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When you think of metal roofing, “cheap” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. While everyone has different budgets and cost expectations, even the most affordable metal roofs will cost substantially more than a traditional shingle roofing option. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to lower metal roofing costs. So what do you do when you need a cheap metal roof in Tampa Bay?
Well, you call Classic Roofing and Construction! We’ve been installing metal roofs across Tampa Bay for more than 20 years, and we know all the strategies to lower metal roofing costs without sacrificing quality. That’s why today, we’re giving you our recommendations for a relatively cheap metal roof that can withstand Florida’s extreme weather patterns. And like with any other roofing material, picking out your new roof starts with deciding on the material.
Affordable Metal Roofing Materials
There are many types of metal roofs, each with its own unique benefits, drawbacks, and price. As experienced metal roofers, we see roofs made of various types of metal, including:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Steel
- Tin
- Zinc
But when a customer tells us that they want a cheap metal roof that doesn’t skimp on quality, we know exactly what to recommend: galvalume steel.
CLASSIC ROOFING – FAMILY OWNED AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS
You’ve probably heard of galvanized steel, which is a kind of zinc-coated steel. Galvalume steel, on the other hand, is coated in aluminum, which makes it perfect for coastal Tampa Bay. Why? Because aluminum is highly resistant to rust and saltwater damage. This means that saltwater won’t weaken your roof as the years go by, and your roof will still enjoy the robust protection offered by a steel roof.
But we’re here to talk about cheap metal roofing, so there’s one big question to ask: How much does a galvalume steel roof cost? Keep in mind that roofing costs are constantly changing with the market, so this is just a rough metal roof cost estimate. But on average, galvanized steel costs between $4.50 and $9 per square foot. So for a 3,000-square-foot home, that puts the total roofing material costs between $13,500 and $27,000.
This may not sound like a cheap metal roof, but a metal roof of the same size would cost, on average, around $39,000. So, by metal roofing standards, a galvalume steel roof is very affordable!
But your total roofing costs won’t just be determined by the type of metal. You will also need to carefully choose the style of metal roof that you want.
A Cost-effective Metal Roof Style
Many homeowners are surprised to find out how important fasteners are when calculating total metal roofing costs, but roofing styles vary heavily depending on whether your roof has exposed or hidden fasteners.
Hidden fasteners, also called standing seam metal roofing, use flat metal sheets to create your new roof. While this does create a very sleek aesthetic, it’s also among the most expensive types of metal roofing, which makes it a non-starter for most people searching for a cheap metal roof.
But if you want to keep metal roofing costs down, exposed fasteners are a great option. Also called corrugated or screw-down metal roofing, these roofing systems are made of metal that has been crimped into a wavy shape with peaks and valleys. These metal sheets are then screwed down onto your roof and show exposed roof fasteners. And while this option does have a few drawbacks, it is still a strong and resilient option for cheap metal roofing.
What are some of the drawbacks? The big one is that once your roof is screwed down, it can’t move. This sounds ideal, but it’s natural for a metal roof to expand and contract with the heat. Since it can’t do that with a screw-down roof, this can lead to premature aging of your roof.
The other notable con is that exposed fasteners create a more industrial aesthetic. This can be a deal-breaker for some homeowners, but for others, it offers a unique aesthetic viewpoint, so these concerns mostly come down to preference. But choosing exposed seam carries a cost reduction that can be as high as tens of thousands of dollars, so many homeowners select this option for cheap metal roofing.
Is a “Cheap” Metal Roof Worth It?
As you can see, even a cheap metal roof isn’t really cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good investment. In fact, these more affordable options could be exactly what you need if you want a metal roof but don’t have the budget for a higher-end metal roof.
Like more expensive metal roofs, these options for a cheap metal roof last for 40-70 years. While all metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs, that’s a much better lifespan than shingle’s 15-25 years!
This difference in lifespan occurs because even the cheapest metal roof will likely be stronger than asphalt shingles. Why? For one thing, metal roofs are more resistant to wind uplift, which can rip shingles off a roof. They’re also better able to withstand heavy rains, especially when you choose galvalume steel with its saltwater-resistant coating. And, as you might imagine, steel will last much longer than asphalt and fiberglass.
At the end of the day, if what you need is a budget-friendly roof, then metal roofing options may not be for you. But if you want to save money in purchasing your metal roof replacement, then these cheap metal roofing options could be exactly what you need.
Cheap Metal Roofing Video
Get Your Metal Roof Replacement Estimate
Price is an important part of replacing a roof, and we believe in 100% transparency. That’s why we make it simple to get a free metal roofing estimate. This estimate will factor in your material costs, labor costs, and even whether you want exposed or hidden fasteners.
And getting this free, no-obligation cost estimate has never been easier. All you have to do is schedule your roof inspection to receive your free estimate! Once your roof has been thoroughly inspected, we’ll prepare a custom-tailored quote so that you can plan for your total metal roof replacement costs.
Or, if you’d prefer to skip the roof inspection, you can get an express roofing estimate. With this option, we’ll use satellite images to inspect your roof and then present you with a comprehensive roofing estimate. But bear in mind that if there are obstacles blocking the satellite’s view of your roof, like trees, then we may have to conduct an in-person inspection instead.
No matter how you get your roofing estimate, Classic has an experienced and professional crew to help. We know that finding a cheap metal roof can feel impossible, but we’ll do everything in our power to get you a metal roofing option that fits within your budget.
