Preparing for a Steel Roof Installation in Florida

Metal roofing has never been more popular, especially in Florida. Thanks to its resistance to wind, rain, and sun exposure, steel roofing has taken Florida by storm. However, many property owners still need answers to their questions before they’re ready to commit to a steel roof installation.

That’s what local roofers are for! We’re John Hogan Roofing, and we bring over 30 years of experience to every metal roof replacement job. But before you start picking out metal sheets for your roof, let’s talk about what you need to know before you decide on a steel roof installation.

The Cost of a Steel Roof Installation: Materials

Of course, the big concern with roofing in general, but especially metal roofing, is the cost. And there’s no denying that a steel roof installation is not cheap. But how much your new metal roof costs will depend, in large part, on the materials your roofers use. Let’s take a look at the different roofing material cost factors that you should consider!

Types of Metal Roofing Materials

While metal roofing is often called steel roofing, steel is not the only material on the market. In fact, most structures with metal roofs in Florida use some kind of blend that includes several types of metal.

With that in mind, let’s look at the costs of a steel roof installation in Florida by the type of metal used:

• Galvalume Steel: $5-$10
• Galvanized Steel: $6-$18
• Copper: $20-$40
• Aluminum: $7-$22

These are the most popular metal roofing materials in Florida. But there are other material costs for steel roofing that you should consider. For one thing, you’ll need to consider what kind of metal roofing sheets you’ll be using.

Hidden Fasteners vs. Exposed Fasteners

In metal roofing, the type of fasteners you use will have a far-reaching effect on both the cost and durability of your new roof. These come in two varieties: hidden and exposed.

Hidden fasteners are used for standing seam metal roofing. This uses flat sheets of metal to create a sleek, clean look that’s particularly well-suited to residential structures. The fasteners then attach the metal sheets from underneath, which secures the roof without disturbing the smooth surface of the sheets.

Since the fasteners are secured beneath the metal panels, the elements can’t damage them. This means a longer lifespan for your roof and a much lower risk of needing repairs.

Exposed fasteners, on the other hand, function using corrugated metal panels. Called 5V roofing, this creates a more distinctive, metallic look that suits both residential and commercial structures. With roofs like this, the roof is screwed into place from the top down, creating small-but-visible perforations on the roof.

With exposed fasteners, you should expect them to wear with time and weather exposure. While they’re still secure, they don’t age as well and could shorten the lifespan of your roof.

So how does this all relate to the cost of a steel roof installation? As you might expect, exposed fasteners cost substantially less than a metal roof with hidden fasteners. In fact, 5V roofing materials are usually about half the price of standing seam roofing. This makes it a major factor in calculating the total cost of your new steel roof!

The Cost of a Steel Roof Installation: Labor

Naturally, labor costs will largely affect the price tag of your steel roof installation. Unlike shingles, which don’t require much experience to install, metal roofs require experienced roofers. Otherwise, you could end up with a poorly installed steel roof that causes more problems than it prevents. So how much will metal roofing labor cost in Florida?

Well, that depends. Standing seam metal roofs cost more to install because they require more time and experience to put into place. After all, attaching metal sheets from the bottom requires perfectly fitting them not only to each other but also to your roof. This level of precision takes time and expertise, neither of which comes cheaply.

Exposed fasteners, on the other hand, are relatively simple to screw into place. While they’re still more complex than nailing shingles into place, they’re much faster to install than standing seam sheets. This contributes to the lower costs of installing a 5V steel roof when compared to the higher installation costs of standing seam.

So how much does labor cost for a steel roof installation? As you might imagine, it depends on the roofing materials and the style of metal roof that you get. But generally speaking, you can expect labor costs to start at about four dollars per square foot of roofing.

Get Your Free Estimate for a Steel Roof Installation

Now that you have a better idea of what goes into planning for a steel roof installation, you’re ready to start collecting estimates. And nobody provides better or more comprehensive estimates than John Hogan Roofing.

To get started, all you have to do is schedule your free roofing estimate. We’ll then discuss your options with you and conduct a brief roof inspection so that we can give you an accurate quote for your steel roof installation. This will include costs for materials, your chosen metal roofing style, and the labor to replace your roof. And unlike other local roofers, we don’t leave hidden or surprise fees for the end of the job!

John Hogan Roofing has more than 30 years of experience with replacing and installing metal roofs. Get your free, no-obligation roofing estimate and see why we’ve been the top metal roofers in Florida for over three decades!

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Roof Installations

1. Q: How long does a steel roof last in Florida?

A: How long your steel roof lasts will depend on the material and the style of metal roofing. But generally speaking, a steel roof can last anywhere from 40-70 years, even in Florida’s unpredictable climate.

2. Q: Will a metal roof make my home hotter?

A: This is a common concern in Florida, but no, your metal roof will not increase your structure’s temperature. In fact, steel roofs reflect heat away from your home, which helps keep it cool in the summer.

3. Q: Do steel roofs rust in Florida’s humid climate?

A: No, even if you live on the coast, your metal roof should not rust. This is because most metal roofs are made with rust-resistant materials or given rust-resistant coatings to ensure that they don’t prematurely age or weaken.

4. Q: Can I install a steel roof over my old roof?

A: In many cases, yes, a steel roof can be installed over an existing roof, which can save time and money on tear-off and disposal. However, it’s important to assess the condition of the existing roof and consult with a roofing professional to determine if this option makes sense for your structure.

5. Q: Are steel roofs environmentally friendly?

A: Yes, steel roofs are considered environmentally friendly for several reasons. They are often made from recycled materials, and they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Additionally, their energy-efficient properties can help reduce carbon emissions associated with cooling your structure.