DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ALUMINUM ROOFING? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS.
When it comes to roofing materials, aluminum has become a popular choice due to its durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements. The cost of an aluminum roof is an important factor when considering if aluminum is the right roofing material for your project.
The price of an aluminum roof can vary based on several factors. Understanding the cost of an aluminum roof, as well as everything that contributes to the overall cost, can help you make an informed decision about whether an aluminum roof is right for you.
As manufacturers of aluminum roofing, Western States Metal Roofing is an expert on all of the components of an aluminum roof and how they translate to cost. We’ve taken the time to compile all this information together and break down everything you need to know about metal roofing cost to make your buying decision easier.
Whether you are a homeowner looking to replace your current roof or a contractor looking for information on aluminum roofing costs, we will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
We’re going to discuss……
- What factors make the price of an aluminum roof fluctuate?
- What is the material cost of an aluminum roof?
- What is the installation cost of an aluminum roof?
- What is the total cost of an aluminum roof going to be?
It’s our goal to have all of your aluminum cost questions answered by the end of this guide. So, let’s dive in and explore the cost of an aluminum roof.
CONTENTS
What factors make the price of an aluminum roof fluctuate?
The price of an aluminum roof is not like going to a retail store and picking out something off the shelf. Like with almost any major purchase, there are different price tiers that correlate with the quality of the item.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Aluminum Panels?
- Panel Profile
- Gauge
- Roof Size
- Market Fluctuations
Aluminum Panel Profile
The type of profile you choose affects price due to the quality of the panel and the difficulty of installation.
There are two types of metal roofing systems:
- Exposed fastener panels such as a wavy corrugated metal roofing.
- Concealed fastener panels such as standing seam roofing.
Exposed fastener panels will cost about half the price when compared to standing seam metal roofing panels.
Thickness
The thicker the aluminum, the more durable it is. The price of aluminum also increases as it gets thicker.
Aluminum roofing is generally available in two thicknesses: .032 and .040.
.040 is thicker, and therefore more expensive, than .032.
The Size Of Your Home Or Job
The size and complexity of the roof will affect the amount of aluminum material and labor required for the installation. A larger or more complex roof will require more materials and labor, which will increase the cost of the roof.
Fluctuations In The Aluminum Market
Fluctuations in the aluminum market can affect the price of an aluminum roof.
The price of aluminum can be influenced by a variety of factors including:
- Global supply and demand
- Trade policies
- Natural disasters
Aluminum Supply And Demand
Changes in supply and demand can have a significant impact on the price of aluminum. If demand for aluminum increases, the price may rise, and if supply increases, the price may fall. This can be affected by factors such as changes in the global economy, shifts in manufacturing trends, and fluctuations in the construction industry.
Trade Policies
Trade policies and tariffs can also have an impact on the price of aluminum. When countries impose tariffs on imported aluminum, it can cause the price of domestically produced aluminum to rise, as demand for it increases. Similarly, when tariffs are removed, the price may fall, as more aluminum becomes available on the market.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, can also impact the price of aluminum by disrupting production and supply chains. When production facilities are damaged or destroyed, it can cause a temporary shortage of aluminum, which can drive up prices.
Overall, the price of an aluminum roof can be affected by fluctuations in the aluminum market, and it is important to work with a qualified roofing contractor who can help you understand the current market conditions and choose the best materials for your specific needs and budget.
How Much Will Aluminum Roofing Materials Cost Me?
We discussed all the variables that will make the cost of your metal panels fluctuate. Now, let’s get into what the approximate cost of an aluminum roof will be.
Remember the prices we reference are estimated ranges. The exact price depends on factors we discussed earlier such as the manufacturer you choose, quantity needed, and the current price of aluminum.
We will discuss:
- Material Cost
- How Much Material You Will Need
- Where To Buy Material
- How To Buy Material
What Is The Material Cost Of Aluminum Panels?
- Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Cost – $6 to $12 Per Sq. Ft.
- Standing Seam Aluminum Cost – $10 to $18 Per Sq. Ft.
