As a homeowner, you care about the appearance of your home. Choosing a roof is a big decision that can impact the look and feel of your house for years to come. Metal roofs offer many benefits over traditional asphalt shingles including durability and beauty, but they are more expensive than other options. This blog post will discuss how much metal roofs cost as well as some tips on saving money when buying one so you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you!
A common question asked by homeowners is "When should I install metal roofing?" Here are just a few benefits of making this purchase.
Reduces cooling costs - Metal roofs reflect the sun's heat rather than absorbing it like asphalt shingles do. You can save up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling bill simply by having a metal roof installed! That means every month you are closer to paying off your entire investment!
Reduces noise levels - Have you ever heard that loud buzzing sound coming from your neighbor's home? The culprit is probably their air conditioner's condenser fan, which creates an irritating vibration. Metal roofs reduce noise levels because they are 1/3 lighter than asphalt shingles.
Protects your home from natural disasters - Hurricanes, tornadoes and high winds are a scary thought for homeowners. Metal roofs can withstand these types of extreme weather conditions because they have an impact resistance of 160 miles per hour! Your neighbors will be so amazed when they see your metal roof still standing after a bad storm passes through.
Beauty lasts a lifetime - The great thing about metal roofs is that their beauty will last you a lifetime. And because it comes in such a wide variety of colors, styles and designs there is no need to worry about matching or clashing with the rest of your home's design. In fact, many homeowners add other elements like windows or skylights to match the metal roof!
No need to replace - Do you dread getting up on your roof and having to replace shingles every few years? Well, if you install metal roofing there's no need to worry about that! Metal roofs can last up to 50 years and usually only go through one replacement in their lifetime. That means less work for you and more time enjoying all of its benefits. The initial investment may be a bit higher than other options but when it comes time to sell your home, buyers will love that this is such a low maintenance option.
Safety Considerations
Installing a metal roof is quite risky and dangerous. So you should collect the necessary PPEs before you start your work. Here is a list:
- Proper clothing- a full sleeve shirt and full pants
- Forearm guards
- Fall protection
- Reflective vests
- Toe protection
- Hard hats
- Eye wear like safety goggles
- Gloves
Tools Required to Install Metal Roofing
- Basic carpentry tools
- Aviation snips
- Hand Seamer
- Metal Shears
- Drill/Driver
Materials Required to Install Metal Roofing
- Metal Roofing Panels
- Ice and Water Shield
- Roofing Nails
- Eave Trim
- Gable Trim
- Ridge Cap
- Sidewall Flashing
- Self Tapping Roofing Screws
- Metal Roofing Sealant
- Inside Foam Closure Strips
- Outside Foam Closure Strips
- Butyl Tape
- Roofing Vent Boots
Installing Metal Roofing (7 Instructions)
Metal roofing can be a standout solution for any home. However, if you've ever thought about installing one yourself, you know it's not as easy as putting shingles on your dormer window. There are some steps to take before slapping those metal panels into place, and we'll go over them here.
One: Measure Your Roof
Before deciding what type of metal roofing you want to purchase, you need to measure the area of your roof, including all peaks and valleys. Make sure to include the area of the overhang around the edges of your house as well as any peaks or valleys protruding from the existing roofline. You also need to estimate approximately how much space you’ll need to reach around your roof while standing on the ground.
Two: Remove or Begin Placing Metal Roof Over Existing Roof
There are two ways to go about this step, depending on whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing an existing roof. If you’ve gone ahead and removed any old shingles, make sure to remove all nails with the claw end of the hammer. You can then begin placing panels over your existing roof if that is what you plan to do, or you can remove that entire layer before continuing with this project. Remember that most metal roofs come in interlocking panels, so installing them properly starts with laying out the first row correctly at the bottom edge by matching up each panel with locking tabs pointing up.
Related: How to Cut Aluminum Gutters? [DIY with 3 Easy Steps]
Three: Fix Any Roof Damage
This is especially important if you are replacing an existing roof with metal paneling because it’s much harder to repair the underlying surface once the new metal has been installed. If you have noticeable dents or areas where shingles are missing, make sure to fix them before continuing on this project. You should also patch any holes in your sheathing to prevent leaking after the installation of metal roof panels. To do this, lay out a tarp under your work area, because there may be some debris created during the process that could fall down into your gutter system later on.
