Metal roofing is the longest lasting roof material available today. Metal roof installation cost the most but it pays for its self in time. Being the longest lasting roofing material, it's worth the extra up front cost. It stands up to all kinds of inclement weather, animals, and foot traffic.
Is it cheaper to get a metal roof or shingles?
Shingle roofs cost less than metal roofs however, the longevity of a metal roof is much longer. Metal roofs may cost between $120-$900/100 square feet vs shingles that may cost $100-$200/100 square feet. It takes a specialist to install a metal roof so the installation is also more expensive when compared to shingles. Keep in mind, the installation frequency for a metal roof is much less than a shingle roof which is damaged easily.
How long does a metal roof last on a house on a commercial building?
Copper and zinc roofs can last up to a hundred years, aluminum or steel can last for 50+ years!
What are the potential disadvantages of a metal roof?
Cost
Cost (these roofs can cost 2-3x more than other roofing materials) but the frequency of installation is much less.
Noisiness
Noisiness during heavy rain or hailstorms, but this can be prevented by adding more underlayment during installation.
Color Mismatching
If repairs are needed, it may be difficult to do an exact color match.
Water Accumulation
If there is water accumulation due to poor installation, it can cause serious damages to the roof over time. Using high-quality materials and adding more insulation can prevent this issue.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles?
If local building codes allow it you may install a metal roof over your shingles. However, it may trap water vapor between the two layers and cause moisture to build up. This may result in mold or rot. To prevent this from happening, your roofers need to install a vented metal roof or place the metal roof over furring strips. The furring strips will create a gap between the old and new roof.
Are metal roofs noisy?
In most cases, the metal roof is less noisy than a shingle roof. A good roofing contractor will install an underlayment that reduces noise. No roof is silent during a heavy rain or hail storm, however. More underlayment will help but is an additional cost.