1. What is an Asphalt vs Metal Roof Cost Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the total costs of installing asphalt shingle roofing versus metal roofing.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and contractors make informed decisions about roofing materials based on cost comparisons.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( C_a \) — Total cost of asphalt roof ($)
• \( C_m \) — Total cost of metal roof ($)
• \( Q \) — Roof size in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft)
• \( P_{square\_a} \) — Asphalt price per square ($)
• \( P_{square\_m} \) — Metal price per square ($)
• \( C_{labor\_a} \) — Asphalt labor cost ($)
• \( C_{labor\_m} \) — Metal labor cost ($)

Explanation: The calculator multiplies roof size by material cost per square, then adds labor costs for each material type.

3. Importance of Roofing Cost Comparison

Details: Comparing costs helps budget planning and considers long-term value (metal typically lasts longer but costs more upfront).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter roof size in squares, material prices per square, and labor costs for both materials. Default values reflect typical ranges.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a "square" in roofing terms?
A: 1 square = 100 square feet of roof area, the standard measurement unit in roofing.

Q2: Why is metal roofing more expensive?
A: Metal costs more per square but lasts 2-3 times longer than asphalt (40-70 years vs 15-30 years).

Q3: What affects labor costs?
A: Roof complexity, location, and metal roofing typically requires more specialized installation.

Q4: Should I always choose the cheaper option?
A: Consider lifespan, maintenance, and energy efficiency - metal may save money long-term despite higher upfront cost.

Q5: How do I estimate my roof size?
A: Measure length × width of each roof plane, sum all areas, then divide by 100 to get squares.