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Selecting the Ideal Metal Roof: Styles, Costs, and Considerations

May , 2024 | 17 min. read

By Joe Martinez

Black standing seam metal roof

Whether we like it or not, there will come a day when it's time to replace our roof. The question is whether you should replace it with shingles or add more protection and value by choosing a new metal roof.

The popularity of metal roofs has increased over the last decade. That’s because the cost and complexity of installing a metal roof have decreased significantly in the past few years. Today, fifteen percent of all roofing installations are metal. 

If you’re like many of our clients, you’re probably wondering about the cost comparison between shingles and metal roofs. Typically it's about 3 times what an asphalt shingle would run you. If your shingle roof costs $20,000, a metal roof would run around $60,000. Yes, it could vary depending on the type of metal roofing you want.

standing metal roof on a sea foam color Florida home

With all the different metal materials we understand that there is a lot of information out here. We also know it can be overwhelming.

So, our family at RoofCrafters wants to help you by sharing our 30 years of experience installing metal roofs on homes for our clients in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

In this article, we will cover the 3 most popular types of residential metal roofing, the styles of metal roofing available, and the average cost for the 3 most popular types of metal.  Hopefully, by the end, you'll have the information you need to make a well-informed decision for your home.

Let's dive right in!

Choosing Your Ideal Metal Roof: Key Factors to Consider

 

 

When reviewing metal roofing options, we've learned several key factors usually come into play during the metal roof consideration process.  Below are important factors that you'll want to consider:

  • Budget 
  • Longevity
  • Durability
  • Wind resistance
  • Maintenance
  • Tree coverage
  • Energy efficiency
  • Desired curb appeal

Over the past 20 years, metal roofing has become one of the most desired roofs. Metal roofing was popular in the early 1900s. Even with its recent reemergence of popularity, you won’t find many houses in neighborhoods with metal roofs.

But why?

We attribute this to the upfront costs of metal.

Lowcountry home with a red metal roof

You can expect to pay double and up to three times more for a metal roof than you’d pay for asphalt shingles. In some cases, metal can even cost four or five times the cost of a standard shingle roof. The cost will vary depending on the metal type, the panel profile, and the installation method.

Concealed Fastener being installed on standing seam metal roof

To get a realistic idea of cost, you’ll need to understand the different factors first. Then you will be able to choose the roof type for your needs. Aluminum, steel, and galvalume are the 3 most popular types of residential metal roofing. Feel free to use our pricing calculator tool below, it's cost-free!

Image call to action, use the pricing calculator to estimate the cost of your roof replacement

 

Exploring Aluminum Roofing: Lightweight and Corrosion-Resistant

 

Aluminum roofing is one of the natural energy-efficient metal roof materials available. Because it's highly reflective, fire-resistant, and non-corrosive. So, if you live on or near saltwater this would be a great choice for metal roofing material because it won't rust.

large home with colonial red, aluminum standing seam metal roof

Aluminum roofing comes in different thicknesses. Typically on residential homes, we will install  .032, .040, or .050 mil thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the aluminum roofing. Thicknesses of .032 and .040 are the most popular on residential installations..

contrast color home-1-1

Aluminum comes in a mill finish or with a paint finish. Mill-finish aluminum provides a raw metal look and it will oxidize into a natural metal finish. It comes in a wide variety of paint colors too. Most of the paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty with some manufacturers offering a 45-year paint finish warranty.

The Durability of Steel Roofing: A Popular Choice

 

Steel roofing is the most popular material used for residential installations. Steel roofing is galvanized steel hot-dipped and coated in a zinc coating. Steel costs less than aluminum and can be as effective and efficient.

Lowcountry style home with 5v crimp metal roof

The steel most widely used for roofing is 24 gauge, 26 gauge, and 29 gauge. 29 gauge is used in agricultural panels. Don't get fooled, unlike aluminum, the lower the number the thicker the steel roofing. 24 gauge is the best residential steel roofing.

residention metal roof

Because steel is a corrosive metal, steel roofing requires a paint finish. Paint finish warranties range from 20 years to 45 years. Depending on the thickness, type of panel, and metal roofing manufacturer you choose.

