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What We Hear Most Often: “Is a Metal Roof Worth It?”
If you live in Lake County, you’ve probably seen more homes going with metal roofing over the past few years. After a few winters like the ones we’ve had—and more wind-driven storms in spring and fall—it’s understandable that homeowners are asking:
“How much does a metal roof cost, and is it the better option?”
At S&K Construction and Remodeling, this is one of the most common questions we get. And we appreciate it—because it’s not a small decision. Roofing isn’t something you do often, and the stakes are high. A good roof protects everything under it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a metal roof really costs in our part of Ohio. We’ll also cover:
- What impacts the cost of metal roof installation in Lake County
- How metal compares to asphalt in terms of price and lifespan
- What materials we use and why
- What to know before choosing metal roofing for your home
- Pros and cons to consider before making a decision
- Real pricing examples based on local projects
- Common questions we get from homeowners in your area
We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need. Just clear answers—the kind we’d give a neighbor or friend.
Why Metal Roof Cost Is Different in Lake County
More Than Just Materials
When people search for the cost of metal roof installation, most of what they find are national averages. Those can be a starting point—but they don’t account for the conditions we deal with here in Lake County and across Northeastern Ohio.
Metal roofing prices are shaped by:
- Local weather (snow, wind, ice dams)
- Roofing codes and permitting requirements
- Labor availability and local contractor pricing
- Roof layout and pitch
- Material type and finish
A typical corrugated metal roof in our area will cost between $12,000 and $20,000, depending on your roof’s size and design. That’s for full replacement—including tear-off, underlayment, and installation—not just materials.
How Metal Performs Here
A well-installed metal roof can last 40 to 70 years. That’s more than double the typical lifespan of asphalt shingles.
Here in Northeast Ohio, that means:
- Less worry about blown-off shingles after every windstorm
- Fewer ice dam issues in winter
- No granules clogging your gutters after a hot summer
- Long-term energy savings if your attic gets hot in July
What to Know Before Pricing Out a Metal Roof
If you’re starting to seriously consider this, here are a few things to understand up front. These will all factor into what a metal roof costs and what kind of result you get.
1. Roof Size and Layout
Roofing is priced by the “square,” which equals 100 square feet. A 2,400 sq ft roof will be around 24 squares. The more complex the roof (valleys, dormers, steep pitch), the more it costs—mostly due to additional labor and materials.
2. Type of Metal
We install corrugated steel panels. They’re fastened with exposed screws and washers, and they perform well in our climate. They’re more affordable than options like standing seam or metal shingles, which we do not offer at this time.
3. Tear-Off vs Overlay
Some contractors will install metal over an existing shingle roof. While that may save a bit upfront, we recommend full tear-off in most cases. It allows us to inspect the decking, address ventilation issues, and install proper flashing. That gives you a better final product and ensures warranties stay intact.
4. Permitting and Code Requirements
Most Lake County municipalities require permits for roof replacements. We handle that for you and include those costs in your estimate. It’s usually a few hundred dollars, depending on your town.
Comparing Costs: Metal Roof vs Asphalt Roof
Let’s look at the actual numbers, side by side.
How Metal Roof Costs Compare to Asphalt Shingles
| Roofing Type | Average Lifespan | Typical Cost (2,500 sq ft home) | Summary |
| Asphalt Shingles | 20–30 years | $10,000–$15,000 | Lower cost upfront, but more replacements |
| Corrugated Metal | 40–70 years | $12,000–$20,000 | Higher cost initially, lower cost over time |
So yes, metal roofing costs more upfront, but you may only have to do it once. Many of our metal roofing customers are looking to avoid doing this again in 15 or 20 years.
A Real Example: One Lake County Metal Roof Project
A homeowner in Mentor had us replace their 2,600 sq ft shingle roof with corrugated metal panels. The roof had two valleys and one chimney. We tore off the old roof, inspected and replaced damaged decking, and installed a full moisture barrier before laying the new panels.
Total project cost: $16,800
Timeline: 2 days
Warranty: 50-year product warranty + 10-year workmanship guarantee
That homeowner told us they were tired of replacing shingles every time there was a storm. Now they don’t think about the roof at all—and that’s the goal.
What’s Driving the Cost?
If you’re looking for where your money goes, here’s how it breaks down.
Materials
Corrugated steel is affordable compared to other metal options. Finish coatings (like rust protection) and trim details can add cost but are worth it in our climate.
Labor
Installing metal takes more precision than shingles. There are more fasteners per square foot, and cutting panels to fit valleys or chimneys takes time. Labor is a big part of your total cost, but it’s where you don’t want shortcuts.
Roof Complexity
A simple roof is faster and cheaper to install. Steep roofs, multiple angles, skylights, or second-story work adds both time and material.
Energy Efficiency
Metal reflects sunlight, which can lower summer cooling bills. In some homes, we’ve seen 10–20% drops in attic temperatures after switching from dark asphalt to light metal panels.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing in Northeastern Ohio
No roofing system is perfect. Here’s what we tell customers when they ask for the honest comparison.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lasts 2–3x longer than shingles | Costs more upfront |
| Excellent in snow, wind, and hail | Slightly louder in rain (insulation helps) |
| Energy-efficient and low maintenance | Not every style fits every home |
| Fire-resistant and recyclable | Fewer color options than asphalt |
Lake County Metal Roofing FAQs: Cost, Installation, and Value
We often hear the same core questions from homeowners when they’re considering a metal roof. Below are our most common answers, based on real-world experience across Lake County and Northeastern Ohio.
How much does a metal roof cost in Lake County?
A metal roof in Lake County usually costs between $12,000 and $20,000. The final cost depends on the size of the roof, its design complexity, and the materials used. This range typically includes tear-off, underlayment, fasteners, labor, and permits.
Is a metal roof more expensive than asphalt?
Yes, a metal roof is more expensive than asphalt at the time of installation. However, it lasts two to three times longer and requires less maintenance, which often makes it more cost-effective over the long run.
Can metal roofing be installed over shingles?
Metal roofing can sometimes be installed over shingles, but we usually recommend a full tear-off. Removing the old roof allows us to inspect the decking, improve ventilation, and ensure long-term performance and warranty coverage.
How long does it take to install a metal roof?
Most metal roof installations take 2 to 3 days. Simpler roofs may be completed in just one day, while complex layouts or weather delays can add time. We’ll give you a realistic timeline before the job starts.
Do metal roofs need more maintenance than shingles?
No, metal roofs do not require more maintenance than shingles. In fact, they typically need less attention over time, since they resist cracking, rotting, and wind damage better than asphalt.
Is financing available for a metal roof?
Yes, financing is available for metal roofing through Service Finance. Many homeowners choose to spread the cost into monthly payments, which typically range from $140 to $300 depending on the total project scope.
Final Thoughts: Is a Metal Roof Worth the Cost?
A metal roof isn’t the cheapest option—but for many Lake County homeowners, it’s the last roof they’ll ever need. That peace of mind matters, especially when you’ve dealt with enough repairs, leaks, or missing shingles.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling, we don’t oversell metal roofing—but we do believe in it. If it’s the right fit for your home, we’ll help you plan it properly. And if asphalt makes more sense, we’ll be honest about that too.
If you’re thinking about a metal roof—or just want to understand your options—we’d be happy to talk it through. No pressure, just straight answers.
