[Jim McC]

In general, how does the cost compare to a asphalt/fiberglass shingle roof?

What kind of life expectancy does a metal roof have?

I'm trying to learn a little before I get a couple estimates.

Thanks.

 

[mako1]

A "metal roof " could be 20 different things Standing seam ,G rib ,C-rib or corrugated just to name a few. All have different life expectancies.
My answer is just as vague as the question.Sorry I could not be more specific,

 

[Jim McC]

Thanks. What is a good website to learn more about metal roofs?

Is there a certain type that is more common on houses?

I have a ranch house with a 4:12 pitch, I think.

 

[ttiiggy]

This is our local place:
http://www.bridgersteel.com/

 

[rustyjames]

http://www.metalroofing.com

 

[mako1]

http://www.graberpost.com/

My supplier

 

[Jim McC]

Thanks guys.

 

[Jim McC]

Do most people with metal roofs use gutters?

 

[goobertime]

metal roofs will outlast asphalt shingles, are much lighter on the roof, and labor wise go down much faster..are wind and ice resistant too..

 

[ttiiggy]

Do most people with metal roofs use gutters?

You can use gutters. I would say not particularly any more or less with metal roof than with shingles.

Depends on your building, situation, preference, location: Whether you get snow, ice, rain, leaves, pine needles...
Depending on your roof, attic, insulation, thawing/freezing... you may get ice dams on the roof or ice build up in the gutters and tear the off from the weight.

I, personally, don't like gutters. I do have one over the top of one door. My preference is to have a dormer split the flow and route water around.

Snow will slide off of a metal roof a LOT more abruptly than is usual with shingles on the roof. Depends on how steep the roof is.
I see a lot of Snow Breaks installed on metal roofs. Supposed to keep the snow up on the roof to melt instead of sliding off in a big whoosh and causing damage. If you have gutters installed high, the snow sliding off the roof can tear them right off.

We get enough snow here sometimes that I would rather have it off of the roof instead of building up and getting heavy.

 

[Jim McC]

Thanks guys. I'm waiting for a couple guys to get back with me for an estimate.

Generally, is it cheaper to have metal shingles installed or a standing seam/hidden fastener roof? Assuming both are of middle of the road quality.

Thanks.

 

[Windows on Wash]

Totally depends on materials.

They tend to be similar in price when you are talking about similar maintenance requirements (i.e. both hidden fastener).