How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

There’s nothing better than sitting down to watch your favorite TV show while the rain patters down on your new metal roof, but roof replacement can become expensive faster than that downpour begins and ends.

A 24-gauge standing seam metal roof usually costs between $10,000 and $14,000, but this handy remodeling calculator can help you figure out what it might cost to replace or repair your old roof.

Once you have an idea about your price range, you should know the benefits of replacing your roof versus getting your old roof repaired. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each option:

Choosing Your Roofing

If you opt to repair your old roof, this decision is easy. Just go with the same type and color of roofing you already have. The only issue with this is the possibility that you’ll be trying to replace a type of roofing that no longer exists in today’s market.

If you find yourself trying to replace a type of tile that hasn’t existed since the 70s (been there, done that), you may want to invest in a whole new roof instead.

So what are your options?

• Slate, wood, asphalt, or other shingles
• Clay or concrete tile
• Rolled roofing
• Membrane roofing
• R-panel roofing
• Standing seam

The issues with tile and shingles have to do with durability. The adhesive can fail, leaving you with a landslide of broken roofing. Other materials rip or shatter with the weather.

Rolled roofing is designed for short-term use, lasting only a decade and looking like an eyesore in the meantime. Membrane roofing can last longer, up to 35 years, but is still subject to heat and puncture damage.

Finally, there are the metal roofing materials. R-panel and standing seam both offer superior durability with resistance to fire, puncturing, and all kinds of weather.

R-panel roofing, however, varies widely in quality and is prone to wear over time as the exposed fasteners are forced to shift and wear away the panels. Though R-paneling is cheaper, standing seam offers even more water resistance and can last over 50 years.

Some people wonder if metal roofing blocks cell phone reception, but that is not the case. Neither R-panel nor standing seam roofing will keep you out of the loop despite their tough exteriors.

Insurance Costs

Standing seam metal roofing offers protection that insurance companies are willing to get behind. Because of standing seam’s durability, fire and water resistance, you may recoup the cost of your roof replacement with lower premiums.

The interlocking panels of standing seam roofing hide the fasteners that hold down the roof, thereby protecting them from inclement weather and you from high insurance rates.

Metal roofs are favored by insurance companies, which also prefer hip roofs and newer roofs in good condition.

However, be wary of scam roofing companies that claim to pay your insurance deductible. This practice is not legal.

Your new roof may pay for itself by preventing future repair costs and lowering your premiums, but your roofing company will not pay any of your insurance costs.

Instead of falling for one of these scams, look into getting a warranty on your new roof. The first few repairs on your roof may be free if your warranty has not expired.

If your warranty has expired, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs. Though your roofing company will not pay your insurance premiums, they can help you make a claim. Look into policies that cover cosmetic damage as well as structural damage, because superficial dents may not be covered if the roof is still functional.

Style

For some, a metal roof brings to mind the image of a rusty corrugated tin roof held down by old tires, but the interlocking panels of a standing seam roof meet at clean angles that compliment any home.

Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and can even mimic the look of tile or shingles. Even so, the sleek look of a metal roof can draw envious looks from neighbors all on its own.

Whatever color panels you choose, your home will look modern and well built, which will increase the resale value of your home when it’s time to move.

Durability

While a standing seam metal roof is a durable style, to begin with, the thickness of your metal will also determine how devastating that felled tree or impromptu hailstorm is to your roof.

Some popular options are:

• 24 gauge – the thickest
• 26 gauge – the most common thickness
• 29 gauge – the thinnest

Many contractors recommend 24 or 26 gauge panels because they offer dent protection and maintain a good look for years to come.

Other roofing will leak due to missing or damaged tiles or damaged flashing. The leak-resistant design of standing seam metal avoids the loss of any panels and covers the flashing completely, leaving your home warm and dry.

Your New Roof

Whether you are ready to replace your old roof or build a new home, standing seam metal roofing is the most attractive, longest-lasting material you can choose.

A metal roof pays for itself by lowering your insurance rates and increasing the resale value of your home.

No matter the weather in your area, a standing seam roof will protect your home from the fiercest heat and the toughest storm.

Overall, the benefits of a standing seam roof will save you money and anxiety for the life of your home.

Looking for reliable help building your new roof? Check out our roofing company reviews to see what our customers have to say about their repaired and renovated roofs and then call us at 402-616-7304 today!