The Average Cost of a Metal Roof for a Home

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the average per-foot cost of installing a metal roof on a home. Before getting to the roof itself, labor costs vary in different parts of the country. So the same roof in Iowa, for example, would likely cost a lot less than a roof in California. The roof itself will obviously play a major part, as well. If the roof has a lot of angles, is steeply sloped and has many dormers or chimneys, then it will require a lot more detail work to install flashing, which translates to more time and money.

Why a Metal Roof?

The simple answer is durability. Asphalt shingle roofing may cost less than a metal roof but won't last as long. On average, a shingle roof costs less than a metal roof but a metal roof can last two or three times longer than a shingle roof. Other benefits include the fact that metal roofs aren't friable, meaning they don't become brittle over time like asphalt shingles.. When shingles become brittle, they are more vulnerable to high winds, which can break them or cause them to tear away from the roofing.

By the Numbers

A roof area of 6,500 square-feet as an example, with a moderate roof pitch of an 8 inches rise for every 12 inches run, would cost approximately $4.50 per square foot for a metal roof. That comes to almost $30,000 to install. The same project using standard asphalt shingles would cost about $1.50 per square foot. That cost would come to about $10,000. That figure doesn't include the tear-off of the old roof, which can cost several thousand dollars. But even considering tear-off, the cost for asphalt shingles is still lower. Obviously, higher-quality asphalt shingles are going to cost more but nowhere near the cost of metal roofing. It seems like a no-brainer when comparing the cost. Asphalt shingles can save you as much as $20,000.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term

Asphalt shingles need to be replaced about every 20 years, whereas metal roofs last, on average, 50 years. With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last longer than that. So when considering the costs, the cost equation becomes almost a wash. The equation also doesn't consider the cost of replacing sections of asphalt shingles as they age and become more brittle, particularly if you live in an area that frequently experiences high heat and high winds.

Heat Conduction

Unlike conventional shingles that absorb heat, metal roofs reflect heat. Although metal has little value in insulating heat from permeating the roof into a home, if installed with the correct system it is equal to or better than conventional shingles. Many systems use dead air space, some filled with insulation, between the roofing and the decking to which it is attached. These systems enhance energy efficiency.

Conclusion

If you plan on living in your home for a long time, the cost and durability factors of a metal roof and conventional shingling tend to level out. It becomes a question of current financial circumstance and convenience. If you're in a position to pay for the higher cost and greater durability, the metal roof option may prove a more effective roofing system. If immediate cost is a more pressing consideration, then conventional shingles are more cost-effective. Keep in mind that labor costs are only likely to rise. Technological changes in both steel roofs and shingles may likely change, as well.

References

• A Primer on Metal Roofing
• Metal Roofing Costs
• A Case for Metal Roofing