Metal Roof vs Shingles: The Ultimate Cost Comparison for 2022
Metal Roof vs Shingles: The Ultimate Cost Comparison for 2022
Getting a new roof is a big investment, and choosing the type of roof is a vital part of your choice. New roofs can last decades, depending on the materials, but they can also be quite expensive.
So how do you know how to choose a roofing material? What is the cost difference for a metal roof vs shingles? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these different roofing types!
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The asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roof in the United States today. It’s cheap, it gets the job done, and it’s easy to install.
Unfortunately, shingles are also less durable than their counterparts. If treated right, they can often last 15 to 30 years, but after that, they’ll probably need replacement or repairs. And if storms come up and damage the roof, they’ll probably need work a lot sooner.
Metal roofs are much more durable than shingles, and can usually hold up to the elements much more easily. They last longer, and you can often get a warranty for a metal roof for more years than you can a shingle roof.
The big downside with metal roofs is the cost, both for materials and for labor. Steel or aluminum, two of the most common roofing materials, can be very expensive. And because of the extra weight and difficulty involved, you usually have to pay more to install a metal roof.
But while shingles might be less durable and cheaper, how much cheaper are they really? And how much more will you have to pay for the durability of a metal roof?
Estimating the Cost of a Metal Roof
There are two big factors that come into play for the cost of metal roof installation. These include the thickness of the materials you use and the installation cost. Besides that, your roof size will also be a big factor no matter what type of material you use.
Roofing materials are measured in squares, each of 100 square feet. The average roof in the US is about 17 squares, or 1700 square feet, although many homes are much bigger.
20-gauge steel is a very common thickness for metal roofs. The cost of this metal is variable, but on average, you can expect to pay between $4-$6.50 per square foot or $400-$650 per square. This is on the higher end of metal costs, but it really depends on what type of metal you want for your roof.
And that’s just the cost of the materials! You also need to pay for laborers to install the roof. Unfortunately, labor costs are higher for metal roofs, as they require more specialized equipment and skills to install.
You should expect to pay another $10,000-$20,000 for labor costs, depending on the company you go with and the size of your roof. In all, for a 1700 square foot home, you might pay roughly between $17,000 and $30,000 for the installation of your new roof.
Estimating the Cost of Shingles
Thankfully, shingles are one of the more affordable types of roofing. They’re fairly cheap to purchase and install for a new home. However, a new roof is still going to be pricey no matter which way you look at it.
Asphalt shingles are much cheaper than metal roof panels. A square of shingles typically costs between $90 and $100. This would mean a 17 square roof would need between $1500 and $1700 just for the shingles.
In addition to that, shingle roofs often need fasteners and an underlayer to help the roof stay watertight and secure. If you need these materials added to a new roof or perhaps replaced on an old one, that will drive up your costs as well.
And then there’s the labor cost for installation! Thankfully, it’s much easier to install shingles than metal, so your labor costs will be cheaper. It’s estimated that for an average roof, you might pay around $7000 to have your shingles installed.
With labor and materials combined, you’re looking at an average cost of around $8500-$9000. A larger home will cost more, of course, while a smaller one will cost less. You also might pay more depending on the availability of materials and labor in your area.
Cost of a Metal Roof vs Shingles
Overall, a metal roof will cost quite a bit more than a shingle roof. Between the necessary materials and the installation costs, you’re going to be out quite a bit more if you go with metal.
It might cost around $9000 to have shingles installed on an average home. However, it might cost anywhere from $17,000 to $30,000 to install metal panels on the same sized home. That’s a huge cost difference!
One of the biggest upsides to metal roofs is their durability. A metal roof will far outlast a shingle roof, and will be more resistant to fire and weather.
This often makes metal a better investment in the long run, which is why so many people go with metal roofs. Whether you plan on living in the home for decades or you’re only trying to improve your investment, a metal roof can help the value of your home.
On the other hand, it is quite a bit easier and cheaper to get shingles on your home. They’re the most popular roofing material for a reason, and they still perform well over many years!
Learn More About Roofing Costs!
Whether you go with metal or with shingles, you have great options for your roof! And now that you know the costs of a metal roof vs shingles, you should be better prepared for what you might have to pay.
But if you want to get more specifics about these types of materials, or you want to learn more about roofing in general, contact us! We’d be happy to give you whatever information we can to help you perfect your next roofing project.
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