Metal Roofing: Benefits and Costs

Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular in residential applications due its longevity and modern aesthetic look.

11:19 27 November 2019

It has been a popular roofing material for commercial and industrial buildings for decades, but more and more homeowners are opting for different kinds of metal roofs like standing-seam, corrugated steel and metal shingle roofing styles. Professional roofing contractors are responding to the growing demand by offering affordable metal alternatives to standard asphalt shingle roofs. This article will discuss some of the benefits of metal roofing compared to asphalt shingle as well as the comparative cost of these options.

Types of Metal Roofing: Standing-Seam & Corrugated Steel

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFS

The most popular and desirable metal roofing style is standing-seam. These roofs consist of long metal panels that are custom-cut by the manufacturer to the length of the roof so that there are no horizontal seams running across the roof - the panel spans from the top of the roof (the ridge) to the bottom edge. Where the panels are adjoined there is an interlocking vertical seam that runs the length of the panel, and it “stands” higher than the panel itself. This seam can also be walked on, hence the name “standing-seam”. These roofs are so popular and highly desired because of their elegance and modern aesthetic. The fasteners are all hidden within the interlocking seam and therefore the paneling provides a smooth and unblemished look. Standing seams are costly, and can be up to three times the cost of asphalt shingle roofing. Read about metal roofing in Hanover PA for region-specific pricing from a certified professional roofing contractor.

CORRUGATED STEEL METAL ROOFS

A more affordable option is corrugated steel metal roofing panels. It is often called “barn metal” because of how commonly it is seen in agricultural construction like barns, farms and warehouses. It is a ribbed (corrugated) panel, usually consisting of 28- or 26-gauge steel that is specially coated with solar- and heat-reflective paint that protects against rust and comes in dozens of colors and a couple different finishes (smooth and textured). The fasteners are installed directly into the face of the panels, so it does not provide the same smooth elegant look of standing-seam metal roofs. However, corrugated steel roofs are comparable in cost to asphalt shingle, making it one of the most affordable metal roofing materials. Learn about location-specific corrugated metal roofing pricing from a certified roofer.

 

Benefits of Metal Roofing Installations vs. Asphalt Shingle

The benefits of metal roofing are mostly in terms of durability: longevity and lifespan, and resistance to roof damage from wind and storms. The interlocking panels of standing-seam and the overlapping panels of corrugated steel provide higher resistance to strong winds. Furthermore, the rigidity of steel panels allow them to stand up to hail and debris from storms better than most asphalt shingle roofs. Storms aside, a properly-installed metal roof can last up to 100 years, making its lifespan up to three times longer than shingle roofing. Most people who invest in a metal roofing installation will never have to replace their roof again. Furthermore, metal panels are often much lighter than most roofing materials and therefore provide a much lighter structural load.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY: GREEN ROOFING

Environmentally conscious homeowners can rest assured that they are doing their part to reduce their footprint. Metal roofing materials are manufactured with up to 95% recycled materials and when they are demolished they are melted down and reused instead of taking up space in landfills. The panels are also excellent at reflecting solar radiant heat and therefore ideal for home energy conservation.

WARNING: Do NOT Install Metal Roofing Over Old Shingles

The up-front cost of metal roofing can be prohibitive for some homeowners. At up to 3x the cost of asphalt shingle, many homeowners cannot afford it - even though a standing seam roof will be the last roof they ever have to buy. So, in order to cut costs people may be tempted to just install metal panels over an existing asphalt shingle roofing system. Know that a qualified, certified roofing contractor will NEVER suggest this as a viable option to a homeowner. Building code does allow up to two layers of roofing materials, but this inferior roofing practice will void warranties and can lead to costly complications in the future. It is worth the extra few hundred dollars to completely remove the existing roof down to the roof-deck in order to properly install a metal roofing system complete with its own substrate. A roof is more than just the outermost material: it is a system of barriers that work together to shield a home from the elements. When one of those barriers is compromised the entire system can fail, and this can make repairs costly and dangerous. Read this article by a professional roofer to learn more about re-roofing pros and cons.

Looking for a Metal Roofing Contractor?

JWE Remodeling & Roofing and Superior Services of PA & MD are two of the highest-rated metal roofing contractors serving south-central Pennsylvania (York & Adams County) and northern Maryland (Frederick and Carroll County). Factory-certified and fully licensed and insured, these two roofers offer the highest quality metal roofing installations, backed with decades-long warranties. Visit their websites for more information.