How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost Per Square Foot?

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Choosing the right roofing material for your house is one of the most critical things you may decide. Metal roofing is often suggested because it lasts a long time, saves energy, and looks good. But for people building their own homes, it’s important to make smart choices, so they should try to keep the cost of metal roofs in mind.  This blog will explain some of the things that affect how much metal roofing costs per square foot.

Introduction to Metal Roofing

Over the last several decades, metal has become a popular material for roofing and has gained widespread popularity. It is available in aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc and each of these has its benefits and cost implications. One of the amenities of metal roofing is that it has a very long lifespan; these roofs can last up to 50 years or more.

Cost Range of Metal Roofing

The price estimate depends on the type of metal used, the geographical location, design, and other additional extras. Metal roofing costs range between $8 to $14 per square foot for the materials only. Overall, the cost could span from $10 to $25 per square foot when installation is included.

1. Types of Metal Roofing Materials

Aluminum

Costs: $2 to $10 for every finished square foot for materials

Benefits: Aluminum is lightweight in nature; it does not react with oxygen. It’s fairly common, so it is ideal to use, especially in coastal regions since it is resistant to rusting. Aluminum is a fairly inexpensive type of metallic roofing, but it is necessary to painting frequently to maintain its looks.

Steel

Cost: The cost of this material ranges from $5 to $11 per square foot

Benefits: Steel is tough, fire-proof, and well-insulated material. It is more affordable than a copper or zinc structure, and if a suitable corrosion resistant layer is added, then it is a long-term solution.

Copper

Expense: It varies from $15 to $20 for each square foot of material

Benefits: Copper roofing is considered to be long lasting and ornamental and is one of the more costly options

Zinc

Cost: The costs range from $10 to $15 per square foot for materials

Benefits: Zinc is used in large commercial projects since zinc roofs are long-lasting. They are somewhat costlier, though the designs are sleek and elegant to fit modern day buildings.

2. Installation Costs

For a complex installation, the total cost increases. Metal roofing can be put over a shingled roof which is more affordable than putting it over the rafters (which would be more expensive).

Labor Cost: This costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, taking into account the size of the house, the arrangement, and geographic location. Professional installation also guarantees durability and efficiency.

Roof Design: Complex roof types such as steep roofed or a roof with multiple gables will require more labor and material inputs, hence it will cost more.

3. Additional Features and Considerations

Roof Size and Shape

The cost will also depend on the size of the roof that needs covering. More roof area coverage means more materials and manpower will be needed to construct them.

The roofs that are more complicated, because of the number of slopes or shapes of the roof, will yield a higher cost because of the complexity of the process of installation.

Underlayment and Insulation

Substrate: The right substrate plays an important role in the prevention of leakage. It increases the cost by about $1-$2 per square foott serving as an extra finishing on the exterior layering of the building.

Insulation: The metallic exterior requires insulation, and if situated in certain regions with extreme temperatures, more insulation may be required. This will augment cost by about $0.50 to $1 per square foot.

Location and Accessibility

Location: The cost of metal roofing may vary depending on where you live. Places such as urban areas or regions with unfavorable weather conditions might require higher costs because of demand and distribution factors.

Accessibility: Spaces which may incline more and which may be difficult to access need more equipment or more manpower to be accessed, this adding onto the price.

4. Long-term Savings and Benefits

Metal roofs are cost-friendly, they reflect the sun, and therefore help in cutting expenses on cooling during hot seasons. They are also an inexpensive material option, and some of them can be in use for longer than other types of roofing materials.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs can save up to 25% on energy since they are reflective. Some of the available metallic roofing can be combined with a cool roof coating to increase efficiency.

Durability and Longevity

A metal roof can last from 40 to 70 years, and it is twice as durable as a roof made of asphalt shingles. Due to characteristics such as being wind-proof, hail and fire resistance, among others, homeowners will find them ideal options.