We are getting ready to get bids for a new roof. It's a simple cape roof with one dormer. Living in New England, should we look into a metal roof instead of shingles? We already know that we have to have the two layers of shingles already there removed. Is a metal roof cheaper to install? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

No. Metal is not cheaper to install.
However, if you go with metal (depending what kind), you may not have to remove the existing shingles....which would save you the hefty expense of removing 2 layers of shingle and the hauling/dumping fees.

What kind of metal are you looking for?
Metal shingles? Standing seam?

 

As I have already advised many times in this forum, 80% of the quality of the roof is determined by the installer. A good system which is improperly installed is a lot worst than an inferior system installed by a skilled roofer. So find the best roofer you can afford, and discuss the options with them. We specialize in the installation of aluminum shingles in our area, and have built up our business so that most of the new customers come from referrals. Those referrals come to us because our installations worked, and that's because we have excellent craftsmen. We're not in your area, so there's nothing we can do for you directly, except to tell you that good installations will not come cheap.

When you compare bids, compare the scope of work first, as the price depends on what is going to be done. Compare the warranties offered, both on the labour and on the materials, and ask yourself if the roofer has the financial capability to be around in 5 or more years to service your warranty claim if one came up. Get references of previous jobs done, preferably 2-4 years old, and talk to the homeowners. Since accidents do happen, ask to see their insurance coverage, and see how you will be protected in the event of such an accident.

 

Id look around there. Kind of see what the other people around you are going to on the roofs. So you kind of stay the same with them. Get 3 bids for the job.


ED

 

Most of New England has a "3" roof rule. This means 2 is the limit, regardless of the type of proposed 3rd roof...call your local building dept to be sure. I agree w/pgriz. Good crews are more expensive....get the best you can afford. Like Ed says, check out you neighborhood and ask neighbors.
Jim