Should I Get a Metal Roof?

A metal roof is a significant investment, but the benefits are substantial. Reduced maintenance, higher durability and longevity, and increased energy efficiency are all trademark benefits of a metal roof. But do these benefits outweigh the upfront costs? And what options do you have when deciding on a metal roof? Let's take a look together:

How much does a metal roof cost?

In Pennsylvania, a metal roof installation typically costs between $6 and $12 per square foot. For the purposes of our calculations today, we're going to take the middle of that range and consider the cost to be $9 per square foot. For a 2000 square foot house at $9 a square foot, that metal roof would cost you $18,000.

How much money does a metal roof save?

Every house is different, so every house will experience different savings. But to approximate, a 2000 square foot house in Pennsylvania with a metal roof, when compared to an asphalt shingle roof, will save $175 a year in energy, $325 a year in average maintenance, and $28,000 over the life of the roof in foregone roof replacements. To annualize those savings, a metal roof saves the homeowner ~$1050 a year! Here's the math to show how we got there:

Home Energy Savings:

The average 2000 square foot house in Pennsylvania spends between $500 and $1500 on air conditioning each year. A metal roof can save you approximately 10%–40% of your cooling cost. Taking the middle of both, we can see that a metal roof can save you approximately $175 each year in reduced energy costs, with a lot of variation based on how cool you keep your house, and your exact roof characteristics.

Roof Maintenance Savings:

With an asphalt shingle roof, a homeowner can expect to spend between $250 and $500 each year on maintenance, on average over the life of the roof. Obviously any specific events that cause damage would result in additional maintenance costs, but we will focus on typical wear and tear maintenance. A metal roofing system only costs about $25–$75 a year on average to maintain. Taking the middle, you can expect savings of about $325 a year in maintenance.

Roof Replacement Savings:

Traditional asphalt shingles need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. The cost for a shingle roof replacement on a 2000 square foot home is typically between $10,000 and $18,000. Well installed metal roofs can last between 40 and 80 years . We can see that the metal roof lasts 2–4 times as long. Taking the middle once again, by the end of the life of your metal roof it will save you approximately $28,000! And that's not even accounting for inflation, which will cause the savings to continue to increase as the years go by.

Is a metal roof worth the additional cost?

Absolutely, the difference is cost is covered by the savings. Just looking at the maintenance and energy savings, you will break even in just a few years. It becomes incredibly advantageous once you factor in the longevity of the roof, you save essentially 2-3 roof replacements over the life of your metal roof, when compared to a shingle roof. If you plan to move before your next projected roof replacement, have no fear. The resale value of your house will reflect the savings that you are passing to the new owner.

Types of Metal Roofing & Benefits

Standing Seam/ Metal Panels

Standing Seam Metal Roofs are one of the most common types of residential metal roofing. The key characteristic of a standing seam roof is that there are no fastener penetrations through the roof, they are fastened under the standing seams, or ridges. The seams are fastened using a clip or a flange under these ridges such that the roofing material is allowed to contract and expand. Since roof penetrations are the most likely candidate for leaks or maintenance, this results in a high quality, minimal maintenance roof with exceptional durability & longevity. The lack of penetrations also makes it more resistant to corrosion as water cannot leech into the metal. Specialized coatings can also increase its resistance to corrosion.

Metal Shingle/Metal Tile

Stamped metal roofing is commonly called metal shingles, but it can be made to imitate a variety of roofing materials, including slate, clay or concrete tiles, shingles, and wood shake. It is a high quality metal roofing option that offers aesthetic versatility without the difficult upkeep that slate and wood shake roofs require. Metal shingles often have concealed fasteners, like standing seam roofs, resulting in improved waterproofing, longevity, and durability. They are stamped with a coating, which can be chosen based on the homeowner's needs. Cool roof coatings, which increase the solar reflectivity of the roof, will improve cooling efficiency during the summer months and lead to increased energy savings.

