It’s not every day that you find yourself asking, “How much does a metal roof cost?” If you are not currently building your new home, it probably means you are conducting or, worst case scenario, your existing roof has been damaged.
Whatever the case, if you were not considering metal roofing as the permanent solution to your problems, you should be.
While asphalt shingles have been the rage for many years now, some of the new metal roofing systems that are coming out are becoming very popular on the market.
What used to be the preferred choice for commercial buildings is now popping up on many residential hoses across Austin, Texas.
People are starting to appreciate the beauty and practicality of the wide range of roofing materials.
This article will address metal roof costs so that you can estimate how much you will need to install a new metal roof.
Top Benefits of Metal Roofing Compared to Shingles
Firstly, let us look at why a new metal roof would be your best option. After all, it’s not the only roofing material out there.
The following are some of the benefits that are unique to metal roofing:
- The new types of metal roofing have fantastic curb appeal and one of the best resale values on the market
- It is easy to recycle metal roofing panels, which is excellent for the environment
- Metal panels are very reflective, saving up to 40% on electric cooling costs (air conditioner, fan, etc.)
- In case of the storms and hail that sometimes occur in Austin, Texas, a steel roof will outperform asphalt shingles any day of the week
- The durability and longevity of, for example, galvanized steel roofing are outstanding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime purchase
What Impacts the Cost of Your Metal Roof?
There are so many things that can affect the metal roof cost, making it difficult to give a “one size fits all” estimate of how much you will be expected to pay per square foot of metal roofing.
Before answering the question, “How much does a metal roof cost?” you must look at exactly what your metal roofing requires. Consider the following:
- The type of roof you choose (metal roofing)
- Operating costs
- The rest of the roof system’s materials
- Dump fees
- Labor costs
- The amount of decking that may need to be replaced
- Your roof’s accessibility
- Your roof’s size and the complexity of working on it
- The number of penetrations your roof has, such as chimneys
Defining Metal Roofing Costs
Now that you have a broad outline of what will be required for complete roof replacement let us look at the cost of metal roofs.
You will be surprised that after you have considered everything carefully, what at first seemed like the most expensive roofing materials, now seems like a bargain.
Before you jump to the conclusion that a standing seam metal roof is way too expensive for your needs, consider the following:
Life Expectancy of Metal Roofs
Does replacing your asphalt shingles three or four times in your lifetime sound cheaper than installing a standing seam metal roof that will last you 60 years? We certainly do not think so!
Even when installed by the best roofing contractors, most roofs will need replacements or, at the very least, massive repair work after just 12 to 15 years. This is far less than you will get from properly installed standing seam roofing.
Initial Roofing Installation Costs
Yes, this is where most people think paying for a standing seam metal roof is a bit difficult to justify.
While a well-designed shingle roof will cost around $14,430.00, you will need about $29,020.00 for a standing seam metal roof! That means it costs twice as much for metal roofing as it does if you opt for traditional shingles.
However, if you have home insurance and they are willing to cover the metal roof cost, this is something you will not have to worry about. A metal roof is a good investment that is well worth the added expense
New Metal Roof Cost After 15 years
After 15 years, you will need to pay about $29,812.00 for roof replacement if you have shingles or other types of roofing. You will also need another $61,977.00 after 30 years!
How much does a metal roof cost after 30 years, you ask? It will cost you nothing. This is because your metal roof will still have decades to go before it quits.
Total Cost
With the cost of replacing your roof every 15 years and the other maintenance costs that go along with it, we estimate that you will need about $126,089.00 for your shingle roof after 45 years.
Compare this to the $29,020.00 you paid for the installation costs of your standing seam metal roof more than four decades earlier, and you will wonder why you even though the issue was debatable.
Costs of Different Types of Metal Roofs
Let us now look at the one area that significantly impacts the cost of your new metal roof. The type of material you want is critical when considering your total costs.
