Metal roofing has become very popular with homeowners who want long lasting, strong solutions for their homes and businesses. Because the initial cost is very different from asphalt options, we get a lot of questions about how much these better roofing systems cost. At Professional Roofers Toronto, we believe open discussions about pricing helps clients understand what makes metal roofing cost more. There are many factors that affect how much people pay and homeowners who know these costs make better decisions.
The main thing that affects metal roofing cost is the material quality. Steel, aluminium, copper and zinc all have different prices because they are all different in terms of their properties and performance. Steel is the most popular choice for homes because it’s cheap and lasts long. Aluminium doesn’t rust as easily in coastal areas but costs more than steel options that are similar. Copper looks amazing and lasts almost forever but costs a lot which is good for high end properties. We help clients choose metals that meet their performance needs while staying within their budget.
Choosing a panel profile changes both the look and cost structure. Standing seam systems give buildings a clean modern look with hidden fasteners that make them more weather resistant. These high end profiles cost more than panels with exposed fasteners but last longer and perform better. Corrugated metal panels are a cheap option for some uses but may not look as nice as many homeowners would want. Architectural profiles look like conventional shingle patterns but are made of metal which makes them last longer. Each model has a different price that reflects how hard it is to make and how hard it is to install.
Coating methods give colour and beauty to metal while protecting it from rust. Basic galvanized coatings are cheap and provides good protection. Galvalume coatings makes things less likely to rust for a small extra cost. High end paint systems like Kynar 500 or polyvinylidene fluoride holds colour and resists weather better than other paints. This is worth the extra initial cost because it will last for decades without needing any maintenance. We explain these differences in coatings so clients know that spending more upfront can save them money in the long run by not having to repaint.
The complexity of the roof has a big impact on the cost of installation. Simple gable roofs with few openings makes installation quick and easy which keeps labour cost down. Installing multiple valleys, dormers, skylights and complicated architectural features takes longer and uses more materials. Steep pitches requires more safety gear and slower work speeds which increases labour cost. We give you realistic estimates based on the actual layout of your roof not just a flat rate per square foot that doesn’t take into account the unique features of your home.
When metal is installed over old roofing materials that need to be completely torn off, it costs more to remove them. Sometimes metal can be installed right on top of one layer of asphalt shingles. This cuts down on project cost by getting rid of the need to tear down and throw away the old shingles. This method only works if the old decking is still in good shape and building codes allow for overlay installations. We look at these during the first meeting and give you honest advice on whether installing an overlay is a good idea or if you need to remove it completely.
Location of the business affects pricing because of the availability of materials and the state of the labour market in that area. Pickering properties are close to large supply chains and competitive contractor markets which is good for business. But sometimes the challenges in getting to certain assets makes these regional benefits less important. Even if prices are going down in the area it costs more to hire workers when they have to carry supplies by hand or use special equipment to get to the site.
Adding insulation affects both the upfront cost and the energy performance over time. Some metal roofs have foam padding that reduces noise and makes the roof work better in cold weather. These insulated products cost more upfront but makes you more comfortable and saves you money on energy which makes the higher price worth it. We talk to clients about insulation options when they want to get the most energy savings or noise reduction from their metal roofs.
Different metal roofing options have different warranty coverage. In general higher quality materials and coating process comes with longer warranty. Paint warranties that last 30 to 50 years shows that the finish is of higher quality and will look good for decades after it’s installed. Perforation warranties promise that metal won’t rust through at certain times. We help clients compare warranty options because we know that long warranty periods are worth more than the initial purchase price because it lowers future maintenance and replacement cost.
When you compare pricing you need to pay attention to the details of the specifications not just the lowest price. Cheap prices upfront can lead to disappointing results that waste money because of poor materials and bad installation. We give you precise proposals that list the exact materials, coating process and installation procedure we will use. This transparency allows you to compare across contractors and not get confused on what the quoted rates really cover.
Property owners can better handle the large upfront cost of high quality metal roofing systems with financing options. Different programs include payment plans that allows you to pay over time. When metal roofing reduces heating and cooling needs, energy efficiency incentives can sometimes help pay for some of the installation cost. We tell clients about programs that can help them with the cost of these beneficial home upgrades.
When thinking about return on investment you need to think about more than just the cost of materials. Metal roofs last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles so you don’t have to replace them as often over the life of the structure. Reflective metal surfaces reduce cooling cost, saves energy year after year. Sometimes insurance premiums go down because metal is better at resisting fire and wind. These ongoing benefits add value that initial cost comparison don’t show.
Metal roofing systems installed correctly don’t need much maintenance. Inspections every now and then make sure fasteners are tight and sealants are strong. But metal roofs don’t need the regular repairs and partial replacements that asphalt roofs need during their shorter lifespan. This lower maintenance cost is a big benefit that makes up for the higher upfront cost by saving you money on repairs in the future.
Property owners who are thinking of getting a metal roof might benefit from professional evaluations to help them decide if the investment is worth it for them. Regular Roof Inspection services help you figure out when your current system needs to be replaced, so you can plan for big expenses. When people want to improve their roofs through Roof Replacement projects they should seriously consider metal options even though it’s more expensive upfront. This is because metal roofs last long and perform better which makes it worth the money over the long term in Pickering’s harsh climate.
