Metal Roofing Searches on Google

When the average homeowner searches the keywords "metal roofing," it turns out they're probably looking for the following:

Materials
Pros and Cons
Prices/Cost
Installation
Colors
Manufacturers
Systems

As you might imagine, every single one of those keywords will lead you to a mountain of information - both right and wrong. But here's the good news: we cover all of the above in our informational, educational and truly exceptional booklet - our Homeowner's Guide to Re-Roofing. It's a 50ish-page guide that will take you through the ins and outs of not just metal roofing, but also the leading roofing materials on the market. And best of all, it's free for the taking! We get it - no one thinks about their roof until they need a new one. But when that time comes, isn't it smart to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible? We think so, too.

Get your free copy on our homepage today.

Metal Roofing News in Your Inbox!

Get the skinny on all the latest Omega Roof happenings with our fantastic new e-newsletter! It's a periodic newsletter with beautiful pictures, questions and answers and other helpful details about all things metal roofing. Interested?

Sign up for our email-newsletter today!

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Another Great Looking Roof!

A few great shots of our beautiful Sierra Metal Shake. It's our proprietary design, designed right here in Nevada for Nevada's challenging climate. If this roof can handle the Silver State's freeze-thaw cycles, unforgiving high desert sun and cold, snowy winters, it can handle pretty much anything! Add to that a superior design and a surprisingly economical price tag, and it's just about the perfect roof. Check out more information plus a link to more pictures here or fill out our contact form here.

Drum roll please...

It's a wee bit early to get into details, but we're too excited to wait. Omega Roof is proud to be the sole distributor of the newest technology in sophisticated solar conversion - the Active Roof™. This patented and patent-pending solar collection roofing system integrates fully into the features of a home or building, so there are no big, ugly solar panels to hide. With an Active Roof™, you'll enjoy the environmental and energy-efficient benefits of going solar with the superior performance of quality metal roofing - the world's first hybrid integrated solar heat collections system. Talk about a win-win situation!

Have we piqued your curiosity? The Active Roof™ Web site is under construction, but you can learn more here and request additional information here. Stay tuned as the Active Roof™ saga continues!

Positive Feedback

We could go on and on about the benefits of metal roofing, but maybe it's time to let some happy homeowners share their impressions.

"The new roof looks so good, a child in our neighborhood even commented on how pretty it is. I love the appearance, it's not like the slick, ridged metal roofs I've seen around town."

"To say we are thrilled is an understatement; our house looks great, the price was reasonable, the workmanship and pride in work obvious. We are telling everyone we know that if you think you can't afford a top rate metal roof, you are mistaken and you should check it out. Again, thank you Chris for a company that truly stands behind what they do."

"We just wanted to let you know how much we love coming home and enjoy looking at our new roof. We thank you for the personalized help we had when we had to make the decision of what color and design. I feel comfortable knowing that my roof is stable and will last probably forever. I am also happy that the price was more affordable than what I thought it would be. And we are already able to see the difference in the heat being held in the house and not dissipating through the roof. Hey, it works!!"

"The quality, beauty and warranty of our new roof is heads and shoulders above any roof we have ever had. My wife and I are very pleased with our new roof and have had many neighbors comment on its beauty and quality. Since our roof was installed several metal roofs have been installed in our neighborhood and they all look terrific. New roofs are not cheap and you truly get what you pay for. That is why my wife and I agree that this was one of our best purchases as homeowners. We will never need to purchase another roof."

Read more testimonials here.

Metal Roofs and Economic Crises

Perspective is everything when it comes to judging circumstances, and to illustrate I offer the summary of two recent conversations. In the first, I spoke with the owner of a roofing contracting company about the state of business. To say he was pessimistic would be grossly inadequate. "Despondent" or "shell-shocked" are probably more accurate. In any event, he was unable to grasp how his recently successful business was suddenly on the verge of failing and he was wondering from where he might find his next job. He was down from six or seven installation crews to one and even they weren't working full time.

He had built his business installing roofs for "tract" builders. As a result, he had enjoyed a robust enterprise for nearly 10 consecutive years. Now, there was no tract work at all, and what was left was so competitive as to be worthless. What puzzled me, even at the time of our talk and even though discretion prevented me from commenting at the time, was that he was genuinely stunned by the turn of events. Did he not see that was supplying labor to an industry that was rolling in an orgy of speculation and leverage? How could anyone think that the constant parade of new developments would continue unabated into the indefinite future? Was he surprised that I was not?

