Asking a Builder

This is an article about the benefits of a good metal roof. What struck me is that this nationally syndicated columnist, a builder himself, is still so in the dark about metal roofing and its many advantages. He limits himself to discussing standing seam and corrugated metal roofing, both of which are what immediately come to mind for the average homeowner when someone mentions a metal roof. And really, they're just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the styles of metal roofing out there. His pricing comparison of the metal roof to the "top-of-the-line shingles that come with a superb warranty..." (just what kind of builder is this, anyway? He's being duped by warranties with lots of fancy talk and no substance?) leaves something to be desired as well. But in spite of all that, I'm happy to see metal roofing enjoying some long overdue praise.

Metal Roof Pricing

One of the questions I hear the most is along the lines of, "I’m thinking of a metal room for my (home, building, garage, shop, gazebo, etc.) and wanted to know some prices." And unfortunately, there's just no single answer to a question like this. It's a little like asking, “I’m thinking about buying a new car and wanted to know some prices.” The answer in both cases begs the question, “What kind to you want?” In the case of metal roofs, just as with cars, prices vary wildly. The cheapest metal roof can be had for less than $1 a square foot, while the most expensive can cost $20 or more.

The things that effect metal roof prices are these:

The metal. Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Tin, even Titanium, Lead, and other metals and alloys all have been used to make roof material at one time or another and most are still used today. Due to the enormous price differences amongst the metals, the roof materials into which they can be formed vary accordingly. With each differing metal comes differing hardnesses, formability, and corrosion resistance. n the case of steel and aluminum it is most common to have these metals “finished” (painted), and again there are differing grades of paint suitable for differing purposes. When asking for a metal roof price, be certain to inquire as to the particular metal you intend to use. If you don’t know, then at least have an idea of what appearance you’re hoping to achieve.

The “Gauge.” This term refers to the thickness of the metal from which the roof material is formed. Common thicknesses are from 29 Gauge (roughly .015 inches, or .38 mm) to 22 Gauge (roughly .033 inches, or .84 mm). But metal roofs can be made from metals thinner than these and thicker, too. The particular metal determines which thickness is most appropriate for each roof application. Be aware that not all metals are commonly referenced by “gauge” and that “gauge” is not an equal unit of measurement even among metals (for example, 24 gauge steel is not necessarily the same thickness as 24 gauge steel). It’s a good idea when asking for roof prices to have an idea of what sort of “duty” you’ll require of the material. Something in heavy snow country or a very high wind environment may require a heavier, more robust metal, where something that only ever encounters a light breeze and constant sun may suffice with the lightest of metals.

The “Profile.” Vertical ribs, rectangular or diamond shingles, tiles, shake facsimiles – all of these different shapes and looks are often referred to as a “profile.” Some metals and some metal gauges are well suited to certain profiles and some are not. Some profiles are only made in one or two metals, and some are available in any metal. Differing profiles have differing “yields.” This means that certain profiles use more or less metal than other depending on the complexity of the shape. Even within each of these categories of profile, there are an enormous variety of options. For instance, Omega Roof has at least a dozen different versions of vertical rib profiles, and there are pros and cons to each version. When requesting prices for metal roofs, the more specific you can be about the look, or model, the faster you can get useful numbers for your job.

The size and complexity of the job. If you’re purchasing roof shingles for a bay window, it may cost $100 for the basic material, $100 for the accessories (eave, hip, flashing), and $100 for freight. So in this case, your 30 square foot job might cost $100 per square foot! If on the other hand, you’re purchasing for a 4000 square foot home with a triple attached garage and a simple roof line, you may be purchasing 6000 square feet of roof material and the accessories and freight may total less than $3 per square foot. Add the variables of type of metal, gauge, and profile, and it becomes apparent quickly that all of the specifics of a metal roof project are important in determining the budget.

If you keep these ideas in mind when you’re after pricing, it will certainly save a lot of wasted communcation. The most expedient way of obtaining prices for a metal roof project you have in mind is to either measure the job or photograph the job with approximate measurements and email the dimentions and photographs to someone like me. Being clear on the style you prefer and the location of the project at the same time will make it very easy to get useful numbers quickly.

My book, “What Every Homeowner Needs to Know…” is available as a free download on our website and elaborates on all of these points and more. Also in the book are formulas and prices so you can at least ball-park your own prices for metal and other roof options as well. Well worth the read if you’re getting ready to spend the thousands of dollars any type of roof is going to cost. Good luck!

Ask Chris: How Can I Upgrade My Roof Without Breaking the Bank?

Q. My house is nearly 20 years old and my roof regularly loses shingles during high winds. I'm told I can patch it, but that's what the neighbors did and it looks awful. I'd like to replace what we have with something better, but I'm worried about the cost. Is there an upgrade I can make without breaking the bank?

A. Definitely. If you're planning to stay in your home and a new roof is on the agenda this year, take a look at the new metal shakes and shingles now available. Not only are they the best possible choices for high wind areas, but they're also made of recycled materials so they're very green. They're also lightweight and designed for installation over most existing roof materials. The biggest benefit of all is that the newest designs are surprisingly affordable. They won't cost much more than it will to strip off and replace your old asphalt roof and can sometimes even cost less! In these times when value and longevity are more important than ever, metal looks are looking better and better. Visit our Web site for more free information or give us a call today to learn more about your re-roofing options.

Say what?

Oh, Popular Mechanics. How you disappoint. Your article, "Choosing the Best Roofing," includes a wealth of inaccuracies about metal roofing. To wit:

"Metal roofs are not particularly good for the environment." Wrong! The vast majority of metal roofing materials are recycled, making them far better for the environment than your typical asphalt composition roof, which is destined for the landfill.

"The big negatives for a steel roof, especially a standing-seam metal roof, are its high cost and commercial or institutional look when installed on a traditional-style home." Well, costs are dropping dramatically. Some of our coated steel shakes are in fact comparable in many instances to the price of tearing off and installing new asphalt shingles! And as for the commercial look - don't make the mistake of believing that metal roofing comes only in standing seam panels. There are numerous profile choices, from traditional shakes, shingles and tiles to more exotic designs like diamond shingles.

The problem with articles like these in respected publications is their true disservice to a material that deserves nothing but praise. A little research in the right places goes a long way to opening a few eyes.