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 a move. Metal roofing requires a larger initial expenditure, but it lasts twice as long as a standard roof and offers an excellent return on investment, so it's a popular choice among homeowners.

To help you determine whether a metal roof is ideal for your home, we've outlined the advantages of metal roofing and the prices associated with many standard metal roofing options.

What Metal Roofing Can Do For You

Metal roofs are often associated with outbuildings like garages and barns. Still, in recent years, more and more people have been looking into them for their homes due to their durability and energy efficiency. One of the best reasons to choose metal roofing is its many advantages.

1. Greater Longevity and Durability

Metal roofing appeals to homeowners for many reasons, but durability ranks high among them. Any homeowner who has had to replace shingle after asphalt shingle knows that traditional roofs have a lifespan of between 15 and 30 years. But metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years with normal care.

And while metal roofs aren't indestructible, dents can be worked out with enough force. By contrast, it takes much less energy to tear or damage asphalt shingles.

2. Ease of Cleaning

Metal roofs are often considerably simpler to maintain than asphalt shingles. They stand up well to a simple pressure washing, whereas asphalt shingles can grow moss and algae that must be carefully washed off.

3. Ecological Friendliness and Low Energy Consumption

Homeowners are beginning to prioritize efficiency to save money and protect the environment as they learn more about the far-reaching impacts of heating and cooling their homes. Metal is a highly recyclable material, with many metal roofs being built of roughly 30%–60% recycled metal. Their high durability also means they don't need to be replaced as often, whereas torn and damaged asphalt shingles end up in landfill.

On top of that, most metal roofs are reflective, which deflects the sun's rays and keep the interior cooler. Even non-reflective metal can be treated with special paint that blocks UV rays. A metal roof can reduce your annual cooling costs by as much as 30 percent, according to most estimates.

4. Improved Resale Value

Those looking to purchase a new home may be willing to pay more for a house with a roof they won't have to replace soon. Depending on where you live and the type of metal roofing you select, you could see a 60%–85% return on your total costs. Not to mention, a new metal roof could improve your home's curb appeal and increase its resale value.

5. Weather and Fire Resistance

Unlike asphalt shingles, metal can withstand the wrath of hail, high winds, and heavy storms. Alternatively, metal resists fire and smoke damage exceptionally well if you live somewhere prone to wildfires.

What Is The Average Price Of A Metal Roof?

Generally, the upfront cost of a metal roof is much higher than that of a roof containing asphalt shingles. However, considering a metal roof's endurance, the overall cost of installing and maintaining it is far cheaper than having a whole roof replacement every 15 to 20 years.

Here are some of the most prevalent metal roofing materials and how much they cost to buy and install. The overall prices are calculated for the average American roof size of 1,700 square feet.

1. Aluminum Shingles

Aluminum roofing is a good choice if you live near the ocean, as it's resistant to corrosion and saltwater damage. It's also relatively inexpensive, costing between $3.15 and $6 per square foot for the shingles alone. Since aluminum is a relatively easy material to work with, installation costs are relatively low—you can have this type of shingle installed for between $9 and $16.50 per square foot, which is about $15,500 to $28,000 total.

The downside of aluminum is its appearance, as it doesn't tend to age well and dents relatively quickly. As temperatures fluctuate, it can cause wear and creaking sounds on the roof because it expands and contracts more than other metals typically used for roofing.

2. Copper Tiles

Not only is copper roofing highly durable and lightweight, but it's one of the most appealing alternatives for metal roof tiles. However, it's among the most expensive roofing materials, costing $14 to $25 per square foot. The total cost for a new copper roof is around $21 to $39.70 per square foot, which is about $35,700 to $67,500 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

3. Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal roofing is one of the least expensive metal roofing materials, but it's not as durable as other materials. Corrugated metal panels have a wave-like appearance that allows for simple installation because the grooves of each wave fit together seamlessly. The panels can also quickly expand and contract under changing temperatures, and they're lightweight and can be installed over an existing roof.

Although many types of metal can be made into corrugated sheets, galvanized steel or a less expensive alternative called Galvalume are the most common. These metal panels cost between $1 and $2.50 per square foot for the basic materials or between $5.50 and $11.50 for supplies and installation expenses. For a 1,700-square-foot roof, the total metal roofing costs come from about $9,350 to $19,500.

4. Standard Seam Panels

Standing seam is a type of roofing panel rather than a material, so you can purchase these roofing panels made out of several different metals. These panels have a vertically ribbed appearance, with the raised ribs concealing the fastening between the panels. Some of these panels can simply be snap-locked together, but others require special metal caps to fasten the pieces in place.

One benefit of having no exposed fastened parts is that the fasteners aren't subject to weathering, moisture, wind, or other stresses that can break them down over time. Additionally, the ribs and unique locking mechanisms of standing seam panels allow them to expand and contract as temperatures change.

Typical standing seam materials include aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. The panels range from $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, depending on the material you select. Materials plus installation will cost you about $10 to $17.65 per square foot, or $17,000 to $30,000. Keep relative metal costs in mind as well: aluminum and steel standing seam panels typically cost much less than copper and zinc panels.

5. Steel Shingles and Tiles

There are several common types of steel roofing. Coated with zinc to deter corrosion, Galvanized steel is a popular choice for its strength and durability. Galvalume, an aluminum coating on steel, is a more affordable option. On the high end of the scale is stainless steel, which is a rare but striking choice—the Chrysler Building, for example, is roofed with stainless steel.

A 100-square-foot Galvalume panel costs between $75 and $250 and installs for a total of about $5.50 per square foot. Galvanized steel, which is a bit more expensive, runs about $3.35 to $4.25 per square foot, and materials plus installation come out to about $10 per square foot, or $17,000 to $25,000 total. Stainless steel is quite a bit more expensive at $10 to $16 per square foot for materials and as much as $15.50 more per square foot for installation.

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6. Tin

A tin roof is usually made of a product called terne, which is a steel core coated with a tin alloy. It's not as popular a choice as other metals, but it's durable and highly corrosion-resistant. Tin can be painted any color or left to patina naturally to a gray color.

Tin panels' prices range from as low as $3.50 to as high as $14, depending on the product. The cost of a tin roof, including installation, can range from $10 to $18.50 per square foot, costing about $17,000 to $31,450.

7. Zinc

Zinc is an excellent option if you're looking for a metal roof because it outlasts aluminum and is less expensive than copper. It can last up to 150 years and requires little to no maintenance due to its self-healing coating that covers scratches and scrapes. As long as the underside of the shingles or panels is appropriately sealed, zinc can resist corrosion entirely.

Pricing per square foot for zinc panels ranges from $6 to $10. However, the installation costs can add another $12 - $18 per square foot, for a grand total of $30,400 - $47,600.

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Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

Metal roofs have a higher initial investment than asphalt composite shingles, but they last considerably longer and save homeowners money on energy bills over the long run. Metal roof costs are comparable to roofs made of wooden shakes or slate tiles, but metal is sturdier and more durable. Before making your pick, compare your current budget versus the budget required to maintain different roofing materials.