Category Archives: FAQ

Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Cost, Pros & Cons, ROI

Hey there Mr. or Ms. Homeowner, how’s your day going? I heard it through the grapevine that you were starting the next part of your home improvement journey by picking out your roofing material and style – and that’s a big deal.

You should be proud and not stressed. There are so many different options when it comes to roofing and there is only one way to truly know your best options.

Do you know what that might be?

How does a grand welcoming to Roofing Class 101 sound? This is such a big deal! Why? We are going to be exploring a new facet of the Ultimate Buying Guide for Homeowners in this class!

Now this is not your typical chalk board classroom where I stand up and point a wooden ruler at the board. Oh no! That’s kind of boring.

We are going to delve straight into the specifics and the depths of roofing with an all new interactive way with entertainment.

We are going to unravel the roofs from the 1960s and discover what direction you should take, metal roofing or asphalt shingles. Do you think you’re ready?

Metal vs. Asphalt Shingles?

An asphalt shingle roof on a house

So, prior to truly jumping into the heart of this guide, I am going to give you the answer to this question right away.

So, when it comes to the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles, let’s sort of pretend like asphalt shingles are not really an option – the only option, metal roofing.

While the costs are going to be greater, the benefits in the case severely outweigh the so-called negatives.

When it comes to metal roofing, you are investing in high quality material, and presumably, the security that your new roof will be installed professionally, properly and safely.

You are investing in a product that has proven durability and longevity through extremes of weather and, if invested properly, can provide some Benjamins back in your wallet in the future! 😉

With all of that in mind, the next step for you in knowing that metal roofing is ultimately the route to go, is learning that there are several different types of metal roofing materials and styles or profiles such as metal shingles, stone-coated steel tiles, standing seam, ribbed, and corrugated metal sheets.

Needless to say, there are also several different types of asphalt shingles ranging from the low-end 3-tab, which is the cheapest option with the lowest expected service lifespan, to 3-dimensional (3D) architectural laminate (layered) shingles – a longer lasting option, as well as “premium shingles”.

For example, there’s a great variety of materials available with metal roofing including galvanized and Galvalume steel, aluminum, zinc, and even stainless steel. Not only are we going to explore all of these options, but we will also provide you with the cost, longevity, ROI and the pros and cons of each.

By the end of this article, you will be prepared with so much knowledge that when it’s time to book a contractor, they will likely be pleasantly surprised by your wealth of knowledge, which will make it easier for them to align on the right system and ultimately give you the proper quote you deserve! 😉

The Best Types of Metal Roofing Systems and Profiles are presented in the order of popularity and suitability of residential applications:

  • Standing Seam
  • Metal Shingles
  • Stone-coated steel shingles and tiles
  • Ribbed
  • Corrugated

Depending on which route you go, the price will go too!

Different Types of Metal

Are you familiar with steel or any other types of metal materials? Do you know who you can thank for that? Mr. Andrew Carnegie. In fact, if you want to learn some fascinating business history of one billionaire man, you should read about the intelligence of the man behind steel.

Anyways, the most common type of steel used in metal roofing is G-90 or Galvanized Steel — zinc-coated steel also referred to as hot-deep galvanized steel.

G-90 steel is commonly used in metal shingles, stone-coated steel, as well as some ribbed and corrugated sheet metal roofing profiles. There is also a low-end grade of galvanized steel known as G-60 (29-gauge steel), which is not something you want to put on your home.

Galvalume steel is a step up from G-90 steel. If you are going to install a premium metal roofing system such standing seam and would like to go with steel, than Galvalume steel — zinc and aluminum coated steel is better option than G-90 steel.

Now at same time, you have the opportunity to get a roof made from aluminum, copper, zinc, or even the fancy stainless steel – the options are truly endless.

Before we continue, do you want a fun heads-up? Well, if you are living near a coastal area, look no further than Aluminum roofing!

It’s the best option for salt-spray environment, because it’s not susceptible to any corrosion and it’s just plain-ol’ good! With that in mind, the next time you talk of scarcity, remember this moment.

Only opportunities – not scarcity. Anyways, would you like to get into the different styles of Metal Roofing? Let’s go!

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How to Get the Best Deal on a New Metal Roof for Your Home in 2022

If you have your heart set on a metal roof for your home, but you cringe at the thought of how much it will cost, the good news is that there are ways to save even on such a premium product as metal roofing.

Having some insight into different metal roofing materials and styles, as well as better understanding ways roofing contractors operate can help you save thousands of dollars on the cost of materials and installation. Check out these tips and make your dream of owning a metal roof a reality!

Go for Steel as your material of choice

Installation of a ribbed steel panels

It goes without saying that metal roofs can be made out of different types of metal, but what many homeowners don’t know is how greatly the price for these different metals may vary. The least costly aka the “cheapest” (but also lowest quality) G-60 galvanized corrugated steel panels typically at $175 per square for materials and trim (aka the cost of materials).

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Metal Roofing Facts – FAQ – Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs

If you are considering installing a new metal roof on your home or commercial property, here are the top 70, most essential metal roofing facts, FAQ and answers, pros and cons, and myth busters – All the things you will want to consider in your buying and decision making process.

In order to help you navigate this long list, we broke it down into the following categories:

Materials Residential metal roof
| 1. Materials Pros & Cons |
| 2. Cost of Materials |
| 3. Installation Basics |
| 4. Cost of Installation |
| 5. Colors & Styles |
| 6. Longevity |
| 7. Weather Protection |
| 8. Durability of Metal |
| 9. Maintenance Basics
| 10. Energy Efficiency |
| 11. Environmental Impact |
| 12. ROI |

Materials Pros and Cons:

standing seam roof with metallic finish 1. Metal roofs can be manufactured from a variety of metals and alloys including Galvanized steel (hot zinc galvanized G-90, or zinc and aluminum G-60 steel), Galvalume steel (A more expensive and longer lasting coating compared to G-90 steel.), stone-coated steel (G-90 galvanized steel), aluminum, copper, zinc, terne (zinc-tin alloy), and stainless steel.

2. The downside of galvanized steel is that it can corrode, eventually, especially when exposed to a moist salt spray environment.

3. Steel is the most frequently used material in residential metal roofing, mainly due to its lower cost.

4. Aluminum is the second most popular material. It is more durable and longer lasting than steel, but only costs a fraction of the price of premium metals, such as copper or zinc.

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