How Metal Roofs Pay Off

By Metal Sales.  

Despite the initial investment, metal roofs are set to nearly last you a lifetime! 

Are you thinking about replacing your roof? Metal roofs are in high demand for both roof replacement and new roofing projects. McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics estimates that 750,000 homeowners are choosing metal roofing for their homes. Metal roofs are initially pricier than other roofing materials, like asphalt, but the investment will save you significant time and money in repairs and maintenance over its lifetime. A metal roof could last over 50 years with hardly any maintenance. Read more about the benefits of metal roofs below! 

Benefits of a metal roof 

Durability 

A metal roof typically will last as long as the house, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 70 years and, often, a 30- to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty. A traditional asphalt roof typically lasts 10 to 20 years. 

Style 

Residential metal roofs are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. They can make a bold architectural statement or complement any home. A shingle roof has very limited style options. They typically do not account for pitch, run or water run-off. 

Eco-friendly Roofing 

Metal is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing material available. Metal roofs are virtually 100% recyclable and are made with a minimum of 25% recycled material, depending on the specific metal. Traditional asphalt shingles require replacement every 15 to 20 years, which means that nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Resale Value 

Homeowners who renovate their home with metal roofing are typically able to recoup an extremely high rate of the roof’s cost, 85.9% according to national averages, with homes in the Eastern states recouping up to 95.5%! Homes with a metal roof see, on average, up to 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt. 

Weather 

Unlike asphalt or other roofing styles, a metal roof can handle just about anything Mother Nature can throw at it. Metal roofing can protect your home against extreme temperatures, hail, high winds and fire — all with minimal maintenance. Each year, hail causes about 1.6 billion dollars of damage to residential roofs in the United States. Hail can break and cause tear-off damage to traditional roofing materials, resulting in big repair or replacement costs. Metal roofs are naturally very tough and highly resistant to hail damage. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install an impact-resistant metal roof. 

Cost of a metal roof 

The average cost of a metal roof is somewhere between $5.50 and $15.50 a square foot, though many factors go into the true cost of the roof. One of the largest considerations affecting price is the material used. Below are several common materials for metal roofing, priced per square (a 10 foot by 10 foot section of roofing). 

Steel 

Steel has been a staple in agricultural, commercial, architectural and residential. Galvanized steel is resistant to rust and low maintenance with an average cost of $150-$350 per square. Galvalume is a more affordable option, at $75-$200 a square. Both galvanized and galvalume panels are available in a variety of colors.  

Aluminum 

Aluminum is another metal roofing option that is resistant to corrosion, long-lasting and energy efficient. The price of aluminum roofing ranges from $150-$600 per square. Aluminum panels are a good choice for buildings and homes located close to saltwater environments. 

Stainless Steel 

Because of its resistance to corrosion and other properties, stainless steel roofing can maintain its appearance for up to 60 years! It is also more resistant to damage from hail than other materials. Stainless steel roofing averages between $400-$1,200 per square, depending on whether it is in sheets or tiles. 

Copper 

While it is long-lasting and low maintenance, copper roofing is difficult to work with and comes with a larger price tag, around $800-$1,500 per square. Consumers often choose copper for the natural patina it develops, and it’s commonly used for decorative accents, rather than entire roofs. 

Zinc 

The longest-lasting metal roofing material, zinc can actually repair and maintain itself by creating a protective coating. Zinc roofs can cost anywhere from $600-$1,000 per square. 

In addition to the material used, the style of the metal roofing also plays a significant role in cost. Exposed fastened metal roofing is the most affordable option. These panels are easy to install and add instant protection and curb appeal. Concealed fastened metal panels — also called standing seam panels — are a great option for commercial applications, where they are commonly used, but are suitable for residential as well. The clean lines of the snap-seam vertical ribs along with the concealed fasteners give any building an upscale look. Stone-coated metal shingles are another option with many color and style choices. They offer the look of a traditional shingle roof, but with a steel backer, giving it a much longer lifespan.  

As you can see, the benefits and cost of a metal roof can play a major role in your decision.  

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

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Original article source: Metal Sales