Four: Place the Moisture Barrier
The thin layer of material typically referred to as a moisture barrier goes down before you install the panels. If your current roof is made of asphalt shingles, this may already be in place. You can continue right on to step 5 if that’s the case because there is little chance it will interfere with installation. If you’re installing a new metal roof and don’t have an existing moisture barrier, simply place one down as the first step to the entire project.
Five: Install Drip Edges and Closure Strips
Cut any drip edges so they fit tightly against each side of your house and form a U-shaped overhang all the way around. Make sure that where two pieces join together, they overlap by at least 1/2 inch, but don’t overlap any pieces on the other side. Before continuing, you should start installing your closure strips as well. These are long pieces of material that will be used to install each half of the paneling on both sides of your roofline. Take care to make sure they line up properly with each other and fit tightly against your house.
Six: Install Metal Roofing Panels
Once your drip edges and closure strips are in place, it’s time to go ahead and install your metal panels themselves. You can do this by simply laying them out one at a time along the bottom edge of the roof so that they sit flush with the sheathing underneath. Remember not to overlap them or let any part hang off the edge. Each panel has locking tabs that go up and over the drip edge, so make sure they’re firmly in place before continuing with the next section of panels.
Seven: Add Ridge Cap
Add ridge cap strips across top edges at all peaks on your roof to complete the installation of metal paneling. These are simply long pieces of material cut to fit each peak with an overlap along both sides where they meet together. They also have locking tabs that snap into place over your existing closure strip for a seamless look once done properly. Finish off by using tin snips to remove any excess around the outer edges of your roofline just above your roof’s surface for a nice, neat appearance once finished.
Check out the video below if you want to know DIY Metal Roofing Installations!
DIY vs Professional Roof Installation
Misconceptions about roofing and the prevailing attitude that do-it-yourself (DIY) is cheaper than hiring a professional contractor to install roofs often leads people into taking this up as a task.
The truth, however, might be quite different for you especially if you plan on installing your own roof. It's not something worth taking lightly and doing incorrectly can lead to disastrous consequences such as leaks or even injury so it pays to know what you're getting yourself into before giving it a go.
Is DIY really cheaper?
The answer is, "it depends." It often costs more to do a DIY project than hiring a contractor. However, there are some projects that can be done easier and more cheaply by someone with the right tools and knowledge. Often it's hard to get accurate comparisons on specific job tasks because of all the variables involved such as: How expensive will tools get? What kind of price range would building materials cost? Are you doing this for your home or business? If it's your office, how many office windows need installing? Is there scaffolding already in place from previous jobs or does it need to be installed too before working on the exterior walls and roofing Would you be trying out new techniques or would you be using the tried and tested method?
What we can say is that it's always best to get at least three estimates from licensed contractors (or referrals if they're friends) to compare not only prices but their work experience. If you go for a low bid, there might be a chance that your contractor doesn't have much experience in roofing and has no other jobs listed. If this is the case, he/she will most likely try to cut corners and do an inferior job than if they had more jobs under their belt.
Types of rooftops
A common issue with improperly installed roofs is improper ventilation which can lead to various problems such as leaks or poor insulation among others. If you want the right kind of ventilation it's best to hire a professional who has experience with the kind of roof you're getting.
There are three types of roofs: gabled, hipped and flat. While a person who is handy can install a gabled or hipped roof they might struggle installing a flat one since they aren't designed for DIY installation. If you hire someone to put up your new roof, make sure he/she knows how to do these installations correctly otherwise they will most likely be doing it wrong. You may also want to consider what time of year is best to get your roof installed since hot weather makes working on rooftops very uncomfortable and cold weather makes them extremely dangerous due to ice and snow causing falls. Cold winter months should be taken into consideration if the roof is at a very high altitude.
Advantages/disadvantages of DIY
DIY saves money but only if you do it yourself. Of course, hiring professionals means you'll pay more than doing it on your own so do-it-yourselfers should consider how much knowledge they have in this area before taking up the task. If you're good with your hands and are skilled enough to get your roof done properly then go for it since that will save you even more money. However, if you're not confident in using certain tools or don't know how to read blueprints, maybe its best to hire somebody else who does since there are many risks involved when installing roofs such as falls from ladders or getting hurt from trying to lift heavy materials.