The following are six popular metal roofs that have taken Austin by storm. Here is what you can pay for each one:
Standing Seam Metal Roof
You need to consider the quality and gauge of material and how the panels will interlock before you can estimate the cost of installing a standing seam metal roof.
If your roof design has other special considerations, such as ventilation and unusual slopes, this will also significantly affect the cost.
To give you a rough idea, you can pay around $11,950 for a 1,500-square-foot standing seam metal roof.
Copper Roof
Copper roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials you will come across. This means it’s not always a practical choice if you want to replace your old roof, but you have a tight budget.
However, it lasts a very long time and does not lose value as the year’s tick by. While it will cost an arm and a leg for the initial installation, it will be worth it in the long run.
No matter how much time has passed since its use on the rooftops of famous buildings centuries ago, copper roofing is still one of the most modern options.
You can pay around $21,000 for about 1,500 square feet of copper roofing, which is about $14 per square foot.
Rusted Metal Roof
If you want something unique and don’t mind paying up to $300 per square foot for a new roof, you can consider getting a rusted metal roof.
However, we must warn you that the design is not for everyone, and the material is also not the most durable. Other metal roofs, such as galvanized steel roofing, will cost you much less.
Galvanized Steel Roofing
Galvanized steel is one type of material that is budget-friendly and durable simultaneously. No wonder it is so popular among homeowners in Austin considering a standing seam metal roof.
You should be ready to pay anywhere from $3 to $7.50 per square foot of galvanized steel roofing.
It is made of plain steel roofing that has been coated with Zinc to prevent rusting, over which an extra protective coat of Kynar 500 has been added. Zinc oxide is normally used when coating galvanized steel meant for residential use.
Lead Roofing
In general, lead roofing should be avoided anywhere in Texas, and your roofing contractor should advise you.
Zinc Roofing
Last but not least is Zinc roofing. It is non-corrosive and environmentally friendly. It also has the benefit of aging very well, as the outer layer turns light grey or blue.
This material is also very durable and does not scratch as easily as other types of metal. You may have to pay around $6.00 to $8.50 per square foot of zinc metal roofing.
Other Metal Roof Cost Considerations
The following three considerations should be the final nail in the coffin if you are still unconvinced about what justifies the metal roof cost:
- The energy savings are phenomenal because while shingles absorb heat and bring it inside your house, a metal roof will reflect most of it, meaning you do not have to spend so much on cooling
- A Metal roof comes with reduced maintenance requirements, which makes it a popular option even after many years of use
- Regarding the resale value, your metal roof will fare much better than shingles that are quickly look old and worn out. Some materials, such as zinc, will look better as time goes by
Factors That Affect Metal Roofing Prices
These four key factors will affect the overall cost of replacing your old roof with a metal one:
Cost To Install Metal Roofing
Some types of material are more difficult to handle than others. Also, the design of your roof will determine how difficult it is to get the roof material installed properly.
These things combined will affect the initial installation costs of your metal roof.
Curb Appeal
A great curb appeal needs a very experienced contractor, which will likely cost you a lot more.
Type of Product
As we have already mentioned, some metal roofing materials are much cheaper than others.
You need to balance durability and cost to get the full benefits of a long-lasting roof. A great example is a galvanized steel roof that costs very little but will last you a lifetime without needing much maintenance.
Metal Roofing Contractor
Lastly, look very carefully at the type of roofing contractor you hire. Some are very expensive without being able to provide the kind of quality craftsmanship that justifies their high prices.
In general, reliable roofing contractors should have traceable recommendations from former customers who have benefited from their services.
If you choose the wrong roofing contractor, all the savings you would have made on materials will count for nothing if you have to redo the entire roof in a few years.
Call WDR Roofing Company Austin Now!
Now that we have answered the question “How much does a metal roof cost?”, it is time to decide on which type of metal roof you want and give us a call.
At WDR Roofing Company Austin, we have all the required advice, expertise, local source of materials, and affordable installation prices to help you get that metal roof you have always wanted.