The number one request we get in our office each year is to compare the cost of a metal roof vs a shingle roof. And over the years we accumulated a large amount of proposals and roofing quotes that were for both metal roofing and shingle roofing. Some of the homes we roofed in metal and some of the jobs we didn't win.
We took the quotes we have had written and tried to pick out 10 examples of homes that would be a good over all sample of the types of homes we find in Indiana and Kentucky. We then discussed this project with other roofing companies in Indiana and Louisville Ky who operate in other parts of the state than we do. The roofing companies who participated with us in this project are similar to Exterior Pro roofing in that they install similar roofing products, they use in house crews, carry workman's comp and adequate insurance, and are stable roofing companies with solid reputations and while they aren't the most expensive roofing companies in their area, they are not the cheapest either.
All 10 jobs were priced out the same way and figured with a one layer shingle tear off with clean up and dumpster fee included.
Metal Roofing and Shingle Roofing Material Specs:
Shingle Roofing Material Spec: | Metal Roofing Material Spec: |
50 year architectural or dimensional shingle | 24 gauge standing seam metal roof |
30# felt paper | 1 3/4" snap lock roof panel |
wide drip edge | 30# felt paper |
ice and water shield in valleys | Ice and water shield in valleys |
Hip and Ridge Caps | Extended eave drip edge |
New roof vents | Roof panels hemmed and interlocked |
Chimney flashings | Interlocking sheet metal trims |
Skylight flashings and Step flashings | Metal Eave Trim and Rake Trim |
Vented Ridge Cap | |
Chimney Flashings | |
sidewall, endwall and skylight flashing |
This is what we found.
Standing seam metal roofing costs are in fact higher than shingle roofing cost in both Indiana and Kentucky. Whether the added benefits of owning a home with a metal roof is worth the extra investment is a matter of taste, preference for one type of roof over another, and purchasing power. Remember that these prices are the averages meant to equally represent the metal roofing market in Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Both metal roofing material and shingle roofing material fluctuate with other commodities. Before you rule out one roofing option over another, have your home or building quoted for a more accurate quote than we have provided here.