are standing seam metal roofs expensive

What is the average cost of a metal roof?

These metal panels cost between $1 and $2.50 per square foot for the raw materials, or between $5.50 and $11.50 for materials plus installation costs. For a 1,700-square-foot roof, the total metal roofing cost comes out to about $9,350 to $19,500.

Is metal roof cheaper than shingles?

No matter which you choose, it’s not going to be cheap. With that in mind, a metal roof will always be more expensive than shingles. Not only do the metal panels themselves cost more than asphalt shingles, but a metal roof also requires more skill and labor to install.

How much does metal roof cost vs. shingles?

Metal roofs are more expensive and require specialized knowledge to install. While it depends on the specific roofing product and where you live, the average cost of an asphalt-shingle roof is around $7,000 to $10,000, whereas the average cost of a metal roof is at least several thousand dollars more — around $12,000 to $20,000.

What do you need to know about standing seam roofing?

Why Choose Standing Seam Metal Roofs?

• More Weather Tight. There are two types of roofing systems for metals – those that use concealed fasteners and those that rely on exposed fasteners.
• Durability. ...
• Enhance the Curb Appeal of a Property. ...
• Fire Resistant. ...
• Low Maintenance Cost. ...

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

between $24,000 to $42,000The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof is anywhere between $24,000 to $42,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $8 to $14 per square foot, or $800 to $1,400 per square, installed on a standard sized single story home.

What is the life expectancy of a standing seam metal roof?

50 yearsAs long as it's properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, there's no reason you shouldn't get at least 30 years out of your new standing seam metal roof. Under the ideal conditions, your new standing seam metal roof could live for 50 years.

Is a standing seam roof worth it?

Thanks to hidden fasteners and durable metal material, standing seam metal roofs are one of the best roofing options when it comes to durability and longevity.

What is the cheapest metal roof?

Corrugated steel panel roofsCorrugated steel panel roofs are the least expensive type of metal roofing, costing about $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot comparable to the price of asphalt shingle roofing. Average costs to install a corrugated steel roof would be from $10,500 to $19,500.

What are the two biggest concerns to a metal roof?

Top 7 Most Common Metal Roof ProblemsMetal Roof Leaking. A leaking roof is the last thing anyone wants. ... Corrosion. ... Chalking & Fading. ... Installation Errors. ... Dissimilar Metals & Materials. ... Scuffing & Scratching. ... Oil Canning. ... Know Manufacturers That Make Quality Metal Products.More items...

What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?

Disadvantages of metal roofsAffordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. ... Noisiness. ... Expansion, contraction and fasteners. ... Inconsistency of color match. ... Performance.

Do standing seam metal roofs leak?

Actually, when a standing seam metal roof has a leak, it is commonly at some type of flashing area. Failed sealant or butyl tape – Sealants and butyl tape are used to seal out water, dirt, and other debris that could compromise a metal roof. If these are damaged, missing, or applied incorrectly, leaks could occur.

Are standing seam metal roofs noisy?

Metal roofs are not noisy. In reality, they can be quieter than your typical asphalt shingles. In addition to serving as a great line of defense against noise pollution, metal roofs are also energy efficient and eco-friendly.

What are 3 advantages of standing seam?

Top 10 Benefits Of A Standing Seam Metal Roof:Weather-tightness.Long Lasting and Durable.Curb Appeal.Fire Resistance.Less Maintenance.Color Choices.Energy Efficiency.Increased Home Value.More items...•

Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?

Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.

Can I put metal roof over shingles?

In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.

Is it cheaper to put a metal roof or shingles?

Traditionally the more popular roofing material, asphalt shingles are less expensive than metal roofs, both for the material and installation. This type of roof shingles typically costs between $5,700 and $12,000 for material and installation, whereas metal roofs typically cost between $5,659 and $16,149.

Can a standing seam roof leak?

