Does a Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. Not only does it play an essential role in protecting your family (and belongings) from the elements, but it also provides insulation that makes climate control possible.

If you are in a position where you need to replace your roof, you can opt for standard asphalt shingles or consider upgrading to a more durable material. In some regions, installing a metal roof is a significant investment in the future of a home. 

A metal roof is longer lasting, more durable, and more energy efficient than standard shingle options. These roofs also change the appearance of your home and can give it an aesthetic upgrade.  

This guide will cover the expenses that come with this project and the potential returns you can look for. Here’s what you need to know to learn whether investing in a metal roof is worth it.

Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof

There are several reasons to consider installing a metal roof in your home even before you start calculating the value it provides.

You will get to enjoy the roof for as long as you live in the home and can take advantage of several benefits that come with it. Here’s what you need to know.  

Durability and Longevity

Asphalt roofs last 20 years on average. This depends on the climate, the roofing materials, and how well the home is maintained. If you live in a storm-prone region, your roof might have a shorter lifespan. 

Conversely, a metal roof is designed to last 50 years or more. A quality standing seam metal roof can withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, hail, and snow. 

Some insurance companies may be wary of creating policies on homes with damaged or aging roofs – especially following major storms. By investing in a metal roof, you can feel protected for decades to come. 

Energy Efficiency

A metal roof can reduce energy costs by up to 40%, with many homeowners seeing a 25% drop in energy needs. This is because the metal reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. When heat from the sun is absorbed, it gets transferred into the house, making it warmer and causing your HVAC system to work harder. A metal roof could be a smart long-term investment to keep your utility bills low if you live in a hot climate. 

Additionally, your new metal roof can be recycled when the time comes to replace it. This investment can keep construction waste out of landfills.

Low Maintenance

Metal roofs require less maintenance compared to traditional roofs because they naturally resist common threats to roofing material. You don’t have to worry about your roof rotting or facing mildew buildup because of moisture. You also don’t have to worry about insect damage, like termites eating away at the wood. 

Homeowners who choose metal roofs also don’t have to worry about rust. Advances in roofing technology mean there are protective chemicals that prevent rust from eating away at your roof. Ask your roofing contractor about these materials.

Aesthetic Appeal

In the same way that metal roof technology prevents rust, developers are already creating roof products that come in a variety of colors. You can add a light-colored metal roof to your home or create a dramatic look with darker styles and finishes. You can also choose between a standing seam metal roof or metal shingles. 

Your metal roof can complement your existing home design and increase your overall curb appeal. The aesthetic improvements alone might attract more potential buyers to your house.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Metal Roof? 

While few people will deny the benefits of installing metal roofing, they still need to review the finances behind the roof installation cost and the potential return on investment (ROI) that could help when selling the home. 

Understanding Project Costs

First, the average cost of installing a metal roof is around $18,600. Your roofing bill will vary depending on the size of the house and the region where you live – some areas have a higher cost of living than others. The typical range for installing a metal roof is between $15,000 and $24,500. The best way to understand your costs is to seek multiple quotes from local contractors for the materials and labor when installing a metal roof. 

To understand the cost of this project, it helps to compare the price of a metal roof versus standard asphalt roofs. Installing a roof with asphalt shingles will cost between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Metal roofing (either through metal shingles or a standing seam metal roof) will cost between $10 to $16 per square foot. There are additional factors to consider. For example, replacing an existing roof will cost more than installing a new roof. However, a metal roof installation will always be significantly more than an asphalt shingle roof. 

Calculating ROI

Once you have an idea of your project costs, you can move on to calculate your ROI. On average the ROI for replacing a roof is between 60% and 70%. An asphalt shingle roof replacement has an ROI of 68.2% on average. However, the ROI for a metal roof is only 60.9%. This means your ROI is significantly lower if you choose a metal roof. This makes sense because there is a higher amount to recoup. 

If you spend $10,000 to replace a roof with asphalt shingles, your ROI might be close to $6,820. If you spend $18,600 to install a metal roof, your ROI might be $11,327. 