What Is The Total Price Of An Aluminum Roof Including Installation?
- Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Cost – $6 to $12 Per Sq. Ft.
- Standing Seam Aluminum Cost – $10 to $18 Per Sq. Ft.
Cost Of Metal Panel Accessories
The cost of accessories is only relevant if you plan on doing the installation yourself. If you are hiring a professional contractor to install your metal panels, the cost of accessories required will be rolled into the total cost for your installation.
We will we go over the cost of the following accessories:
- Roofing Underlayment
- Trim/ Flashing
- Fasteners
Cost Of Roofing Underlayment
There are different manufacturers of synthetic underlayment and different qualities. For our purposes, we are going to show how much the popular Sharkskin® underlayment costs:
- Sharkskin® Comp: 11 cents per square foot, Good
Non adhesive roofing underlayment with a 25 year warranty. - Sharkskin® Ultra: 16 cents per square foot, Better
Non adhesive roofing underlayment with a 50 year warranty. - Sharkskin® Ultra SA: 22 cents per square foot, Best
Self adhesive roofing underlayment with a 50 year warranty.
We recommend using synthetic underlayment over felt as it is better quality material. If you choose to use felt underlayment, below is the pricing for this material:
- #15 felt: 5 cents per square foot
- #30 felt: 10 cents per square foot
Cost Of Trim/Flashing
The cost of trim varies depending on the type of aluminum roofing system. Below are the average price ranges for trim for exposed and standing seam systems.
Trim Cost For Exposed Fastener Systems
- Eave Trim
- Gable Trim
- Ridge Cap
- $2.00- $4.00 per linear foot
- $2.00- $4.00 per linear foot
- $3- $6.00 per linear foot
Trim Cost For Standing Seam (Concealed) Fastener Systems
- Eave Trim
- Gable Trim
- Ridge Cap
- $5.00- $6.00 per linear foot
- $4.00- $6.00 per linear foot
- $5.00- $8.00 per linear foot
Cost Of Fasteners
Fasteners are .10-.15 cents each and make up less than 1% of the total cost of installation. However, they are not purchased individually. Fasteners are sold in large bundles that are separated by total screw count or weight.
How Much Material Will I Need?
In order for your metal roof installation to be successful, you need the right quantity of materials. This information is provided on a take-off or materials list.
This is a list that contains the materials needed for your job such as:
- Panel quantity
- Sheet lengths for each panel
- Trim and flashing pieces
- Roof pitch
- Aluminum roofing underlayment
- Accessories
If you generally know what you need, but require a little help and guidance, then a manufacturer will typically provide enough help to bridge the gap. At Western States Metal Roofing, we are always happy to answer basic questions and steer our customers in the right direction.
If you are unable to complete a materials list on your own then we recommend having your roofing installer supply us with the materials list
Where To Buy Material
Online shopping has made purchasing easy with “click and buy” convenience. Purchasing metal panels is not as simple a transaction. This is because each order is custom.
Some quantities can be purchased off the shelf at big box stores for small projects such as a shed. However, if you are planning on siding a house or putting on a roof, you are going to need a large number of panels that a big box store will not have in stock.
Below are the four main outlets to purchase aluminum panels:
- Hardware/ Big Box Retailer
- Metal Roofing Contractor
- Metal Roofing Supplier
- Metal Roofing Manufacturer
Hardware Store
If you need material quickly and only need a small number of panels, your local Home Depot or Lowe’s typically will have the material in stock. However, be advised that your panel, color, and thickness selection will be very limited going this route.
Roofing Contractor
If you are hiring a roofing contractor to do your installation, your contractor will give you a complete price including materials (mentioned above) and labor. Normally, the roofing contractor will have a 10% to 20% mark up on the metal roofing panels.
Your contractor may also have limited colors and panels available if the panels are not purchased through the manufacturer. If you have a specific color in mind, then it’s best to instruct the contractor to buy from the manufacturer that sells the color that you want.
It’s common for a homeowner to find their perfect color online and then instruct the roofing contractor to purchase it from the manufacturer.
