No matter the metal roofing costs, this material is quickly becoming a popular option for homes and businesses due to its lighter weight, durability, fire resistance, and overall style. A metal roof is often light enough to install over your structure’s existing roof, reducing your costs for a new roof installation, and metal often holds up better against strong winds and hail than asphalt shingles and roof tiles.
The national average
for a residential metal roof varies from $6000 to over $20,000, depending on
the metal chosen, size of roof, and labor costs. Most metal roofing costs are
figured per square foot, often ranging from $120 to $500/square foot.
Metal roofing costs are often higher than many other choices
for residential and commercial roofing, although metal is an excellent long-term
investment for a home or business. Metal roofing lasts for decades if not
indefinitely, so a commercial or residential metal roof might be the last roof
you ever need to purchase! To ensure you make the best choice for your roof
replacement needs, note some vital information about metal roofing including
its advantages over other materials, as well as some signs that it’s time for
you to start shopping for a new roof altogether.
Despite Metal Roofing Costs, It Might Be the Best Residential Roofing Material
While every residential roofing material has its pros and
cons, there are many reasons why metal might be the best residential roofing
material for your home. Note some advantages of metal roofing and why its costs
are a good investment for your home:
The expected lifespan of a metal roof typically
starts at 50 or 60 years, while some metal roofs might last indefinitely! In
turn, you might never need to buy another roof for your home or commercial
business when you invest in a high-quality metal roof installation.
Metal is one of the most durable roof
replacement options, resisting damage due to high winds, heavy rains, and hail.
Metal roofing is also less likely to blow away in a storm than individual
asphalt shingles.
Metal won’t combust if struck by lightning as
might asphalt or wood shingles, making it an excellent choice in areas prone to
lighting storms. The fire resistance of metal also makes it preferable for
commercial structures with high fire risks, such as production facilities and
restaurant kitchens.
Many metal roofing sheets are comprised of at
least 25% recycled or reclaimed materials, and metal roofing is typically 100%
recyclable at the end of its lifespan. While asphalt shingles and other
materials are also typically recyclable, this process might require lots of
heat and processing that produces fumes and emissions. Metal, on the other
hand, can be cut and fabricated quite easily, reducing the pollution created
during recycling.
While metal roofing prices are typically a bit
higher than asphalt shingles and other such materials, metal might offer the
best insulating properties for a home or commercial structure. Not only will
your interior be more comfortable under a metal roof but you might find that
your utility costs are typically lower when you invest in a metal roof.
Most manufacturers offer a wide variety of metal
roof colors from which to choose, so that you can improve your home’s curb
appeal in an instant with metal roofing. You might opt for a deep red color or
a soft black to offset a white home, or a slate gray shade to blend well with
your home’s modern design. Shades of light blue and off-white also reflect
light, keeping a house cool and comfortable!
The lighter weight of metal allows it to be
installed easily on your structure’s current roof, if allowed by local building
codes. Lightweight metal roofing is also an excellent choice for older homes
and commercial structures that might not be stable enough to support heavier
asphalt shingles and other roofing materials.
Metal roofing is easy to clean and needs little
to no maintenance. A professional pressure washer makes quick work of washing
away leaves, twigs, storm residues, bird droppings, and the like without the
risk of dislodging shingles and tiles, so that even an older metal roof looks
like new in an instant!
Do Metal Roofs Add
Value to Your Home?
Only a real estate agent in your area can note which
residential roofing materials add value to your home and how much of an
increase you might expect, but some experts note that adding a metal roof to
your home might increase its value anywhere from 1% to 6% overall. You might
also expect to recoup some 85% or more of your metal roofing costs in terms of
increased property values.
If you should decide to put your home on the real estate
market, note that the durability and longevity of a metal roof is often
appreciated by potential homebuyers who know that they might never need to
replace a metal roof throughout the lifetime of home ownership! Also, failing
to make necessary roof repairs can decrease property values; as a metal roof
rarely needs repairs over the years, choosing a new metal roof protects your
home’s value, reducing the risk of a decrease in value due to a poor-quality
roof.
How Do You Choose a
New Metal Roof?
Steel is an excellent option for homeowners and business
owners. Steel is durable, completely recyclable and very affordable! Aluminum
resists rust and corrosion naturally, making it a preferred choice for coastal
regions and areas with lots of rainfall or high humidity levels. Aluminum is
also extremely lightweight, so it’s sometimes preferred for layering a new
metal roof over an existing roof.
Copper is very durable and attractive but might be one of
the most costly choices for a new metal roof. Copper is also rare and valuable,
making it an attractive material for potential thieves! Consider this risk if
you are thinking of investing in a new copper roof for your home or business.
Zinc is also resistant to corrosion and very durable. Zinc
is also affordable and has a low melting point, making it an excellent choice
for homes and businesses in areas prone to lightning strikes, brushfires, and
other such hazards.
How Do You Know When
You Need a New Roof Installation?
If you ever suspect that you need a new roof installation for any reason, it’s vital that you call a roof repair company near you as quickly as possible so they can perform a full roof inspection. Only a roofing repair contractor can note if your structure’s roof needs repairs and the extent of any damage, but note some signs that also indicate you might need repairs to a roof:
Shingles become curled, buckled, or otherwise misshapen over time and due to sun exposure and exposure to severe weather conditions. These damaged shingles are at increased risk for coming loose from the roof and also allow for water leaks inside your home or business.
Clogged gutters allow water to seep onto the edge of a home’s roof which then causes shingles to buckle and curl. If you notice curled shingles just around the roof’s eaves, have the roof inspected for repairs and ensure the gutters are free of clogs and in good condition.
Dry and brittle shingles tend to lose their surface granules, and these then wind up in gutters or around a building’s foundation. If you notice granules and other such particles around your property, have the roof inspected for repairs or plan a new roof installation altogether!
A structure’s roof is a vital part of its overall insulation. If your home or office seems drafty or stuffy or if your utility bills seem to spike all of a sudden, the roof might be damaged and in need of repairs or replacement.
When a structure’s roof looks dingy and dirty, it might simply need a good power washing to remove layers of mud, soot, acid rain residues, and the like. However, if you have your home’s roof or the roof of your commercial structure washed professionally and it still shows dark spots, dirty areas, oily residues, and other such discoloration and stains, this might indicate damage to the shingles or tiles or the need for a new roof installation.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having a roof inspection performed when a roof nears the end of its expected lifespan! Asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and other such materials are very durable but not indestructible and they do tend to get brittle, water damaged, or otherwise need replacing after so many years. If you’re not sure the age of your roof, a qualified roofing company near you can typically examine shingles and tiles and note their overall wear and tear and when you should expect to have them replaced.
Related Questions
Can a metal roof be
installed over shingles?
A roofing company near you might be able to install a metal
roof over shingles, depending on the condition of your home’s framework and
current roof. Note, too, that local building codes might restrict the number of
roofing layers allowed for a home or business in your area.
Can you qualify for a
tax credit for a new residential roof?
Only an accountant can tell you if your new metal roofing
cost will be offset by a tax advantage in your area, but note that many
homeowners are eligible for a rebate or tax credit when they invest in a new
energy-efficient roof.
