So Todd, How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

kasselwood metal shingles

Over the nearly 40 years I have been in the roofing business, the #1 question I have been asked is: “How much does a metal roof cost?”

It’s always fun for me when I watch contractors or even my co-workers try to answer this question because they start dancing. And, man, do they have some crazy moves when confronted with the price question! Amidst a lot of sputtering, I hear things like:

“Well, it really depends. It depends upon what metal roof you choose, the condition of your current roof, the geometry of your roof, where you live, how the economy is doing, and whether you want sprinkles on top. The real thing to talk about is VALUE and value depends upon how long you intend to stay in your home, what your energy bills are, how severe your weather is, and other things.”

And, the fact is, I have given those answers myself as well! Because, yes, there are many variables that impact the cost of ANY roof, not just a metal roof. Yes, you can look at the upfront cost or the cost per year over time.

But, here’s the conclusion I have come to – there is a price tag for everything and the savvy homeowner who is considering a metal roof deserves to know what that price tag is. Despite all the dancing that goes on when this question is asked, it is a question that can be answered and this article will give you that answer.

Here’s a quick story that tells part of the answer, and why this is a question that always makes salespeople squirm.

I was recently shopping for a new car. And, in my shopping, I discovered something that seemed absolutely crazy to me. The car model I was looking at had a price range where the top-end model with the big engine and all the bells and whistles was more than THREE TIMES THE COST of the basic model! Yes, you heard that right! THREE TIMES! And this was not some crazy high-end foreign car from Sweden or Germany. This was a Chevrolet Camaro – about as American as it gets these days!

The reality is, though, that’s the world in which we live today. Lots of options. Lots of choices. Some are well worth the expense and some are just “sprinkles on top”. But they still have value to different consumers. There is always something to suit all needs and tastes. It all depends upon what you want – starting years ago with Burger King, the consumer really can “have it their way.”

And the same goes for metal roofs. You can buy an “entry-level” metal roof, an “investment grade” metal roof, and anything in between. In some cases, your product selection may have to do with your personal tastes and dreams, and in other cases, it may have to do with the design of your home. In some cases, it simply ends up being budget-driven.

The ANSWER to the “How much does it cost?” question, then, depends upon whether you’re talking entry-level, investment grade, or someplace in between. So, let’s start by looking at the factors that determine the cost of a metal roof.

The 8 Factors That Determine the Cost of a Metal Roof

While my website regularly answers detailed questions about each of these eight factors and discusses the occasional exception to the rule, I will keep the information pretty simple and basic here because this is all about driving toward that ultimate question – “How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost?” – which I will answer!

There’s not enough space here to share the 8 factors that influence the cost of a metal roof, so we will need to take you to a pdf that can act as a full explanation and worksheet for providing you with an expectation of how much a metal roof will cost for your home or other property.

Here’s what you’ll discover in the details of the 8 Factors That Determine the Cost of a Metal Roof:

  1. Fasteners and Interlocks
  2. Metals
  3. Coatings
  4. Styles
  5. Roof Configuration
  6. Ventilation
  7. Warranties
  8. Installation

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

As you have seen above, there are 8 Factors That Determine The Cost Of A Metal Roof. Just like that car I was looking at, your decisions on the Eight Factors will influence the total cost of the roof, and just like with the car models, there can be a significant difference between “entry level” and “investment grade.”

In fact, continuing the car analogy, it’s been my observation that the typical metal roof purchaser will spend about the same on a roof as they would spend if they were buying the new car of their choice. But, the metal roof retains its value over time and doesn’t need to be replaced in 4 – 6 years.

But, how much should it cost, Todd? Okay, here’s the answer. Because I do not know how big your roof is, I am basing my prices on the installed cost per square foot of roof space. One common mistake in figuring this is forgetting that your roof is much larger than the square footage of your home’s living space footprint. The square footage of roof space also takes into consideration the size of non-living spaces under your roof such as garages, porches, and overhangs, and also the pitch of the roof.

Within the file, you’ll learn what to expect to pay for a metal roof installed by a quality contractor. The price ranges will cover some variations between particular brands and styles, the complexity level of most roofs, as well as other factors including the size and stability of the installation contractor.

View “The 8 Factors that Influence the Cost of a Metal Roof” PDF

My Advice

A decision for a metal roof is a big investment and one that you do not want to get wrong. Use my nearly 40 years of experience to guide you to the best possible choice. My step-by-step advice on buying a metal roof is as follows:

  • Read Ask Todd Miller as much as possible, watch my videos, listen to my podcasts, and check out my answers to various questions.
  • Watch the Metal Roofing 101 video series.
  • Download my free ebook on “How To Buy A Metal Roof” in order to understand terminology and important factors.
  • Use the free online Roofing Needs Profiler to determine whether an “entry-level,” “mid-grade,” or “investment grade” metal roof is most appropriate for you and your home.
  • Use a free Online Visualizer Tool to see what your home would look like with various metal roof styles and colors.
  • Choose the product and manufacturer you like best and then ask them for the contractor in your area whom they would trust to install their own roof.

Please contact me if you ever have any questions in figuring out cost estimates on your metal roof. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lets Talk…

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