Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for new homes all over the country. They look good, work good, but are they more or less expensive than a normal shingle roof? Here is what the professionals at Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors have to say about metal roofs.
How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost?
Cost of a Metal Roof
Like most things, the cost of a metal roof can vary depending on how large your home is, the type of roof metal you choose, and many other factors. With the current economy, one square foot of metal for your roof is going to cost anywhere from $5 to $15 depending on the type of roof you are to pick. Sheets of metal roof material are normally sold in “squares,” which are 100 square feet. So, if you know the total square feet of your roof, you should be able to figure out a general idea of how much a metal roof is going to be for your house.
Breakdown of Metal Roofing
At Ridgeline, we offer a number of different styles of metal roof so that you can find the perfect fit for your home. No matter what you are looking for, we will be sure to find the right metal roof for you. There are a number of different styles that we offer, including shingle and slate, tile, shake, vertical panels, and standing seam.
Shingles and Slate
This is the most traditional look you are going to get if you want a metal roof with a classic look. Your metal roof will look like normal shingles when really it is a solid metal roof. This is a very expensive type of metal roof, but it is going to give you a great look while also offering a very safe home. Shingles and slate metal roofs are also very heavy because of the amount of metal used to make this look. When installing you may have to reinforce some of your roof if you are in an older, less sturdy home.
Tile
Metal tile roofs are the types of roof that you would see if you were in Arizona and see the red clay roofs. This is what tile is created to look like, but it is going to be fully metal instead of clay or concrete. One added benefit of using metal to create this look instead of clay is the weight difference. Where clay or concrete is going to be very heavy, the tile metal is going to be much lighter on your roof.
Shake
A shake metal roof is made to look exactly like a beautiful cedar roof that you see on some houses. Instead of cedar, you can go with a more modern take on it and use shake on your home if you like this look. You will never have to worry about the cedar cracking or splitting, because your roof is going to be fully metal. If you don’t want to replace your cedar roof year after year, shake might be the perfect solution.
Vertical Panels
Vertical panels are going to be the look that you think of when you are thinking about a metal roof. It is going to look like many different vertical pieces when really it is a couple larger pieces. Vertical panels are available in a number of different patterns as well as colors that you can choose from to find the perfect fit for your house.
Standing Seam
Standing seam metal roofs are the roofs that are designed to last a lifetime and then some. These are the top notch roofs that everyone wants to have but may not be able to afford. Standing seam is going to be made of the highest quality material and will be sure to make your roof pop. Each piece of standing seam is going to be smaller and individually screwed into the roof as opposed to having fewer large pieces.
What Type of Metal Will Be Used?
For the most part, a metal roof is going to be made of steel, aluminum, or copper. Steel roofs are normally going to have to be coated in zinc, which is going to help it hold up and allow it to last longer for your home. Aluminum typically does not need another coat of zinc, but it will usually be painted into the color that you want as your roof. Finally, copper is known for its natural color and will not have to be painted or coated and will be sure to make your home stand out.
Prices can Vary
Once you have decided on the right type of metal roof, the process is not yet over. Another cost that will come into play is having your roof correctly installed. A roof is not something that you want to take a chance with and let just anyone install this big of an investment. Be sure to do your research and get professionals to install your roof the right way.
The labor fee is going to be a large amount of what you end up paying for when getting your new roof installed. This is tedious work that not just anyone is able to do. It takes a certain skillset to do the job correctly. This cost will vary depending on where your house is located, the type of roof you choose, and other factors.
Does A Metal Roof Go Directly On Wood?
No, when the professionals are installing your metal roof, it should not be laid directly onto the wooden surface. Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment has been the industry standard for years, but that could be changing soon. There are other options, but this is the most common and has the most years of experience. Synthetic underlayment is also increasing in popularity and here is why. Synthetic underlayment is newer, but it is seeming to last longer than the old felt underlayment. This new underlayment is also going to be more durable, which will help keep your home and new roof in great condition.
Metal Roof Versus Asphalt Roof
Metal Roof
There are many benefits of a metal roof that might have you leaning towards one like longevity, durability, energy, and environmental friendliness. If a metal roof is done right, that roof could last you up to 70 years. The average time a person lives in a house is 13 years, so this is more than enough time to have your roof worth your while. Another great advantage is the durability of a metal roof. For example, a metal roof can withstand winds up to 100 mph. The metal also does not need to be cleaned and will continue looking good many years after it is installed. One of people’s favorite things about metal roofs is the fact that they cannot catch on fire. If your house is struck by lightning, or if there is a fire near your roof, there is no need to worry about your roof catching fire. Metal roofs are also known for being much more energy efficient than other roofs, because they can reflect the Sun’s rays. Lastly, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lives.
Asphalt Roof
Asphalt roofs are also still very common here in the United States, and they will most likely be around for a long time. A few advantages of an asphalt roof are the beauty, affordability, performance, ease, and recyclability. To start, the beauty of a classic asphalt roof comes in many different colors and textures you can choose from. Another reason why asphalt roofs are so popular is the affordable price. The value that you can get from an asphalt roof is top notch and hard to beat. The performance of standard asphalt roofs has been proven time and time again. This is the reason they have been around for so many years and why people continue using them. Ease of installation is an added benefit of getting asphalt shingles when installing your new roof. This is because they are low maintenance, easy to repair, and easy to clean. The final reason some people love asphalt shingles so much is because of the recyclability when they are no longer in use.
How To Choose A Color For Your Metal Roof
Metal roofs can come in a wide variety of colors that gives you many different options when you are choosing the right color. It is very important to look at the color of your house when choosing the color of your roof. You want to find a color that will complement your house and not clash with the color of your home. There are also other things you need to consider, which are the surrounding houses, your landscape, and trim. Some might choose to use a brighter color to give their house an extra pop and be sure their house stands out compared to others.
Resale Value of Metal Roofs
The resale value of a metal roof can increase the value of your home just because of the condition of the roof. People also really value the ease of having a metal roof when they are searching for a home. Your metal roof will most likely outlast your time in that home, which is very impressive compared to asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles only last 20 years and then, they will have to be repaired or replaced much more often than a metal roof.
Throughout this article, we have covered the cost of a metal roof, advantages of a metal roof, and much more. When choosing the right metal roof, you have plenty of options of design, color, and style. The cost of a metal roof can be a lot, but it will be worthwhile and surely a good investment because of the durability and strength. Normal shingles can peel or break, which will not happen to a metal roof if properly installed. Another added advantage is the resale value of your home because of how long your roof will be in great shape.
Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors was founded on the principles of fast, friendly service, fair prices, and quality workmanship. These principles have allowed us to become one of the most trusted roofing and exteriors companies in the Southeast. Contact us today so we can serve you.
