Metal Roof Cost vs Shingle Cost | Prices by Roof Material
Choosing the right roofing material for your home is a crucial decision. The type of roof you select not only protects your home from the elements but also significantly impacts your property's aesthetic appeal and resale value. Two of the most popular roofing options today are metal roofs and asphalt shingles. This article provides an in-depth comparison between the two, discussing their costs, benefits, drawbacks, and factors to consider when choosing between them.
Understanding Roofing Costs
Installing a new roof or replacing your roof is expensive, so it's essential to understand the differences between metal and shingle roofing, plus the underlying costs of roof replacement. Whether you choose to install a metal roof or whether a shingle roof is right for you, this guide helps you narrow down the best options. When comparing shingle and metal roof cost, it's essential to understand the variables that affect the overall price of roof replacement. The costs of materials can vary widely based on several factors:
Material: Different materials have different material costs, with metal typically being more expensive than asphalt roof shingles.
Installation: The complexity of the installation process can significantly impact the overall cost. Metal roofs usually require specialized skills for installation, making them pricier than shingles.
Size and Pitch of the Roof: The size and slope of your roof can also affect the installation cost. Larger and steeper roofs require more materials and labor, hence are more expensive to cover.
Existing Roof Removal: If your existing roof needs to be removed before installing the new roof, this will add to the total cost.
Location: Geographic location can influence the cost due to variations in labor rates and material availability.
Cost of a Metal Roof Explained
Metal roofs are known for their durability, long lifespan, and energy efficiency. However, they come with a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingles. On average, a metal roof costs between $5 to $16 per square foot installed. This price can vary depending on the metal roof's composition, the complexity of the installation, and whether your old roof needs to be removed.
Breakdown of Metal Roof Costs: By Roof Material Type & Cost Per Square Foot
Here's a detailed breakdown of how much each type of metal roof panels cost per square foot, including installation:
Standing Seam: $8 - $21
Aluminum: $7 - $17
Copper: $13 - $30
Corrugated Metal: $5 - $12
Galvanized Steel: $5 - $13
Galvalume Metal: $5 - $13
Rusted (Corten): $6 - $11
Stainless Steel: $10 - $21
Tin (Terne): $6 - $18
Zinc: $10 - $20
It's worth noting that while metal panel roofs have a higher initial cost, they offer long-term savings due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Metal Roofing Types Explained
Cutting Corrugated Metal Roof Panels
Standing Seam
Standing seam metal roofs have many key benefits. First, they are highly durable and can resist extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and snow. Second, they have a long lifespan, often lasting 50 years or more. Third, they require minimal maintenance, saving homeowners time and money. Additionally, standing seam metal roofs are energy-efficient, reflect sunlight, and can help reduce heating and cooling costs. Overall, they are a smart investment for any homeowner.
Aluminum
Aluminum roofing offers several key benefits. Firstly, it is extremely durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 50 years. Secondly, it is lightweight, which makes it an easier roof installation, and cheaper to install compared to other materials. Another advantage is its resistance to rust and corrosion, making it a low-maintenance option. Additionally, aluminum roofing is energy-efficient, reflecting heat and reducing cooling costs. Lastly, it is environmentally friendly, as it can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan.
Copper
Copper roofing offers several key benefits. Firstly, it has a long lifespan, with some copper roofs lasting for well over a century. Additionally, it is resistant to corrosion and requires minimal maintenance. Copper also has excellent thermal properties, helping to keep a building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Lastly, copper roofs develop a beautiful patina over time, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any structure.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated roofing offers several key benefits. It is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to harsh weather conditions. It can also withstand high winds and is fire-resistant. Additionally, corrugated metal roofing is low maintenance, as it does not require frequent repairs or replacements. It is also an environmentally friendly choice, as it can be recycled and is energy-efficient. Overall, this roofing type is a cost-effective and reliable option for residential and commercial buildings.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel roofing offers several key benefits. Firstly, it is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. Additionally, it is resistant to corrosion, which can prolong its lifespan and save on maintenance costs. Galvanized steel also provides excellent thermal properties, helping to regulate the temperature inside the building and potentially reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, it is a sustainable option as steel is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Galvalume Metal
Galvalume roofing offers several key benefits. First, it is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for areas where there is frequent exposure to moisture or salt air. Additionally, galvalume metal roofing has a long lifespan and is low maintenance, saving homeowners money in the long run. It is also lightweight and easy to install, reducing labor costs. Lastly, galvalume metal roofing is energy efficient and reflective, helping to reduce cooling costs in hot climates.
Rusted Corten
Rusted Corten roofing offers several key benefits. Firstly, its unique rusted appearance adds an aesthetic appeal to any building. Secondly, this type of metal roofing is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow. Moreover, Corten metal roofing requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective choice. Lastly, it is environmentally friendly, as Corten metal is recyclable and can be reused for other purposes.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel roofing offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it is highly durable and long-lasting, ensuring it will withstand harsh weather conditions for many years. Secondly, stainless steel roofs are highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and fire, making them a safe and reliable option for homeowners. Moreover, they are lightweight and easy to install, reducing labor costs. Lastly, stainless steel metal roofs are low-maintenance, requiring minimal repairs and offering long-term cost savings.
