The Complete Guide to Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are less expensive to maintain than standard asphalt shingle roofs and could save you cash on cooling bills in the long run. This metal roofing guide delves into the most common kinds of roofs and their associated costs.

The decision to build a metal roof on your house is a huge financial investment, especially when compared to materials such as asphalt composite shingles. Nonetheless, there are other compelling reasons to change, including metal roofing’s longer lifespans and value.

You’ll need to plan correctly, but many householders discover that metal roofing provides a good ROI and lasts approximately two to three times as long as a typical roof.

In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of metal roofs and the pricing of several varieties of metal construction materials and assist you in determining whether the metal roof is perfect for your house.

metal roofing

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    What Is Metal Roofing?

    Metal roofing is long-lasting, and you can find it in residences, barns, garages, apartments, ranches, townhomes, commercial establishments, and townhomes. It covers the house and structure from rain, wind, snow, hail, fire, and ice. Metal materials come in a variety of forms, including:

    • Zinc
    • Copper
    • Aluminum
    • Steel
    • Tin

    Steel roofing comes in three varieties: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steel. Galvanized steel contains zinc, which offers a protective barrier and prevents rusting.

    Galvalume comprises aluminum and zinc to prevent corrosion and reinforce the material. Low-carbon steel, known as “weathering steel,” goes through a particular procedure to increase its corrosion resistance. 

    When compared to galvanized steel, it is less expensive. However, its application is restricted because it isn’t suitable for high-chlorine settings or wet weather.

    Copper has been used for millennia as a construction material because of its persisting ability for centuries in controlled circumstances and its high durability. Because copper is softer than most other materials, it has been one of the quietest. During intense rainfall or hail, it will not generate any loud noises.

    Benefits of Metal Roofing

    Homeowners prefer metal roofing, and even contractors recommend it since it is cheaper and much more corrosion-resistant. It can survive for years with only occasional maintenance before it needs replacement. You can find out more about the advantages of metal roofing below:

    Longevity: When properly maintained and when you’ve chosen the proper roofing material, your roof can survive for even more than 50 years, as opposed to shingles and other roof materials that last about 10-20 years.

    Durability: In regions with harsh weather, metal roofing is ideal. It is perfect for hurricane-prone areas because it can withstand winds up to 140 mph.

    Easy maintenance: Simple roof maintenance tasks such as clearing the gutters and collecting leaves, branches, and other debris can be completed yearly or in the wake of bad weather.

    Eco-friendly: Metal is among the most recyclable things, and roofing materials, unlike shingles in landfills, are 100% recyclable. Since metal roofs don’t need replacement as often, they are better for the environment.

    Improves home resale value: A correctly constructed metal roofing system assures that the next home buyer will not have to deal with reinstallation, leaks, mildew, or molds in the property because the roof is sturdy and will last for years.

    Energy-efficient: Metal roofs reflect light and deflect heat away from a home or structure, minimizing the metal roof cost of the cooling system. There is also UV-blocking paint available on the market.

    Fire and weather-resistant: Metal roofing is popular because of its longevity and resistance to weather. The metal roof can withstand fire and smoke. It is resistant to storms, intense heat, and hurricanes and can even provide additional protection in wildfires.

    How Much Does Installing a Metal Roof Cost?

    The cost of a metal roofing system is substantially higher when compared to an asphalt-shingled rooftop. However, regarding the persistence of a metal rooftop, the overall price of constructing and maintaining it is significantly lower than the cost of replacing the entire roof every 15 to 19 years.

    Here are a few prevalent metal roof materials and their purchase and building expenses. The total costs are determined based on a 1,700-square-foot average American roof size.

    Aluminum Shingles

    If you reside close to the seaside, an aluminum roofing system is a fantastic choice because it is durable against corrosion and seawater damage. 

    Because aluminum is a relatively simple material to deal with, construction costs are cheap, and you can have this kind of shingle placed for around $9 to $16.50 per square foot for a total metal roof cost of $15,500 to $28,000. It’s also reasonably priced, with shingles costing from $3.15 to $6 per square foot.

