Putting up a roof on a new construction consumes a large portion of the total construction budget. Replacing an old roof is a home improvement that requires significant financial resources. So, how much does a metal roof cost? Whether it is a new or old roof, metal is ideal because, after the initial installation, you will not spend money on repairs and maintenance.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? Find Out From Our Cost Calculator
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What is the area of the house?
You can get the area from the distance on the long side of the house (length) multiplied by the distance on the short side (width). You measure the area in feet.
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How many stories?
All the rooms in a single-story house are on one level. Rooms in a double-story house are on two floors.
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What is the slope of your roof?
A roof can be steep, moderate, or low. A steep slope rises 1 foot (12 inches) for each horizontal foot. A medium slope rises a half-foot (6 inches) against each horizontal foot.
The cost calculator excludes costs arising from:
- Replacing damaged roofing systems
- Replacing broken roofing structures
- Taxes and permits
- Geographic location
- Quality of different brands of materials
Factors That Affect Prices of Metal Roofing
The price of your metal roof will depend on the following:
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Substrate
The price of roofing materials depends on the demand and supply of raw materials, and their production cost. Galvanized Steel and Aluminum offer the highest value for your money, which increases their popularity in residential application. Copper, Zinc, and Stainless Steel are exotic, but expensive.
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Location and roof design
Depending on the physical location and structure, roofing contractors will classify a roof as either difficult or easy. Is the roof walkable? Is there a need for special installation equipment? Are there features that may extend the installation time? Are there special permits or taxes required? All these affect the cost of your roof.
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Panel design
Panels are available in two designs. Interlocking panels are elaborately structured, have an intense formation process, and they occupy more space during shipping. They also have a four-side interlock which gives them better quality. All these features make interlocking panels more costly than overlapping panels.
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Underlayment
An underlayment is an essential form of protection from harsh weather. A breathable synthetic membrane is often used when re-roofing over asphalt. However, for a new roof, you will need a shield against ice and water that costs about five times more than a breathable synthetic membrane.
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Finish
Also referred to as coating, finish determines your roof’s lifespan. Finishes based on Polyester paint are cheap and economical, but their lifespan is limited. On the contrary, Polyvinylidene Flouride or PVDF finish is often considered the metal roofing gold standard. It is durable, adhesive, and resistant to chalking and fading.
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Stripping and disposal
The cost of stripping and disposing of the old roof is an additional cost to that of the new metal roof. If you opt to use a lightweight material to re-roof, you may eliminate the cost of removing and disposing the old roof. It is essential to get advice from a roofing expert and to check the building code in your province for weight restrictions for roofing structures.
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Labor costs
Most roofing companies hire subcontractors for the installation. Expert contractors charge more because they carry WSIB premiums and liability insurance. They also have competent project managers, and they conduct training programs. Their project managers recommend proper installation, insulation, and water management.
Pros of metal roofing
Compared to alternative materials, metal offers the most benefits. These include:
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Durability
Metal roofs last long when installed appropriately. They are resistant to damage from falling objects, and they do not rot, warp, chip, crack, or split. Zinc and copper last for more than 100 years while steel and aluminum last for over 50 years. Metal roofs also come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 30 – 50 years and a contractor’s warranty.
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Reduced costs
You can install metal roofing over an existing roof. Therefore, you will not incur expenses in stripping your old roof. Also, the lightweight roofing also does not exert pressure on the rafters and trusses. Additionally, once you install it, your metal roof needs minimal maintenance.
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Resistance to the elements
Metal roofs can withstand severe weather. They are suitable in areas susceptible to earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. They protect your house from leaks because they do not build up snow or ice. This resistance to the elements makes metal roofs energy efficient. They can reduce heating costs by 15% and cooling costs by 40%. Also, copper and steel are resistant to fire.
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Green roof solutions
Metal is an eco-friendly roofing material. Metal roofing panels have no petroleum by-products, 30-60% of their content is recycled, and they are fully recyclable after use. Using this green roofing material makes you eligible to receive tax credits.
