Author Topic: Metal roof or standard shingles?  (Read 14010 times)

chatsc

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Metal roof or standard shingles?
« on: May 08, 2013, 07:31:42 AM »
I am just starting my search for a roofer and roofing material. We need to redo our roof either this fall or next spring.  We have a standard 1100sf bungalow.  The roof was last done in 96 by the previous owner and the shingles are starting to curl on the edges.

Shingles will probably run about 4500-5500$.  I have no idea what a metal roof would be but I am expecting around 12-15K?  We live in Ottawa, so the temperatures go from -30C to +30C, in a standard year.

Anyone have any opinions about a metal roof or shingles?  We don't ever plan to move, so we expect to be here for the next 40-50 years (in theory).

Will a metal roof actually last 50 years, or is it more for aesthetics?

Any input would be appreciated, I know nothing about roofing matters.

Spork

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2013, 07:55:33 AM »
When we built our house, we really wanted metal -- both for the look and for the long lasting life.  In our case, it added about $40k to the cost of our house and it was more than we could stomach.  (In retrospect, I wish I had done just the front porch roof in metal.  I think it would have looked nice and not been so expensive.)  Around here, I think it is about 4x to 5x the cost of composition shingles.  That probably varies with region and access to materials and how many guys out there do the work.  It's not just more expensive material -- I think it takes a little more skill to do it right.

Our house is 2 story and about 2300 sqft.  (It would be a little over 1600sqft for the same footprint if it were 1 story.)  Our roof line is a little complicated... so I am sure that adds some expense.

Welmoed

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2013, 08:32:07 AM »
A properly installed, well-maintained standing seam metal roof can very well last much more than 50 years; we've seen 100-year-old roofs that are still function perfectly. In that time, you could easily go through five or six standard shingle roofs. There are a few important issues to consider:
1. A metal roof requires different maintenance than an asphalt shingle roof. You need to check it every three or four years, to make sure there are no budding issues with corrosion. Touch up the paint where necessary, and repaint the whole thing in about 20 years.
2. You need to choose a roofing company with lots and lots of experience in doing metal roofs. Ask for references, especially for clients from a decade ago.
3. Metal roofs can be noisy, especially during hailstorms, so plan on adding extra insulation for sound protection.
4. Metal roofs shouldn't be installed on roof slopes flatter than 3 in 12.

Spork

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2013, 08:38:44 AM »
3. Metal roofs can be noisy, especially during hailstorms, so plan on adding extra insulation for sound protection.

Especially if you live under a 200 foot hickory tree inhabited by the most evil of squirrels that has ever lived.  (But, the other side of that: I love the sound of rain on a metal roof.)

MountainFlower

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2013, 09:10:57 AM »
We really wanted a metal roof, but ultimately couldn't afford it.  I'm so glad!  Our neighbors have a standing seam metal roof installed by a reputable company that has been nothing but trouble.  Hailstorms are already really loud on our asphalt shingle roof and we have lots of dense pack cellulose insulation.  I can't imagine how loud it would be on metal.  I have two small kids whose rooms are on the upper story.  Naptime would be difficult with a metal roof because afternoons are when the rain/hail storms come. 

Kaytee

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2013, 09:28:41 AM »
Go for architectural shingles. Higher price than standard shingles, but better looking and longer lasting. DIY or hire a roofer who actually has some idea of how to properly install flashing & ice and water shield, and includes a proper drip edge.

SunshineGirl

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2013, 09:44:58 AM »
I had a metal roof put on my 650 SF guesthouse and LOVE it. Standing seam. It was in the $4-5K range. It looks both classic and current. 

chills

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2013, 09:51:23 AM »
Go for architectural shingles. Higher price than standard shingles, but better looking and longer lasting. DIY or hire a roofer who actually has some idea of how to properly install flashing & ice and water shield, and includes a proper drip edge.

We researched metal a few years ago, and it was a significant price difference for us, I think about 3-4x the price of architectural shingles. Between cost, noise, and wariness regarding the roofer, we went with architectural shingles and have been very happy so far.

PGH

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2013, 10:17:14 AM »
Agreed on the cost and the noise factor. Also, I'm not sure where you live, but in our snowy climate, you need to add metal snow break bars. Our new neighbor said that those alone cost him $10,000.