Actually, when a standing seam metal roof has a leak, it is commonly at some type of flashing area. Failed sealant or butyl tape – Sealants and butyl tape are used to seal out water, dirt, and other debris that could compromise a metal roof. If these are damaged, missing, or applied incorrectly, leaks could occur.

How often should you screw a metal roof?

Corrugated roof panels and other exposed fastener metal roofs are usually held together with screws every 18 inches or 2 feet. You will want to note your metal roof screw pattern, so you know where to look for potential problems.

How can you tell how old a metal roof is?

The easiest and most definitive way to figure out roof age is by determining the last time the roof was replaced, which may mean contacting the previous homeowner or roof manufacturer.

How long does an aluminum roof last?

Aluminum Roofing (Lifespan: Average of 50 years) Aluminum is known to be the most lightweight metal roofing. If you live in a coastal area, aluminum makes a better choice than steel. Aluminum resists corrosion while steel is more prone to it.

How long does standing seam roofing last?

When you purchase standing seam, you are buying a metal roofing system that’s designed to last 40 to 60+ years. All of the components are of the highest quality, so as a whole they can last you a lifetime.

How much does a metal roof cost?

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, standing seam metal roofing will cost $8 to $12 per square foot including materials and installation. As a rule of thumb, the labor cost for a standing roof will range between 60% to 75% of the overall roof costs.

How long does it take to replace a standing seam roof?

A standing seam roof becomes a good investment after about 15 years. That’s the average amount of time that it takes for the first asphalt shingle roof to be replaced with a second asphalt shingle ...

What is the pitch of a standing seam roof?

Every roof and climate is different, but for this example we will use the most common standing seam profile and assume that you have a pitch that is 3” in 12” or greater.

Is it cheaper to have a standing seam roof or a two shingle roof?

However, the cost of two shingle roofs is greater than the cost of one standing seam roof. So, if you plan on living at your residence for more than 15 years a standing seam roof will actually cost you less in the long term.

Can you use 26 gauge paint on a standing seam roof?

Once you commit to purchasing a standing seam roof we strongly recommend avoiding a 26 or lighter gau ge or an SMP paint system. The reason we don’t recommend those options is that the cost savings will be minimal. Those more affordable options create a roofing system that isn’t designed as a whole to last a long time.

Can you pick a color for a metal roof?

We recommend that you pick the color of your roof before hiring a contractor. You may want a color that your roofing contractor cannot supply. If this happens it’s not a problem, instruct your roofing contractor to buy the material from the vendor of your choosing. This will ensure that you will get to choose between the standing seam metal roofing colors that you want versus the colors that they offer.

What is the most expensive metal roofing?

Standing seam is the premier choice in residential metal roofing. It is also the most expensive; around two or three times the cost of corrugated metal panels and asphalt shingles, and about 10% to 20% more than metal shingles like interlocking steel and aluminum tiles and shakes.

How much does it cost to install a metal roof?

The current national average cost to install a standing seam metal roof on a typical single-family house can range between $10.50 and $16.50 per square foot or $1,050 and $1,650 per square. This assumes a professional and warrantied installation of G-90 galvanized steel or Galvalume 26-gauge or 24-gauge (better) steel panels finished with the factory applied Kynar 500 paint finish. Aluminum panels finished with Kynar 500 paint are also an option and may cost slightly more than steel.

What is the best gauge for galvanized steel?

In terms of steel coating quality and thickness or gauge, a 26-gauge (good), 24-gauge (better), or 22-gauge (best) Galvalume coated steel would be a better and a longer-lasting option compared to G-90 galvanized steel, especially in the heavy salt-spray, marine environments.

Why do metal roofs fail?

Over time, all roofs eventually fail due to age (or simply get replaced because of age and/or fading colors), but it’s far more likely that some other part of the roof or one of its features like chimney or skylights fail before a well-installed standing seam metal roof develops any leaks due to a failure of raised seams.

How much does a standing seam panel cost?

Standing seam metal panels and trim will cost between $3.50 and $6.50 per sq. ft. for made-to-order or custom fabricated metal panels, depending on the overall order size, project location, and contractor’s supplier relationship.

