Metal roofs are becoming more popular among homeowners and businesses because they are durable and long-lasting. While the initial cost of a metal roof installation is twice as much as asphalt shingle roofing, the long-term savings outweigh the short-term fees.
So How Much Does a Roof Metal Cost?
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $6.00 – $8.00 per square foot on their metal roof plus labour fees, the price is depending on the quality of the roof materials. While the price range is very diverse, there are many factors that affect the average cost of a metal roof installation.
Factors That Affect Metal Roof Costs
Metal Roof Slope
The type of roof you have will also affect the metal roofing cost. Flat roofs require different types of sealants, metal shingles, fasteners and labour than steeply-sloped roofs. However, the incline on a sloped roof can increase the labour costs because it affects the complexity of the job.
Size of Roof
Bigger roofs need more materials and labour to place. This means it will cost more to install a large metal roof than on smaller housetops. Materials and labour are usually charged per square footage so the bigger the area, the higher the cost.
Type of Metal Roof Panels
Metal roof sheets are made of aluminum or steel. They come in interlocking or overlapping designs and have different types of coating applications. The type and style of panels and sealants affect the overall installation price, as well. The types of metal roof panels available are:
Economy Metal Roofs –Economy roofs are the cheapest type of metal roofing material. They are great for agricultural and commercial use. Economy metal sheets contain lower-grade steel alloy and paint finishing. This, in turn, makes regular maintenance for them a necessity. On average, they cost $4.50 – $6.50 per square foot.
- Steel Roof Sheets: Steel roofs have interlocking panels. Higher-quality steel is an accepted standard for roofing in materials in Canada. The average cost of a steel metal roof ranges from $6.00 – $8.00 per square foot.
- Aluminum Roofing Cost per Square Foot: Aluminum Panels Are Fantastic for Residential Use and Are the Most Energy-Efficient. They Are Interlocking and Sealed with Pvdf Coating. They Can Be Applied Over Asphalt Shingles so Tear-Down and Disposal Costs Are Lower. the Average Cost of Aluminum Metal Roof Installation Is Between $9.50 – $12.00 per Square Foot.
- Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation CostThis Type of Roof Is Ideal for Commercial Use only Because It Does Not Expand nor Contract in Hot and Cold Temperatures. Standing Seam Panels Are Made of Aluminum or Steel. the Average Cost to Install This Type of Roof Is $12.00 – $16.00 per Square Foot for Steel Panels and $16.00 – $20.00 per Square Foot for Aluminum Panels. Standing seam roofs can be installed over existing asphalt shingles.
Other factors that affect the metal roof cost per square feet are thickness of the metal panels, quality of finishing paint, location of the home and underlays. In addition, installing a metal roof requires specialised training. This means you should also factor in the cost of hiring a professional metal roof contractor.
Are you a homeowner wanting to install a metal or steel roof for your house? If the answer is “yes,” then you have probably begun to consider all the metal roofing costs. While it would be nice if it were as simple as using a metal roof cost calculator, there’s a lot more that goes into it than you think.
Metal roofing prices are mainly based on the square footage of the steel roofing surface. In Ontario, for instance, the price of metal roofing varies between $6.00 and $20.00 per square foot. And this is just the basic factor that impacts the cost of your metal roof. Keep reading.
Metal Roofing Installation Cost Factors
There are several factors to note with the installation of a new steel roof for your home. The following elements will impact your metal roof cost and determine your budget for the project:
- Steel Roofing Designs: The metal roof design you choose is determined by whether you use interlocking steel panels or overlapping panels. Both of these tin roof options have their own pros and cons that affect their cost. A consultation with a steel roof professional will help you make the right choice for your project.
- Metal Roof Coating: Also known as “metal roofing finish,” the coating you choose for the product plays a big role in the final cost. For long-lasting you will choose between polyester-based coating or a Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) based formula, as long as you don’t let the scientific name intimidate you! Polyester coatings are at the lower end of the price spectrum, while PVDF over a galvanized metal roof is considered a higher-standard alternative and thus costs more.
- Access to the Roof: Before you install a metal roof, ask yourself: “Does my roof have a slant to it or is it flat?” “Does my roof lead to an alleyway that could make it difficult to access?” The layout of your home will impact the steel roof quote you receive from contractors. A house roof that’s not easily accessible will make metal roof installers might think twice before they come to your property.
- Steel Roof Paint: This factor is optional, of course, but it’s something to consider with the cost of metal roof installation. In addition to the curb appeal it adds, painting your steel roof will keep it in good condition and protect it from the harsh weather and elements.
- Metal Roof Underlayment: The underlayment of your roof is basically added protection. The steel roof underlayment works alongside the coating and paint to protect the roof against moisture and weather elements. This is an added cost in the steel roof installation quote, but we think it’s totally worth it!
- Disposal of Your Existing Roof: When contemplating how much it costs to install a metal roof, you will need to consider how you dispose of the materials of your current roof. Depending on the weight of the materials and the provincial bylaws this could potentially have more of an impact on your how much does a metal roof cost than you would like.
- Labour Costs: This is not something you want to attempt to cut corners with. Regardless of the previous steel roof costs factors, the contractor you hire can make or break your investment. Doing the proper research to find the right steel roofing contractor will ensure your labor cost to install metal roof is worth every dime. And here’s why.
Metal Roof Advantages
Now that you have an idea of the steel roof costs, you will want to weigh out the advantages of having a metal roof.
- Life expectancy. A metal roof has a life expectancy of 50+ years, making it well worth the costs.
- Aesthetically pleasing. The sleek design of a metal roof adds a subtle flair to your home.
- Climate protection. Steel roofs are well suited for extreme weather conditions that a typical shingle roof often cannot handle. Rain, strong winds, heavy snowfall and sleep can destroy a shingled roof in one storm, whereas a metal roof can withstand harsh Canadian winters like a champ.
- Fire resistance. Yet another fantastic safety measure of a metal roof for your home!
- Increased home value and ROI: The investment of a steel roof will increase the overall value of your property and home. This will also increase your house’s resale value and consistently has high returns on investment if and when you choose to resell your home.
- Energy-efficiency. Save on your summertime cooling costs by installing a metal roof and keeping your home cool.
The Price of Metal Roofs vs. the Price Asphalt Shingles
The metal roofing cost in comparison to the cost of installation of roofing shingles is roughly 2-3 times more. However, when you factor in the longevity of metal roofs, especially in extreme climates, and the lack of constant repairs, you will save in the long run with a metal roof. A metal roof is a long term solution and investment toward your roofing needs.
The Bottom Line about Steel Roofing Costs
While the steel roof installation costs may seem overwhelming, it is a worthy investment into your home’s market value. Additionally, the steel roof installation cost pays for itself with a lifespan that will cover decades. It is certainly more costly than the asphalt shingle option for your roof but the benefits speak for themselves. When evaluating the cost of a metal roof you will want to do your research for the right metal roofing contractor, materials, and labourers.