Vermont Shingle vs. Metal Roofs
Putting a new roof on a Vermont home costs on average between $5,000 and $10,000. Your construction crew will ask you to choose the roofing cover you want. Rather than choose blindly between roofing shingles or metal roofing, make an educated decision.
The Differences Between Metal Roofing and Roofing Shingles
Asphalt, or bitumen, roofing shingles provide the most common choice. They cost the least initially but can require frequent repairs if you live in a windy area or a spot that experiences frequent storms. They’re better for soundproofing and resist fire better, except the organic type. They excel at keeping a home warmer in winter. Asphalt shingles last between 15 to 30 years.
Metal roofing lasts a long time, but costs more to purchase and install. Many manufacturers warranty their metal roofs for up to 50 years. It works well to cool a home during summer and does well in most extreme weather. In cases of fire, aluminum roofs can melt but copper and steel roofs resist fire well.
Roof Types: Things in Common
Both choices of metal roofing and roofing shingles come in a number of colors. Whether you choose asphalt or metal, you have a number of color choices. This lets you match the current exterior of your home, so you do not have to re-side it or re-paint it, too. Both types come in black, gray, blue, white, green and brown, plus in similar hues.
Labor costs about the same for installation of either roofing shingles or metal roofing. If you’re reading this and are not in the Vermont region, your labor costs could vary drastically.
Cost Specifics of Materials
Depending on the manufacturer, asphalt roofing shingles vary in price from $70 to $160 per square, while metal roofing varies in price from $120 to $900 per square.
That means that the cost of an asphalt shingle roof costs about half that of a metal roof. For example, re-roofing a 2,000 square foot home using asphalt shingles costs about $8,000. It would require replacement in about 20 years. Re-roofing a 2,000 square foot home using metal roofing of aluminum costs about $20,000. It would require replacement in about 50 years. Some metal roofs qualify for federal rebates in the United States.
Other Vermont Roof Considerations
Keep in mind a few other items when considering your Vermont roofing choices.
- Do not consider attempting to install a roof on your own. We’re not just saying that because we want you to hire us. You will void the warranty on your roofing products if you attempt a do-it-yourself installation. In order to register the warranty, you must have a licensed professional conduct the installation on your Vermont home.
- Before you decide on a roofing type, whether metal roofing or roofing shingles, check your local building code for requirements and allowances. Some localities in Vermont allow the installation of a metal roof over the existing asphalt shingles roof. This saves you money since you do not have to have the existing roof demoed. It also provides an extra layer of soundproofing.
- Regardless of the material, style or color of metal shingles, the roof still has a metal sheen to it. Lighter colors better reflect the sun’s heat.
- In addition to materials and labor costs, the slope of your roof also affects the cost of a new roof. The slope refers to how steep the roof is.
- Putting on a new roof usually raises the property value of your Vermont home. That may result in you being under-insured on your Vermont homeowners insurance policy. Before beginning renovations, you should obtain remodeling or renovation insurance. After the renovations, you should meet with your insurance agent to determine how much additional insurance coverage you need to meet the new value of your home.
Once you choose your materials, you’ve accomplished the hard part. You make the materials purchase and we pick them up and put them on the roof for you. Make an educated decision on your Vermont roofing choice and you can save money on your heating or cooling bills, plus avoid quick roof repairs or replacement.
Contact us today for a free Vermont roofing estimate and consultation.
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