How long does a snap lock roof last?

Snap-lock standing seam roofs installed right will provide 50 years of service lifespan. The overall quality of installation is always the key to a reliable and long-lasting metal roof.

How wide is a panel?

Width of panels is another consideration, though the standard range is between a foot and 19 inches.

How long does a standing seam metal roof last?

When you are searching for the best quality roof, a standing seam metal roof is going to be one of the top contenders. It can last up to 40 to 60 plus years while being low maintenance, weathertight, and, of course, strikingly attractive. This is why it’s used so often on residential roofs and commercial buildings.

What Are The Types Of Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels?

Each of these three systems has different pros and cons, but there are some standing seam benefits that are universal.

What is the best roof for a low flat roof?

The weathertightness of mechanically seamed panels make it the only standing seam roof that is appropriate for very low/ almost flat roofs. The panels can be used on a roof with a .5” to 1” roof slope or greater.

What is a snap lock roof?

The snap lock standing seam roof system consists of panels with a male and female leg that snap together. These panels are fastened to the roof with clips, and the fasteners are concealed.

What is the minimum slope for snap lock metal roofing?

Snap lock standing seam metal roofing minimum slope is 3” in 12” or greater to reduce the risk of roof leaks. This does not make it compatible with flat roofs or roofs with a very low slope.

What causes metal panels to turn flat?

A common occurrence in metal panels, especially standing seam, is oil canning. This cosmetic deformation is observed as waves or wrinkles in the standing seam panels’ flat areas. Oil canning is solely an aesthetic issue and does not affect the functionality of a metal roof. It is not a cause for panel rejection.

What is the minimum slope for a standing seam roof?

This makes it a bad choice for low sloped roofing, and you should have a minimum roof slope of 3:12 or greater.

What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?

A standing seam metal roof is one of the several types of metal roofing available today. It consists of a series of seamed metal panels (usually 12 to 18 inches in width) that you attach to the deck using concealed fasteners. They are often made from galvanized and galvalume steel and feature vertical ribs (legs) that rise above the flat area.

How long does a standing seam metal roof last?

As long as you follow the correct installation process and the ventilation in your attic is up to par, the roof should serve you for at least 30 years.

Who is This Roof Best for?

Standing seam metal roofs are one of the most preferred roofing options for architectural and commercial projects. Moreover,

How do roof panels join together?

Other than the color, how the panels join together also matters. Roof panels are seamed together using concealed or exposed fasteners. Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages.

How long does a metal roof last?

The same cannot be said of standing seam metal roofs. As long as it is installed correctly, the roof will last for more than 50 years.

What can you mount on a metal roof?

A standing seam metal roof enables you to mount items such as swamp coolers and solar panels onto the roof. You don't even need to make holes on the surface of the panels.

Why paint a roof?

When the surface of the panel is scratched or damaged, it exposes the metal to the elements. That's why a painted finish is essential. It helps keep the elements at bay and retains the original color of your roof for longer.

Why is Standing Seam Metal Roof So Expensive?

Their labor and material costs are much smaller when compared to standing seam metal roofs. Standing seam metal roofs have higher labor and material costs, but they also last much longer. If durability and roof longevity is important to you, then it will be important to invest in a standing seam metal roof.

Do standing seam metal roofs require training?

If you are a roofing contractor, you will likely already understand how important all the details are for standing seam metal roofs. These intricate roof systems require training and diligence to install, which is why these roofs are premier metal roofing installations.

Is Standing Seam Metal Roof Worth It?

If you are considering a new Standing seam metal roofing installation, it will be important for you to consider all of the extenuating factors. Will the benefits outweigh the cost? Is roof longevity guaranteed? Please review the following list of benefits to determine if a standing seam metal roof is the right roof for you.

