Metal roofs are popular among many homeowners as it’s an appealing, durable, and energy-efficient option. Although metal roofing costs are generally higher than asphalt shingle roofs, the long-term benefits of metal roofs make them more economical and comfortable for most homes. For a quick and precise estimate, it is best to contact a reliable roofing contractor, but before that, you must understand what goes into the cost.
At Excel Renovation, we’ve been helping homeowners learn crucial roofing facts in order to make the right decision for their homes. Today, we’re here with a helpful article for homeowners who want to know how much they might pay to install a metal roof in 2023.
Let’s start by learning about the national average metal roofing cost.
THE AVERAGE COST OF METAL ROOF SYSTEMS
On average, U.S. homeowners pay around $11,000 to install a metal roof. However, metal roof costs vary from $6,000 to $35,000. The final cost depends on three primary components of the roof replacement project: roofing materials, design, and labor.
Here’s a complete breakdown of metal roofing costs, including the percentage of your budget you’ll be spending on each roofing component.
COST OF METAL ROOFING MATERIALS: 30% OF THE TOTAL COST
The roofing materials include your choice of metal, such as copper, steel, or aluminum, and other elements like foam closure strips, flashing, sealants, fasteners, and more.
Manufacturing of metal roofing materials involves cutting the metal into sheets, panels, or shingles of different lengths and sizes. The most common metals used to make roofing panels are steel, aluminum, and copper. Each option has different properties, so you must select the one carefully.
#1 GALVANIZED STEEL ROOF
Galvanization is a process that includes adding a coat of zinc to the steel metal. Since steel can rust due to water and other natural elements, it’s essential to cover steel with a rustproof coating like zinc, copper, aluminum, or paint. Galvanized steel roofs cost about $1.50- $3.50 per square foot. This is the most affordable type of metal that can last up to 40 years with little upkeep.
#2 ALUMINUM ROOFS
Aluminum is a metal that’s lightweight, durable, and exceptionally resistant to corrosion. This is one of the best roofing materials for areas near the coast where moisture is more likely to corrode metal. Aluminum panels and shingles range from $3.50- $6.50 per square foot. With minimum maintenance, an aluminum roof can last up to 50 years.
#3 COPPER ROOFING PANELS
Copper is a luxurious roof covering that has been used for centuries. Copper panels and shingles stand strong for over 100 years, making them a smart, one-time investment. After several years of protection, a golden-brown copper roof develops a more lustrous green finish, which is a timeless, elegant charm. On average, copper roofs can cost between $13-$25 per square foot.
#4 TIN ROOFS
Tin roofs evoke a sense of rustic charm and nostalgia, reflecting the good old, simpler times. They have been a staple in our country due to their durable, versatile, and heat-reflective nature. On average, a tin roof costs around $9 to $14 per square foot. Whether you’re adorning a quaint farmhouse or a modern home, a tin roof can be an excellent investment for most weather conditions.
#5 OTHER ROOFING MATERIALS
Fasteners attach the roofing materials to the underlayment and decking. These are screws, nails, clips, and rubber washers costing around $100 for a pack of 250. Sealants or adhesives close the gaps between metal panels and roofing materials. A standard 10-ounce metal roofing sealant costs around $8.
However, the price of materials like foam closure strips is harder to estimate since it’s cut by the roofing contractors on site according to the roof’s dimensions. These strips insulate the roof, preventing cold drafts and heat absorption.
THE METAL ROOFING STYLE YOU CHOOSE: 20% OF YOUR TOTAL COST
The type of metal you choose decides what kind of look or design you’ll have on your roof. You can choose from an array of patterns, including straight panels, wavy sheets, shake style, or slate-style metal plates.
#1 CORRUGATED METAL ROOF
The word corrugated means a material or surface that has waves or grooves. These types of corrugated metal sheets have a wavy pattern with a U-shape or S-shape. They are relatively easy to install and cost less than standing seam panels. Corrugated sheets are installed using metal nails and screws that require a waterproofing coat.
#2 STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF
These are straight metal panels with a smooth surface and an interlocking fastening technique that does not involve using screws and nails. Standing seam roofs create a clean and contemporary look, ideal for modern homes. This is generally a more leakproof metal roofing design that can withstand harsh weather conditions for a long time.
#3 METAL SHAKES
Since natural wood is prone to rot, mold, algae, and pest infestation, metal shakes are a much better alternative. You can get the classic look of a cedar shake roof without the above problems and at a more affordable cost. Metal is also resistant to fire and cuts, which is a benefit that natural wood can’t provide.
#4 METAL SLATE TILES
Slate is a luxurious, and one of the most durable, roofing materials. However, it comes with a high installation and maintenance cost. That’s why many homeowners prefer metal slate tiles for their homes. Metals like aluminum and steel can easily be molded to create the authentic look of a slate roof. These metals are also easier to paint and maintain.
