Sheet metal can make a great roof for a shed. If you are worried about the cost, there are plenty of ways to save money and instal a metal roof. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Choose the thinnest sheet metal possible for your needs.

One of the considerations taken into account when pricing sheet metal is its weight. The more metal you have, the higher your price is likely to be. To avoid high costs, look for the thinnest sheet metal possible that still meets your needs.

You need metal that is thin enough so that it has a relatively low price, but you also have to ensure that it's thick enough to handle the weather conditions in your area. When shopping, ask the sheet metal supplier if that thickness can stand up to wind, snow or ice in your area.

2. Augment thin sheet metal with high quality flashing.

In many cases, when it comes to creating a metal shed roof that can withstand the elements, flashing can help. Flashing is the small contoured pieces of metal that you use around the large flat pieces of sheet metal. For example, you may use flashing along the peaks, corners or edges of your roof.

In most cases, if you invest in high quality flashing, it can counteract the relative thinness or lightweight nature of the rest of the metal you instal on the roof. It makes sense to spend a bit extra on flashing so that you don't have to spend as much on the rest of the metal for the roof.

3. Opt for sheet metal with exposed fasteners.

When choosing sheet metal for your shed roof, there will be several different types of options available. The most expensive options fit together nicely and overlap so that all of the fasteners are covered. This adds aesthetic appeal to the roof, but it is also more expensive.

Ideally, you should bypass the sheet metal roofing that conceals its fasteners. Instead, you should opt for cheaper, simple profile sheet metal. The fasteners will show, but if you like, you can orient them in an interesting way so that they add to the aesthetic appeal of your roof rather than detract from it.

4. Skip the finish.

A finish protects your metal roof from fading, but you can save money if you skip the finish. For sheds, barns and outbuildings, consider embracing the natural weathering of metal. In most cases, it will simply fade or develop a patina, both of which add a rustic appeal.

5. Look for a guarantee.

To save money in the long run, consider looking for sheet metal that comes with a guarantee. You can find guarantees against everything from rust to fading, and if you have one, it helps you avoid extra costs down the road if anything goes wrong.

To learn more about saving money on sheet metal, contact a group of sheet metal workers or suppliers.