    Aluminum’s look is a drawback because it dents and doesn’t generally age well. It contracts and expands faster than other metals typically used for roofing, causing wear and creaking noises as temperatures vary.

    Copper Tiles Roof

    Copper roofing is highly resistant and light and is among the most aesthetically appealing metal roof tile solutions. It is among the most expensive roofing materials, ranging from $14 to $25 per sq foot. A new copper roof ranges in price from $21 and $39.70 per square foot or between $35,700 to $67,500 for a 1,700-sq-foot roof.

    Corrugated Metal

    The corrugated metal roofing system is one of the most affordable metal roofing materials, yet, it is not as long-lasting as other ceiling materials. Corrugated metal panels look like waves, and because the grooves in each wave fit together perfectly, they are easy to put up. 

    The panels can also readily expand and contract in response to temperature changes, and they’re light enough to be placed over a current roof.

    Although workers use numerous metals to make corrugated panels, galvanized steel and a less expensive variant known as galvalume are the most prevalent. 

    The raw materials for these metal panels range around $1 to $2.50 per sq foot, somewhere between $5.50 to $11.50 when combined with metal roof installation fees. Metal roofing costs range from $9,350 to $19,500 for a 1,700-sq-foot roof.

    Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels

    The standing seam metal roof is a roofing panel instead of material; therefore, you can buy these panels in various metals. Its raised ribs cover the connection between the panels, giving these panels a vertically ribbed look. Many of these roof panels can be snappable together, while others need special metal caps to hold the pieces together.

    One advantage of not having exposed fixed pieces is that fasteners are not subject to weathering, wind, moisture, or other stressors that can cause them to fail over time. Furthermore, standing seam metal roof panels’ ribs and special locking mechanisms enable them to expand and compress as temperatures change.

    Regarding relative metal cost, steel and aluminum standing seam panels are usually substantially less expensive than zinc and copper panels. The panels may cost around $4 to $6.50 per sq foot, depending on the material. Metal roof installation and materials can cost $10 to $17.65 per sq foot, costing $17,000 to $30,000.

    Steel Tiles and Shingles 

    Steel roofing comes in a variety of styles. Because of its stability and durability, galvanized steel, which has a zinc coating to prevent corrosion, is the preferred material. Galvalume, an aluminum-covered steel, is a less costly alternative. 

    The most expensive option is stainless steel, an uncommon but eye-catching material. The Chrysler Building, for instance, has a stainless-steel top.

    You can spend around $75 to $250 on a 100-square-foot Galvalume panel, which installs for roughly $5.50 per sq foot.

    Galvanized steel costs around $3.35 to $4.25 per sq foot, and supplies plus installation cost anywhere from $10 per sq foot, to $17,000 and $25,000 overall. 

    Stainless steel is quite expensive, costing between $10 and $16 per sq foot for supplies and around $15.50 per sq foot for metal roof installation.

    Tin

    A tin roof often consists of terne, a steel core covered with tin alloy. It isn’t as famous as the other metals, though it’s long-lasting and corrosion-resistant. Tin can be colored or left to create a gray patina, a layer formed by oxidation over time.

    Moreover, tin panels vary in price depending on the model, but several start at $3.50 and can go up to $14. A tin roof can cost between $17,000 to $31,450, including installation.

    Zinc

    It would be best if you considered zinc for a high-quality metal roof that is more lasting than aluminum and slightly less expensive than copper. Zinc can completely resist corrosion, and because of its self-healing layer that covers scrapes and scratches, it can live up to 150 years and needs little to no care.

    Furthermore, zinc panels range between $6 and $10 per square ft. However, installation expenses can range between $12 and $18 per square ft, for a sum between $30,400 and $47,600.

    Metal roof expenses are comparable to timber shake or slate tile rooftops, but metal is more substantial and lasting. Furthermore, metal roofs are more expensive to install than asphalt shingles, but they last significantly longer and give significant energy cost savings. Before deciding, compare your overall budget to the cost required to maintain various roofing materials.

    Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about a metal roofing system or wish to discuss a metal roof repair. If you’re looking for metal roofing near me, we are delighted to assist in Columbia, SC!

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