How Much Do Standing Seam Metal Roofs Cost?
What is a standing seam metal roof? A standing seam metal roof is a type of roofing that doesn’t use traditional shingles, instead, it works by using a roofing system that features hidden fasteners and vertical legs that have a flat space between them.
Sometimes standing seam roofs use trapezoid legs too. If that description doesn't paint a clear enough picture for you, think of classic metal roofs that you've seen, and they probably feature a standing seam metal roof.
Standing seam metal roofs are rising in popularity for dwellings, not just businesses or storage, and barn facilities because living spaces like barndominiums, updated cabins, and converted farmhouses are on the rise.
What Are the Pros of Standing Seam Metal Roofs?
There are quite a few benefits to standing seam metal roofs. First, in comparison to a typical roof that uses something like asphalt shingles, a standing seam metal roof will last up to three times as long and sustain less damage in inclement weather.
While these types of roofs are more expensive up front, their maintenance cost is also a lot lower than typical shingle roofs because they are much sturdier. Standing seam metal roofs can be created using a variety of metals as well, so you can get a cool, customized look with your roof that stands out from typical black roofs that use asphalt shingles.
Speaking of a customized look, the standing seam metal roofs offer a major bonus when it comes to aesthetics because no fasteners are visible. This gives your roof a really sleek, seamless feel.
And, as an added bonus, who doesn't love the sound of rain hitting a metal roof?
How Much Do Standing Seam Metal Roofs Cost?
As a general rule, based on the supplies and labor costs, standing seam metal roofs cost anywhere from eight and a half dollars a square foot to almost fifteen dollars a square foot. This cost can go up if you opt for a copper standing seam metal roof. Calculate a rough cost using the square footage of your roof to get a cost range.
The cost of standing seam metal roofs will run higher or lower depending on the area of the country that you live in, the availability of the supplies, the availability and expertise of a local contractor, and the time of year or season that you decide to purchase the supplies. With all of these variables, you need to budget accordingly. Especially when you're building a new home, you don't want to end up under budgeting.
We always prefer to over budget and underspend. There are ways of getting a more customized quote for a standing seam metal roof. Firstly, you're going to want to talk to three or four different contractors in your area who can provide you with a standing seam metal roof. Ask each of these contractors to provide you with the most accurate quote possible, and compare the quote to other quotes that you’ve received.
We also recommend asking for referrals from previous clients you have standing seam metal roofs. Because while one company might quote you something significantly less expensive, they may not be as experienced in the area.
To err on the side of caution, we do recommend that you budget an additional five percent of whatever your agreed-upon quote is with your contractor.
Can You DIY A Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Can you DIY a standing seam metal roof? Well, yes and no. While it is technically very possible for you to DIY install your roof, it's probably not a good idea unless you have lots of roofing experience with metal roofs.
Why? Because roofing supplies are expensive, and if you make a mistake you might end up with rain in your house or a myriad of other problems that come from improper roofing. Then you are out the money for supplies, money for cleanup, and you'll likely need to hire a professional to fix the problem.
Some homeowners insurance policies also require that you use a professional roofing company in order to get coverage. All costs considered, it's probably smarter to save your DIY enthusiasm for another area of your home and hire a professional for this one.