Steel roofing can be a cost-effective option if your property is NOT within a mile of the salt water. 

It offers a wider range of prices depending on which profile you want, the thickness of the metal, and the paint warranty. 

Galvalume Roofing: Combining Aluminum and Steel Advantages

 

Galvalume roofing is a steel core coated with aluminum to prevent corrosion. Galvalume is similar to steel roofing and comes in the same thicknesses, 24 gauge, 26 gauge, or 29 gauge. It’s also available in all 4 of the different panel profiles.

standing seam metal roof with valleys

The difference with galvalume, it comes as a mill-finish metal. So, if you desire a painted finish you'll want to choose the aluminum or steel roof. This makes it slightly less expensive and easier to install. The painted materials can get scratched during installation if not handled carefully. It’s also a great option to use around saltwater.

Different Styles of Metal Roofing: Aesthetic and Functional Choices

 

There are 3 styles or profiles of metal you can choose from. They provide architectural options to get the best style for your home. The styles include:

  • Screw-down or exposed fastener in a multi-rib or 5-V crimp profile.

  • Shingle style, in slate, wood, or Spanish tile profiles.

  • Standing seam in a snap-lock or mechanical locking profile.

Let's look closer at the individual styles

Exploring Screw-Down Metal Roofs: A Study in Strength and Simplicity

 

red screw-down metal roof on brick home

 

A screw-down metal roof or exposed fastener roofing was originally designed for agricultural use. Yes, if you're thinking barns, you’d be correct. 

5V crimp  metal roof showing exposed screws

A screw-down roof will give you the look and feel of a metal roof. However, the exposed fastener installation method requires fewer man hours and less skill to install. This decreases labor costs. 

Because of thermal movement in metal. (expansion and contraction) The screw-down or exposed fastener roofs will require maintenance typically between the 5 and 10-year mark. 

Metal Shingles: Combining Traditional Aesthetics with Modern Durability

 

blue-gray metal shingles on a 2-story hip and gable-style roof up close

 

Metal shingles are another popular option. They come in a variety of colors and styles. The styles simulate other products such as real slate, real wood, and Spanish or flat tile roofing.

decra metal tile

They’ll provide a unique and one-of-a-kind look for your house. They also come in many colors. Most metal shingles manufacturers offer 50-year warranties for their products.

Standing Seam Metal Roof: The Pinnacle of Sleek, Seamless Roofing Design

 

black metal standing seam roof

Standing seam metal is the most popular style of roofing installed on residential houses. Unlike the screw-down roof system, there is little to no roof maintenance needed for a standing seam roof. You can expect longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and the highest wind protection.

up close photo of a red standing seam roof with a chimney and 2 sun-tunnel skylights

A standing seam roof is one of the best roofs around, period. In fact, it may be the top roof investment available for any homeowner. You'll get a roof that will provide unmatched protection during a hurricane or severe weather event. It'll last for years, you can expect 50+ years. 

Average Cost and Lifespan of Metal Roofing

 

Average Cost of the Different Styles:

Screw-down or exposed fastener metal roof average cost is between $18,500 and $33,000

Metal shingle roof average cost is between $28,000 and $44,500

Steel standing seam roof average cost is between $31,500 and $48,000

Aluminum standing seam roof average cost is between $36,500 and $55,000

 

Average lifespan of the Different Styles:

Screw-down or exposed fasteners can be expected to last 20 to 25 years

Standing seam or shingle profile in steel can be expected to last 40 to 50 years

Standing seam in galvalume can be expected to last 50+ years

Standing seam or shingle profile in an aluminum can be expected to last 50 to 75+ years

 

Color Choices in Metal Roofing: Finding Your Perfect Hue with Warranty Assurance

 

metal roof color chart

As you can see, metal comes in a wide variety of colors. You should be able to find the perfect shade color for your home. All painted metal will come with a manufacturer's paint warranty. These warranties are pre-determined by each of the manufacturers through research and studies.

The expected lifespan above is based on the paint warranties and the type of metal used.

These are realistic lifespans we’ve seen achieved. 

