The Cost of Metal Roofing – Invest Your Money Instead of Spending Them!

There are different ways of buying things: some acquisitions can be considered investments, while others are simply ways of spending your hard earned money!

You probably know that metal roofing is the most expensive roofing system available nowadays. However, instead of being discouraged by this statement, let’s analyze the situation a little deeper:

If you acquire an asphalt shingle roof, it will last maximum 25 years (with the condition that it is maintained properly and repaired as often as necessary). Generally, asphalt roofs are estimated to last from 12 to 17 years. Their durability depends a lot on the climate of your area. Extreme summer heat, rains and snows, hails and tornadoes are usually severely damaging the asphalt shingles. The more extreme weather conditions you have in your area, the more often you’ll have to replace the shingles.

Metal roofing, on the other hand, has a warranty of at least 50 years. Copper roofs can last up to 100 years. They are extremely durable, weather and fire resistant, lightweight, energy efficient (many roofing materials are Energy Star rated), they need minimum maintenance and they also increase the value of your property. Besides these practical considerations, metal roofing is also extremely good looking, elegant and stylish. Modern manufacturers offer their clients a wide range of attractive metal roofing colors (paints and finishes) to choose from. If you install a metal roof, it will probably be the last roof you’ll ever have to buy!

Now, let’s compare the prices and then do a little logical math.

There are many factors that determine the actual cost of a roof: the total area, the roof pitch, the materials used, the installation (a good installation is as important as the quality of the materials) and so on. Still, let’s try to clarify the picture and compare the approximate prices.

Generally, a metal roof is approximately three times more expensive than a traditional asphalt roof. You can expect to pay around $10.000 for a medium-sized asphalt shingle roof. A metal roof, in comparison, will cost around $30.000. Why such a high price? The contractors usually calculate the price of a metal roof per square foot. They take the total area of the roof plus the needed roof pitch. The price for 1 square foot can vary between $3 and $5, with an average of $4.50. A roof with an area of 6.500 square feet will consequently cost $29.250.

Now let’s look at the bigger picture and see the difference between spending and investing your money. If, for example, an asphalt roof cost you $9.500, you should expect to replace it at least once in 15 years. This means that in 30 years you’ll spend $19.000, in 45 years – $28.500, in 70 years – $38.000. This is a minimum average that does not include all the repairs required because of the weather, fire, insects, corrosion and decay related damages. It also does not include all the troubles, the time and the difficulties involved in replacing a roof.

A metal roof, on the other hand, is a one-time investment. After paying the average of $25.000 – $30.000 for the roof and its installation, all you’ll have to do is paint the roof once in 5-10 years (depending on the quality of the paint and your desire to refresh your exterior design). A light metal roofing color will also reduce your cooling expenses if you live in a warm environment.  If you compare the prices on the long run, you can see that metal roofs are much more economical and hassle-free!

The cost of the metal roof also depends on the type of metal. G-90 galvanized steel (a steel sheet with a zinc coating), galvalume steel (steel coated with a combination of aluminum and zinc, for an increased protection against corrosion), stone coated steel, aluminum and copper are the main types of materials used in metal roofing. Copper is considered the most expensive roofing material.

The cost can also vary depending on the roofing panels: depending on your needs and your aesthetic purposes as well as the purpose of the building (residential or commercial), you can choose between metal shingles and standing seem roofing.

A smart shopper will ask everything in advance, before actually buying a new roof. You should be aware that the price of the roof and its installment vary from one location to another (not to mention the difference of cost between various manufacturers, contractors and installers).

A refined design, solid structures, longevity, strength, sophistication, permanence, endurance, security and countless available metal roofing colors – these are only a few of the benefits of a good metal roof. Be smart – invest your money wisely instead of simply spending them!