When moving into a new home (or perhaps living in one for a long time), you may notice that your roof is outdated, showing signs of wear and tear, or it just may be the time to get a new one.
Where do you begin? I'm sure you've seen the numerous available options, and it's understandable if you feel a little overwhelmed.
From asphalt shingles to metal roofing styles, there's a lot to choose from. When people think of metal roofing, they often picture barns or commercial buildings with shiny plates reflecting from the sun. In recent years, however, metal roofs have gained popularity among homeowners for their durability and longevity.
We're glad you landed here because, at RoofCrafters, we've installed all types of metal roofing on homes for three decades. We've seen firsthand the joy that new metal roofing installation brings homeowners who need a sleek and durable roof that offers massive curb appeal.
In this article, we'll take a dip into the waters of screw-down metal roofing by showing you what it is, the benefits and drawbacks, how much it costs, and more! Hopefully, by the end of this article, you'll understand the specifics of screw-down metal roofing to help you decide if it's right for you or not. To begin, let's take a look at the history of screw-down metal roofing to help give you an understanding of its value.
The History of Screw-Down Metal Roofing
In the United States, metal roofing wasn't a popular option until the 19th century. Since it took off, however, it's been a vital part of the metal building industry. The first metal roof was installed on the US Mint in 1857. Generally, screw-down metal roofs are found on garages, carports, porches, and barns, however, they can also be used to fully cover homes as a whole roofing system.
Metal panels are secure and physically appealing but are also loved because they're lightweight and long-lasting. With time, metal roofs have been shown as a symbol of being tough and simple. In the scope of metal roofing, though, screw-down, also known as exposed fastener, roofing systems aren't perfect. Before we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this roof type, you need to know what screw-down metal roofing is.
What is Screw-Down Metal Roofing?
Screw-down metal roofing is made of corrugated metal panels that are held together with screws. These metal panels are easy to install, making them a more cost-effective metal roofing option.
The panels are put together by overlapping them over each other and adding a screw with a rubber grommet attached to it. The grommet is a critical component because it keeps the roof from leaking. Because of the thousands of holes that the screws drilled into the metal panels, grommets are necessary to ensure maximum longevity. The flashing for this type of installation method is also overlapped and screwed down with the same exposed fasteners!
Like any other roof type, screw-down metal roofing has pros and cons.
The Pros of Screw-Down
- Lower Upfront Cost
- High Wind Resistance
- 26 Galvalume Availability
- Aesthetically Pleasing
Screw-down metal roofing is the least expensive type, making it friendly for homeowners looking for a sturdy roof for a lower price. Keep in mind that screw-down metal roofs are not the sturdiest, though. On the other hand, they do have high wind resistance. Those metal panels will stay on as long as the plywood does.
A significant element of this roofing type is that it's also available in galvalume (mill finish), which is perfect for coastal areas. While you're in your beach-side home or rental, you'll also notice this type of roof gives a stunning, sleek curb appeal.
The Cons of an Exposed Fastener Roof
- Thousands of Holes
- Expanding and Contracting Metal
- Maintenance
- 29 Gauge Panels
- Warranty Problems
- Rust
Almost everything has drawbacks, and screw-down metal roofing isn't immune to that fact. One issue can arise due to the thousands of holes that are created by the screws. If a grommet isn't screwed in correctly, leaks can occur. Speaking of screws, another potential issue with this roofing type is that they can back out over time because of the metal expanding and contracting.
Screw-down metal roofs also require maintenance around the 5–10-year mark depending on a variety of factors like weather damage and general upkeep. If you live in a coastal area, some problems can arise because of your location.
Twenty-nine-gauge panels just aren't thick enough to provide proper wind protection along the coast where hurricanes often occur. You could deal with rust from salty water, too. One of the most important things to remember, though, is that if you live along the coast, most warranties for steel roofs are voided if you're within 1,500 feet of salt water.
How Much Does Screw-Down Metal Roofing Cost?
The cost for any roof is dependent on a variety of factors like where you live, the complexity of the roofing project, and if you have a chimney or skylights. That being said, we can give you an average price based on what kind of home you may have if you live in Georgia, South Carolina, or Florida.
For a screw-down metal roof on a home with two straight sides without chimneys, skylights, or valleys, the average cost is $16,500.
A screw-down metal roof on a home with two stories, more complexity, a chimney, dormers, and a couple of valleys, costs $22,750 on average.
A screw-down metal roof on a home with two or three stories, more complexity, a chimney, walls, and several valleys, costs $31,700 on average.
Maximizing Value through Professional Installation
As you can see, the ultimate cost of new screw-down roofing installation depends on the specifics of your home. A home with a much more complex makeup will have a different price point than a simpler one. If you ultimately decide that this style of roofing is right for you, choosing a local, professional roofing contractor will often get you more bang for your buck because they partner with the best brands and offer superb service.
Is Screw-Down Metal Roofing Right for Me?
It's a possibility! Metal Roofing types have a lot to offer, and screw-down panels could very well be part of your next roof installment. Over the past thirty years, screw-down metal roofs have won the hearts of many homeowners for being economical, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing.
Now that you're officially informed about screw-down metal roofing along with its pros and cons, you may find yourself wondering what your potential next steps are. If you have any questions or concerns and are ready to get in touch with a professional, RoofCrafters is prepared to help you! We suggest taking a look through our learning center to give you more of a glimpse into metal roofing options, along with many other types you may want to check out.
Here at RoofCrafters, we get that roofing projects can have you lost in decisions and potential plans. That's why it's essential to know that there are expert roofers who can assist you during the process, making your life easier. If you want to get in touch with one of our representatives, you're more than welcome to make your way over to our contact page. Whether you're looking into metal roofing or any other kind, we're here to assist with your needs.
