There’s no doubt that modern metal roofing systems are far more advanced than their traditional counterparts. They are durable, easy to install and replace, easy to maintain, and, above all, energy efficient. You get uninterrupted peace of mind over the years just by making some routine checks.
However, they demand a costly installation. And there comes the question- are they really worth the investment for MLS listing compared to their benefits? Well, if you are thinking so, you are on the right page. I am going to dig out the individual costs of different metal roofing materials. Also, I will shed light on some of their main benefits. Read more to explore, and you will get a good comparison between their costs and benefits.
Let’s get my careful analysis.
Table of Contents
Metal Roofing Material Cost
Metal roofing costs are not stable or constant. Like any other construction material, it varies based on a number of factors. However, we can estimate the pricing of the required materials and other installation costs based on a 1500-square-foot roof.
Copper
The first feature of copper that makes it a good choice is its superb durability. But it costs very much. Per square foot, a copper roof can cost between $20 and $40, resulting in $3000 to $6000 for a 1500-square-foot roof.
Aluminum
If you are living in a coastal area, I would suggest going for an aluminum roof because of its saltwater-resistant nature. It’s lightweight but not really costly like copper or steel. The price of it can vary between $6.50 and $21 per square foot, and hence you might need to invest $9750 to $31500 for a 1500-square-foot roof.
Tin
Tin was once among the popular choices for roofing, but with the dominance of more sophisticated materials like aluminum, its usage has been reduced. Still, a good number of roofs are covered with tin panels. However, there is a new combination of steel and tin, where steel is coated with tin, which is a good suggestion if you are looking to have a matte-gray look on your roof.
The price is closer to aluminum, ranging from $10 to $26 per square foot. You will not need to spend more than $39,000.
Zinc
Aluminum is a budget option but fades quickly, on the other hand, copper lasts a long time but demands a high cost. So, if you want a solution between two that is durable but will not empty your bank account, a zinc roof can be an unbeatable choice. Ranging from $6 to $10, a 1500-square-foot roof can cost only $9000 to $15000. Remember, to get the most from zinc sheets, you have to secure them tightly.
Steel
You have heard that name your entire life stainless steel. It’s so expensive, starting at $7 to $20. But that’s not the only option left; there are other variations of steel sheets. Galvalume comes with a layer of aluminum, and it’s relatively low-priced at $4 to $9 per square foot. You can try galvanized, which has a coating of zinc on the outside and can cost between $4.50 and $17 per square foot.
So it’s $10500 to $30000 for stainless steel, $6000 to $13500 for galvalume, and $6750 to $25500 for galvanized steel.
Material Roofing Other Costs
You have a good idea about the common material cost of metal roofing. Now look at the other costs that can determine the final cost.
Labor or Installation Cost
The most important part of any roof, especially metal roofs, is its installation cost. An estimation from experienced roofers is that proper installation by professional roofers can cost almost two-thirds of the total price of a new roof. So adjust your budget accordingly. This cost includes the machine and supporting structure.
Climate
Whatever metal you select, it will need regular maintenance to live up to its full lifespan. So, as usual, the metal roof cost will be higher in a rough weather area, especially in coastal areas. Besides, if you are in an expensive city area, the installation and maintenance prices will go up accordingly.
Underlayment
An experienced homeowner knows that the roofing cost does not matter for the readymade sheets they purchase. There are a number of supporting layers, including starter shingles, attics, insulators, ice and water barriers, felt underlayments, wood decks, etc., required for making a complete roof.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
Enough on cost. Let’s talk about the benefits of metal roofing.
Long Durability
Metal roofing is unbeatable when it comes to the question of how long the roof can breathe. Whereas standard asphalt lasts only 15 to 30 years, the average lifespan of metal roofs is 40 to 50 years. As I mentioned above, some of them can exceed a century. And it’s not a simple thing to tolerate the rough weather year after year. The only roof that can challenge the longevity of metal roofs is slate tile.
Easy Maintenance
Can you remember the old grandfather’s house having tin roofs? On those days, the roof gets cleaned quickly by rainwater. And that has not changed yet (and will not change, either). Metal sheets come in lengths from 8’ to 20’, which makes them easy to install and much easier to clean. A clean roof is the primary condition of a long-lasting roof.
Furthermore, it’s effortless to detect any defect. Fungus and other debris can’t grow easily on metal roofs.
Energy Efficiency
People nowadays prefer metal roofing because of its energy efficiency, which saves them a good amount of money throughout the year. But what is the science behind it?
The reason most roof materials get hot during the summer is because they fail to reflect most sun rays because of their characteristics. And because metal roofs reflect heat, they succeed in keeping the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Plus, modern, innovative metal roofs come with special coatings or layers that can reflect most of the UV rays.
Final verdict
Nothing exists without its drawbacks, and so does a metal roof. However, the scale of their benefits is greater than the pain of their cost.
I hope you got a good idea about the cost and benefits of metal roofs. I bet you can now consider them worth the investment you are going to make.
