Category Archives: Residential Metal Roofing Ideas

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!

Continue reading

Metal Shingles vs. Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs

As it turns out, many homeowners are not aware that there is not one, but three main types of metal roofing systems available for residential properties; metal shingles/shakes/tiles, standing seam, and corrugated and ribbed “R” metal panels.

In other words, there are three distinct styles of metal roof paneling, all with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the particular style of metal, you can expect to pay between $5.50 to $18.00 per square foot installed.

Why is there such a wide gap in prices?

On the low-end, there are corrugated G-90 (residential grade) steel and ribbed “R” panels with exposed fasteners that tend to cost between $5.50 and $9.50 per sq. ft. installed.

On the high-end, there are architectural metal shingles, stone-coated steel tiles, metal shakes, and standing seam metal roofs. The high-end systems can average between $10.00 and 18.00 per sq. ft. installed, depending on specifics of a project (roof shape and complexity, accessibility, size and scope of the project, etc.) and where your home is located

Price per sq. ft. Vs. Price per Square

Roofs are normally measured and priced by squares. A square equals to 100 square feet of the roof surface. Many single-family residential roofs will measure between 15 and 20 squares.

In terms of squares, you can expect to pay anywhere from $550 to $1,800 per square of metal roofing installed, depending on the type of system being installed and your home’s location.

Metal Shingles, Shakes, and Tiles

Although, many homeowners are not aware of the existence of metal shingles, it’s a compelling alternative to the traditional composition shingles.

All in all, metal shingles cost about double the cost of asphalt shingles installed.

The Cost of Materials for Metal Shingles, Shakes, and Tiles

Metal shingles/tiles and/or metal shakes materials average between $4.00 to $5.50 per square foot, or $400 to $550 per square (100 sq. ft.) including trim/flashing details.

Total Cost Installed

With professional installation, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 per square for a new metal shingles roof.

For example, an average-sized ranch style roof measuring 1,700 square feet or 17 squares will cost anywhere from $17,000 to $25,500 installed, which is roughly two times as much as you would normally pay for an asphalt shingles roof.

Tamko Metalworks - metal shingles roof on a ranch

Tamko Metalworks – metal shingles roof on a ranch

Continue reading

Exotic Metal Roofs: Zinc, Copper, & Stainless Steel – They really are Exotic!!!

You already probably know that not all metal roofs are made equal.

There are the regular metal roofs appropriate for most homes, and then there are the exotic species that only a handful of homeowners inspired by classic beauty will ever consider as a viable option for a complete roof replacement.

Exotic as they are, we wanted to share them with you just to keep you in the loop! 😉

zinc-roof-on-a-log-home-at-sunset

Source: Rheinzink

So what are these “Exotic” metal roofs?

zinc-roof-on-a-log-home-colorado

Source: Rheinzink

While most regular roofs are typically made from galvanized or Galvalume steel, or aluminum, the exotic ones, as the name suggests, are made from exotic metals such as copper, zinc, and stainless steel (often tin-plated). — What really sets them apart from the rest is their unprecedented durability and longevity.

In fact, while regular metal roofs are expected to last anywhere from 35 to 60 years, the exotic ones are truly permanent roofing systems, with zinc, copper, and stainless steel roofs designed to last for centuries!

Continue reading