A metal roof is an expensive option compared to asphalt shingles or other types of shingle roofing. However, a metal roofing's greater longevity and value are only two of many good arguments in favor of making a move. Spending wisely is essential, but many homeowners have found that metal roofing offers a fantastic return on investment and lasts twice as long as a conventional roof.

To help you determine whether a metal roof is a correct choice for your home, we've broken down the advantages of metal roofs as well as the prices of various metal roofing materials.

Advantages of Using Metal for Roofing

Even though you may identify metal roofing with storage buildings like barns and sheds, the quest for long-lasting and environmentally friendly roofing materials has driven many homeowners to investigate the advantages of installing a metal roof. The following are some of the primary advantages of choosing metal roofing.

1. Greater Longevity and Durability0

Metal roofing is appealing to homeowners because of its expected endurance. Traditional roofs have a lifetime of between 15 and 30 years, as any homeowner who has had to replace shingle after shingle made of asphalt can tell you. However, metal roofs often survive for up to half a century.

Metal roofs are also susceptible to dents, albeit it usually takes a lot of force to do so. Asphalt shingles, in comparison, may be torn or damaged with far less effort.

2. Ease of Cleaning

The typical metal roof can be cleaned considerably more quickly than one with shingles. Unlike asphalt shingles, which may develop moss and algae that must be carefully wiped off, they hold up well to a simple pressure washing.

3. Environmentalism and Low Energy Consumption

Many homeowners now emphasize efficiency as a method of saving money and preserving the environment from the broader environmental consequences of heating and cooling their houses. Many metal roofs include between 30 and 60 percent scrap metal since metal is so easily recycled. Due to their longevity, they need less frequent replacement than asphalt shingles, which are thrown away as they get worn or damaged.

Most metal roofs are reflective, so they deflect the sun's rays and keep the inside of the building cooler for less money. Special paint may be applied to any metal to filter harmful UV rays, even those that aren't reflective. A metal roof may save your annual cooling costs by as much as 30 percent, according to most estimates.

4. Increased Marketability

Potential homebuyers may be ready to pay a premium for a residence that does not need a roof replacement in the near future. Metal roofing may provide a return on investment of 60% to 85%, depending on location and style. You may raise your home's value and resale appeal with a new metal roof.

5. Resistance to Fire and Weather

Metal is far more resilient than asphalt shingles to the effects of extreme weather, such as hail, strong winds, and major storms. Metal, instead, is very resistant to fire and smoke damage, making it a good choice for areas prone to wildfires.

What Is The Average Price Of A Metal Roof?

Metal roofing systems often have a larger initial investment than asphalt shingle roofs. When compared to the expense of a complete roof replacement every 15–20 years, the cost of installing and maintaining a metal roof is far more manageable.

Find out how much it will set you back to buy and install some of the most popular types of metal roofing below. The average cost is based on a roof area of 1,700 square feet, which is the size of the typical American home roof.

1. Aluminum Shingles

Aluminum roofing is sturdy against corrosion and seawater damage, making it a popular option for coastal areas. The shingles alone may be purchased for $3.15 to $6 per square foot, making it a cheap alternative. Because aluminum is a forgiving material, its installation is inexpensive; you can have this shingle set up for anywhere from $9 to $16.50 per square foot or around $15,500 to $28,000 altogether.

Aluminum doesn't hold up well over time and is easily dented, so it doesn't have the best aesthetics. It may produce wear and tear on the roof and creaking noises when temperatures change since it expands and contracts more than other metals often used for roofing.

2. Copper Tiles

Copper roofing is not only very strong and lightweight but also one of the most visually appealing choices for metal roof tiles. However, it costs anything from $14 to $25 per square foot. A new copper roof may cost anything from $21 to $39.70 per square foot or $35,700 to $67,500 for a roof that's 1,700 square feet in size.

