| PROJECT BASICS |  |
PRICES & COSTS | |
POPULAR MATERIALS | |
ROOFING STYLES |
Stainless Steel Roof
Stainless steel roofs are one of the metal roofing options that consumers can select for their new or replacement roof project. Stainless steel is exceptionally strong and durable, and if installed correctly, should last for many decades.
The other advantage is the corrosion resistance of stainless steal, which will also contribute to the longevity of the roof's lifespan. The downside of course is that stainless steal roofs are quite expensive, one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market.
Stainless Steel Roof Basics
Stainless steel roofs can be constructed with either panels or shingles, both of which are made from steel that is alloyed with chromium. The result is a metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and very durable, able to handle anything thrown at it (or dropped from the sky).
The shingles or panels (the image above is a stainless steal paneled roof) are coated with a rust and corrosion preventive film that keeps the roofing looking nice and gives it that distinctive grey finish.
Stainless Steel Roofing Prices
Stainless steel shingles are going to be the less expensive option and should run somewhere in the $6 to $8 per square foot range fully installed ($600 to $800 per square.) Stainless steel panels are going to be the more expensive and longer lasting option and should run in the $9 to $12 per square foot range fully installed ($900 to $1,200 per square.)
--Installed Price Range: $6 and $12 per square foot --
Stainless Steel Life Span
A stainless steel roof should be warrantied to last 20 to 50 years, depending on the grade of the materials and the quality of the installation. These roofs can handle high winds, along with snow, rain and almost anything else that nature can throw at them. The roofs are fire resistant and will not rot like other materials are subject to, including cedar shingled roofs.
Lightweight
While stainless steel is very durable and thick, it is also a lightweight material which seldom weighs more than 150 pounds per sheet. The problem is that while installation is fairly easy, it is a time consuming process - contributing to the high installation costs.
Energy Efficient
Metal roofs are often preferred because they have a good R-value or insulating qualities. They reduce the amount of heat that enters the property during summers and eliminates heat escaping during winter. This helps reduce air conditioning and heating bills dramatically. In some cases an air space is left between the deck of the roof and the stainless steel, trapping air to assist with insulation.
Choice of Options
When choosing a stainless steel roof, homeowners find they are not restricted when it comes from the finishes and coatings available. There is a wide variety to choose from, making it easy to complement the property by installing a stainless steel roof.
Stainless Steel Disadvantages
Stainless steel roof choices offer so many great advantages, but also a fair share of disadvantages. The main disadvantage is price. Stainless steel is expensive when it comes to the materials and labor. It's important to weigh up the benefits to the price charged for a stainless steel roof.
Noise
There are some homeowners who can never get used to the sound a stainless steel roof can make when it's raining or if an animal climbs over the roof. Insulation is key to eliminating the noise, but there will still be some sound that comes through. Some find the noise frustrating, while others find it rather comforting.
Dents
Metal roofs as a whole tend to dent when faced with heavy hail or a tree branch falling onto it. Always check the warranty to determine if denting is included or not, most companies don't offer a denting guarantee, although you may be eligible to recoup the repair costs from your homeowner's policy.