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Discussion Forum

cost of Metal roofing/Metal siding – help me understand

C1802362 | Posted in Construction Techniques on September 9, 2010 09:48am

Two related issues (picked Construction Techniques forum, but General Discussion may be more appropriate)

#1:  My neighbors up the street recently bought an 1880’s Victorian Italianate house a bit further up the street they are going to rehab and move into. The roof is metal and in need of replacement. (It also appears to be original). The quotes they’ve received for a replacement metal roof are at a minimum 30% higher than for asphalt shingles.

#2: The barn I built 10 years ago with T1-11 siding needs repainting (you can search my other posts for the issues). The painting bids I’ve gotten so far are high enough that it makes sense to consider putting metal siding over the T1-11. My first pass also got me high material costs.

So, can the professionals out there educate me?

Why would metal roofs and siding be so much more expensive than other building materials?

If geography matters, I’m in central Connecticut.

Art

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  1. DanH | Sep 09, 2010 10:07pm | #1

    The metal roof should last at least 50 years.  Asphalt shingles won't last 25.  (I don't care if they ARE "guaranteed" for 30.)

    1. davidmeiland | Sep 09, 2010 11:23pm | #2

      Metal

      is slower to install than asphalt, and takes more skill. Even so, I think it's the best choice for roofing, and probably the best for barn siding. Do it right once and let your grandkids deal with it next time.

  2. Scott | Sep 10, 2010 12:17am | #3

    With the metal roof, is that for standing seam or exposed fasteners? Around here, we don't count on exposed fasteners lasting much longer than asphalt.

    1. C1802362 | Sep 10, 2010 07:04pm | #4

      no exposed fasteners....

      standing seam 

      1. Scott | Sep 10, 2010 08:15pm | #5

        In that case Dave M. above is right; it lasts longer and definitely takes more skill (don't hire idiots!), but done properly it can last a long time.

    2. builderbruce | Sep 21, 2010 07:19am | #6

      Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Doesn't Last as Long?

      I'm also contemplating a metal roof and was surprised by Scott's comments that exposed fastener type roofs don't last much longer than asphalt shingles. Have others experienced the same thing? If so, what is the failure mode, the fasteners? 

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