Metal roofing is one of the most cost effective home upgrades. Durable, low-maintenance, and lightweight metal roofs are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and last far longer than asphalt.
So how much does metal roofing cost?
Let’s explore some numbers.
What Does a Metal Roof Cost?
To get a clear perspective, let’s look at a comparison between different types of roofs.
Obviously, costs vary from project to project because of architectural differences, sizes, and regional labor costs. These numbers are based on national averages.
The overall national average price to install a new roof is $7,151.
Typically, roofing prices range between $5,100 to about $10,000 for most people, with plenty of lower and higher examples.
Asphalt shingles cost between $1,700 and $8,400 for professional installation depending on the size and slope of your roof. They’re a common material, and they’re not recyclable and only last 15 to 18 years.
Wood shake lasts 30 to 40 years and makes for a beautiful roof. Installation costs between $12,500 and $19,000, and they tend to be a little more fire prone.
Tile roofs cost between $17,000 and $60,000 depending on many factors, and the average lifespan is around 50 years since tiles can be replaced individually instead of replacing the whole roof.
Slate roofs are popular for larger houses, and installations run $12,000 for a small house and upwards of six figures for large homes. Slate roofs last 40 to 50 years.
Metal roofs can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 for premium metals like copper, and they are expected to last around 70 years, making them the longest lasting of any roof type.
Those are a lot of ranges, and when you calculate the cost of a roof, it’s wise to consider longevity as well.
Asphalt shingles are popular because builders look for an option that’s immediately cheap, regardless of long term drawbacks or expenses. Assuming you spend $4,000 on asphalt versus $10,000 for a comparable metal roof, by the time you’ve replaced your asphalt shingles 4 times, you’ve spent $16,000 on roofing and had to go through the trouble of replacing your roof again and again…while the metal roofing is still going strong.
While the long term view isn’t necessarily favored in general – most people plan on moving long before the lifespan of their roof is up, leaving the problems for the next guy – we believe that taking the long view is the responsible thing to do.
Plus, metal roofing is better for the environment, better for your electricity bill, and much prettier than you might think.
When you think about metal roofing costs, look at the big picture. You might be surprised at how affordable it is.
