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Homeowners always worry about how much will it cost to make big improvements. One of those upgrades is represented by changing the roof. Roofing comes in many different types, one of the most popular being metal roofing. The first question that pops into people’s mind is how much does a metal roof cost, but this question doesn’t have a very direct answer. You will have to analyze factors such as size, condition, and the features you want to be included.
Each roof can be personalized according to the client’s needs and requirements. Contractors will ultimately determine what type of roofing you need exactly, what materials will be required for having it done and other similar factors. Reading this article should help you figure out how much does a metal roof cost on average and what are the aspects that can influence the final price.
What Advantages Does Metal Roofing Have?
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Before stepping into the details related to budget, let’s figure out what are the benefits of metal roofing. People change their existing roof from obvious causes like structural integrity issues, weather damage, or simply aging. Metal roofing, when compared to other types of shingles, offer protection and energetic efficiency. Installing a metal roof over an existent flat/gabled roof gets your home extra protection and saves you from spending money on removing the existing roofing.
As the main benefit, metal roofing can resist for a lifetime if installed correctly from the very beginning. Metal shingles come in a simple, elegant appearance that would fit any design style. They keep the house cool during summer while also helping with saving on energy bills. The cost can be reduced to up to 40% each year, so even though the initial investment is indeed higher, the final cost for metal roofing is great for the long run.
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If you are paying for homeowners’ insurance, you will be happy to hear that installing metal roofing on your home will lead to a less expensive premium. The costs usually drop by 30-35% for those who opt for metal shingles unlike cedar shakes or other types of roofs. Metal roofing does not encourage fire hazards, so it is recommended for areas where this is a dangerous aspect.
Metal roofing has it all – good looks, appropriate price, life-long resistance, and the list doesn’t stop here. The advantages definitely overcome the disadvantages, so you’d better find out how much does a metal roof cost and get straight to business.
How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost?
The average cost of metal roofing starts at $6 and goes up to $15 per square foot. The cost will be highly influenced by the type of roofing you choose, as well as the dimensions of your house. It is a wide pricing range because it can be influenced by a series of factors that you’ll need to analyze closely. A metal shingle roof will average anywhere between $7 and $11 for each installed square foot.
The Average Cost
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The average cost of an entire roof replacement with metal shingles is around $11,100 while the minimum cost doesn’t go over $7,000. Depending on the sizes and shingles used, the maximum cost can go up to $30,000. Even though, how much does a metal roof cost is highly affected by what materials you select.
Metal Roof Cost Based on Material
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A roofing project’s cost is dictated by materials like panels, flashings, underlayment, and other accessories or miscellaneous items that may be needed for completing the metal roof installation. In this sense, you should take into account the following: the quality of metal used makes the cost per square foot range from $2 to $15. Aluminum shingles will cost more than steel ones, but less than copper or zinc roofing panels. It is recommended to calculate roofing materials with included waste and overage.
Metal Roof Cost with Labor Expenses Added
After putting together the materials needed and figured out how much does a metal roof cost based on it, you’ll have to focus on labor expenses. Unless you know how to install roofs yourself, the labor cost will add up to $3 to $12 per square foot to the final price. The average cost paid is $5 per square foot. Taking into account the average roof sizes, the final price of labor expense only could range anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000.
Designing and Additional Cost Factors
Image source: Smith & Vansant Architects PC
You will also need a design to determine the final look of your metal roof. For that, most homeowners have their roof plan done beforehand. Planning the roof installation is highly important because otherwise, it would be much more challenging for the contractor to put together the job, thus raising the labor cost.
A regular roof usually has one pitch, but depending on your house there can be up to three. These pitches can be low, medium or high ones, rising more and more every 12 inches. Without a proper design plan, they can be problematic and time-consuming.
Moreover, a design plan can cut costs if it makes the job simpler through minimal design and exact details. An elaborate plan can have the inverse effect and increase the cost, but this is the choice of the homeowner. The more valleys, pipes, chimneys or other roof elements the plan has, the longer it will take to finish the project and the more expensive it will be.
Besides proper planning, additional costs might be involved in the project. New metal roofing might require removing the old roof, which can add up to $1,500 to the final cost. Materials will have to be brought over and sent back – these can be ensured by the contractor, but if they are not, you’ll have to arrange hauling employees and materials as well. Don’t forget to add taxes and insurance to the costs.
Why Is Metal Roofing More Expensive Than Asphalt Roofing?
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Metal roofing is of higher quality and longer lasting than asphalt roofing. In contrast, asphalt roofing doesn’t require such an expensive installation, as it can be put together by workers with less skill and expertise. With metal roofing, special equipment, as well as expertise, are required for proper installation.
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A metal roof costs more because it generally lasts a lifetime (most warranties are 50+ years), while asphalt roofing lasts for around 20-25 years and impose replacement. Metal roofing is maintenance-free while asphalt roofing might involve upkeep costs. For harsher weather conditions, metal roofing is definitely recommended over asphalt roofing that can suffer damage from extreme temperature changes.
So… How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost?
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As you may notice yourself, figuring out how much does a metal roof cost beforehand is pretty difficult because of the myriad of aspects that can influence the final cost. The average costs might give you an idea of how much money you should save for this upgrade, but you’ll only have an exact cost once you decide what type of metal roofing you want, what contractor you will work with, dimensions, design and so on. The best part is that once you go for metal roofing, you won’t have to worry about making this upgrade ever again.
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