Benefits Beyond Return on Investment

While installing a metal roof might not have an impressive return on investment, other benefits should interest home sellers. A metal roof is a desirable feature that should appeal to most buyers. The durability and energy efficiency can give them peace of mind that your home is a good investment. You may find that more people are interested in touring your home and potentially bidding on it because of the metal roof. This is particularly true in areas with extreme weather, where a new roof is essential for both protecting a house and getting home insurance. 

Studies show that 29% of buyers think metal roofs are attractive. A significant portion of your buyer pool with either think your roof is a good stylistic choice or will respect the durability and energy efficiency that comes with it. 

ROI Depends on Your Current Roof

The impact your metal roof has on the home sale depends on the state of your current roof. If you have a worn-out roof that would raise several red flags during an inspection, you might want to install a new roof before you sell. This will prevent buyers from getting scared away or making low-ball offers. From there, you can decide whether upgrading to a metal roof is worth it.

However, if your current roof is still in good condition, the expense that comes with installing a new metal roof might not be worth the return on investment you see from the home sale.

Factors That Influence the Value a Metal Roof Adds

It’s hard to identify how much value metal roof installation can add because demand for this roofing material varies from one part of the country to the next. A metal roof might be in high demand in one area but less of a necessity in others. Here are a few criteria to review as you plan to add a new roof. 

Regional Climate

Metal roofs may add more value in areas with harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snow, high winds, or wildfires. Consider the potential weather threats in your area and how a metal roof could help you (and future buyers) get through them.

Home Style and Neighborhood

A metal roof’s impact on value depends on whether it aligns with the home’s design. The wrong roof choice could make your house stand out in the neighborhood in a bad way. Fortunately, metal roof designs are more diverse than ever, so it’s possible to find materials that match your home or improve how it looks. 

The value a metal roof provides also depends on your area. If you live in a region where metal roofs are common, buyers may know to expect this material and actively seek it out. If metal roofs are less common, buyers might not appreciate the benefits they provide. This means you might not see as much of a bump in home value as you expect.

Type of Metal Roof

There are several types of metal to choose from in your new roof. Each option has different design elements, costs, and benefits. Here’s a brief overview to help with your research:

• Standing seam: You can spot a standing seam metal roof because of its vertical lines. The lines start at the top of the roof and run to the edges. A standing seam roof is the most durable and can be easy to install. 
• Metal shingles: These give you the classic look of shingles with the durability of metal. These are ideal for maintaining curb appeal.
• Corrugated metal: This has a rivetted texture and is the most affordable option. Corrugated might be better for outdoor structures – like patios and sheds – instead of primary buildings. 

A standing seam metal roof is often the preferred metal roof option, but you may benefit from buying metal shingles as well. Choose what works best for your home.

Installation Quality

Professional installation is crucial to ensure the roof performs well and retains its value. A poorly installed roof might not look as good as it could, causing buyers to question its quality. If any problems with the installation are discovered during the inspection process, the buyer could ask for remediation or drop their price. This means your new roof will cost more than you expect.  

Identifying the right roof material is only the first step to increasing home values. You also need a contractor you can trust.

Decide Whether a Metal Roof is Worth the Cost

There are countless benefits of installing a metal roof in your home. The durability, energy efficiency, and improved curb appeal can make your house more desirable to anyone who tours it. However, you might not get all of your money back from this investment. It might only lead to a small bump in home values. 

Consider how long you will get to enjoy the new roof before you move. If you intend to live with it for a while, the metal roof cost could be worth it. However, if you are going through a whole roof replacement to then immediately list your home, it might be better to choose a more affordable roof material. 

Every home is different, so you may benefit from consulting with an expert before starting the roof project. Talk to a local real estate agent to see what effect a metal roof will have on curb appeal, resale value, and desirability. They can offer their expert opinion on the best way to move forward. 

Turn to FastExpert to find a real estate agent near you. Find a trusted partner who can attract buyers and help you sell your home.