My second conversation was with an established contractor specializing in remodeling and custom building. Their perspective on the current state of business mirrored my own: things were definitely slowing down, but there is still plenty of projects needing attention and although one had to be more competitive, there was no shortage of good business about. I was struck by the remarkable contrast to the woes of my previous friend's dissertation.

Stepping back, it makes perfect sense that the owners of buildings who have moved little, who plan on staying put and remain proud of their home or business haven't really changed. The old standby roof coverings like asphalt and wood have short lifespans and will all need to be replaced. When homes and buildings were disposable assets, these short lifespans were of little concern because the building would be sold and the roof replacement would become someone else's problem. Now that "flipping" houses and rapidly "moving up" are symbols of a passed time, there is renewed concern about longterm value for maintenance issues like roofs. Something with a life expectancy of only 10 or 20 years - like the vast majority of asphalt roofs - doesn't seem like such a good deal. And the upgrade to something that can last generations is suddenly more appealing than ever.

Crisis? What crisis? Happy days are here!

Asking a Builder

This is an article about the benefits of a good metal roof. What struck me is that this nationally syndicated columnist, a builder himself, is still so in the dark about metal roofing and its many advantages. He limits himself to discussing standing seam and corrugated metal roofing, both of which are what immediately come to mind for the average homeowner when someone mentions a metal roof. And really, they're just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the styles of metal roofing out there. His pricing comparison of the metal roof to the "top-of-the-line shingles that come with a superb warranty..." (just what kind of builder is this, anyway? He's being duped by warranties with lots of fancy talk and no substance?) leaves something to be desired as well. But in spite of all that, I'm happy to see metal roofing enjoying some long overdue praise.

Pricing

One of the questions I hear the most is along the lines of, "I’m thinking of a metal room for my (home, building, garage, shop, gazebo, etc.) and wanted to know some prices." And unfortunately, there's just no single answer to a question like this. It's a little like asking, “I’m thinking about buying a new car and wanted to know some prices.” The answer in both cases begs the question, “What kind to you want?” In the case of metal roofs, just as with cars, prices vary wildly. The cheapest metal roof can be had for less than $1 a square foot, while the most expensive can cost $20 or more.

The things that effect metal roof prices are these:

The metal. Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Tin, even Titanium, Lead, and other metals and alloys all have been used to make roof material at one time or another and most are still used today. Due to the enormous price differences amongst the metals, the roof materials into which they can be formed vary accordingly. With each differing metal comes differing hardnesses, formability, and corrosion resistance. n the case of steel and aluminum it is most common to have these metals “finished” (painted), and again there are differing grades of paint suitable for differing purposes. When asking for a metal roof price, be certain to inquire as to the particular metal you intend to use. If you don’t know, then at least have an idea of what appearance you’re hoping to achieve.

The “Gauge.” This term refers to the thickness of the metal from which the roof material is formed. Common thicknesses are from 29 Gauge (roughly .015 inches, or .38 mm) to 22 Gauge (roughly .033 inches, or .84 mm). But metal roofs can be made from metals thinner than these and thicker, too. The particular metal determines which thickness is most appropriate for each roof application. Be aware that not all metals are commonly referenced by “gauge” and that “gauge” is not an equal unit of measurement even among metals (for example, 24 gauge steel is not necessarily the same thickness as 24 gauge steel). It’s a good idea when asking for roof prices to have an idea of what sort of “duty” you’ll require of the material. Something in heavy snow country or a very high wind environment may require a heavier, more robust metal, where something that only ever encounters a light breeze and constant sun may suffice with the lightest of metals.

The “Profile.” Vertical ribs, rectangular or diamond shingles, tiles, shake facsimiles – all of these different shapes and looks are often referred to as a “profile.” Some metals and some metal gauges are well suited to certain profiles and some are not. Some profiles are only made in one or two metals, and some are available in any metal. Differing profiles have differing “yields.” This means that certain profiles use more or less metal than other depending on the complexity of the shape. Even within each of these categories of profile, there are an enormous variety of options. For instance, Omega Roof has at least a dozen different versions of vertical rib profiles, and there are pros and cons to each version. When requesting prices for metal roofs, the more specific you can be about the look, or model, the faster you can get useful numbers for your job.

The size and complexity of the job. If you’re purchasing roof shingles for a bay window, it may cost $100 for the basic material, $100 for the accessories (eave, hip, flashing), and $100 for freight. So in this case, your 30 square foot job might cost $100 per square foot! If on the other hand, you’re purchasing for a 4000 square foot home with a triple attached garage and a simple roof line, you may be purchasing 6000 square feet of roof material and the accessories and freight may total less than $3 per square foot. Add the variables of type of metal, gauge, and profile, and it becomes apparent quickly that all of the specifics of a metal roof project are important in determining the budget.

