Are you considering residential metal roofing as opposed to traditional asphalt shingles? If so, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind.
What’s the average cost of metal roofing? Are there any potential drawbacks to be aware of? And most importantly, is metal roofing even worth it?
We address all of your burning questions in this one-stop guide. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly whether or not metal roofing is the right choice for your property.
Need professional roofing services? Book your free roof inspection today!
What Is Metal Roofing?
As the name implies, metal roofing is the process of constructing a roof out of metal sheets or panels. It’s a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.
There’s a wide variety of materials that you can choose from for metal roofing. The most notable of which are steel and aluminum. Copper, zinc, and tin are also viable options.
Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Choosing between them will boil down to factors such as budget and climate.
For example, copper roofing is lightweight and doesn’t make much noise, but it’s not the most wallet-friendly. On the other hand, a steel roof offers superior durability but can be quite noisy during heavy rainfall.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Roofing?
Even though asphalt shingles are still the most popular type of roofing, metal roofs seem to be climbing their way up the popularity ladder at an admirable rate.
Builder Magazine indicates that 8% of new single-family homes built in 2021 used metal roofing. To add, it indicates that the demand for metal shingle and tile roofing will increase at an average annual pace of 1.8% in 2026.
But why?
The number-one reason why metal roofing is gaining momentum is its longevity. A properly installed metal roof can last you up to 100 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years at most.
Another strong selling point is durability. Interlocking metal roofing systems can withstand sustained winds well over 100 miles per hour. Some even come with a 165-mile-per-hour warranty!
Not convincing enough for you?
What if we tell you that modern metal roofing panels flaunt a Class-4 Impact Resistance rating? This is the highest impact resistance category assigned by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Other benefits that a metal roof has to offer include:
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: Metal roofs have non-porous surfaces and a smooth finish, meaning dirt and debris can’t easily adhere to them. This makes cleaning them a walk in the park.
- Improves Resale Value and Curb Appeal: A metal roof that can hold its own against a hurricane versus asphalt shingles that are prone to leaks, mold, and granule loss. We’d advise you to go with the metal roof!
- Environmentally Friendly: Metal is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. It doesn’t degrade over time, so it can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality.
- Reduces Energy Consumption: Having a metal roof over your head helps reflect sunlight and heat away from your home. This means your AC won’t have to work too hard to cool down your living space.
- Lighter Than Other Materials: Metal panels and sheets are a lot lighter than traditional tiles and shingles. This means less stress on the structure of your roof and the foundation of your home.
What Are the Drawbacks of Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing seems like the holy grail of home improvement projects so far. And while that may be true to some extent, you don’t want to rush into a metal roof installation without considering the potential drawbacks.
Here are the main potential drawbacks to consider:
- Metal Roofing Is Costly: Metal roofing costs more per square foot than asphalt shingles. It also requires several installation accessories like ridge caps and galvanized steel screws.
- Might Not Like the Appearance: You might not be too sold on the industrial look of a metal roof if you’re fond of how traditional shingles and tiles look.
- Might Experience Denting: Metal roofs can be dented by hail and heavy objects despite their sturdiness. Luckily, the dents can easily be repaired in most cases.
- Noisy During Heavy Rain or Hail: Metals are good conductors of sound. This means they can transmit sound waves into your home when hit by rain or hail. There are ways to soundproof it, though.
How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost?
The cost of metal roofing installations varies based on a number of factors. The most influential of the bunch is the metal material used in the installation.
Here’s the average cost of different metal roofing materials:
- Copper Roofing: $20 to $40 per square foot
- Aluminum Roofing: $6 to $21 per square foot
- Steel Roofing: $5 to $18 per square foot
- Stainless Roofing: $8 to $20 per square foot
- Tin Roofing: $10 to $23 per square foot
- Zinc Roofing: $10 to $23 per square foot
Other factors that influence the cost of metal roofing include:
- Size of the roof
- Pitch or slope
- Roofing underlayment
- Metal thickness (gauge)
- Paint system
- Gutter installation
- Tearing off the old roof
- Cost of labor
Does Metal Roofing Have Color Options?
Yes, metal roofing is available in several color options. Some of the most popular color trends for residential roofing include matte black, bronze, and charcoal grey.
You ought to keep in mind that darker colors tend to absorb more heat than lighter ones. So, make sure your home’s ventilation can handle the heat before you choose a dark color for your roof.
Another thing you should note is that some homeowners associations require specific colors. This means you need to check your local regulations and environmental codes before deciding on a roof color.
Wrapping Up
The answer to whether or not metal roofing is a worthwhile investment is a resounding yes!
Not only is it extremely durable and easy to maintain, but it is also eco-friendly and energy-efficient—not to mention that it’s much lighter than most traditional roofing materials.
Proper installation is essential for metal roofing, though. Poor installation can result in inadequate protection against the elements and a whole lot of noise that will keep you up at night.
Need help from metal roofing professionals? Schedule your free roof inspection today!
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