METAL ROOF INSTALLATION PRICE: 50% OF THE TOTAL COST
On average, the installation cost comprises about 50 percent of the total cost of metal roofs. That’s because installation is the most critical aspect of any roof replacement project. Metal roof installation requires utmost precision and care since it involves complex installation techniques and sealing minor gaps properly. The sheets must also be handled delicately to avoid the chance of dents and discoloration. Finally, the labor cost to install a metal roof is calculated based on the roof pitch, the home’s size, installation technique, and local weather conditions.
#1 HOUSE TARPING
Tarping is a protective measure to protect the yard or lawn from old roofing materials, falling objects, and debris. It also protects the rafters, sheathing, and attic from rodents, debris, and damage that can slip through the uncovered parts of a roof that are being repaired or replaced. The cost involves buying materials used to tarp the roof, such as a poly tarp, timber, and fasteners.
#2 OLD ROOF REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
This is a crucial step in the metal roofing process, as it ensures that your new metal roof will be installed securely and properly. The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the old asphalt shingles, flashing, rubber caulking, and nails. The old items are usually placed on the tarp on the ground. After removing these items, the roofers take care of their disposal by calling a dumpster service or recycling facility.
#3 CLEANING THE EXISTING ROOF
The third step is cleaning the old roofing materials using appropriate tools. Roof cleaning is vital to avoid improper installation. If your new metal panels come with manufacturer warranties, a faulty installation technique can void them. So it’s best to hire a reputable local roofing contractor who will take care of everything from start to finish. During a roof replacement project, the roofers may not use pressure washing as it may compromise the exposed wood. Instead, they use leaf blowers and hand scrubbing, which leaves a clean and even finish for installing new metal panels.
#4 MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION
Transportation cost forms only a tiny portion of the overall expense. This includes transporting materials from the supplier or manufacturer to the construction site, and any costs associated with transporting equipment from one location to another. The price depends on the distance traveled, as well as the quantity or size of the material and equipment.
#5 INSTALLATION METHOD
One of the most important factors to consider when installing metal roofing is how it will be installed. Various metal roof panels are available, and each has a different installation method depending on the panel type. There are two primary installation methods: hidden fasteners, and exposed fasteners.
Hidden fastener panels require no visible hardware like nails and screws during certain types of installation, such as with standing seam panels. You can also ask your roofing company to install metal slates or shakes using the hidden faster method. However, corrugated metal sheets are not installed using hidden fasteners or brackets, instead, they’re installed with nails and screws that are visible.
Whether you want a seamless, luxurious, or corrugated look, it all depends on your aesthetic requirements and budget. For instance, the exposed fastening method is more affordable, but if you’re looking for a more seamless finish, you may be willing to spend more money on a hidden fastening installation method.
Apart from the above one, many more factors can affect metal roofing prices. Below are some of the significant ones:
- Thickness of the metal sheets or panels
- Painting and coatings
- The season
- Current weather conditions
- Availability of a reliable and licensed metal roofing contractor
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Your location, since each borough, town, or city usually has different costs of living, labor, and materials
So that was all about the cost. But as a homeowner, you might also wonder about those common questions homeowners ask. So here are some FAQs for you.
Is a Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles?
A metal roof can be cheaper than wood, slate, and tile shingles, and some high-quality composite, architectural and designer asphalt shingles. However, most metal roofs costs more than standard asphalt shingles. Your final cost will depend on the factors which are discussed in this cost guide.
Can You Put a Metal Roof Over the Shingles?
We don’t recommend installing a metal roof over shingles for so many reasons. First, it puts more weight on the roof’s structure, which can weaken it. This accelerates roof aging and leads to roof damage nd replacement a lot sooner than it should. Second, this affects the underside of the metal panels, voiding manufacturer warranties and hindering with future roof insurance claims.
Is Metal Roof Worth the Cost?
A metal roof is worth the extra cost as it is can save you more money than asphalt shingles and wood shakes, throughout its lifespan. Metal roofs are durable, low-maintenance and highly energy efficient, which reduces the amount of money you spend on roof cleaning, repairs, replacement and power bills.
What are the Most Popular Metal Roof Colors?
The most popular metal roof colors are gray, black, white, copper, brown, subtle blue and green. You can choose a color of your liking after considering several factors like existing siding color, home architecture, surrounding landscape, Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines, if any, and your budget.
If you live in Plymouth or the surrounding areas in Minnesota, we can install the most appealing and feasible metal roof for your home.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COST OF METAL ROOFS
If you need a roof replacement service for your home, a metal roof is an excellent choice for many U.S. locations. At Excel Renovation, we’ve been improving residential and commercial properties for years. Our metal roof installation experts can install the most sturdy and durable metal roofs in Minnesota. If you want a free estimate on your metal roof cost in Plymouth, call us at (612)-439-5005. We’ll be happy to help with your metal roof replacement project.
