Metal roofs can last for 40 to 70 years. They’re also extremely durable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. Because of these facts and/or others, you are likely considering getting a metal roof installation for your Illinois residential or commercial building.
However, if this is the case, it’s a good idea for you to have an idea of the average metal roofing cost and other expenses. This way, you can easily decide on the features, metal types, etc., that you can afford based on your budget. You also won’t end up spending more than you should.
Read on to learn more about the different aspects of a metal roof installation and each of their costs.
The Average Metal Roof Installation Cost Overall
For a metal roof installation in Chicago, you can expect a final price tag of around $7,900 to $43,100. The large gap between the low and high prices here is likely because there are a lot of things that can raise the price of this project.
Beyond just having a large roof, having a complex roof can also make the installation job more expensive. If your house has a steep roof, has multiple stories, and is in poor condition, for example, you can expect a higher price. Unfortunately, these factors aren’t really under your control.
Luckily, most of the other factors that can raise or lower the price of your installation are under your control. You can learn more about these in the sections below.
Cost of Different Metals
Different metals have different price ranges. The more expensive metals usually last longer and/or are difficult to install. Some may also have special features or additions that make them better but add a lot to the price.
However, remember that a high starting price can be worth it over time. You’ll save yourself the cost of having to replace your metal roof multiple times.
Tin
Tin is one of the cheaper metals at $5 to $12 per square foot. It can last up to 70 years, but you’ll have to get it maintained often to achieve this lifespan. Also, many tin roofing products have a tin coating and have a different material as their cores.
Aluminum
Aluminum is also very cheap at $4 to $11. Unfortunately, the roofing materials made from this metal can only last around 45 years. However, the high effectiveness of this metal can keep your home cool and help you save on electricity.
Zinc
Zinc costs around $6 to $12 per square foot, but it can last around 100 years if properly maintained. This is probably because zinc can “heal” itself to a certain degree. Any dings or scratches it gets can disappear.
Steel
At $6 to $16 per square foot, steel can get rather expensive. This is not just because of durability but also because some types of steel, like stainless steel, have added features. These can make the steel roofing types more resistant to corrosion, more pliable, and so on.
Copper
Copper is probably the most expensive metal for roofing at $15 to $30 per square foot. Most of this is because copper is difficult to install. Still, the fact that it can last 100+ years can make this roofing type worth it.
Cost of Metals by Gauge
Gauge is a term that refers to the thickness of metal roofing materials. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the metal roofing panels, shingles, and so on. Also, the thicker the material, the most expensive but durable it is.
A thicker gauge can add from $1.75 to $9.00 to the per square foot expense.
Style of Metal Roofing
Metal shingles aren’t the only style of metal roofing available. There are several other types as well, and they each vary in price and the benefits they give. Keep in mind as you consider these roofing style types that some styles may not come in certain metal types.
Shingles
Metal shingles cost around $7 to $2.20 per square foot. They can do a great job of replicating the look of shingles made of other materials. However, they are highly likely to last a lot longer than non-metal shingles.
Corrugated
A corrugated metal roof consists of metal roofing panels with exposed fasteners. Unfortunately, these exposed fasteners can wear away quickly in weather and often need to get replaced by professional roofing services. A corrugated metal roof is rather cheap, however, as they cost $3.50 to $15 per square.
Standing Seam
Standing seam is the most expensive type of metal roofing at $7 to $30 per square foot. However, this price can be worth it as these metal roofing panels do not have exposed fasteners. Some might also argue that the shapes that metal roofing suppliers put metal roofing panels in are more beautiful than corrugated ones.
Cost of Labor
On top of the cost of roofing supplies, there is also the cost of labor. It is certainly possible for you to install metal roofing on your building yourself. However, you’re more likely to get a roof that lasts if you have it installed by professional roofing services.
The roofers are likely to be paid per hour. As such, the longer they take on the job, the higher the final price will be. This is why more complex roofing systems tend to have a higher price than less complicated roofing systems.
You could pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on labor costs alone. The best way for you to possibly get a lower price is to shop around a bit and get price quotes from a variety of roofing services.
Get Industry-Leading Roofing Services in Several Illinois Cities From Us
Again, a lot of the cost depends on the choices you make. Now that you know about what the different factors will cost you, make a budget and decide what would work best for you in cost and features.
When you’re ready, consider getting a metal roof installation from us. We take great pride in assuring that our workers have sufficient training, quality inspection, and project supervision to make sure your project is completed to satisfaction. Schedule a free 25-point roof inspection with us today on our site.