Conclusion: Making the Right Metal Roofing Choice

 

Now that you have a better understanding of metal roof cost, the expected lifespans of different metals, and the maintenance required you're ready to speak with a local metal roofing contractor.

Looking to learn more or get an exact price for a metal roof?

If you live in the Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina area, and you'd like to speak with one of our metal roofing estimators. You can schedule your inspection below.

Schedule an Inspection

Look, over the past 3 decades, our family at RoofCrafters has helped thousands of homeowners choose the right metal roof. We'd love to use our experience to help you pick and get the perfect metal roof for your home. Click the button above to schedule your inspection.

We've also put together a hiring checklist for your convenience it will help you when interviewing potential metal roof contractors in your area. The checklist has some frequently asked questions along with the right answers. So you'll know what to expect when meeting metal roofing contractors.

New call-to-action

 
 
Many of the clients we've installed metal roofs for came to us asking this same question.
 
We get it. A metal roof is a long-term investment and one you want to get right.
 
For nearly 3 decades our family at RoofCrafters Roofing has installed thousands of metal roofs for homeowners all over the southeast. We've done so be helping educate our clients so that they get a metal roof that not only fits their budget but also meets their expectations. Now we want to help you by sharing the same information.
 
 
Here's what you can expect to learn in this article:
you are like most property owners you are also wondering how much more of an investment is it than shingles. Typically it is about ⅔ of what an asphalt shingle would run you. If your shingle roof is $20,000 then a metal roof could run around $60,000 depending on which type of metal roof system you chooseWhether we like it or not, there will come a day when it's time to replace our roof. The question is whether you should replace it with shingles or choose to replace your existing roof with metal. Once relegated to high-end homes, metal roofs are now available to the masses. That’s because the cost and complexity of installing a metal roof have decreased significantly in the past few years. Today, fifteen percent of all roofing installations are metal.

If you’re like most homeowners, then you’re probably wondering how much more of an investment a metal roof is than shingles. Typically it is about ⅔ of what an asphalt shingle would run you. If your shingle roof is $20,000 then a metal roof could run around $60,000 depending on which type of metal roof system you choose.

With all the different metal materials we understand that there is a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming. Our family here at RoofCrafters wants to help you by sharing our 29 years of experience installing metal roofs on homes and businesses for all of our clients in the South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida markets. So, in this article, we are going to cover the 3 most popular types of metal roofing, the styles of metal roofing that are available, and the average cost for the 3 types and the different styles. Let's dive right in!
What Metal Roof is Right for My Home?

When deciding which metal roofing to choose for your house consider these factors:

Budget
Longevity
Durability
Wind resistance
Maintenance
Tree coverage
Energy efficiency
Desired curb appeal

Over the past 20 years, metal roofing has become one of the most desired roofs in the industry. Metal roofing was popular in the early 1900s. And even with its recent reemergence of popularity, you won’t find many houses in neighborhoods that have metal roofs. But why? We attribute this to the upfront costs of metal.

You can expect to pay two to three times more for a metal roof than you’d pay for asphalt shingles. In some cases, metal can even cost four or five times the cost of a standard shingle roof. The cost will vary depending on the metal type, the panel profile, and the installation method. To get a realistic idea of cost, you’ll need to understand the three factors to choose the roof type that’s right for you. Aluminum, steel, and galvalume are the 3 most popular types of metal roofing.
Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is one of the most natural energy-efficient metal roof materials out there. It is highly reflective, fire-resistant, and non-corrosive. So, if you live on or near saltwater this would be a great choice for metal roofing material because it will not rust. Aluminum roofing comes in different thicknesses and typically for roofing we use a .032, .040, or .050 mil thickness. The higher the number the thicker the aluminum roofing. Thicknesses of .032 and .040 are the most popular on residential roofs.

Aluminum comes in a mill finish or with a paint finish. Mill finish will provide you with a raw metal look and it will oxidize into a naturally beautiful raw metal finish. It comes in a wide variety of paint colors too. Most of the paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty with some manufacturers offering a 45-year paint finish warranty.

