How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? Factors That Impact Residential Metal Roofing Prices
One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a metal roof is, “How much will a metal roof cost?” When interviewing metal roofing contractors, it’s important to understand that many factors can affect the final price, which is why quotes can vary between contractors.
It’s wise to ask for an itemized bid so that when you are comparing roof replacement costs, you’re truly comparing apples to apples. Below are the factors contractors must consider before producing an accurate metal roofing quote.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
At Lindus Construction, we generally tell homeowners to expect a quality residential metal roofing system to cost approximately 1.25 to 1.5 times the cost of a comparable asphalt roofing system. The actual price varies based on the size and complexity of the roof, the metal roofing system selected, and the installation requirements of the home.
Roof Size
The surface area of your roof impacts the amount of material needed to re-roof. It also factors in labor costs, because the larger a roof is, the more time installation will take. However, just because your roof has the same amount of squares as a neighbor’s roof doesn’t mean the contractor can bid your roof sight unseen.
Roof Shape & Complexity
Dormers, skylights, sun tunnels, and complex roof angles all increase installation times. This can quickly equate to additional labor charges.
Roof Pitch
The steeper your roof is, the more labor-intensive the installation becomes. This requires additional equipment in order to ensure the safety of the installers. This all adds to the bottom line.
Skylights, Chimneys & Other Roof Features
Skylights, sun tunnels, chimneys, and roof vents can add to the cost of a metal roof because they require additional materials, flashing, and installation time.
Type of Metal Roof
Even if you’ve committed to steel roofing, there can still be a variance in pricing. Steel roofing is available in different gauges, which refers to the thickness of the metal. A lower gauge indicates thicker steel. The gauge and type of metal roofing system selected can affect both the price and performance of the roof.
Metal Roof Installation Method
To lower the initial cost of a metal roof, some contractors may forego shingle tear-off and simply install a new roof over an old one. While permissible in some municipalities, this approach forfeits the ability to inspect a roof deck for rot and other damage.
Is a Metal Roof More Expensive Than Asphalt Shingles?
Yes. At Lindus Construction, we generally estimate that a quality residential metal roofing system costs about 25% to 50% more than a comparable asphalt roofing system. While the upfront investment is higher, homeowners should also consider factors such as longevity, durability, and long-term performance when comparing the two roofing options.
Is a Metal Roof Worth the Higher Cost?
For homeowners planning to stay in their homes long term, a metal roof may be worth the higher upfront investment. Durability, longevity, weather resistance, and reduced need for future roof replacements are all factors to consider when comparing metal roofing with asphalt shingles.
Permit Costs & Contractor Insurance
Permit costs should be factored into the total price of a metal roofing project. Failing to pull a permit when one is required can result in costly problems, including issues with insurance or the future sale of the home.
Be wary of any contractor that dances around the question of whether or not they’ll be pulling a permit for your project. Some contractors carry inadequate insurance coverage or operate without proper coverage in an effort to lower their costs.
This penny wise and pound foolish approach puts homeowners at risk. In this situation, a worker that’s injured on the job could go after the homeowner for medical costs and lost wages due to injury.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
A metal roof can have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional asphalt shingles when the roofing system is properly installed and maintained. The specific lifespan depends on the type of metal, installation quality, weather exposure, and other conditions.
Why Metal Roofing Quotes Can Vary
The cost of a metal roof can vary significantly between contractors, even when they are quoting the same home. Differences in metal thickness, roofing system, tear-off, flashing, underlayment, ventilation, roof deck repairs, permits, and installation details can all affect the final price.
Learn More About Our Residential Metal Roofing Installation Process:
Wondering what a metal roof would cost for your home? Contact Lindus Construction to schedule an estimate and compare your roofing options.