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Return on investment
Metal roofing provides the highest return on your investment because it is durable, low maintenance, and energy efficient. You can recoup your costs because a metal roof increases your property’s resale value.
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Many style options
Metal roofs are available in numerous styles including vertical panels, corrugated and ribbed panels, interlocking shingles, and steel, stone-coated tiles. They are also available in premium, standard, and customized color options.
Common Myths About Metal Roofing
Below are some of the most common misconceptions about metal roofing and the facts to discredit them.
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Myth: Metal roofing rusts
Metal roofs only rust if they are left exposed without a galvanized protective coating or some other form of protection. The coating is usually part of the new roof estimates provided by the cost calculator.
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Myth: Metal roofs are heavy
Metal roofing is 50 – 75% lighter than alternative roofing materials.
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Myth: Metal roofing is noisy
Metal roofing is not louder than other types of roofing. They are combined with sound-absorbing underlayment during installation to make your house quieter.
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Myth: Metal roofing gets hot
All roofing materials get hot under the sun. However, metal coating is produced in cooling colors that reflect solar heat away from your home.
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Myth: Metal roofing dents underfoot
If the support is well installed, you can walk on your metal roof without it buckling. However, moisture makes metal slippery.
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Myth: Metal roofs attract lightning
Metal roofing is not prone to lightning strikes any more than other roofing materials are. However, it is safer because it will not ignite in the unlikely event of a lightning strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a metal roof cost compared to different roofing materials?
Metal roofing is the most economical option. The initial installation costs more than that of asphalt, but you later save money. You can install your metal roof on the existing roof, and eliminate the cost of removing the old roof. Metal is durable, stylish, and comes with extended warranties with no need for repair and replacement.
How much does metal roofing outlast ordinary roofing materials?
Asphalt shingles start wearing out immediately they are put up. Their lifespan ranges from 8 to 12 years depending on how pitched your roof is and the climatic conditions. Shakes, tiles, and wood shingles all experience deterioration from exposure to weather. Concrete tiles warp and crack due to the freeze and thaw process. On the contrary, metal roofs are unaffected by weather, do not decay, and maintain their integrity and beauty for decades.
Is metal roofing environmentally friendly?
Metal is a green roofing product. With a metal roof, you do not need to remove the old shingle. Also, metal roofing is produced from recycled material, and it is 100% recyclable.
Can a metal roof withstand hail?
Metal roofs are designed to withstand severe weather. They are guaranteed not to chip, dent, or leak under the impact of hail. This resistance might earn you discounted homeowners insurance premiums.
Is rain loud on metal roofing?
No. Metal roofs are combined with an underlayment that absorbs sound from the rain. Your house may even be quieter than it would be under other roofing materials.
Can I walk on my metal roof?
Yes. A metal roof is strong enough and will not dent under your weight. However, wet conditions make metal slippery.
Is a metal roof fire-resistant?
Metal is highly resistant to fire. It has a Class A ranking, the best rating in fire resistance for roofing materials. Even if embers fall on it, your metal roof will not combust.
Why buy my roofing products from Top Metal Roofs?
Our self-ventilated roofs are the most efficient, and the 4-inch overlap on our sheets is the largest in North America. Our roofing materials come in a wide range of colors and styles that our highly skilled installation crew will install on any roof design. We produce steel sheets with seven protective layers and coated with baked polymer – not with Acrylic painting or PVC.
There are many metal roofing options; how do I manage my choices?
We are ready to help. Our team of consultants will explain all the available options depending on your project type, the architecture of your roof, and your budget without compromising on quality. We will professionally recommend the best products to use and answer all your questions.
Contact a Metal Roofing Expert
Now that you are more informed about the numerous benefits of metal roofing, your primary concern may be; how much does a metal roof cost? We will help you come up with an accurate estimate of your metal roofing costs. Talk to us by calling 647-470-7161. We will install a quality, long-lasting metal roof for any architectural design.