, when compared against the long term cost of other roofing alternatives, metal roofing cost is actually lesser over the lifetime of a building. The difference in cost of metal roofing is because of the materials themselves being costlier and the need for special skills in installation. Metal roofs take twice to thrice as long to install, leading to higher labor costs as well.

Even though metal roofs tend to be more expensive than conventional asphalt shingle roofs, the overall cost is in the same range as it would take for a tile or wood shake roof. And metal roofing will usually outlive the building, lasting far longer than shake or tile roofing. Not only that, metal roofing cost must factor in several other advantages such as higher energy efficiency.

Most home owners who install metal roofs have enjoyed 20% cost savings by way of cooling cost. Metal roofs reflect heat and radiation, keeping the building cooler naturally. Also, a metal roof enhances the value of any building for many years, adding to the resale value at the time of disposal. This means a metal roof pays for itself in time.

In addition to the energy efficiency and value enhancing benefits of metal roofing, they also add value by way of being practically zero-maintenance and providing reliable protection for the building which prevents damage due to water or extreme weather. When you consider how all these benefits will reduce your expenses over time, metal roofing cost is lesser than other options in the long run.

What Impacts Metal Roofing Cost?

The initial expense of installing a metal roof may be higher than other options. But when you compare it against other premium roofing solutions, metal roofing stands out as the most desirable solution.

How does that happen? To understand, let’s take a closer look at the available premium roofing options.

Initial metal roofing cost is comparable with shake and tile roofing. Natural slate roofs can actually be 3 times higher than a metal roof. Slate roofing is state of art and the longest lasting solution, which makes it approach the cost of having a copper roof done. But slate and copper roofing are the highest premium roofing options. How about others more widely used, such as aluminum, galvalume and steel roofs?

The cost of these lesser priced metal roofing systems are close to tile or cedar shake roofs. So, what value you get from this cost determines which choice is better.

Cedar shake roofs last for 20 to 25 years. Metal roofs, when installed by a professional and made of good quality material, can easily last 50 years or longer. Tile roofs have similar longevity, with the significant disadvantage of being much heavier and often needing modifications to the roofing frame before installation. Metal roofing is of lighter weight and does not require any special reinforcement of the roofing frame.

Metal roofs reflect radiation and sunlight. This lowers heating of the building and reduces cooling costs. In a world of energy scarcity and dwindling levels of petroleum based fuels, this is a significant advantage. Also, being environment friendly appeals to many home owners who are considering a metal roof for that reason.

Metal roofing cost estimates must take into consideration all these factors. It is not merely about computing the total expense for materials and labor. A well installed metal roof has the lowest life-cycle cost of any roofing alternative. Being durable and long lasting means the home owner has no hassle related to repairs and replacement for many years. Asphalt shingle roofs need replacing every 20 years or so.

Metal roofing not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of your building but also enhances the resale value of the home. It is a visual symbol of a caring home owner who wants only the best for the building, making it an attractive investment option for a prospective buyer. The initial steep metal roofing cost is thus offset in many ways over time.

How Else Can Metal Roofing Cost Be Offset?

For one, insurance premiums on your building will be lower when you install metal roofing. In Texas, your insurance premium on the building drops by 35% when you have a metal roof. And in some states, you may be eligible for a government tax credit if your metal roof qualifies to meet the standards.

But the most convincing way to see how your cost with metal roofing will be offset is to do a direct comparison against other solutions. Let’s say you’re thinking of a new roof and decide to get a less expensive asphalt shingle roof laid.

At around $350 per square, you’ll spend close to $3,500 for a 10 square home when you add materials and labor for roofing. If this lasts 15 years before needing repairs, you’ll spend nothing extra until then. At this point, you may have a leaky roof repaired, spending around $1,000. This may last 2 more years, after which you’ll be forced to replace the roof – again spending $3,500 (if not more, as the cost goes up over time).

If you project this out to 35 years, your total cost for the 10 square home in roofing and repairs alone works out to – $12,500

Now contrast this against having a metal roof in the first place. At a price of $700 per square, you’ll spend $7,000 for your shiny new roof upfront. You’ll save money on energy costs, know that the value of your building went up by around $5,000 because of this decision, and will have no repair or replacement worries for the next 50 years.

At the end of 35 years, your expense is still at $7,000 – and the value keeps on rising, because you’re saving money all the while on energy expenses.

Do you still think metal roofing cost is higher? Really?

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