Cost Comparision Between Metal and Shingled Roof

Answered by Jeffrey ~ April 27th, 2010 | 1 Comment » | Respond to this question

I am looking to replace my old roof. I would like to know what kind of roof is the least expensive? Metal or shingled? Is one better or more ideal for my climate?

Martha B. ~ Santa Rose Beach, Florida

Jeffrey Anderson

Hi Martha,  Roofing contractors usually figure prices based on the number of squares the roof is.   A square in roofing terminology is 100 square feet.  Other factors that go into price consideration are how cut up or open the roof is, what the slope or pitch of the roof is, and how high the roof is.

The least expensive residential roofing material that I am aware of is a basic three tab shingle.  These shingles usually have a 20 or 25 year warranty, and most shingle manufacturers have them in their product line.  There are a number of colors that you can choose from, although in Santa Rose Beach, Florida I would recommend a lighter color so that not as much heat is absorbed.  As an example, if one level of your home is about 1000 square feet, your roof area might be about 1400 square feet, depending on how open it is and what the slope or pitch of the roof is.  That means your roof is going to take about 14 squares of shingles.

Roofing costs are going to vary around the country, the materials a little, and the labor to install might vary quite a lot depending on how busy contractors are.  You should be able to get a basic three tab shingle roof for about $130 per square or $1820 for a roof of about 1400 square feet.  If the roof is steep, or high, or requires the existing shingles to be torn off, then that price may be higher. 

Metal roofs are a little more expensive than basic shingle roofs.  They are more comparable in price to higher end architectural shingles.  For a lower end metal roof I would allow about $250 per square, or $3500 for that same sized roof.

Both roofs would be good for your climate in Florida, but I would stay away from darker colors.  If you are willing to increase your roofing costs, you may be able to lower your energy costs.  It is possible to get energy efficient rated roofing products in both shingles and metal.

Based on the construction slowdown in Florida, I would expect that you may be able to get lower prices than these I have mentioned.  Make sure any roofing contractor you hire has the appropriate insurances and licences for your area.  Also ask the contractors if their prices include all of the trim they may need to do the job, both a shingled roof and a metal roof require roofing trim for a complete job, and their price should include hauling off the old roof, if it is being removed.

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One Response to “Cost Comparision Between Metal and Shingled Roof”

  1. Thomas Kral - Reliable American Roofing Thomas Kral - Reliable American Roofing says:
    April 28, 2010 at 6:56 am

    Hi Martha, asking the question that you did is very very broad and nearly impossible to give a difinitive answer. There are so many kinds of shingles and so many different kinds of metal roofing systems.

    What’s cheaper? An asphalt shingle will typically be less expensive upfront than most other metal roofing systems. However over the long run, which one will last longer? Most likely the metal, making it cheaper over the life cycle of owning the roof.

    Asphalt Shingles are rated from anywhere 20-years to 50-years/Lifetime. I would think in FL you would want a shingle rated for no less than 110 MPH. This could be a 30-year architectural/laminated shingle fastened with high-wind nailing patterns.

    If you choose to go with a metal roofing system, there are metal shingles and various different kinds of metal roofing panels. Flat lock, snap lock,, standing seam, etc… furthemore is the metal aluminum, steel, galvalume, copper? My experience with metal roofing primarily falls within copper working. Copper can be very expensive, especially when covering an entire house. However copper truly is a life time material rated at 80-100 years longevity.

    Furthermore, there is a local home center here selling panelized steel roofing. The steel is .019 mills. This is the same gauge as trim coil used to fancy up your siding and window cladding. Not very touh in my opinion. So you must be aware of what you are getting. In most cases aluminum and galvalume is rated in mills .027 would be the minimum I would put on, where if it were my own home I would want .032 or even .040. However steel us usually rated in gauge. The funny thing about gauge, the higher the number the small er the gauge. 24 gauge is thicker than 26 gauge. I would want NO less than a 26 gauge on my own home, preferrably a 24.

    Let’s not forget the metal paint. for awhile metal had the market cornered on “cool roofing” for steep slope structures. But in the past few years the asphalt shingle manufacturers have released various cool colors which quality for the US Federal $1,500 tax refund due to their reflectivity.

    But not just that, the paint quality is important too. Mentioning that home center panel, the paint is nothing more than a baked on enamel finish. The same cheap 10-15 year paint you may have on your gutters. I would insist on no less than a Kynar paint finish if installing a painted panelized metal roofing system. Kynar coating applied over the paint is what keeps the UPS trucks brown.

    What may be more important than the roofing material, is the roofer. You can take the worlds greatest materials, and if installed improperly those materials are nothing more than expensive junk. make sure you are dealing with a professional local roofing contractor. Not just some guy working out of his garage and pick up truck and is the cheapest. Quality does cost money.

    Thomas Kral
    Reliable American Roofing – Chicago
    http://www.ReliableAmerican.us
    847-729-3496

    Reply

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