What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

Standing seam metal roofing is defined as a concealed fastener metal panel system that features vertical legs and a broad, flat area between the two legs. It’s also described as having raised seams, or vertical legs, that rise above the level of the panel’s flat area. Standing seam systems can be used for either metal roofing, which is the most common, or metal walls.

What pitch is a standing seam roof?

Standing seam systems are not suitable for buildings or homes that have a roof below a .5/12 pitch . These flatter pitches do not allow water to adequately drain, which could lead to premature degradation, color changes, and the overall failure of the panel system.

What is metal roofing?

When someone references “metal roofing,” he or she could be talking about shingles or tiles made of metal, an exposed fastener roofing system that is common for agriculture buildings, or maybe even a standing seam metal roofing system.

How wide is a metal roof?

Panel widths tend to vary by manufacturer, but most standing seam metal roof panels are between 12” and 18” in width, with approximately 16” being the most common. Unlike lap seam or other exposed fastener panels that can be purchased at big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, standing seam panels are not designed to be as wide as these counterparts, as doing so would impact the performance. Some rollforming machines can adjust to roll wider panels than 18”, but be sure to check with your manufacturer or installer to verify that engineering is still valid if applicable.

What is a striation on a metal roof?

These can be used to assist with the installation of a metal roof, to help reduce the visibility of oil canning, or just for curb appeal. In fact, we recommend using striations in standing seam panels, some available options include:

Why is standing seam so popular?

Standing seam is becoming more and more popular in architectural applications because of its modern and clean look. In addition to the sleek, straight lines offered by these panel systems, the metal can come in virtually any color, including custom colors, to match any structure.

Why is it important to find a contractor for metal roofing?

Since standing seam installations may be considered too complicated or tedious, there are far fewer contractors to choose from who have a proven track record and the relevant experience.

What is standing seam roofing?

Constructed from galvanized or Galvalume steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, standing seam roofs have a modern farmhouse look. They are available in 18- to 28-gauge metal for commercial applications and 24- to 26-gauge pieces for residential. They can be attached with invisible clip fasteners or exposed fasteners. These panels are constructed by folding the edges of two panels together to hook together, creating a mobile yet watertight seam. Some snap together, while others simply fold, creating an attractive vertical pattern on the roof. These average between $200 and $1,000 per roofing square.

How much does a metal roof cost?

Sheet metal, on average, costs $75 to $600 per roofing square, depending on the material.

How much can you recoup from a metal roof?

Realtors suggest that homeowners can recoup as much as 95 percent of the cost of a metal roof during resale.

What is a rusty metal roof?

A rusty metal roof probably doesn’t sound appealing at first, but this material isn’t disintegrating or full of holes—it’s made from a type of steel called Corten that is pre-weathered to have a uniform rusted color. The rust layer actually protects the steel core while looking charmingly rustic. It’s available in panels of various textures. This choice is not ideal for coastal areas; while the roof will repel water, snow, hail, and other weather, the blowing saltwater near the ocean will cause the rusted metal to deteriorate quickly.

How does the size of a roof affect labor costs?

The size of the roof will determine how much material you need to order and how much time it will take to install . Large roofs with complex designs and many sides will require a larger crew or more time, increasing labor costs.

What is the function of a roof?

One of the most important functions that a roof performs is to keep water and extreme temperatures out of a home —but it also allows an HVAC system and plumbing to work. The plumbing vent stack, vents for air conditioning units and laundry appliances, and chimneys from boilers may all egress through the roof. Working around these features will require expert installation methods. If a house is older, replacing the chimneys and vents themselves may be an added cost. The flashing around all of these items, as well as around windows, skylights, dormer windows, and roof valleys, add material and labor costs.

What is the best coating for metal roofing?

Painting or Coatings. Metal roofing arrives with a coating of zinc or a combination of aluminum and zinc. This will protect your roof for a while. Still, it’s an option to add an additional polymer coating layer for extra protection and longevity and to prevent hazing, which can occur as the metal oxidizes.

Understanding Your Options

Why Standing Seam?

Advantages

Disadvantages