Kaytee

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2013, 10:25:30 AM »
I'd have to pick my husband's brain about this, but you might be able to save some costs by putting architectural shingles right over the roof laid down in '96 instead of ripping them off. He's a carpenter turned SAHD, who has done more than his fair share of roofing jobs. I think architecturals have a 30 year warranty, so I would also add comparing warranties to your decision matrix.

MountainFlower

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2013, 10:37:27 AM »
Go for architectural shingles. Higher price than standard shingles, but better looking and longer lasting. DIY or hire a roofer who actually has some idea of how to properly install flashing & ice and water shield, and includes a proper drip edge.

I agree with everything Kaytee said.  Especially the ice and water shield.  We have architectural shingles and live in a frickin wind tunnel.  Seriously, 70+ mph winds are pretty much a weekly event in the winter.  They have held up fabulously and I think our roofer was half drunk when he installed them.  Didn't realize that until later.  LOL!

Rural

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2013, 11:01:36 AM »
We went with standing seam metal and are very happy with it. Ours is not at all loud, even with the squirrels and their hickory nuts and acorns, but that's because we have spray foam insulation on the roof deck. We have a single story, ~1900 sf, 3 in 12 pitch. Materials cost was $3102; my dad, brother, and husband put it on over a long weekend. All three had done shingle roofs before and commented how much easier this was.

If you have fewer than three layers of shingles, a metal roof can go over the existing roof on strips of wood.

Welmoed

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2013, 11:28:08 AM »
I'd have to pick my husband's brain about this, but you might be able to save some costs by putting architectural shingles right over the roof laid down in '96 instead of ripping them off. He's a carpenter turned SAHD, who has done more than his fair share of roofing jobs. I think architecturals have a 30 year warranty, so I would also add comparing warranties to your decision matrix.
The trouble with putting a new layer of shingles over the original layer is that it reduces the service life of the new shingles by at least 30%. So you'll end up replacing the roof sooner. We always recommend doing a tearoff of the old shingles and paper, and putting new underlayment and ice shield under the new shingles.
Architectural shingles do indeed have a longer life, but we've seen 10yo roofs with them failing due to manufacturers defects. You really can't just slap on a roof and ignore it; you need to make sure it is performing properly (i.e. it's not losing granules at an excessive rate; there aren't visible nail pops; the fiberglas mat itself is completely covered, etc.).

Kaytee

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2013, 11:48:59 AM »
Quote
The trouble with putting a new layer of shingles over the original layer is that it reduces the service life of the new shingles by at least 30%. So you'll end up replacing the roof sooner. We always recommend doing a tearoff of the old shingles and paper, and putting new underlayment and ice shield under the new shingles.

Like I said, I would need to pick my husband's brain about it. I know he has done it before, but as the exception rather than the rule. I think the places where they have done it, it was on old houses with unusual roof configurations.

Quote
They have held up fabulously and I think our roofer was half drunk when he installed them.  Didn't realize that until later.  LOL!

Roofers or Reefers? :)

chatsc

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2013, 02:30:59 PM »
You have all given me a lot to think about this summer.  Thanks.  Maybe the architectural shingles are the middle ground I am looking for. 

and now I can worry about drunk roofers....

acanthurus

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #15 on: May 09, 2013, 06:22:40 PM »
Does the emmissivity and reflectance of a lighter colored of a metal roof affect energy usage at all? It sounds like the price differential is significantly more than any energy savings might amount to, but I'm wondering if in hotter/sunnier climates (e.g. Southwest US) if this might help offset the cost a little?

Rural

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #16 on: May 09, 2013, 06:48:23 PM »
It definitely offsets the heat. Ours stayed cool even before the insulation was done.

MountainFlower

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #17 on: May 11, 2013, 01:07:19 PM »

and now I can worry about drunk roofers....

On the contrary, drunk roofers seem to do a fine job!  LOL!


clutchy

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #18 on: May 11, 2013, 05:13:55 PM »
Do people not use spanish tiles anymore?

Our house is 35 years old and the roof is original and so is the A/C :(

Spork

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #19 on: May 11, 2013, 06:24:30 PM »
Do people not use spanish tiles anymore?

Our house is 35 years old and the roof is original and so is the A/C :(

They're beautiful, but:
a) they're very expensive
b) the structure has to be built with them in mind.  They're really heavy.

clutchy

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Re: Metal roof or standard shingles?
« Reply #20 on: May 11, 2013, 10:50:49 PM »
interesting, thx for the info.