Metal roofing may initially be higher in cost than other roofing materials, but can, in the long run, offer a  great return on investment. Metal roofs last more than twice as long as some of the more common roofing materials. As such, they have been gaining popularity with homeowners who want a high performing and long-lasting roofing solution for their property. They are extremely durable and don’t  require a lot of maintenance. Because a metal roof is a substantial investment for your home, there are  several questions you should ask yourself when deciding if it is the right type of roof for you. Whatever  you decision is Biniek Specialty Contractors is here to help you make an informed decision by providing  you the right resources to do so. Here is what you should ask yourself:  

What is your budget for the new roof? 

As with any home improvement project, the number one question to ask yourself is budget. Budgets  help any contractor know exactly what options to consider for the project and help inform the  homeowner of their options for materials, labor and other project costs.  

Here are some estimated project costs for a new roof installation: (Costs are for educational purposes) 

Metal Roof: 2500 sq. ft. roof. Materials cost: roughly $11 sq. ft.= total cost $27,500. Average lifespan of  50 years which breaks down to an annual cost of $550 per year.  

Asphalt Shingle Roof: 2500 sq. ft. roof. Materials cost: roughly $6 sq. ft.= total cost $15,000. Average  lifespan of 15 years which breaks down to an annual cost of $1,000 per year.  

Clearly you can see the higher initial cost of a metal roof, however when you consider the lifespan of the  roof, the cost per year calculation is a lot cheaper. Then, consider labor doubles every 15 years in the asphalt shingle roofing industry, so this $15,000 roof most likely will cost closer to $30,000 by the time  you need a replacement. While no one can determine what costs the future will bring, one thing for  certain is that an asphalt shingle roof will need to be replaced after 15 years or earlier, which will be  another $15,000 at the very least.  

What is the cost benefit really?  

If the initial cost of a metal roof scares you, there are some immediate benefits you should see. Your  energy cost will go down. Metal roofs are the most energy efficient out there. According to the Green  Building Alliance- cool metal roofing (a metal roof with over 70% solar reflectance with proper coating), energy savings range anywhere from 7%-15% on average.  

Another savings benefit you could see is through your insurance. There is a high likelihood that your  insurance will go down. Savings vary according to your location, so if you are tying to weigh pros and  cons, you should contact your insurance company and see what the savings credit would be for installing  a metal roof. Remember too that with a metal roof you will not have to waste any money on repairs or  maintenance, and usually come with long-lasting warranties.  

How long do you plan on living in your current home? 

When it comes down to it, the primary question to ask yourself during all of this is-do you plan on living  in the current house more than 15 years? If not, you will never recoup the higher costs associated with  installing a metal roof. Consider an asphalt shingle roof instead. If you aren’t sure how long you’ll be in 

the home, it will come down to what your budget is and understanding you are adding resale value to  your home as well as curb appeal. Metal roofs can also be repainted when you decide to change the  look of your property, so you aren’t limited to one look forever.  

Who can install a new roof? 

For over 25 years, Biniek Specialty Contractors has helped home and building owners throughout central  Pennsylvania with their roofing and exterior waterproofing needs. Our experts provide the support and  guidance needed to help you choose the best solution for your home or business – one that will be  aesthetically pleasing, provide superior protection and will last for years to come. When you choose  Biniek Specialty Contractors, you are getting an experienced team that has helped thousands of home  and building owners in central Pennsylvania navigate their metal roofing challenges. Our team of metal  roofing experts can design a solution that provides powerful protection from the elements and delivers  a multi-year warranty for your peace of mind. We proudly work in the Central Pennsylvania area including Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle and  Shippensburg. Whether you need a replacement, repair, or just want someone to come out and give you  a quote, our team is ready and available to serve you!