Metal Roofing's Price Difference

It's a fact, metal roofing can cost up to three times more than asphalt. BUT... the cost over its life of 50 years+ makes it very viable.  Smart homeowners consider their home's maintenance costs 50 years into the future. Plus metal roofing is a great sales asset when you sell your home.

Is metal roofing heavier than shingles?

Metal roofing, on average, can weigh up to 3 pounds per square foot. The weight on your roof will depend on the style you choose, the gauge of the metal,  and the panel's profile.  Metal roofing is light compared  with other systems. For example, asphalt shingles can weigh up 3.5 pounds per square foot, and clay or concrete tiles up to 10 pounds per square foot.

What is standing seam metal roofing?

There are two important terms that will help you understand standing seam metal roofing. (Keep in mind that there are other options than "standing seam."  Options include metal roof designs that have the appearance of "traditional" roofing materials.)

First is standing seam.  The standing seam is the "bump" in the metal panel at the end that overlaps the adjacent panel to connect the two panels  There are dozens of ways this connection can take place, and many are exclusive to individual makers.

The "profile" of standing seam metal roofing refers to the "bumps" in the metal sheet.  How many are there in each panel?  How far apart are they?  How high are they?  Again, many profiles are unique to a specific manufacturer.  The profile also depends on the end use, such as - in non-commercial applications - the distance between the rafters.

Do metal roofs expand and contract?

Metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools. Most new metal roofing products have fastening systems that accommodate movement.