Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles Cost – Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

When comparing the cost of metal roofing vs. shingles, there are a few factors to consider. Here is an in-depth look at the cost comparison between the two roofing materials:

  1. Initial Cost: The initial cost of metal roofing is generally higher than that of shingles. Our research shows the average cost to install a new metal roof is between $11.50 and $20.50 per square foot, depending on the type of metal and project specifics, while asphalt shingles typically cost between $4.50 and $9.50 per square foot.
  2. New Shingle Roof

    $7,500
    Average price
    New Metal Roof

    $14,500
    Average price
    New Flat Roof

    $8,225
    Average price

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  3. Long-term Cost: Although metal roofing is more expensive initially, it can be more cost-effective over the long-term. Metal roofing is more durable than shingles and can last 30 to 60 years, while shingles typically last 15 to 30 years. This means that you may need to replace shingles multiple times over the lifespan of a metal roof, increasing the long-term cost of shingles.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing is generally far more energy-efficient than shingles. Metal reflects solar radiant heat, which can reduce the amount of heat absorbed into your home and lower your energy bills. Look for CRRC colors with a Kynar 500 paint finish to maximize energy savings with a metal roof. Additionally, some metal roofing systems can be installed with insulation to further increase  your home’s energy efficiency.
  5. Maintenance: Metal roofing is very low-maintenance and requires little upkeep over its lifespan. Shingles, on the other hand, can be prone to damage from storm winds, wind driven rain, ice dams, moss and mildew growth, and other weather conditions, and may require more frequent maintenance and repair.
  6. Resale Value: In the short run, an asphalt roof can offer better cost-to-value return than metal. In the long run, though, a metal roof will maintain its value for decades, whereas an asphalt roof will not. So, 10-15 years down the road, an asphalt roof may offer very little in terms of retained value and may be viewed more as a liability by potential buyers.

While the initial cost of metal roofing is higher than that of shingles, it can be more cost-effective over the long-term due to its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. Additionally, metal roofing can add lasting value to your home and increase its resale value, maintaining it for decades to come.

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Pros & Cons of CertainTeed Shingles – Costs – Unbiased CertainTeed Roofing Reviews

It is generally agreed that CertainTeed’s shingle quality is at or near the top of all fiberglass (fiberglass-reinforced mat that serves as a base for asphalt composition shingle) shingle brands.

Certainteed Grand Manor Shingles Roof in Colonial Slate

via Pro Home 1

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CertainTeed’s large selection of available asphalt shingle products includes the most luxury roofing shingle lines of any brand, plus the mid-grade architectural or dimensional shingles, and the basic 3-tab or strip shingles.

CertainTeed’s Grand Manor and Presidential Shake products are prime examples of Premium roofing shingles that have enhanced depth and differentiated appearance.

CertainTeed’s Landmark PRO roofing shingles are an example of a traditional architectural shingle designed to appear fuller and more dimensional compared to the flattish-looking 3-tab shingle. Dimensional shingles are also thicker and heavier than the basic 3-tab strip shingles.

Did you know? CertainTeed is a heavyweight brand – literally. Its shingles contain more asphalt than most.

CertainTeed shingles, even the 3-tab strip shingles, weigh 200-plus pounds per square. Most weigh 250-480lbs per square. More weight means better durability (and impact resistance).

Other brands’ shingles weigh 160-280lbs per roofing square.

But what about the price? It’s not a secret that all, CertainTeed is the most expensive brand overall. It sometimes denies warranty claims, though that’s a common complaint about all shingle brands.

Are CertainTeed Shingles Your Best Shingle Option?

Anyone researching shingles will find a lot of praise for CertainTeed roofing, along with a few horror stories.

This in-depth review provides unbiased information to help you make a well-educated buying decision.

Information in this guide is based on the perspectives of roofing contractors who install a wide range of products from different asphalt shingle brands, home inspectors that regularly check CertainTeed shingle and other roofs for potential problems, and homeowners who have lived beneath these shingles for years.

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Average Cost to Replace a Roof on a 1,600 Square Foot House

A 1,600 square foot roof is typically found on a single-story home with a rectangular or square floor plan. However, the exact size and shape of the roof will depend on the design of the house. For example, a 1,600 square foot ranch-style home with a simple gable roof may have a roof with an 1,800 square foot area. On the other hand, a two-story home with a more complex roof design may have a smaller roof with a 1,200 to 1,600 square foot area, but one that will cost more to replace due to the complexity of a roof design.

IKO Nordic shingles roof
IKO Nordic shingles roof

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When it comes to the cost of roof replacement, the type of house and roof design can have a significant impact. For instance, a house with a flat or low-slope roof may require a different type of roofing material, such as a single-ply membrane or rubber roofing system, which can be more expensive than traditional shingles. Additionally, the pitch or slope of the roof can affect the installation process, with steeper roofs requiring additional safety measures and potentially driving up labor and installation costs.

Here are some examples of how different types of houses and roof types can impact the cost of a roof replacement:

  • Ranch-style home with a gable roof: A simple gable roof on a ranch-style home with a 1,600 square foot area may cost between $7,000 and $12,000 to replace with asphalt shingles, depending on factors such as location, number of existing layers of shingles, and roof slope.
  • Two-story colonial with a hip roof: A two-story colonial with a hip roof, which has four sloping sides, may cost between $10,000 and $15,000 to replace with traditional shingles, depending on the size and complexity of the roof.
  • Modern-style home with a flat roof: A modern-style home with a flat roof may require a more expensive roofing material, such as a PVC or TPO membrane or EPDM rubber roofing system, which can increase the cost of a roof replacement to between $12,000 and $20,000. depending upon the condition of the roof and your home’s location.
  • Victorian-style home with a steep, intricate roof: A Victorian-style home with a steep, intricate roof design may require additional labor and materials, such as copper flashing or slate tiles, which can drive up the cost of a roof replacement to between $25,000 and $40,000 or more.

Average Roof Replacement Cost:

Low End

$7,500

Mid-Range

$10,500

High End

$14,500

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It’s important to note that these are just examples, and the cost of a roof replacement will depend on many factors specific to each home and roof. Homeowners should always obtain several quotes from reputable roofing contractors to get a better idea of the cost for their specific situation.

  • Three-tab shingles: Typically cost between $4.00 to $5.50 per square foot to install, depending on the condition of the roof and your home’s location. For a 1,600 square foot roof, this would cost between $6,400 and $8,800. These shingles are a good option for homeowners who are looking for an affordable, basic option that still provides adequate protection for their roof. They have a flat, uniform appearance and come in a range of colors.
  • Architectural shingles: Generally cost between $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot to install, depending on project scope and location. For a 1,600 square foot roof, this would cost between $7,200 and $12,000. These shingles are a step up from three-tab shingles in terms of quality and durability. They have a three-dimensional appearance and are available in a wider range of styles and colors. They are a good choice for homeowners who want a more attractive roof without breaking the bank.
  • Premium shingles: Usually cost between $6.50 to $11.00 per square foot to install. For a 1,600 square foot roof, this would cost between $10,400 and $17,600. These shingles are the highest quality and offer the best durability and performance. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, and may even be designed to mimic the appearance of other materials like slate or wood. Premium shingles are a good choice for homeowners who want to achieve a distinctive curb appeal and are willing to invest in a long-lasting, high-quality roofing system.

*Note the above examples are for a 1,600 square foot roof, while a 1,600 square foot home can have a roof with an area between 1,000 and 1,900 square feet. Roof design and number of stories determine the overall difficulty of the roof, and its size. The cost is more a factor of difficulty and roof complexity rather than the square footage of the roof alone.

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