Tin (Tern)
Tin roofing offers several key benefits, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Firstly, tin roofs have high durability and can last for several decades with minimal maintenance. Secondly, tin is a lightweight material, making it easier to install and reducing the strain on the building's structure. Additionally, tin is resistant to fire, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions such as hail and strong winds. Overall, tin metal roofing provides long-lasting protection for homes.
Zinc
One of the key benefits of zinc roofing is its long lifespan. Zinc roofs can last up to 100 years, making them a long-term investment for homeowners. Additionally, zinc is highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions without deteriorating. This durability also means that zinc roofs require very little maintenance, saving homeowners time and money in the long run. Finally, zinc is a sustainable and eco-friendly material, as it is fully recyclable and requires minimal energy to produce. Overall, zinc metal roofing offers homeowners a durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly roofing option.
Cost of Asphalt Shingle Roofs Explained
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for residential roofs due to their affordability and ease of installation. The average cost of an asphalt roof ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot installed, making it significantly cheaper than metal roofing upfront.
Architectural Shingles On a New Home
Breakdown of Asphalt Shingle Roof Costs: By Roof Material Type & Cost Per Square Foot
Here's a detailed breakdown of the cost per square foot installed for different types of shingle roofs:
Asphalt Composition or 3-Tab: $3 - $5
Architectural/Dimensional: $4 - $6
Luxury/Premium Asphalt: $6 - $7
While shingle roofs are cheaper initially, they have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance than metal roofs.
Asphalt Shingle Types Explained
Contractor Installing 3-Tab Shingles
Asphalt Composition 3-Tab
3-Tab roofing offers several key benefits. Firstly, it is a cost-effective option compared to other roofing materials. Secondly, it provides excellent durability, with the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist damage from fire and UV rays. Additionally, it offers a wide range of styles and colors, allowing homeowners to choose a roofing option that complements the aesthetics of their home. Lastly, 3-Tab roofing is relatively easy to install and maintain, making it a convenient choice for homeowners.
Architectural
Architectural shingle roofing offers numerous benefits for homeowners. Firstly, it provides enhanced durability and longevity compared to traditional 3-tab shingles. These shingles are designed to resist harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. Moreover, architectural shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to customize their roof's appearance. Additionally, they add dimension and depth to the overall aesthetic of the house, improving its curb appeal and potentially increasing its resale value.
Luxury Asphalt
Luxury asphalt shingles offer numerous benefits for homeowners. Firstly, it provides a luxurious and stylish appearance to the house, enhancing its curb appeal. Secondly, it is highly durable and weather-resistant, offering protection against harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds. Additionally, luxury shingles are also energy-efficient, helping homeowners save on their energy bills. With their wide range of colors and styles, luxury shingle roofs offer a practical and visually appealing option for any home.
Metal Roof vs Shingles Cost Comparison Factors
When considering a new asphalt roof or a metal roof, besides cost, there are key differences worth considering to make an informed decision for this important home improvement. We'll explain those key considerations next:
Comparing Lifespans: Metal Roof vs Shingle
The lifespan of your roof is a critical factor to consider when weighing the cost of metal roof vs shingle. On average, metal roofs can last between 30 to 80 years, with some types like copper even lasting up to 100 years. On the other hand, shingle roofs have a lifespan of approximately 15 to 30 years. This significant difference in lifespan can greatly affect the long-term costs of your roof.
Energy Efficiency Comparison
In terms of energy efficiency, metal roofs take the lead. Metal roofs are highly reflective, blocking heat transmission to the inside of your home. This can significantly reduce your cooling costs during the warmer months. In contrast, asphalt tends to absorb heat, which can increase your home's cooling needs.
Resale Value: Homes with Metal Roofs or Asphalt Roofs
When it comes to increasing your home's resale value, residential metal roofing typically offers a higher return on investment, thanks to their durability, longevity, and energy-saving benefits. Homes with new metal roofs can see an increase in resale value between 1 to 6 percent compared to homes with asphalt shingle roofs.
Maintenance and Durability: Metal and Shingle
Is Your Roof Resistant to Weather Damage?
Metal roofs are more durable and require less maintenance than shingle roofs and are more resistant to weather damage (less money spent on roof repairs). They can withstand high winds, heavy snow, and are not prone to algae or mold growth. However, hazards like hurricane debris can dent a metal roof or worse. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are more susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions and require regular maintenance to prevent issues such as algae and mold growth. However, this type of roof is more affordable.
Installation Considerations: Impact the Cost of Your Roof
The installation process for metal roofs tend to be more complex and require specialized skills, leading to higher labor costs. In contrast, asphalt shingles are easier and quicker to install, which can lead to lower labor costs. However, fewer roofing contractors are equipped to install metal roofs, which can limit your options.
Environmental Impact & Benefits of Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are more eco-friendly than asphalt shingles. They are often made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. In contrast, asphalt shingles are petroleum-based and can only be recycled into certain products, contributing to landfill waste.
Asphalt Shingles Cost Less, But That's Not All To Consider
When deciding between a metal roof and shingles, consider factors such as your budget, the climate you live in, your home's architectural style, and your long-term plans for the property. Each roofing material has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, whether you opt for a metal roof or shingles, make sure to hire a professional roofing contractor with experience in your chosen material. A properly installed and maintained roof can protect your home for decades to come.