What to remember about DIY roofing
Most important is, don't rush it and take your time when working on a roof because many people have gotten into serious accidents while doing so. If you're going to do it, make sure that it's not going to interfere with other tasks such as putting up Christmas lights or attending summer picnics since if the weather gets bad, you'll need to cancel on all of them until you finish installing your new roof which could take anywhere between three days to two weeks depending on how big your house is and what kind of roofing shingles are used. It might be best if you started the project early in advance so that it doesn't get in the way of other things.
DIY your roof vs Get a contractor
For someone who is very crafty and doesn't mind getting dirty, DIYing may be for you since it saves money but if you don't have the experience or are not confident in your skills then get a professional to do it for you. Make sure to get several quotes from contractors before making your final decision so that you can compare prices and services. At the end of the day, hiring professionals means that all the hard work will be done by them while you can just relax and enjoy yourself doing some landscaping or go on vacation while they're finishing up with the project. If DIY is your choice, make sure to take proper safety precautions which includes having somebody on standby to help you in case anything goes wrong like falling off a ladder on to your lawn.
Metal Roofing Installation Cost
One of the most common question asked by people is what does a roofing installation cost? It can be as little as $1,000 for an asphalt shingle to as much as $10,000 for a slate roof. There are many other variables that determine how much it will cost to have your roof installed. First and foremost lets break down what you need for a complete installation:
- A strong and stable surface (the ground)
- New and compatible weatherproofing
- The right tools
- Skilled laborers
These four items play a big part in the final price of the project. If you want to know exactly how much it costs to install a metal roof or any type of roofing material please visit our roofing page and fill out the form for your free cost estimation.
If you are planning on installing any type of roofing material, don't forget that you should also check into your local building codes before hiring anyone or starting the project yourself. Unfortunately some areas only allow licensed contractors to work on roofs (example: California), while some require permits for materials used (eg: Asphalt shingle in Pennsylvania). Every state has its own requirements, but these are usually clearly stated on government websites or by local officials. Feel free to visit our roofing page for more information regarding your location and type of material you plan on installing.
Metal Roofing Material Costs
There are many factors that determine the final price of a project, so it is difficult to provide an accurate cost if we don't know what exactly you're looking for in a roof. We can give you a general idea of what a metal roof costs, but prices vary significantly depending on many different factors including: size/dimensions, weight capacity needed, design options, materials used and warranty offered.
We recommend that homeowners get at least 3-4 quotes from local contractors before making any decisions. In some cases you might be able to save money by going with a less qualified, unlicensed contractor. The average cost of a metal roof ranges from $7-15 per sqft. You can expect to pay more for architectural shingles or standing seam roofs than standard three tab versions.
18 Things to know about metal roofing
1. Affordable
On the off chance that you consider the genuine, or aggregate, cost of installment and possessing a rooftop, you will locate those metal rooftops are a truly moderate decision. A metal rooftop may have a higher initial cost. Yet, the diminished upkeep and fix need combining with the vitality reserve funds a metal rooftop can give settle on it a more efficient decision than other roofing constituents.
2. Recyclable
Albeit metal rooftops are exceptionally dependable, when the opportunity arrives to supplant one, the earlier metal is promptly acknowledged at metal reusing outlets. Old blacktop material, then again, is usually bound to occupy the room at a landfill.
3. Last a lifetime
Metal roofing can sustain forever. It is durable and sturdy. The most amazing fact is they can last like 40 to 80 years. Regularly when you buy it, they give 40 years of guarantee.
4. Can be installed over existing roofs
Metal rooftops can get installed over your current roof without removing shingles if nearby construction regulations permit it. Whereas shingle evacuation is the favored course, remove is chaotic and raises the expense of the activity.
5. Less noisier than asphalt roofing
The metal rooftop can be calmer than different resources. The robust casing is joined to the underlayment to suppress clamor from like hail, rain, stray golf balls, or falling branches. They are less noisy then blacktop or asphalt roofing.
6. Does not attract lightning
The design with the metal rooftops endures lightning strikes better than conventional roofs because the charge scatters over a more significant zone of the rooftop, regardless of whether it isn't stranded.
7. Impervious to fire, rot, and insect damage
The metal roofing can shield your structure from fierce blazes and other kinds of fires; it has the highest fire rating of any roofing substantial in the business. The metal roofing can also shield the insect damages as we know that can't make a hole in it.
8. Energy efficient
The metal roofing are energy efficient. It is anything but difficult to protect, bringing down your energy charges throughout the entire year and decreasing your carbon impression.
