How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost in Wilmington, NC? (2024)

When you’re looking for a new metal roof in Wilmington NC, one of the first things you are probably looking at is the cost of a metal roof installation or replacement.

Unfortunately, it can be pretty difficult to find those numbers in writing, as each metal roofing job is unique, and a variety of factors can cause the price to vary dramatically.

In an effort to be as transparent as possible, we want to be up front with our average costs of a metal roof. Here in Wilmington, we’ve found that most metal roof replacements can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $28,000, with most of our new metal roof installations falling around the $16,000 mark.

There is a wide variation in the cost of new metal roofs. On this article you will learn about some of the main cost factors that affect a metal roof and help you prepare for your metal roof investment.

MAIN FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE COST OF A NEW METAL ROOF IN WILMINGTON, NC

The roofing material you choose, the size and complexity of your roof, and the metal roofing contractor you choose will all affect the cost of your new metal roof.

1. METAL ROOFING MATERIAL

There are many different types of metal roofing materials that you can use, and the type you choose can affect the total cost of your new metal roof.

Before we talk about the material costs for different types of metal roofing, you need to understand that most roofs are usually measured in “roofing squares,” but metal roofs are measured using linear feet as well.

Installation of a metal roof is a significant financial investment compared to other roofing materials. Increased durability and energy-efficiency are some of the reasons to make this switch. You will need to budget carefully, but many homeowners find that metal roofing provides a great return on investment and lasts two to three times longer than a traditional roof In this guide, we will break down the benefits of a metal roof and the costs of different types of metal roofing materials, including steel roofing to help you decide whether it is the right investment for your home.

Metal roofing is a popular option in the rural areas around Wilmington, and has grown to be much more widely used in smaller accents over porches and other parts of suburban homes.

The materials used in standing seam metal roof include aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. The panels will cost between $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot depending on the material you choose. You will pay between $8.00 and $14.60 per square foot for metal roofing materials and installation.

Corrugated Metal

If you’re looking to keep costs down, corrugated metal roofing is one of the least expensive metal roofing materials.

Corrugated metal panels have a wave-like appearance that makes them easy to install, as the grooves of each wave fit together seamlessly.

They can also expand and contract in changing temperatures, and are lightweight and easy to install over an existing roof.

Corrugated sheet metal comes in several different types including painted stee and Galvalume.

For between $1.15 and $1.85 per square foot you can get the raw material (or get the materials and have them installed), for $9,640–$18,420 for a 1,600-1,800 square foot roof.

Standing Seam Roofing

There are several different metals that can be used to make standing seam roofing panels. These panels have a ribbed appearance, with the raised ribs concealing the fastening between the panels. Some of the panels can be snapped-locked together, but other panels need metal caps to hold them in place. The benefits of having no exposed fastened parts are that they are not subject to weathering, wind, or other stresses that can cause them to break down over time. As temperatures change, the ribs and unique locking mechanisms of standing seam panels allow them to expand and contract better than any other metal roofing system.

Steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc are some of the most common standing seam materials. The panels will cost between $4.40 and $6.50 per square foot depending on which material you choose. You will pay $11–$18.55 per square foot or $18,500–$30,000 for the materials and installation on a 1650 square foot roof. The metal costs should be kept in mind, as copper and Zinc are tipically more expensive than steel and aluminum.

Copper

Copper roofs are incredibly durable and lightweight, and they are one of the most attractive options for metal roofs.

It is among the most expensive roofing materials. It costs anywhere from $13.50 to $26.00 per square foot, so keep this in mind when planning your new copper roof will run you $20 to $38.50 per square foot (labor and materials), or about $36,000 to $69,300 for a 1,800 square foot roof.

Zinc

If you want a high-quality metal roof that is more durable than aluminum and more affordable than copper, then you should consider zinc. Due to its self-healing coating, this material can last more than 100 years, and requires little to no maintenance. If the underside of the shingles or panels is sealed properly, zinc can resist the effects of the corrosive elements. The cost for zinc panels is between $7 and $11.50 per square foot, plus labor. For a total of $30,000–$48,400 for a 1,500-1,600 square foot roof.

2. THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF YOUR ROOF

The second major factor in determining how much your new metal roof will cost is the size of it, and the complexity of it.

It’s easy to understand why a bigger roof costs more. The cost of you metal replacement will go up because a bigger roof requires more material to cover.

