Whether we like it or not, there will come a day when it’s time to replace our roof. The question is whether you should replace it with shingles or add more protection and value by choosing a new metal roof.
The popularity of metal roofs has increased over the last decade. That’s because the cost and complexity of installing a metal roof have decreased significantly in the past few years. Today, fifteen percent of all roofing installations are metal.
If you’re like many of our clients, you’re probably wondering about the cost comparison between shingles and metal roofs. Typically it’s about 3 times what an asphalt shingle would run you. If your shingle roof costs $20,000, a metal roof would run around $60,000. Yes, it could vary depending on the type of metal roofing you want.
With all the different metal materials we understand that there is a lot of information out here. We also know it can be overwhelming.
So, our family at rcharrisplumbing.com wants to help you by sharing our 30 years of experience installing metal roofs on homes for our clients in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
In this article, we will cover the 3 most popular types of residential metal roofing, the styles of metal roofing available, and the average cost for the 3 most popular types of metal. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have the information you need to make a well-informed decision for your home.
Let’s dive right in!
Choosing Your Ideal Metal Roof: Key Factors to Consider
When reviewing metal roofing options, we’ve learned several key factors usually come into play during the metal roof consideration process. Below are important factors that you’ll want to consider:
- Budget
- Longevity
- Durability
- Wind resistance
- Maintenance
- Tree coverage
- Energy efficiency
- Desired curb appeal
Over the past 20 years, metal roofing has become one of the most desired roofs. Metal roofing was popular in the early 1900s. Even with its recent reemergence of popularity, you won’t find many houses in neighborhoods with metal roofs.
But why?
We attribute this to the upfront costs of metal.
You can expect to pay double and up to three times more for a metal roof than you’d pay for asphalt shingles. In some cases, metal can even cost four or five times the cost of a standard shingle roof. The cost will vary depending on the metal type, the panel profile, and the installation method.
To get a realistic idea of cost, you’ll need to understand the different factors first. Then you will be able to choose the roof type for your needs. Aluminum, steel, and galvalume are the 3 most popular types of residential metal roofing. Feel free to use our pricing calculator tool below, it’s cost-free!
Exploring Aluminum Roofing: Lightweight and Corrosion-Resistant
Aluminum roofing is one of the natural energy-efficient metal roof materials available. Because it’s highly reflective, fire-resistant, and non-corrosive. So, if you live on or near saltwater this would be a great choice for metal roofing material because it won’t rust.
Aluminum roofing comes in different thicknesses. Typically on residential homes, we will install .032, .040, or .050 mil thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the aluminum roofing. Thicknesses of .032 and .040 are the most popular on residential installations..
Aluminum comes in a mill finish or with a paint finish. Mill-finish aluminum provides a raw metal look and it will oxidize into a natural metal finish. It comes in a wide variety of paint colors too. Most of the paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty with some manufacturers offering a 45-year paint finish warranty.
The Durability of Steel Roofing: A Popular Choice
Steel roofing is the most popular material used for residential installations. Steel roofing is galvanized steel hot-dipped and coated in a zinc coating. Steel costs less than aluminum and can be as effective and efficient.
The steel most widely used for roofing is 24 gauge, 26 gauge, and 29 gauge. 29 gauge is used in agricultural panels. Don’t get fooled, unlike aluminum, the lower the number the thicker the steel roofing. 24 gauge is the best residential steel roofing.
Because steel is a corrosive metal, steel roofing requires a paint finish. Paint finish warranties range from 20 years to 45 years. Depending on the thickness, type of panel, and metal roofing manufacturer you choose.
Steel roofing can be a cost-effective option if your property is NOT within a mile of the salt water.
It offers a wider range of prices depending on which profile you want, the thickness of the metal, and the paint warranty.
Galvalume Roofing: Combining Aluminum and Steel Advantages
Galvalume roofing is a steel core coated with aluminum to prevent corrosion. Galvalume is similar to steel roofing and comes in the same thicknesses, 24 gauge, 26 gauge, or 29 gauge. It’s also available in all 4 of the different panel profiles.
