How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost? Factors and Averages

Metal roofing installations continue to grow in popularity. They are efficient and relatively easy to install. Plus, they’re great from a sustainability point of view. They also offer a great set of aesthetics that look stunning in many homes and workplaces.

Metal roofing certainly offers a whole host of benefits, but homeowners often find themselves in the dark about pricing. Often asking how much does metal roofing cost? Is it worth installing a whole new roof, or should you look at roof restoration for a metal installation? That’s why we’ve compiled this article. We’ll share some average pricing, look at the long-term benefits, and explore the factors that influence the cost of metal roofing.

The Benefits Of Metal Roofing

There’s far more to metal roofing than a simple trend. Metal roofing comes with myriad benefits for both the homeowner and contractors alike. It’s quickly becoming one of the top choices of building materials, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Lifespan

Metal roofing lasts a lot longer than traditional roofing materials. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of around 20-30 years and regularly need individual shingles replaced due to weathering. Metal roofs, however, can last upwards of 50 years when maintained properly.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are great choices from an energy efficiency point of view. This is especially true in warmer climates. The metal material reflects a great deal of the sun’s heat, meaning a cooler internal space and less reliance on artificial cooling.

Sustainable

Metal is one of the most sustainable materials that you can use on a roof. The majority comes from recycled materials, and in the future, it can be recycled again. This is great for sustainability and greatly benefits the environment.

Maintenance

There certainly is some maintenance to keep metal roofs in top condition, but they require considerably less maintenance compared to some other materials. In fact, it might be years before you need to spend any money on maintenance following installation.

Types Of Metal Roofing

Not all metal roofs are made from the same material. There are a number of different metals that could be used, some for aesthetic purposes, others for durability.

Steel

One of the most popular choices, steel is used throughout the industry thanks to its affordable cost and incredible durability. Untreated steel can corrode and rust. That means that most roof materials are either galvanized or treated with an aluminum-zinc alloy.

Aluminum

You’ll often find that homes in coastal areas will use aluminum as their roofing material of choice. That’s because it has a high level of resistance to corrosion, meaning the salty sea air won’t affect it as much. It’s lightweight, making installation easy, but it does come at a higher price than steel. Often that is offset against the increased durability and lifespan that it offers.

Copper

Copper is frequently used for aesthetic purposes. The natural weathering of copper creates a stunning patina and striking colors. It’s one of the most expensive roofing materials meaning it is often found in luxury properties.

Tin

Tin was, for a long time, the material of choice. Today, it is rarely used as more durable and efficient materials have taken their place.

Metal Roofing Pricing

Here, we’re looking at the prices of the materials by square foot. Bear in mind that you’ll also need to consider installation. Installation costs vary massively across the US. In some places, you’ll pay $4 per square foot, and in others, you could pay $12 per square foot. This range accounts for labor costs and local economic factors. You’ll also need to factor in things like the complexity of the roof and the additional materials required.

Steel

Steel is the most affordable option, with costs tending to range from $5 to $12 per square foot. You will pay more for the material if you opt for specialty coatings or a particular finish.

Aluminum

The long-term durability of Aluminum increases its base cost compared to steel. You’ll find that it costs $9 to $14 per square foot.

Copper

Copper is the stylish choice with a luxurious price tag to match. Expect to pay $25 to $40 per square foot. That makes it around 5 times more expensive than its steel counterpart. You have to really want copper for it to be worthwhile.

Tin

Yes, you could get a tin roof for between $3 to $8 per square foot, but you’ll pay considerably more in maintenance costs and have a less durable roof. The cheaper option is not worth the added future costs here.

When you compare the cost of metal roofing to the cost of a shingle roof, it can certainly look expensive. The important factor here is that you look at the metal roof as a form of investment. It might be expensive upfront, but you’ll save yourself considerably in the long run.

Key Takeaways

Metal roofing certainly does have variable pricing. That’s to be expected when you have so many options for different materials. The majority of installations will simply use steel, but now you’re armed with the knowledge to pick other options should you want to.

• The biggest influencing factor for cost is the type of material you select.
• Metal roofs are expensive to install but are incredibly durable.
• You’ll spend far less time and money on metal roof maintenance.

If you’re looking for a recognized, professional contractor to install your new metal roof or maintain your current one, then look no further than Trenton Roofing.