One of the biggest appeals that metal roofing has to offer to the homeowners today, is that more often than not, it can be a very long lasting roof that requires virtually no maintenance or repairs, and can last three times longer than a regular roof. Being made out of metal makes, this roof is extremely lightweight, durable and sturdy, flexible, energy efficient, and good for the environment.

Metal roofs perform extremely well in all types of climates. In the hotter climates, metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which helps keeping the interior of the building cool, and saves money on air conditioning costs. Energy star rated metal roofs can save as much as 40 percents on cooling costs.

In northern climates, metal roofs coated with a special coating help shed snow and ice away from the roof, which prevents the accumulation of snow and eliminates the possibility of ice dam formation on your roof.

Many metal roofing systems available on the market today, contain a minimum of 30% of post consumer metal content, which qualifies them for LEED certification by the U.S. green building council. Asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, contain petroleum that goes into the production of asphalt shingles, and end up in our landfills after their relatively short and energy inefficient service.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Metal roofs are available in many styles, the most popular standing-seam metal roof provides modern architectural look and looks aesthetically pleasing. Metal shingles roof offers a more traditional look of the asphalt shingle, which is a good alternative for somebody who wants a reliable and energy efficient roof that resembles the looks of conventional roofs. Metal shingles can also work well for historic buildings, but so does standing-seam, which was installed on Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. This roof was installed over a century ago, and has recently been renovated with a new standing-seam metal roof.

Homeowners who consider installing a metal roof for their home, need to be aware of metal roofing costs that are usually three times higher than the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. The reason for the price difference is that metal roofing requires special skills in order for it to be installed correctly. The installation of standing-seam metal roof is quite involved and takes time to develop the skills of installing it correctly. Asphalt shingle roofing, on the other hand, can be installed by regular laborers in a fraction of a time that it takes to install standing-seam roof, or metal shingle roof.

Thus, in spite of steep residential metal roofing prices, being initially on the pricey side, metal roofing can still be a great exterior remodeling decision for somebody who does not want to re roof their house again. Another advantage of installing a metal roof is that it provides a beautiful curb appeal to your home, and energy savings that add up over the years.

Installing a beautiful metal roof for your home can drastically change the looks of your home and provide reliable protection. Metal roofs standout from its counterparts – asphalt shingle and cedar shake roofs. They provide aesthetically pleasing lines, colors, and wide variety of styles. Metal roofs offer durability and longevity that far exceeds the durability and longevity of an asphalt shingle roof. Not to mention, metal roofing is a fully recyclable building product, while asphalt shingle roof, a petroleum based product pollutes the environment in all three phases of its existence; during its production, its service life and during its demise, which usually means decomposing in our landfills.

Essentially, metal roofing is a far superior energy efficient and environmentally safe roofing alternative to conventional roofing materials. Naturally, most people who become exposed to many great benefits that metal roofs have to offer, will consider installing metal roofing on their property. Which brings up the next question; how come not everybody has metal roofs on their homes? Aside from a lack of awareness about pros and cons of metal roofing, and perpetuation of the old myths and untruths about metal roofing being noisy in the rain, not that good looking, and easily susceptible to corrosion, it is the fact that metal roofing costs more than asphalt shingle roofs.

Despite the higher initial cost of metal roofing, there are many factors that may influence a buying decision in favor of metal roofing. Sure, being initially pricey, may be the major hindrance to installing a metal roof, but overcoming this initial obstacle may have many benefits for the homeowners.

Metal roofs are notorious for their energy efficiency, which translates into average energy savings of 20% or more on cooling costs. Some homeowners report having the energy savings of up to 40 percent.

Metal roofing can last far longer than an asphalt shingle roof. In fact, metal roofs can outlast asphalt shingle roofs by as many as three times.

Metal roofs are fully recyclable at the and all of their service life. This is good for the environment, and is one of the many reasons why metal roofs are gaining in popularity as a green building material.

Metal roofs increase the appraised value of your home, and they retain that value more so than any other remodeling project you could think of. As one of the arguments in defense of the higher price of metal roofing, the ability of metal roofs to enhance the curb appeal of your property and increase its upraised value is what makes higher price justifiable. Retaining that higher appraised value while yielding monthly energy savings on cooling costs, and providing many decades of reliable and maintenance free protection is what makes metal roofs a smart investment in your home.

Now, that would have covered the basics of metal roofing pricing considerations, we can get down to the actual numbers you may expect to pay for metal roofing. Generally speaking, metal roofing costs approximately double of what you would normally pay for asphalt shingle roofing installation by a professional contractor who has their licenses and insurance in check.

Steel shingle roofs cost around $800 per square for the materials and labor. Steel shingle roofs are protected by a layer of zinc and aluminum to prevent corrosion, which should give you about 50 years of service life under normal conditions.

If you live near coastal area where the air contains a higher concentration of salt, you should choose aluminum as a metal roofing material, rather than steel. Installing aluminum shingles metal roofing will cost you about $1000 per square for materials and labor.

On the higher end of metal roofing products for residential homes you may choose to install standing seam metal roofing which will run you about $1100 per square for materials and labor.

Metal roofing installation prices provided here are meant as a general guideline only, and will vary depending on your location, contractor, and the difficulty of your roof.

Metal shingles, which is a basic type of a metal roof, cost about $250 per square for galvanized steel shingles, $350 per square for aluminum shingles, and $1100 per square for copper shingles.  Standing seam sheet roofing panels cost about $600 per square for the materials, plus trim. Prices provided here include all the necessary trim and metal flashing.  If you are planning to take on the installation of a new metal roof by yourself, then be sure you understand the fundamental principles of installing the particular system that you choose.

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Metal Roofing Prices

Metal Roofing Materials Prices