If you keep these ideas in mind when you’re after pricing, it will certainly save a lot of wasted communcation. The most expedient way of obtaining prices for a metal roof project you have in mind is to either measure the job or photograph the job with approximate measurements and email the dimentions and photographs to someone like me. Being clear on the style you prefer and the location of the project at the same time will make it very easy to get useful numbers quickly.

My book, “What Every Homeowner Needs to Know…” is available as a free download on our website and elaborates on all of these points and more. Also in the book are formulas and prices so you can at least ball-park your own prices for metal and other roof options as well. Well worth the read if you’re getting ready to spend the thousands of dollars any type of roof is going to cost. Good luck!

Ask Chris

Q. My house is nearly 20 years old and my roof regularly loses shingles during high winds. I'm told I can patch it, but that's what the neighbors did and it looks awful. I'd like to replace what we have with something better, but I'm worried about the cost. Is there an upgrade I can make without breaking the bank?

A. Definitely. If you're planning to stay in your home and a new roof is on the agenda this year, take a look at the new metal shakes and shingles now available. Not only are they the best possible choices for high wind areas, but they're also made of recycled materials so they're very green. They're also lightweight and designed for installation over most existing roof materials. The biggest benefit of all is that the newest designs, like our Sierra Metal Shake, are surprisingly affordable. They won't cost much more than it will to strip off and replace your old asphalt roof and can sometimes even cost less! In these times when value and longevity are more important than ever, metal looks are looking better and better. Visit our Web site for more free information or give us a call today to learn more about your re-roofing options.

Say what?

Oh, Popular Mechanics. How you disappoint. Your article, "Choosing the Best Roofing," includes a wealth of inaccuracies about metal roofing. To wit: 

"Metal roofs are not particularly good for the environment." Wrong! The vast majority of metal roofing materials are recycled, making them far better for the environment than your typical asphalt composition roof, which is destined for the landfill.

"The big negatives for a steel roof, especially a standing-seam metal roof, are its high cost and commercial or institutional look when installed on a traditional-style home." Well, costs are dropping dramatically. Our new Sierra Metal Shake is in fact comparable in many instances to the price of tearing off and installing new asphalt shingles! And as for the commercial look - don't make the mistake of believing that metal roofing comes only in standing seam panels. There are numerous profile choices, from traditional shakes, shingles and tiles to more exotic designs like diamond shingles.

The problem with articles like these in respected publications is their true disservice to a material that deserves nothing but praise. A little research in the right places goes a long way to opening a few eyes.

Ask Chris

Q: I was speaking to a roofer recommended by a friend because I am going to need to replace my roof soon, and when I asked about a metal roof, he said they were “ugly and expensive.” Why would someone in the business say that if it weren’t true?

A: At the risk of alienating my associates in the industry, I have to say that “roofers” as a group are not a very complete source of information about the industry. The nature of the business is such that it tends to be very segmented. Roofers that work for contractors who roof “average” houses use the same materials over and over again, so when they go on to start their own businesses, they continue doing what they know. It just makes good business sense to invest in men and equipment that specialize in one type of product. So why would a roofer say something flattering about a product or service that is outside of his usual practice? Especially when it might cost him work? It’s just very unlikely that he would, so the comments of the roofer you met are more common than not.

I’m still amazed to this day, after nearly 30 years in the industry how many “insiders” still think metal roofs only come in the long, ribbed panels often seen on commercial buildings. Metal offers the biggest number of styles and options, not the fewest! If you want to get a “big picture” view of the many options available to replace your roof, and features like environmental friendliness, long term performance, beautiful styles are priorities, then you need to do your own homework. Our website features a downloadable free informational booklet that's one place to start, but there are many others. You’re going to spend thousands of dollars replacing your roof – doesn’t it just make sense to research the best possible option before you make such a major purchase? Even a roofer has to agree with that!

Ask Chris

Q. The big wind last night caused some of my asphalt shingles to blow into my neighbor’s yard. My house is only 14 years old, and I understood from the builder that my roof had a “30 Year” warranty and was a “90 MPH” roof. Why is it already blowing off, even though the winds last night were not even close to exceeding 90 mph?

