How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
Metal roofing is a popular choice for industrial and commercial premises, as this roofing type is long-lasting and low-maintenance and has excellent weather resistance. In this guide, we explore the answer to ‘how much does a metal roof cost?’ to help you decide whether this option is the best choice for you.
What is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is a practical, fire-resistant option that is well-suited to a wide range of premises, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, offices and healthcare facilities. Metal roofs require only a small amount of maintenance to remain durable throughout their lifespan.
These roofs include additional features to enhance their usability and improve their longevity, including sound-dampening panels and protective coatings and finishes that are corrosion and rust-resistant.
Factors That Impact the Cost of a Metal Roof
Material Type
Your choice of material for your metal roofing will affect the cost of your project. For example, aluminium is a lower cost than zinc, but each has different properties that may make it beneficial for your premises.
Roof Size
The size of your roof has a direct impact on the cost of the project. The larger the area to be roofed, the greater the labour required and the quantity of materials needed to complete the installation, which is reflected in the overall price of roofing installation.
Roof Access Requirements
The method for accessing the roof will affect the cost of your metal roofing installation. For example, scaffolding is required for many roof installations at an additional cost. Depending on complexity and materials, cranes and MEWPs may also be required for accessibility.
Complexity of the Roof
A simple, flat roof is easier and faster to install than a roof that requires specific angles or corners. The complexity of your roof, both due to your personal preferences and the shape of the building itself, has an impact on the overall price of your metal roof installation.
Existing Roof Condition
The condition of the existing roof will impact the overall cost of your project. If the existing structure requires refurbishment or structural repairs, this should be considered when budgeting your metal roofing installation. If asbestos is present in the current structure, this will also be an additional cost for safe removal.
Installation
The price of installation will vary depending on the experience and skill of your chosen roofing contractors. While experienced roofing specialists may appear to be a larger cost on paper, the work is typically completed faster while adhering to all safety and compliance requirements.
Coatings and Finishes
Coatings and finishes may be included on your choice of materials, such as steel sheets pre-coated to provide additional protection. Alternatively, they could be applied after the roofing post-installation to extend the lifespan of the materials or to make the roof reflective to improve energy efficiency at an additional cost.
Insulation
Replacing or installing insulation is an additional cost on top of your roofing install where it is required. While this isn’t essential in all cases, particularly for roof replacement projects, insulation is an effective method to maintain internal temperatures, saving long-term energy costs.
Metal Roofing Costs by Material
Aluminium
Aluminium is an extremely lightweight and versatile material for roofing with high corrosion resistance. A high strength-to-weight ratio makes this roofing a good fit for larger commercial and industrial buildings. The average cost for this roofing is around £40-75 per m².
Copper
Copper is attractive, long-lasting and highly protective, with an average lifespan of over 50 years. These roofing materials are energy-efficient and lightweight, making them practical for complicated roofing projects while promoting eco-friendliness. Copper roofing typically costs between £100 and £200 per m².
Steel
Steel is one of the most popular roofing types for commercial and industrial properties, as it is durable and attractive. Steel is a heavier material and typically features coatings to provide additional protection and to preserve the roofing colour. £80 to £150 per m² is a typical range for this roofing type.
Zinc
Zinc roofing is extremely long-lasting, with a lifespan that can extend as far as 100 years in some cases. This metal is fire, insect and mould-resistant, which is reflected in its price point. Zinc is low-maintenance once installed but requires specialist knowledge and skills to ensure the installation is completed to a high standard. On average, this roofing material costs between £100 and £160 per m².
Metal Slate
Metal slate roofing has the appearance of shingles with the durability and long-lasting quality of metal roofing. These shingles offer a lightweight and visually attractive alternative to slate or stone shingles. The average metal slate roof will cost between £40 and £80 per m².
Tin
Tin roofing was once the most popular type of metal roof. While it isn’t the most common for modern construction, this material is still fire-resistant and low maintenance. Tin roofing may be used to install like-for-like replacements on older buildings. On average, this material costs between £15 and £20 per m².
Considerations Before Installing a Metal Roof
If you are considering installing a metal roof, you should take these factors into consideration:
– How your building is used: The function of your building can help you decide which type of roof is a better fit for you, such as if a high level of fire-resistance is essential
– Thermal performance: Your choice of roofing and any installed insulation can affect the thermal performance of your building, potentially reducing carbon emissions
– Existing roof structure condition: If your roof deck and supporting structure is in poor quality, this will need to be factored into the cost of your roofing installation
– Maintenance planning: Consider how much maintenance you are willing to perform to keep your roofing in good condition and maximise its lifespan.
– Solar PV compatibility: With Net Zero becoming a significant consideration for businesses, solar PV can be an effective way to reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions when installed on a compatible roof.
Benefits of a Metal Roof
There are numerous benefits to choosing metal roofing for your building. These include:
– Excellent durability
– Improved energy efficiency
– A higher standard of safety
– Supporting your Net Zero goals
– Reducing maintenance requirements
– Reducing lifecycle costs
Metal Roofing vs Bituminous Membrane
While metal roofing carries a larger up-front cost compared to bituminous membrane, there is a difference in the lifespan of these roofing types. Metal roofing, on average, will last from 40 to 70+ years with proper maintenance. Bituminous membrane roofing usually lasts from 20 to 30 years, as it is more susceptible to UV degradation, thermal movement and seam ageing. This means that, while you’ll pay more initially for a metal roof, you’ll save over time by reducing future repair and replacement costs.
Metal Roofing vs Liquid Coating
Liquid coating is a process in which a seamless waterproof membrane is applied over an existing roof to extend its lifespan and provide protection. Metal roofing offers a complete roof replacement, which is an ideal solution for roofing that has reached the end of its lifespan. Depending on the coating system and ongoing maintenance, liquid coatings typically last between 10 and 25 years before recoating may be required but are only appropriate if your existing roof is structurally sound.
How to Maintain a Metal Roof
A maintenance routine for your metal roofing can extend its lifespan significantly. Here are the steps you should follow:
– Regularly inspect the roof: At least twice a year and following any severe weather
– Ensure drains and gutters are regularly cleaned: Preventing back-ups and blockages that can damage the roof
– Repair damage promptly: Addressing problems immediately prevents them from causing damage to the rest of the roof
– Conduct cleaning: Removing moss, dirt and debris keeps the protective finish in good condition.
Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) services can be an effective way to manage the maintenance of roofing through qualified professionals, reducing the risk of unexpected repairs.
Metal Roofing at Central Group
If you are considering metal roofing for your commercial or industrial premises, Central Group has more than 40 years’ experience. We’ve delivered metal roofing solutions for commercial and industrial buildings across the UK, alongside flat and pitched roofing solutions and cladding installation. Contact us on 01432 354 000 or enquire today to speak to our expert team about your roofing requirements.
