Metal Roof Prices: Calculating the Cost of Installing a Metal Roof
There are numerous factors that go into determining just how much installing a metal roof is likely to cost you. Depending on your location, the freight costs of getting the raw materials there will make for different off-the-shelf pricing. In fact, your average contractor will tack their own commission onto the cost of any materials you ask them to buy, the reason that, if you intend to save on your building or renovation, you’re probably best off buying directly from the local distributor or manufacturer, preferably in a bulk purchase with another would-be renovator to get wholesale prices on your metal roof materials. The most popular brands such as Met-Tile, Prestige, Gerard and Decrabond offer the best warranties on their materials, and will be able to recommend you to a roofer in your area qualified to install their particular product.
After your purchase ask the manufacturer who in your area is qualified to install that roof, and you’ll be well on your way to a low-cost, high-quality installation. Never, ever go with a roofer who hasn’t worked with the material before. The long term cost of having to re-do the job will easily outweigh any cash you might save by choosing less skilled labor, in addition to which the cost of installing a metal roof is generally low, as the shingles are so lightweight, and are often sold in pre-assembled sheets.
The cost of installing a metal roof will be significantly less the more regular the roof of your home is. Roofs with irregular features like strange angles, skylights, dormers, sidewalls and chimneys will probably require custom, on-site cutting of panels, making them seriously prohibitive for any kind of home DIY-installation effort. Cutting by hand takes far too long for any but the most zen-like roofer to retain his sanity. Instead an expensive, portable machine called a brake is required, as is a professional trained in its operation.
While base metal roof prices are a little steep by comparison to fiberglass and asphalt roofs, if you plan to stay in your home, the cost will more than justify itself. Metal roofing is naturally flame retardant. Indeed, because of its noncombustible characteristics, many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 25 percent on policies for homes with metal roofs.
Aside from this, you’ll save on electricity (and your carbon footprint!) when summer hits, as the reflective properties of metal will help keep your house from absorbing solar heat - running your air conditioner round the clock to no effect will be a thing of the past.Try shingles with a Kylar coating - a plastic layer that will enhance the reflective properties of your roofing, and their aesthetic appeal with it. You’ll find that the cost of installing metal roofing just about pays for itself.
Finally, let’s not forget - investing in a metal roof is investing in something that’s going to last a long, long time. Copper, aluminum, stainless steel - metal shingles made of these materials are immune to hail, hurricane-force winds and, when properly treated in galvalume fashion with a zinc-aluminum coating, are so resistant to corrosion that the only thing you’ll need to do to maintain their appearance is give them the occasional rinse with the garden hose. No hassle, no inconvenience - and this with a warranty of fifty years. It’s the reason more and more people are choosing the hardy features and new-age appeal of metal roofing.
To read more about Installing a Metal Roof check out www.DurableMetalRoofs.com
- Ryan McCall
