Installing a Metal Roof? Here’s What You Should Know
A metal roof is a wise choice in an area like San Antonio. With frequent strong storms in our area, high-durability materials such as metal will provide superior protection against roof damage. In addition, metal is generally more reflective than other materials, is relatively sustainable, and these days is available in a wide range of styles.
That said, metal roof installation can be a bit more complex than your typical roof replacement. At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our team has upgraded numerous asphalt shingle roofs to metal roofing over the years. We feel it’s important to fully educate our customers on what to expect from the process—and to help them determine if making the switch is the right decision.
We’re sharing some general information about metal roof installation in today’s post. If you’re ready to upgrade your roof, reach out to our team for an inspection!
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
On average, here in San Antonio, the average cost to install a new metal roof is right around $30,000. Of course, the final price can vary substantially from that number; owners of smaller homes will be able to install a metal roof for significantly less, while larger and more complex roof designs will be more expensive to upgrade. Overall the price may range anywhere from $15,000 to more than $50,000 on very large homes.
The price of your metal roof installation will also depend on the product you choose. Most metal roofing is more expensive than other roofing materials, but some products are actually relatively affordable. For example, residential standing seam roofs typically come in at around $11–$15 per square foot of material.
Can Every Home Support a Metal Roof?
Virtually any home can upgrade from an asphalt shingle roof to a metal roof. While the amount of preparation required may vary, the reality is that metal can be applied to most structures.
A common misconception about metal roofing is that it is significantly heavier, requiring supports to be added to a roof before installing metal. This may be because metal is frequently grouped with tile roofing, as they are both high-durability roofing materials with a long lifespan.
However, metal roofing is actually lighter than asphalt shingles (by quite a bit), meaning this isn’t a concern at all. If your roof can support shingles, it can support metal roofing.
Before
After
Ensure the Installation Is Completed Correctly
That said, there are still considerations to be made during the metal roof installation process. Because metal roofing costs so much more upfront, the installation must be high-quality so that the roof can deliver on its long-term value.
A critical step during the metal roof installation process is to prepare the surface of the roof appropriately. Some companies may offer to install metal roofing directly over existing asphalt shingles. However, this is not worth the risk. Without removing the shingles, there is no way to determine the health of the wood decking underneath—and because metal roofing is designed to last for 40–50 years or longer, it’s important that the entire roofing system is in excellent condition, if not brand-new.
The savings from installing directly over asphalt shingles are generally 10% or less. When compared to the risk of roofing issues due to rotted decking or deteriorating underlayment, the tradeoff simply isn’t worth it.
When installed correctly, the layers of a metal roofing system should be:
- Wood decking, either newly installed or in excellent condition
- High-temperature underlayment made for metal or tile roofing
- Metal panels
Choose a Contractor with Experience in Metal Roofs
Because getting the installation right is so important, and because metal roofing requires more specialized knowledge to properly maintain, it’s essential to choose the right roofer for the job.
When evaluating roofing companies to install a metal roof, look for the following:
- Company with at least 5–10 years in business
- Locally based
- Demonstrated experience working with metal roofing
- Complete and transparent quotes
- An established, thorough process with no shortcuts
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we believe a metal roof can only be as good as the roofer installing it. In order to last for decades and deliver the value that metal can provide, the installation must provide superior quality backed by years of experience in metal roofing.
Dolan Roofing & Construction is San Antonio’s premiere metal roofing experts. We’ve helped dozens of homeowners upgrade their homes and reap the benefits of installing a metal roof in our storm-prone region. If you’re looking to better protect your home with long-lasting metal, contact our team today to get a quote!
