How Much Does a Metal Shake Roof Cost in New England?

What drives the cost of a metal shake roof?

The cost of a metal shake roof comes mainly from the roof's area, its pitch and shape, the work needed to remove the old roof, and the condition of the deck underneath. The panels themselves are only one part of the total. Shake profiles are often chosen for houses with character: steep gables, multiple dormers, eyebrow windows, turrets or long ells. Every one of those features means more cutting, more custom flashing and more time on staging. Chimneys, skylights and plumbing vents each need their own detail work. A plain gable roof and a dormered roof of the same area can end up far apart in price. Attic ventilation is another factor. If the attic needs new intake or exhaust venting to work properly, that is part of the job and shows up in the quote.

How does removing cedar affect the price?

Removing cedar usually adds significant labor, because cedar shakes and shingles must always be torn off before an Interlock roof is installed. Cedar is thick and nailed heavily, and old cedar roofs often sit on skip sheathing, boards laid with gaps between them so the wood could breathe. Interlock panels need a solid deck, so skip sheathing is normally covered with new plywood after tear-off. Rotted boards at the eaves, around chimneys and in valleys are replaced as they are found. Some New England houses also have asphalt layered over the original cedar, which means two or more materials to strip and haul away. Because nobody can see the deck until the old roof is off, a good quote explains how deck repairs are handled and priced rather than leaving it vague.

Metal shake vs. cedar shake: how do the costs compare?

Metal shake and new cedar shake are often close enough on up-front cost that the long-term picture decides it. Cedar in New England deals with humid summers, shaded north slopes, moss and long freeze–thaw winters, and it needs periodic maintenance and eventual replacement. An aluminum shake panel does not rot, split or absorb water, and aluminum does not rust, which matters on the salt-air coast from Cape Cod to Down East Maine. Interlock Shake is backed by the Guardian Lifetime Limited Material Warranty, which covers material and finish for the original purchaser while they own the home, is transferable once, and covers the second owner to 50 years from substantial completion; workmanship is excluded. Cedar also carries a fire concern, and some towns or insurers look closely at wood roofs. Ask your own insurer how they treat each material.

What New England site conditions affect the price?

New England site conditions that affect the price include height, access, exposure, permits and the season. A tall house or a triple-decker needs more staging and more lifting, and narrow city lots can make it hard to place a dumpster or a lift. Exposed coastal and hilltop homes need careful attention to fastening and edge details. In a local historic district, the exterior change may need review before work begins, so check with your local historic district commission first; it can affect the schedule and the profile or color you choose. Permits are issued by each town, and requirements differ between Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont. Short winter days limit working hours from late fall into early spring, which can stretch a schedule.

Is a metal shake roof worth the cost?

A metal shake roof is worth the cost for many homeowners who want a wood look without the upkeep of wood, especially if they plan to stay for a long time. The value comes from avoiding repeat replacements and routine maintenance rather than from a low starting price. The panels are light, roughly 0.4 to 0.7 lb per square foot, so weight is rarely a concern for the framing. The finish is covered by a 30 Year Alunar® coating warranty. Colors such as Colonial Brown, Tudor Brown, Deep Charcoal and Black suit traditional New England houses. It is not the right roof for everyone. If you expect to sell within a few years, or the roof has large sections below a 3/12 slope, talk that through before deciding.

How do I get an accurate quote?

You get an accurate quote by having the roof measured and inspected at your home. Prices on our cost page are a rough guide only — every roof is priced individually, and structural or other site conditions can move the number. An in-home roof consultation is the only way to get accurate pricing for your home. Our metal roof cost guide is a useful first read; it explains the main drivers and how metal compares with other materials in general terms. At the consultation, expect the roof to be measured, the number of existing layers checked, the attic and ventilation reviewed, and profile and color options discussed. A written quote should show tear-off, disposal, how deck repairs are handled, flashing, ventilation and permits. Check that your contractor is properly registered in your state, for example Home Improvement Contractor registration in Massachusetts or Connecticut.

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