Metal roof costs range from $5,000 to $30,000 in the United States. But is a metal roof cheaper than shingles that are made of asphalt, slate, or other materials? We understand that it can be confusing for homeowners to look at so many price ranges and wonder which one best applies to their home. That’s why we are here with a simple explanation of this question.
At Excel Renovation, we try our best to help you learn the dos and don’ts of roofing, so you can make the best decision for your home. This article answers the most common roofing question, “Are metal roofs cheaper than shingles?”. After reading, you’ll learn the following:
- The average metal roofing cost for U.S. homes
- Cost comparison between metal and shingle roofs
- Metal roof vs shingles: Pros and cons
- Which roofing material is more economical in the long run
Let’s start by learning the average cost to install metal and shingle roofs.
Average Cost To Install Metal Panels And Shingles
The most common metal panels or sheets are made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. As for shingles, they are made from many diverse materials, such as asphalt, fiberglass-reinforced asphalt, cedarwood, pinewood, slate, or clay. Let’s learn how much each material costs after installation.
Average Cost Of A Metal Roof On A 1,600 Square Foot Homes
Average costs are calculated by looking at the price that most homeowners pay for roof installation. Taking that into account, most single-family homes in the U.S. have an area of 1,600 square feet.
So, according to our research, the average cost of a metal roof on a 1,600-square-foot home is between $9,600 and $16,000. The price includes installing standing seam galvanized steel roofing panels, ridge capping, and trim. So, you can expect to pay within this range if your home is close to 1,600 square feet.
Average Cost Of A Shingle Roof
The average cost to install architectural asphalt shingles is $6,400, and 3-tab asphalt shingles (the basic type) are around $3,000 for a 1,600-square-foot home. The costs also include the installation of ridge cap shingles, starter shingles, fasteners, and flashing.
Below are the low-to-high price ranges for other types of shingles:
- Wood: $5,600 to $8,000
- Clay: $5,000 to $16,000
- Slate: $6,000 to $16,000
It’s important to note that these costs do not involve replacing the entire roof, which includes the decking, rafters, trusses, and gutters. We will talk about roof replacement costs later in this article.
By looking at the abovementioned costs, you can see that installing a metal roof is cheaper than wood, clay, and slate shingles, but more expensive than asphalt and architectural shingles.
Now let’s move on to some other factors that affect the cost apart from material and installation, and compare the final costs of metal and shingle roofing.
Cost Of A Metal Roof Vs. Shingles
This section explains how a metal roof is a more cost-effective option than a shingle roof in the long run. Knowing this will help you make a final decision.
Labor Costs
The labor cost for installation may also be higher for shingles since they need to be handled with more care, requiring more time and precision to install them. On the other hand, metal panels are lightweight and easy to carry, and most panel designs are simple to install, which reduces labor charges.
Moreover, metal roofs can be installed anytime during the year, which is not the case for shingles. The installation cost for a shingle roof in summer and fall may be higher than metal because shingles only seal well when it’s warm and dry outside.
Metal Roofs Can Reduce Your Energy Bills
Asphalt shingle roofs tend to absorb heat, but metal roofs reflect heat and UV rays. So, it’s clear that a metal roof can help your home remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. According to research by Metal Roofing Alliance, a metal roof is highly energy-efficient, saving you almost 40% on energy bills! You can calculate the total savings over the years compared to what your current energy bills incur. Similarly, slate and clay tiles are also good energy-saving options. However, they cost way more than metal panels.
Maintenance Costs
The best thing about metal roofs is they require the lowest maintenance efforts compared to all other roofing materials, such as asphalt, clay, slate, and even flat roofing options like EPDM, TPO, and concrete. This makes metal roofs more cost-effective in the long run.
Repair And Replacement Costs
Metal, slate, and clay roofing systems are more durable than asphalt and architectural shingles. Asphalt shingles usually need to be replaced after 15 to 18 years, and fiberglass shingles within 20 to 30 years. During their lifespan, they may also need to be repaired frequently depending on where you live and how well you maintain your roof. On the other hand, a good-quality standing seam metal roof can stand strong for over 50 years with minimal upkeep!
From the above comparison, it’s clear that the upfront cost of a metal roof can be equal to, or more than, asphalt and architectural shingles, but over time you will save more when it comes to energy costs, roof repair, roof replacement, cleaning costs, and the likes!
If you are wondering about the cost of a complete roof replacement, here’s what you need to know, below.
Complete Roof Replacement Cost
When it comes to re-roofing or installing a completely new roof, metal roofing costs may increase to $14,000 and $24,000. If you are looking for a roof replacement cost estimate, the best way is to ask for a quote from a reliable roofing contractor. At Excel Renovation, we would be happy to offer you a free estimate. As part of the Plymouth and Minnesota community, we are always ready to help you make your home economical, safer, and more beautiful.
Do You Need A New Metal Roof For Your Home?
Whether you are looking for a metal or shingle roof, it’s essential to understand that the quality of roofing materials and the installation affects the overall cost to a great extent. At Excel Renovation, we have a skilled and experienced team of metal roof installers. We are proud to say that our team is the most trusted metal roofing contractor, and hundreds of Minnesota residents trust us with their homes.
There are multiple types of metal panels, each with a different cost, and we can help you learn all about them, and choose the most feasible materials within your budget. If you live in Plymouth or surrounding areas in Minnesota, call us at (612) 439-5005 for a free consultation.