A: Welcome to the great Asphalt Roof Deception. The warranty for your roof (if you can find the piece of paper) no doubt had “30 Years” and “90 MPH” in big letters on the first page, but had you read to the fine print, you would discover that the “90 MPH” wind warranty expired after only 5 years – so you have no warranty at all from the manufacturer with regards to wind blow off, regardless of wind speeds. You must ask yourself, “If the manufacturer limits the wind coverage to 5 years, what is that saying about the real life expectancy of an asphalt shingle?” The answer is discovered by homeowners every day: The actual lifespan of a petroleum based product that is deteriorating from the first day it’s exposed to heat and sun is truly only 12-18 years or so. More or less depending on the peculiarities of the installation and location. If you want something that can actually stand up to the wind and sun for multiple generations, then you must investigate metal roofs, because the wind warranty for most of these lasts for the entire length of the warranty period. And that means real protection for homeowners. Find out more facts about roofing options by downloading our free roofing booklet from our website.

Metal Roofs and Home Values

I was beginning to believe the popular press and their analysis of the current economic downturn to the point that I was researching online information concerning cooking rats. It seemed that would be all most of us would be able to afford to eat soon and I might as well get prepared. After all, driving back from San Francisco last week I heard a long-time “conservative” talk show host, who I had previously considered to be a rational thinker, exclaim with in his most authoritative and conclusive voice that the recent downturn in the economy was “conclusive proof” that “unrestricted capitalism” was an animal destined to inevitably eat its own young – or other such nonsense. He was advocating for some form of increased “government oversight” of the financial system – just like many of the talking heads on CNBC.

What seems to be lost on all of the commentators and many of those with the microphones (and I have not the slightest doubt that these high-profile voices and authors either make their money investing the savings of others, have their own investments in “the market,” or comment professionally on the goings on therein. Either way, their reputation, industry, or nest egg is their biggest concern, and often there ends their objectivity) is that the adjustment of real-estate and stock values IS A GOOD THING. This is the free market working! Why aren’t the politicos making noise about the fact that places like Southern California are witnessing dramatic increases in housing sales (66% increase this year over last)? And this with no government action - except talking?

Since any product or service or asset (roofs, houses, stocks, cars) are ONLY worth what someone is willing to pay, how in God’s name can the government do anything useful since it produces NOTHING except OVERHEAD for businesses and wage-earners? If they prop up home prices, isn’t that just the collective tax-paying citizenry pouring the fruits of its labor into artificially holding up the price of something for which demand does not actually exist? And where will this maneuver lead, except to more schemes of similar deception? The market is at work right now re-valuing many parts of the inventory of goods and service to bring them into equilibrium with demand, and that’s a very good thing.

Anyway, I can hear you asking, “What has this got to do with the price of roofs?” The answer is just this: Metal roofs – or any construction material for that matter – will find a place in the market based on value. If the consumer of roof products sees the value of metal (long life, lightweight, attractive, fire-proof, ecologically friendly, and highly resistant to winds and weather), then its place in the market is assured. Regardless of the particular price of homes today as opposed to 2 or 3 years ago.

All of that to say that all of the stuff that’s filling the headlines today will be old news tomorrow and that owners of homes are best served by a focus on purchasing products for their homes that solve problems for the long-term. We all know that the long-term is never that far in the future, and that the house that you’re occupying today will still be a desirable home 5, 10, and 20 years from now. Quality improvements today, like a metal roof, will only make your home better and safer now and in the future. Isn’t that what we’re all after?

Let those politicians and talking heads continue to spout – they won’t “fix” anything. Especially a bad roof!

Ask Chris

Q: My house needs a new roof, but with all of the bad economic news I’m wondering about the wisdom of spending money on my house right now. Is it a good idea?

A: If you’re not planning to move – it absolutely is a good idea. The maintenance needs to be done regardless of anything else, and if you’re staying in your home it makes even more sense to upgrade to a permanent metal roof and eliminate this major maintenance concern for generations to come. If your house isn’t going to be for sale anytime soon, then the best advice is to put on the best roof your budget allows regardless of what the headlines say today.

Ask Chris

Q. I know we’re going to need a new roof soon, but I’m worried about tearing off my existing roof in the winter. Will that definitely be necessary?

A. Probably not if you upgrade to metal. Metal roofs typically weigh less than half the weight of disposable roofs like asphalt shingles or wood shakes. Most of the metal shingles, shakes and tiles are specifically designed for installation over existing materials, so the odds are very good that choosing a beautiful new metal roof to replace what you currently have will entail a small amount of preparation and an installation directly over top. And then you can enjoy the other benefits of a quality metal roof, for many, many years to come. Call or visit our website for more information about this topic and others.