3. Corrugated Metal

Although it is very inexpensive, corrugated metal roofing is not as long-lasting as other metal roofing options. Installing corrugated metal panels is a breeze due to the panels' wave-like design and interlocking grooves. The panels are lightweight, may be put over an existing roof, and can expand and shrink with the weather.

Corrugated sheets may be constructed from many different metals, but the most prevalent ones have galvanized steel and a cheaper variant called Galvalume. The raw components for these metal panels cost between $1 and $2.50 per square foot, with the total cost per square foot ranging between $5.50 and $11.50. Metal roofing may cost you between $9,350 and $19,500 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

4. Standing Seam Panels

Since "standing seam" refers to a kind of roofing panel rather than a specific material, you may get it in a wide variety of metals. These panels seem like they're ribbed vertically, with the fastening hidden by the protruding ribs. While some of the panels may be assembled with a simple snap, others will need the use of metal caps.

When there are no exposed fixed pieces, the fasteners are protected from the elements and other forces that might otherwise cause them to deteriorate over time. Standing seam panels also adapt to varying temperatures because of their ribs and unique locking mechanisms.

Materials such as aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc are often used for standing seam construction. The cost per square foot of the panels ranges from $4 to $6.50, depending on the material you choose. Including the cost of materials and labor, the price per square foot is between $10 - $17.65 or $17,000 - $30,000. Standing seam panels made of aluminum or steel often cost significantly less than copper or zinc panels, so keep that in mind.

5. Steel Shingles and Tiles

Steel roofing comes in a variety of typical styles. Zinc coating on steel prevents corrosion, making galvanized steel a popular material. Galvalume, an aluminum coating applied to steel, is an affordable substitute. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is an unusual yet eye-catching option, as shown by the fact that the Chrysler Building has a stainless steel roof.

Galvalume panels may be installed for around $5.50 per square foot, with expenses ranging from $75 to $250 for a 100-square-foot panel. A more costly option, galvanized steel costs between $3.35 and $4.25 per square foot, with the entire cost of materials and labor coming to about $10 per square foot, or $17,000 to $25,000. The cost of materials for stainless steel is $10 to $16 per square foot, and the cost of installation might add an additional $15.50 per square foot.

6. Tin

The standard roofing material for a tin roof is terne, which consists of a steel core covered with a tin alloy. It's not as widely used as some other metals, but it's strong and resistant to corrosion. Paint may be applied on the tin or left uncoated and allowed to patina to a gray color over time.

Depending on the specific product, the cost of tin panels might range from $3.50 to $14. A tin roof, including labor, may cost anywhere from $10 per square foot to $18.50 per square foot or $17,000 to $31,450.

7. Zinc

Zinc is a superior metal roofing material to both aluminum and copper. Due to its self-healing layer, which conceals scratches and scrapes, it may endure up to 150 years with little care. As long as the zinc is correctly sealed on the bottom of the shingles or panels, it will not corrode.

Prices range from $6 to $10 per square foot for zinc panels. A professional installation, however, may cost an additional $12 - $18 per square foot, for a grand total of $30,400 - $47,600.

Is It a Good Investment to Get a Metal Roof?

Metal roofing has a higher initial investment than asphalt composite shingles, but it lasts far longer and significantly saves energy bills over time. While metal roofs are more expensive than other options like oak shakes or slate tiles, they last far longer and are much more affordable. Before making a final decision, weigh your present financial resources against the ongoing costs of maintaining alternative roofing materials.

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A List of Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you tell me the disadvantages of metal roofs?

Some individuals don't like how metal looks, which is a disadvantage to metal roofing. In addition, metal roofs are significantly more challenging to install or repair on your own, making professional roofing services a near certainty. The high cost is another major disadvantage of a metal roof.

2. Does a metal roof interfere with a mobile phone's signal?

No. Location, the distance between your house and a utility tower, adverse weather, and the quality of your mobile phone service provider is the most common causes of a weak signal.

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3. Does metal roofing hold up well during hurricanes?

Yes. Most metal roofing materials are guaranteed to withstand winds of up to 140 mph and come with warranties.