What are the advantages and disadvantages of a metal roof?
Metal roofs are beautiful, durable, energy-efficient and long-lasting. They can also be significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles — particularly when installing a standing seam metal roof. But because they can last 40-80 years and potentially lower energy costs, they can be worth the investment.
How much does a metal roof cost?
On average, replacing your roof with a metal roof will cost between $4,400 and $8,750. The actual cost you pay will depend on the roof’s size, the type of metal, the pitch of the roof and more. If the subroofing requires repair, the roofer will need to perform those repairs before overlaying the metal sheeting.
Where you live also has a significant effect on metal roof costs. To find out how much it will cost to install a metal roof on your house, get cost estimates from roofers near you.
How long does a metal roof last?
A metal roof is one of the longest-lasting and lowest-maintenance roofing choices available. You can expect it to last between 40 and 80 years. The actual number will vary depending on the climate you live in, which has a dramatic impact on the condition of your roof. Your level of maintenance also affects the longevity of your roofing surface — keeping it clean and free of debris extends its lifetime. Read our guide on how to maintain your roof for more tips.
How do you choose a metal roof color?
Choose the color of your metal roof based on your house’s aesthetics and the overall look you want. The color of your siding, window shutters, windows, surrounding landscape and even the roof on your neighbor’s house may all affect your decision.
Metal roofs will hold their color for many years. Whether you choose a “natural” galvanized roof or go with a red, blue, green or other colors, it will give your house a unique look for years to come.
What is a standing seam metal roof?
A standing seam metal roof is a durable, watertight roofing design that features long metal panels running from the ridge to the eave of your house. The metal panels have “seams” or ridges that run from top to bottom with a wide flat area between them.
If you’re interested in installing a standing seam metal roof, start requesting price estimates from local roofers.
Is it worth it to hire a roofer?
There are several reasons why it’s worth it to hire a professional roofer instead of attempting it yourself. The first is safety. Roofing is inherently dangerous, as a fall from a roof could seriously injure or kill you. Roofers have specialized equipment and training to help prevent accidents.
Next is experience. Roofers know how to spot problems (leaks, missing shingles, moss or mold growth, etc.) in your roof that could potentially save you from costly repairs down the road.
And finally, roofers save you time by getting the job done quickly and with a high degree of quality.
What happens during a roofing inspection?
Roof inspectors are trained to look for signs of a failing roofing system that could lead to damage — especially water and structural damage. Your home's roofing materials may look great from the ground, but it's difficult to see potential damage unless you take a closer look. A roof inspector can do just that.
During an inspection, the professional will typically look for issues that may have occurred during installation and manufacturing. They’ll also keep an eye out for damage caused by normal wear and tear, as well as extreme weather events. They might also access your attic to see if there are signs of a leak in your roof.
Here’s a short list of common things a contractor will look out for during a roof inspection:
- Damage caused by hail, wind, snow and rain
- Missing, broken, buckling, curling or cracked shingles
- Roof decay, rot, moss, mildew and mold
- Rust around the flashing
- Damaged chimneys and vents
- Holes, gaps and punctures that could cause a roof leak
- Water stains and ventilation issues
Hiring a roofing inspector prevents you from having to do the dangerous work of climbing onto your roof. Plus, inspectors know how to assess potential damage and determine the best way to repair your roof and prevent the need for more expensive repairs in the future. Start searching for a roof inspector on Thumbtack today.
When should I get my roof inspected?
Experts typically recommend that you have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. But you also may want a licensed professional to inspect your roof during these circumstances:
- You're buying or selling a home
- You're filing an insurance claim
- Before or after a contractor does major work on your roof
Search the Thumbtack site for experienced roof inspectors near you. You can contact them directly to set up a time to conduct the inspection, and learn more about their pricing structure and services.