The difference with galvalume, it comes as a mill-finish metal. So, if you desire a painted finish you’ll want to choose the aluminum or steel roof. This makes it slightly less expensive and easier to install. The painted materials can get scratched during installation if not handled carefully. It’s also a great option to use around saltwater.
Different Styles of Metal Roofing: Aesthetic and Functional Choices
There are 3 styles or profiles of metal you can choose from. They provide architectural options to get the best style for your home. The styles include:
- Screw-down or exposed fastener in a multi-rib or 5-V crimp profile.
- Shingle style, in slate, wood, or Spanish tile profiles.
- Standing seam in a snap-lock or mechanical locking profile.
Let’s look closer at the individual styles
Exploring Screw-Down Metal Roofs: A Study in Strength and Simplicity
A screw-down metal roof or exposed fastener roofing was originally designed for agricultural use. Yes, if you’re thinking barns, you’d be correct.
A screw-down roof will give you the look and feel of a metal roof. However, the exposed fastener installation method requires fewer man hours and less skill to install. This decreases labor costs.
Because of thermal movement in metal. (expansion and contraction) The screw-down or exposed fastener roofs will require maintenance typically between the 5 and 10-year mark.
Metal Shingles: Combining Traditional Aesthetics with Modern Durability
Metal shingles are another popular option. They come in a variety of colors and styles. The styles simulate other products such as real slate, real wood, and Spanish or flat tile roofing.
They’ll provide a unique and one-of-a-kind look for your house. They also come in many colors. Most metal shingles manufacturers offer 50-year warranties for their products.
Standing Seam Metal Roof: The Pinnacle of Sleek, Seamless Roofing Design
Standing seam metal is the most popular style of roofing installed on residential houses. Unlike the screw-down roof system, there is little to no roof maintenance needed for a standing seam roof. You can expect longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and the highest wind protection.
A standing seam roof is one of the best roofs around, period. In fact, it may be the top roof investment available for any homeowner. You’ll get a roof that will provide unmatched protection during a hurricane or severe weather event. It’ll last for years, you can expect 50+ years.
Average Cost and Lifespan of Metal Roofing
Average Cost of the Different Styles:
Screw-down or exposed fastener metal roof average cost is between $18,500 and $33,000
Metal shingle roof average cost is between $28,000 and $44,500
Steel standing seam roof average cost is between $31,500 and $48,000
Aluminum standing seam roof average cost is between $36,500 and $55,000
Average lifespan of the Different Styles:
Screw-down or exposed fasteners can be expected to last 20 to 25 years
Standing seam or shingle profile in steel can be expected to last 40 to 50 years
Standing seam in galvalume can be expected to last 50+ years
Standing seam or shingle profile in an aluminum can be expected to last 50 to 75+ years
Color Choices in Metal Roofing: Finding Your Perfect Hue with Warranty Assurance
As you can see, metal comes in a wide variety of colors. You should be able to find the perfect shade color for your home. All painted metal will come with a manufacturer’s paint warranty. These warranties are pre-determined by each of the manufacturers through research and studies.
The expected lifespan above is based on the paint warranties and the type of metal used.
These are realistic lifespans we’ve seen achieved.
Conclusion: Making the Right Metal Roofing Choice
Now that you have a better understanding of metal roof cost, the expected lifespans of different metals, and the maintenance required you’re ready to speak with a local metal roofing contractor.
Looking to learn more or get an exact price for a metal roof?
If you live in the Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina area, and you’d like to speak with one of our metal roofing estimators. You can schedule your inspection below.
Look, over the past 3 decades, our family at rcharrisplumbing.com has helped thousands of homeowners choose the right metal roof. We’d love to use our experience to help you pick and get the perfect metal roof for your home. Click the button above to schedule your inspection.
We’ve also put together a hiring checklist for your convenience it will help you when interviewing potential metal roof contractors in your area. The checklist has some frequently asked questions along with the right answers. So you’ll know what to expect when meeting metal roofing contractors.