Steel Roofing


Steel roofing is the most popular material used for metal roofing. Steel roofing is galvanized steel that is hot-dipped or coated in a zinc coating. Steel is less costly and can be as effective and efficient as other metal roofing materials. The steel most commonly used for roofing is 24 gauge, 26 gauge, and 29 gauge. Don't be fooled, unlike aluminum, the lower the number the thicker the steel metal roofing.


Because steel is a corrosive metal, steel roofing requires a paint finish. Paint finish warranties range from 20 years to 45 years. Depending on the thickness, type of panel, and metal roofing manufacturer you choose. Steel roofing can be cost-effective. It offers a wider range of prices depending on which profile you want, the thickness of the metal, and the paint warranty.

Galvalume Roofing

Galvalume is also a metal that has a steel core and is coated with aluminum to prevent corrosion. Galvalume is much like steel roofing and comes in the same thicknesses, 24 gauge, 26 gauge, or 29 gauge. It’s also available in all 4 of the different panel profiles.

The main difference with galvalume, it only comes as a mill-finish metal. If you want a paint color you must go with an aluminum or steel roof. This makes it slightly less expensive and easier to install. The painted materials can get scratched during installation if it’s not handled carefully. It’s also a great option to use around or anywhere near saltwater.

The 3 Styles of Metal Roofing

There are 3 styles of metal roofing you can choose from. These styles include:

Screw-down or exposed fastener in a multi-rib or 5-V crimp profile.
Shingle style, in slate, wood, or tile profiles.
Standing seam in a snap-lock or mechanical locking seam.

Screw-Down Metal Roof

A screw-down metal roof or exposed fastener roofing was originally designed for agricultural use. Yes, if you're thinking barns, you’d be correct. A screw-down roof will give you the look and feel of a metal roof. But, the exposed fastener installation method requires fewer man hours and a skill set to install. This decreases labor costs.

Metal Shingles


Metal shingles are another popular option. They come in a variety of colors and styles. The styles are made to simulate other products such as real slate, real wood or Spanish, and flat tile roofing. They’ll provide a unique and one-of-a-kind look for your house.

Standing Seam Metal Roof


Standing seam metal is one of the most popular styles of roofing installed on a house. Unlike the screw-down roof system, there is little to no roof maintenance needed for a standing seam roof. Because you can expect longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and the highest wind protection, a standing seam roof is one of the best roofs. It may be the top roof investment available for any house.

Screw-down or exposed fastener metal roof average cost is between $16,500 and $31,700. Metal shingle roof average cost is between $25,000 and $40,500. Steel standing seam roof average cost is between $27,500 and $42,700. The aluminum standing seam roof average cost is between $32,800 and $51,300.

Screw-down or exposed fasteners can be expected to last 20 to 25 years. Standing seam or shingle profile in steel can be expected to last 40 to 50 years. Standing seam in galvalume can be expected to last 50+ years. Standing seam or shingle profile in an aluminum can be expected to last 50 to 75+ years

Metal comes in a variety of colors. You should easily be able to find a color to your liken. All painted metal will come with a manufacturer's paint warranty. These warranties are pre-determined by each of the manufacturers through research and studies. The expected lifespan above is based on the paint warranties and the type of metal used. These are lifespans we’ve seen over the past 30 years in the roofing industry.


Which Metal Roof Should I Choose?


Now that you have a better understanding of metal roof cost, the expected lifespans of different metals, and the maintenance required you're ready to speak with a local metal roofing contractor. Looking to learn more or get an exact price for a metal roof? If you live in the Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina area, and you'd like to speak with one of our metal roofing estimators. You can schedule your inspection here.

Over the past 3 decades, our family at RoofCrafters Roofing has helped thousands of homeowners choose the right metal roof. We'd love to use our experience to help you pick and get the perfect metal roof for your house. You can click the button below to call and schedule your inspection.

Look, we know we're not a good fit for every homeowner. And we don't service all areas either. That's why we've also put together a hiring checklist that'll help you when interviewing potential metal roof contractors in your area. The checklist also has some frequently asked questions along with the right answers so you'll know what to expect when meeting metal roofing contractors.

Joe Martinez

At RoofCrafters, our mission is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive and grow while making a meaningful impact within our communities.