Related Articles

There are numerous factors that go into determining just how much installing a metal roof is likely to cost you. Depending on your location, the freight costs of getting the raw materials there will make for different off-the-shelf pricing. In fact, your average contractor will tack their own commission onto the cost of any materials you ask them to buy, the reason that, if you intend to save on your building or renovation, you're probably best off buying directly from the local distributor or manufacturer, preferably in a bulk purchase with another would-be renovator to get wholesale prices on your metal roof materials. The most popular brands such as Met-Tile, Prestige, Gerard and Decrabond offer the best warranties on their materials, and will be able to recommend you to a roofer in your area qualified to install their particular product.

After your purchase ask the manufacturer who in your area is qualified to install that roof, and you'll be well on your way to a low-cost, high-quality installation. Never, ever go with a roofer who hasn't worked with the material before. The long term cost of having to re-do the job will easily outweigh any cash you might save by choosing less skilled labor, in addition to which the cost of installing a metal roof is generally low, as the shingles are so lightweight, and are often sold in pre-assembled sheets.

Now, roofs with numerous irregularities - dormers, sidewalls, skylights and so on - are likely to require custom cutting of panels, which is best done on site with a hydraulic cutting device known as a brake. This machine is expensive and requires training for safe use, meaning that if your roof fits the above description you should probably rethink your plans of a DIY installation. The cost of installing a metal roof is directly proportional to the number of unusual features the roof has, so expect to shell out some cash if that's the case.

Remember: if you plan to stay in your home for a long time, the initially steep prices you're going to have to pay for metal roof paneling will be more that justified by the long term savings you'll make. You'll find that getting an insurance policy on your home not only becomes easier, but cheaper, too, with many insurance companies offering up to 25 percent discounts for homes fitted with the flame-retardant, fire-fighting protection of metal roofing.

Aside from lowering your fire-hazard rating, the outlay of cash that the cost of installing a metal roof calls for will make for immediate savings on your electricity bills. When sealed, metal roofing panels can be pretty much airtight, keeping warm air from escaping your home in winter. In summer, on the other hand, the panels reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it the way asphalt shingles would, meaning that you won't have to run your air conditioning round the clock just to keep your home cool. Getting shingles with a plastic Kynar coating can enhance this reflective effect, making your home even more environmentally friendly.

There is also no roofing solution that can match a copper, aluminum or stainless steel roof for durability. Metal shingles are strong enough to stand up to hail without a dent, and many of them have withstood hurricane force winds without being dislodged. Furthermore, a simple Zinc-Aluminum coating can make metal shingles so resistant to corrosion that all that's required for their maintenance is the occasional hose-down. This is the reason that many companies offer warranties on their shingles of up to fifty years.