A bit more explanation is required for the complexity, slope, and number of penetrations you have in your roof. The term “penetrations” is used by roofers as a catch-all term for anything that comes out of your roof. Around each penetration, and in peaks and valleys of the roof, the crew will need to cut the metal panels to fit the space, and also add flashing to help waterproof around roof penetrations. More material and more cost are added to the project as a result of this.

3. THE METAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR YOU HIRE

Lastly, the metal roof cost will be determined by the contractor you choose. It’s not just about price but also about their reputation. A roofing contractor should use quality metal roofing materials, should have high quality training for their crew, and they should use all the right practices to ensure that your metal roof is installed correctly.

Going with a high-end metal roofing contractor will likely cost you more than if you had someone who might be cutting corners by using old materials or installing a new metal roof without tearing off the old one.

Though it might be a bigger cost up front, for a project like replacing your roof with metal, the cheapest option isn’t always the best one. It can end up costing you a lot of money, and headaches, for future repairs, and eventually another replacement, if the work is not done right.

There’s nothing more important when starting a new project than selecting the right contractor. So when you’re going through the hiring process make sure to ask the following questions.

1. Are you a certified metal roofing contractor?

2. Will you remove my old roof?

3. Will you replace my old flashing and rotten plawood?

4. What warranty and guarantee do you offer?

5. Will my metal roof installation be inspected? By who?

6. Will You provide a detailed written estimate?

7. How will you protect my house and my property?

8. Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

9. Can you provide three local and recent references?

Other Factors That Influence Metal Roof Cost Some additional factors beyond material can affect the cost of your metal roof in Wilmington, NC

Gutters

Depending on the pitch and existing gutter layout, you may need gutters. Installing gutter systems usually costs about $960.00 to $4,800 or $9.00 for each linear foot.

Gutter Guards

You may also want to consider installing gutter guards for added protection and performance.

Labor

About two-thirds of the total cost of a new metal roof goes toward materials.

This includes all the costs associated with labor, like specialized equipment and scaffolding.

Labor costs around $250–$350 per square.

Location

Higher-cost areas will have higher roof replacement costs, as they are usually newer buildings.The local weather and climate, as well as roof size and other factors, will dictate which metal roofing materials you need for your project. It’s common to have a more durable material, such as Aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, for houses located near the North Carolina’s Coastal area, this will also affect your metal roof cost per square foot.

Flashing/Trim

The metal trim and flashing for your roof should be included in your estimate. The cost of trim can vary depending on the type of metal roofing system. Compared to standing seam systems, exposed fastener roofing costs are less.

The average cost for metal trim for exposed panels is shown here.

Eave trim: $2.30–$4.50 per linear foot
Gable trim: $2.30–$4.50 per linear foot
Ridge cap: $3.30–$5.00 per linear foot
Valley:$4.50-$6.30 per linear foot

The average costs for metal trim for standing seam (or concealed) fastener panels:

Eave trim: $5.20–$8.40 per linear foot
Gable trim: $5.00–$8.20 per linear foot
Ridge cap: $7.10–$11.25 per linear foot
Valley:$8.20-12.40 per linear foot

Roof Pitch

It’s more expensive to install metal roofs on homes with steep roof slopes. Installation of the roof needs special equipment to be done correctly. There is roughly an extra $1,200 to $2,800 that have to be added to the metal roof cost (most contractors alredy included in the estimate) The ratio that indicates how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches of depth is called the roof’s pitch. It is considered more difficult to work on a roof that exceeds 7:12 pitches. The roof pitches are between 4:12 and 8:12 in most homes. A 45-degree angle is a 12:12 pitched roof.

Underlayment

Sometimes felt paper won’t work for a metal roof, and you can’t use the roof’s underlayment. A simple, self-adhesive underlayment costs $0.65–$0.75 per square foot for installation.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A NEW METAL ROOF IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA?

When you consider all of the factors involved, it gets hard to give an accurate estimate without having actually inspected and examined the roof in question.

Installing a metal roof costs more up-front than asphalt shingles, but it lasts much longer and provides substantial energy savings. Metal roof costs are comparable to roofs made of wooden shakes or slate tiles, but metal is sturdier and more durable. Compare your current budget against the money needed to maintain other roofing materials before making your choice.

That being said, we waant to give you all the information you need so you can go into your metal roofing project with as much information as possible. So at 50 North Roofing Company, we’ll try our best to give you an estimate for your metal roof in the Wilmington North Carolina Area.