Corrugated Metal Roofs & Walls

Like a standing seam roof, a corrugated metal roof is comprised of ridged metal roof panels. The biggest difference is that a corrugated roof has exposed fasteners that penetrate the roof surface, which can result in more maintenance. There's always pros and cons though, as a corrugated metal roof is cheaper than standing seam or metal shingle roof . They still offer a more durable and long lasting roof than traditional asphalt shingles, but not quite as much as a standing seam or metal shingle roof. Corrugated metal roofs are a common roofing solution for industrial applications and commercial buildings, but they have seen increased usage in residential applications as well. Corrugated metal can also be used as wall panels, typically this would be for a barn, shed, or workshop.

Metal Roofing Materials

Copper Roofing

Copper roofs offer an unmatched aesthetic, be it for a traditional home or a modern manor. The natural blue-green patina is timeless and effortless, but copper can also be treated with a coating so that your roof remains the color of a fresh new penny. Copper is quite expensive, but the investment is worth the cost as these roofs can last over 100 years with regularity. The exceptional longevity is due to copper's natural rust resistance. It is a unique and eye popping roof material, that is more versatile with uncommon roof shapes due to its easy malleability.

Aluminum Roofing

The biggest selling point of aluminum is its corrosion resistance, at a cheaper cost than copper. It is most commonly installed in coastal areas, where the salt in the air can cause corrosion in other options. To be clear, aluminum does corrode, but when it does corrode the oxidation performs a hard protective layer that heals the material and prevents further corrosion. This happens very quickly, so that the roof retains its full shape and footprint.

Galvanized (Zinc) Steel Roofing

Galvanized steel is steel coated in zinc to increase to protect the metal from oxidation. It is very strong, and is cheaper than copper and aluminum. The lower price point makes this a more common types of metal used for roofing, that offers plenty of corrosion resistance and longevity without the high price tag. Galvanized steel is typically shaped into ridged panels.

Galvalume (Steel)

Galvalume is similar to galvanized steel, but is steel dipped in zinc and aluminum, rather than just zinc. This results in a material even more resistant to corrosion that is strong and durable. Galvalume is typically shaped into ridged panels.

Colors

Natural Colors

Most all of the metals used in roofing have a natural silver metallic color. The exception is copper, which naturally forms a blue-green patina.

Roof Coatings

There are coatings to achieve whatever color that you are looking for. On a practical level, a white or light colored coating designed to reflect solar radiation will keep your house cooler in the summer.

How to find a contractor?

When you are evaluating different roofing contractors, there's a variety of factors you will want to consider:

Metal Roofing Products

Consider what types of metal roofing the roofer regularly works with. Finding a roofing contractor that offers the roofing systems you are considering will help you get accurate information and a quote. Also do not forget to look for any accessories you may need.

Styles

Search online for the styles that you're interested in, so that you have a good idea of what exists and you can communicate to your roofing contractor what products you are interested in.

Previous projects

Look at the contractor's gallery of previous work on metal roofs so that you have an idea of the quality of the work they have performed on other buildings before they work on yours.

Roofing Certifications

Take a look at the certifications that the contractor has. Evaluate if they are certified in the work you need performed.

Read Reviews from Previous Clients

Find a contractor with high ratings, and reviews that seem authentic. Focus on contractors with larger numbers of reviews.

Request a Quote

Request a quote! Feel free to price shop, never feel like you're confined to want contractor. Make sure to consider the quality of their previous work, their reviews, and the price all together when making a decision on who to contract.

Rivera Contractors & Roofing

Why Rivera?

Rivera Contractors & Roofing LLC has been providing exceptional quality roofing services to the New Oxford area for more than 5 years. We are family owned and operated, and we stake our name on every job we undertake.

Services We Offer

We offer:

• Asphalt Shingle Roofing

• Metal Roofing

• Siding

• Gutters

• Home Storm Repair

Service Area

• New Oxford

• York

• Hanover

Quoting Process

We will schedule a consultation on-site to look at the project and provide a quote. Give us a call or request a quote on our website and we will get you scheduled!

Contact Us

Phone: (717) 832-4112

Email: [email protected]