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As a homeowner, your job is to ensure that your property is in its best condition, and sometimes that means making improvements. One of the significant projects you can take on to improve your home is replacing your existing roof with a new metal roofing system.
Metal roofing materials have come a long way in recent years and offer a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to complement any home design. A metal roof replacement is a significant investment, and you want to ensure it’s the right choice for your budget before making a final decision. This is what we will focus on today.
In this blog post, we will discuss when you need to replace your roof, the cost of a metal roof replacement, and the factors that affect it. But before we begin, let us first start with the signs that a metal roof replacement is necessary.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Metal Roof
Before researching how much a replacement can cost, you first should understand the signs that your metal roof requires replacement.
Your Roof Is Nearing Its Lifespan
A metal roof lasts much longer than most other popular roofing materials in the U.S., but there will come a time when the roof will no longer be able to protect your home.
Usually, your metal roofing system can last for about 40-50 years on average, but if your metal roof is approaching the end of its projected lifespan or has passed it, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional. This helps you determine if a replacement is necessary.
You Witness An Increase In Energy Bills
If you notice an increase in your energy bills and you suspect it may be due to your metal roof, it could be a sign that your metal roof is no longer energy-efficient and needs to be replaced. A metal roof that is no longer energy-efficient can allow heat to escape in the winter and enter in the summer, which causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This leads to higher energy costs and a decrease in the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Fading and Discoloration
A metal roof that is fading or discolored is a sign that the paint or roof coating is failing. The color or coating on a metal roof is essential to protect the metal from the elements and UV rays. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the paint or coating to fade or become discolored, leaving the metal underneath exposed and vulnerable to rust and corrosion. If left untreated for too long, you might need to replace it.
Your Metal Roof Has Suffered Storm Damage
While storm damage can certainly be a sign that you need to replace your metal roof, a professional inspection is essential to determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate course of action.
In some cases, only a few damaged panels may need to be repaired or replaced, and the rest of the roof may still be in good condition. However, if the damage is extensive and affects a large portion of the roof, a complete metal roof replacement may be necessary.
Average Cost Of A Metal Roof Replacement
To know how much you may end up spending on your roof replacement, you should know the average cost. The total cost of metal roof replacement can be between $5,100 and $16,900.The national average cost of a metal roof replacement is around $10,500.
Factors Affecting The Metal Roof Cost: What Is Included In The Cost Of Your Roof?
The average cost can be helpful to give you an idea of the cost, but the final costs can vary depending on certain factors. So what are these factors that influence the cost of replacing a metal roof?
Let’s find out in the following section.
Type Of Metal Roof Materials
Different types of metals are available on earth, each having different applications. While some metals are abundantly available, some are more scarce and expensive. Either way, you have a variety of appealing and durable metals to choose from to upgrade your roof.
Here are some of the popular metals:
Aluminum
The most commonly used metal in roof replacement is aluminum. If you are looking for an affordable, lightweight roofing material with reasonable durability, then, like most homeowners, an aluminum roof replacement should be your first choice.
The cost of an aluminum roof is usually around $3 – $6 per square foot (only the cost of material/shingles). Since this material is very lightweight, it is easy to handle, and the installation cost is also less. However, they are prone to denting.
Steel Roof
Steel is another popular metal roof option and is generally less expensive than other types of metal. It also has a longer lifespan, lasting 40-60 years, but can rust if it’s not coated with a protective layer.
Galvalume steel is steel coated with a layer of aluminum and zinc. It is one of the cheapest options for steel roof replacement.
Newer, more durable options such as galvanized steel are available that offer better resistance against corrosion and harsh weather conditions at a higher price. Galvanized steel is steel coated with zinc oxide.
Here is the cost of steel roofs per square foot:
- Galvalume Steel: $3.25 – $4.50
- Galvanized Steel: $4 – $6
- Stainless Steel: $10 – $16
Copper Roof
Copper is one of the most durable metal roofing materials. Copper is a high-end option for metal roofing and is known for its longevity. It has a unique color and finish but is also the most expensive option. Copper roofs cost you around $15 – $25 per square foot.
A copper roof can easily last for more than 80 years. Copper roofing is also resistant to rust and corrosion, which increases its lifespan. The metal usually has a shiny brown color, but over the years, a copper roof will develop a green-colored coating, also known as patina.
Zinc Roof
Zinc is another good option that you can consider for your roof. This roof replacement option may not be as popular as the likes of aluminum and steel, but it is steadily gaining attention. With a cost of $6 – $11 per square foot, it is a good choice, primarily due to its exceptional durability and life expectancy.
Zinc roofing is an excellent option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact and also want a low-maintenance, long-lasting, and unique-looking roof.
Size Of The Roof
The roof size is one of the main factors impacting the metal roof replacement cost. The larger the roof, the more materials, and labor will be required, thus increasing the overall cost of replacement.
Additionally, a larger roof will require more time and labor to remove the old roofing material and install the new metal roof, which will add to the cost.
It is essential to get an accurate measurement of the roof before getting a quote for a metal roof replacement to ensure that the cost estimate is accurate. To do this, it is best to hire a professional.
Complexity Of The Roof
The complexity of the roof’s design can significantly affect the cost of metal roof replacement. A complex roof with multiple peaks, valleys, and dormers will require more labor and materials to replace than a roof with a single pitch.
The complexity of a roof can also affect the cost of labor. A complex roof will require a higher level of skill and experience from the roofing contractor, which can increase the cost.
Labor Cost
Labor cost is one of the main factors that can impact the cost of metal roof replacement. The cost of labor makes up more than 50 – 60% of the final cost of replacement. The labor cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the home’s location, the availability of roofing contractors in the area, and the complexity of the roof.
Location
The home’s location also affects the cost of a metal roof replacement. The cost of labor and materials can vary depending on the area where the house is located. For example, the cost of a metal roof replacement in a densely populated city may be higher than in a rural area due to higher labor and material costs in the city.
The cost of permits and inspections may also vary depending on the home’s location.
Cost Of Removing Old Roofing Material
Removing old roofing material is an essential part to consider when planning a metal roof replacement. The cost of removing and disposing of the old roofing material will vary depending on the type of material and the size of the roof.
For example, removing and disposing of an old asphalt shingle roof will generally be less expensive than removing and disposing of a heavy clay tile roof. Usually, the cost of removing the roofing material should be included in the overall cost estimate for a metal roof replacement.
Replace Your Metal Roof With Professionals
Metal roof replacement can be costly, but if you factor in the details and know what makes up this cost, you’ll be able to budget effectively for a professional replacement. Another crucial thing to consider before you replace your roof is that you should hire a professional roofing company for the project.
Hepler Contracting LLC is one of the premier roofing contractors in Pittsburgh. We offer quality metal roof replacement services to homeowners in the area and would be happy to help you with your next roofing project. Our roofers are licensed and insured and will be there from start to finish, so contact us today at (412) 694-8785, to learn more about our services.
