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!
No comments:
Post a Comment