Metal roofs typically cost about three times the amount you would pay to install a 30-year laminated (architectural) asphalt shingles roof. The difference in cost is based on the assumption that both roofs would be installed by a reputable, fully licensed and insured roofing company that hires legal roofers. It is hardly any surprise that a sticker / price shock is a strong deterrent for many people.

Frankly, metal roofs are not for everybody. If you have a simple roof with medium pitch, and minimal penetrations, a regular asphalt shingles roof may work just fine for you. However, in some situations, a metal roof may be the only viable option. For example, if your roof has serious ice dam problem, and it’s impossible to improve your attic ventilation / insulation at a reasonable cost, then a metal roof may be your solution or
salvation.

But, enough with the rhetoric, and back to metal roofing costs…

First and foremost, a metal roofing system is far more expensive to manufacture, and its installation requires many specialized accessories such as end-wall, valley trim and drip edge, and gable flashing. Residential metal roofs are usually made of high grade galvanized steel (G-90 galvanized steel or Galvalume) or rust-proof aluminum, and painted with a premium Kynar 500 paint.

Besides the high cost of metal roofing materials, you also would want to use premium synthetic underlayment instead of roofing felt (this is not a must, but it is highly recommended). The synthetic underlayment costs about 3 times more than a 30 lb. felt. Overall, one square of standing seam metal roofing materials with all the accessories and underlayment will cost about $400 for a simple gable roof. As you get into cut-up roofs, the cost can be as high as $500-600 per square. On top of that you need to consider the fact that there are very few qualified metal roofing installers who will not butcher your roof, and instead, will actually make sure that you roof is watertight and will last you for the promised lifetime. Read the rest of this entry »

Metal roofs, which were considered something of a rarity, or a farm-type roof or “only for frigid north” type of roof just a mere 10 years ago, are now everywhere, ranging from unique design modern buildings, to typical residential homes. Today metal roofs represent about 10% of all residential roofs installed. Because of a lifetime nature of metal roofing materials, you can only expect this number to grow, as they are taking market-share away from asphalt shingles.

A metal roof is one of the longest lasting roofing materials, and at the same time it offers unsurpassed beauty and weatherproofing in climates ranging from tropical south to frigid north. A properly installed, quality metal roof should last a minimum of 50 years, while providing superior weather protection for your home or building.

Metal roof will make your home stand out from a boring identity crisis of a typical residential neighborhood. You can choose from a wide variety of different metal roofing styles and metals, to get exactly the look you are looking for.

Your choices range from a very popular standing seam metal roof, to metal shingles that resemble natural slate, concrete flat tile roofing and cedar shingles, to a stone coated steel roofs that look like Spanish tile, or architectural asphalt shingles, to a metal shake roofs that resemble heavy hand-split cedar shake, and everything in between.

As far as metal choices, you can have a typical steel roof installed, or if you live along the coast, you can get your roof made from aluminum, or if you feel fancy, get a copper or a zinc roof, and observe the natural weathering of these beautiful metals. Read the rest of this entry »

Many roofing manufacturers are shifting their production from traditional asphalt shingle roofs to more technologically advanced metal roofing systems.  There used to be a time when metal roofs were associated with the rusty barns and agricultural buildings.  However, modern metal roofs are coated with a layer of aluminum and zinc, which provides protection against corrosion and rust.  The old corrugated metal roofing profiles are replaced by more visually appealing standing-seam and metal shingle roofs.  Learn how affordable metal roofing systems can help make your home greener and more energy efficient.

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Homeowners and building owners can attest that dealing with roof leaks, roof repairs and having to replace the old roof with a new one is no fun. Re roofing is a messy job, and it is expensive. To make matters worse, having to replace one’s own roof a few times is frustrating and adds up financially. The question that comes up is that of finding a better roofing alternative. Many homeowners struggle to find a roofing option that is durable, reliable, and energy efficient.

The first impression of metal roofing is that it’s beautiful, energy efficient, long lasting, and expensive. What many homeowners don’t realize, is that metal roofing cost is actually lower than that of an asphalt shingle roof, if you consider that you may have to replace asphal shingle roof four times to match the longevity of a metal roof. Metal roofing has the lowest lifecycle cost out of all roofing materials that are out there.

Steel Metal Roof

Metal roofing, an alternative green roofing option, can last well over 40 years. High end metal roofing materials such as zinc and copper roofs can last for 100 years. Metal roofs are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Metal roofs possess a high degree of solar reflectivity and thermal emissivity. Specially formulated Kynar painted metal reflects solar radiant heat, which reduces thermal gain of the roofing surface, and prevents the heat from passing inside the house. This reduces the heat gain inside the house during warmer seasons, it reduces the air conditioning load and results in energy savings on cooling costs. A reduced air conditioning load reduces the electricity load during peak hours. Energy efficiency of metal roofing qualifies it as a green building material that can increase sustainability and energy efficiency of residential and commercial roofs.

Homeowners who consider installing a metal roof can pick from a great variety of metal roofing colors and options. Standing-seam is the metal roofing product that most homeowners are familiar with, because standing-seam is used extensively on commercial roofs, protecting the roofs of supermarkets, restaurants, and other retail facilities. Standing-seam is both a commercial and residential metal roofing product that offers energy efficiency, durability, and helps prevent ice dams in colder climates. Another popular metal roofing material is steel roofing shingles that is reminiscent of conventional asphalt shingle roofs, and provides similar reliability and durability to standing-seam roofs.

Metal shingle roofing costs less than standing-seam roofs because metal shingles installation takes less time than standing-seam. The reason is that standing-seam metal roofing  panels need to be measured and pre-cut exactly to match the size of the roof. Metal roofs cost approximately two times to three times more than asphalt shingle roofing. However, on the up side, metal roofing increases the value of your home and actually maintains that increased value over the years as it provides energy savings and practically pays for itself.

When dealing with a leaky roof on your house, consider re roofing with metal to attain energy efficiency, and unmatched reliability of any roof for your home. A new metal roof will increase the curb appeal of your home, and will provide energy savings for years to come.

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