There are several different metals that are used in the manufacturing of metal roofs, including steel, aluminum and copper. There are different benefits and considerations offered by each different type of roofing metal. Metal roofing is more durable than most other types of roofing but they are linked with high material and installation costs. Metal roofing is available in large shingles or standard-seam sheets which employs a corrosion-resistant coating. Vinyl siding is available in many colors and varying thicknesses, ranging from between .035 in. to .055 in., according to CostHelper.
CostHelper claims that vinyl siding can cost consumers up to $7 per square foot to have professionally installed. The thicker the vinyl siding, the more it will cost. Having a metal roof installed can cost between $5,000 and $40,000, depending on the type of metal used and the overall scope of the project, according to CostHelper. Steel is the most affordable metal used for roofing, followed by aluminum with copper at the high end of the spectrum.
There are several additional costs that can be associated with vinyl siding and metal roof installation projects. Removal of existing siding can run up the price of a vinyl siding installation by between $1,000 and $3,000, according to CostHelper. Repairing or reinforcing a roof's framing can increase the overall price tag linked with metal roofing installation by as much as $10,000.
By having a professional contractor install vinyl siding and metal roofing, the consumer is afforded some level of quality assurance. However, consumers who opt to install vinyl siding and metal roofing themselves can save several thousand dollars on the ultimate price tag linked with vinyl siding and metal roof installation in the long run.
Both vinyl siding and metal roofing, regardless of what type of metal is used, require very little in terms of regular maintenance throughout their life cycle. Repairs on vinyl siding and metal roofing can be very difficult if not impossible and quite costly. Vinyl siding provides very little in the way of insulation for a home or business.