Traditionally the most popular roofing material, asphalt shingles are less expensive than metal roofing, both because of the material and the installation. The cost of professional labor is a major factor affecting the cost of metal roofing, with an often tedious installation process requiring a high degree of accuracy and therefore well-trained installers, with specialized tools and equipment. The difference in cost can also be partially attributed to simple supply and demand. Did you know? In addition to solar reflectance, there is also the so-called thermal emissivity, which speaks of how quickly a roof can cool by emitting any accumulated heat, such as after sunset.
As you might have guessed, asphalt roofs usually take much longer to cool down at night, after a hot summer day. While one might think that there is nothing related to installing a metal roof, many things can go wrong, so you'll save a lot more in the long run if you hire a contractor who has been installing metal roofing panels and shingles for many years. Finally, metal roofs are so energy efficient that they can save you money on monthly heating and cooling costs. Choosing to install a metal roof over the one already in a structure eliminates start-up costs and reduces the amount of waste that can end up in a landfill.
Installing a metal roof can take literally two to three times more work than asphalt, which is why its installation is more expensive. Instead, many homeowners would install metal roofs that look like shingles for a more residential look. Traditionally, metal roofs were made of corrugated tin panels (called standing seam metal) that conjure images of barns or sheds. To ensure homeowners like you make the right buying decision, we'll break down if a metal roof is cheaper than shingles.
In contrast, metal roofs are well known for delivering long-term value, exceptional performance, and a solid return on investment. You'll see metal roofs that fit less rustic and more refined structures, from California contemporaries to East Coast Victorians, in a range of colors and finishes, and in tile, slate, and milkshake styles. If you're ready to further explore metal roofing and learn what it could cost for your home, the best approach is to contact qualified local contractors and request quotes from those who meet your requirements. This is especially important in areas prone to wildfires because if hot ash or embers fall on a metal roof, it is much less likely to catch fire than tile roofs.
The higher the work, the lower the price of material per square foot tends to fall, especially for standing seam metal roofs. In general, metal roofs cost more in initial construction (and significantly more in certain cases), but they also tend to require less maintenance. Due to the weight and size of metal roofing panels, the installation of this material can be complicated, to say the least. If you have money to invest in your home, cosmetic and practical improvements to a metal roof are probably worth it.
If the project is a new construction, such as an extension or a new garage, metal is a big winner because an asphalt tile roof would require a plywood base. Longevity: Perhaps one of the biggest differences between metal roofs and shingles is the length of their lifespan.