Metal Roofing Suppliers Or Distributors
We discussed materials lists earlier. If you aren’t capable of supplying a materials list, then purchasing the material through a distributor is your next best bet.
In most instances, they will help you determine the necessary materials and will then order the material for you. Please be advised that there is also usually a markup on the material by going this route. Depending on the size of your project, the markup on the panels can range anywhere from 15% to 50%.
If you are not using a roofing contractor, the distributor is the best option as they will:
- Provide the materials list
- Order the material for you
- Take out any guesswork on your part
Metal Roofing Manufacturers
The last, and usually most cost-effective option, is to order directly from the metal roofing manufacturer.
Most metal roofing manufacturers do not sell directly to homeowners. If you spend some time researching you can find a few, but it’s the exception to the rule. Just keep in mind that the manufacturer does not figure out what you need. It’s your responsibility to provide a materials list.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we are a manufacturer that sells directly to homeowners, roofing contractors, and general contractors. When you purchase directly from a manufacturer like us, it will save you money. Just make sure that you check their google reviews to verify you are dealing with a reputable company.
How To Buy Aluminum Material From A Roofing Manufacturer
The process of purchasing metal roofing is different depending upon which manufacturer you use. Below is a general idea of how the ordering process works.
The Process of Purchasing Aluminum Roofing From A Manufacturer
- Request A Quote
- Speak with A Sales Representative
- Have a Takeoff Done Or Provide Us An Accurate Materials List
- Confirm Your Order Is Correct And Sign For It
- Material Is Custom Made
- Material Is Delivered To You
Once you have requested a quote and been in contact with a sales representative, you will need to provide a materials list which we discussed at length earlier in this chapter. Based on your materials list, a sales order sheet will be made. Once you sign the necessary paperwork, the process of making your panels begins.
How Long Does It Take To Make Aluminum Roofing Panels?
Metal roofing will require a 2 to 3 week lead time plus transit time. Please keep this in mind when planning out the timeline of having your new roof installed.
Delivery Of Aluminum Roofing
The last part of ordering from a manufacturer is often overlooked but can be the most frustrating if the necessary details are not discussed at the beginning of the transaction.
Delivery cost often does not get discussed or priced into the initial quote. That can bring sticker shock later on when you find the price is higher than you expected. When you are pricing your metal roof, we recommend that you ask about delivery cost upfront.
Always verify that your pricing includes delivery. Freight charges vary from as low as a couple of hundred dollars to as high as thousands of dollars. Some manufacturers will include the freight in the total price, others will not. This can make it difficult to compare bids.
Metal roofing does not always need to be delivered. It can also be picked up at the supplier’s facility. If you choose this method, you will need a truck that is appropriate to haul the material.
When having material delivered, keep in mind that the offloading of panels is the responsibility of the purchaser. Any damage that is incurred after the material arrives on-site and during offloading is also the responsibility of the buyer.
When having metal roofing delivered to your address, you will need to be sure of the following:
- The proper equipment to offload material is on-site
- The truck is able to access the delivery address
We’ll dive into the specifics of what each of these means next.
Offloading Equipment
Delivery trucks do not come with a forklift which is necessary to offload large amounts of material. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to have the equipment and people onsite to offload their purchased material
Address Is Accessible
The most critical part of a delivery is making sure that the panels can actually get to you. When ordering metal roof panels, there is a high probability that your order is going to be delivered on a full-size big rig truck. These types of trucks require a lot of space and may not fit, or may not be allowed, in some residential neighborhoods.
The buyer and seller should discuss this early in the process so that the appropriate freight rate is quoted. Sometimes the material will need to be shipped to a temporary location on a larger truck and then transferred to a smaller truck for delivery to your residence. These temporary alternate delivery locations might include your roofing contractor’s facility or a local lumber yard.
Delivery is the last part of the buying process, but it’s the one that causes the most problems. In order to avoid any issues from arising, both parties need to work together to ensure the delivery truck has access, equipment, and contact information.