9. Installation and repair usually requires a professional
Metal rooftops are commonly accessible just through selected sellers, and the procedures for establishment and fix are specific abilities. If you choose metal material, you will probably be calling an expert should issues happen. Luckily, such problems are uncommon with metal roofing.
10. Ridge vents are more obvious
Most of the homes nowadays, loft venting is given by a persistent ridge vent that stumbles into the pinnacle of the rooftop. On numerous metal rooftops, particularly standing-crease rooftops, the CRV is likewise metal, and it stands apart further and is along these lines significantly more recognizable. These dense, apparent lines or ridges are intrinsic in metal rooftops and add to its distinct look.
11. Little maintenance
Metal rooftops are extensively more reliable and maintenance-free than blacktop shingles and different types of material; they are not abiding. Steel is more diligently and passages better during hailstorms.
12. Metal roof materials are more durable
A metal rooftop is drawn-out speculation, particularly when you look at its exhibition against other quality roofing resources, for example, shakes, tile, record, and cedar. Metal is in any event 40 percent more affordable than the least expensive paper or tile roofing accessible.
13. Insurance companies love metal roofs
Insurance companies love metal roofing because it is durable and long-lasting. It can defend weather, fire, and leaks. As it is long-term, you won't need to change it like for a lot of years. You can also save some money on insurance with it.
14. Can be designed to fit the style of the current structure
Metal roofs can get designed to fit the style of the current structure as they are in many colors. Rooftop boards can get any kind of style, design, texture, or pattern.
All those metal rooftop frameworks are appropriate for any structural style, including blacktop or arrangement shingle, if so wanted.
15. Superior in extreme weather
The metal rooftops are superior in shielding from hail harm and ice dams. It gives the assurance from a significant injury in a typhoon with a 140 mph or higher breeze assessment.
16. Most sustainable
Metal is most sustainable because it is 100 percent recyclable, and it does not lose strength. It is easy to insulate. It has reflecting layers that reflect and puts the heat away, which gives a less power bill.
17. Metal roofs earn Leed points in several categories
Green structure and LEED confirmation are somewhat numerous manufacturers and proprietors would like to accomplish. Steel material can gain an assortment of focuses toward a LEED confirmation, for example,
- Manageable locales - metal rooftops lessen heat island impacts and meet lower.
- Water effectiveness - effectively introduce assistants to gather water excess.
- Atmosphere and Vitality.
- Resources and Materials.
- Calm rooftop.
Visit USGBC for details about Lead Certification.
18. Metal roofs are more common than you think
Mechanical structures have since quite a while ago utilized metal roofs. Private and business structures are starting to get on the incredible advantages of metal rooftops. You will not travel an excessive number of miles not far off nowadays without locating a metal rooftop, regardless of whether you know it or don't.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
Metal rooftops are ascending in fame since they are low-upkeep, light in weight, and inflexible. And additionally, a reasonable alternative with extraordinary strength. The healthy life expectancy is about twofold that of blacktop shingles. The metal roof relies upon the evaluation and depth of metal, the more slender the metal, the shorter the life expectancy.
Notwithstanding the life span, metal rooftops are an excellent choice since they are impervious to the components, for example, mold, fire, spoil, and creepy crawlies. They likewise effectively shed the day off, undesirable dampness from home, and defends from the brilliant temperature of the sun.
Is a metal roof loud when it rains?
A metal or metal-coated roof is naturally no louder that a shingle roof when it rains. In fact, in some cases, the metal roofing is actually quieter given the tight seal between the sheets.
In terms of insulation, they are often rated at 10 times better than a comparable non-metal roof because there are no trapped spaces in a metal panel to lose heat or cold to outside temperatures. Added bonus: Because metals don't rot and weather like other materials used for roofs - there's an expected 35 year lifespan on most new roofs made out of this material!
Final Thought
Install metal roofing by reading our guide on how to install a metal roof. It covers the different types of materials you will need, some basic safety tips and what you can expect during installation. - You may also want to read about DIY vs Professional Roof Installation before choosing your contractor. Once it’s installed, make sure that there are no leaks or other issues with the installation.
With so many options for metal roofing, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. Whether you're looking for a commercial or residential installation, we'll help find the perfect solution. If you need any assistance choosing the right product or just want some general information about how these systems work, don't hesitate to contact us today!