Metal Roof Cost Estimator

Installing a metal roof costs an average of $5,000 to $12,000. According to the US Census, the average square footage of the average American home is 1,700 square feet. Calculating the total of your project isn't as simple as knowing your square footage, however. The price is subject to fluctuation, and sometimes it can be volatile.

Here is a quick formula to calculate a rough idea of how much you should expect to pay:

Materials + Labor and Installation + Overhead = Total

Note that:

• Each factor usually accounts for a third of your project total.
• Roofers calculate material price in squares (100 square feet).
• Material price will include a waste percentage of between 5% and 20%.
• Labor rates vary significantly from one region to another.
• Overhead or material price will include shipping, which averages $75 or more depending on the style and weight.

How Much Does A Metal Roof Save Me?

• Saves up to 40% on your energy bill
• Gets an insurance discount of up to 30%
• Can recoup up to 95% in resale
• Less maintenance than asphalt
• Lasts at least four times longer than asphalt

Finally, there is the "life-cycle cost," or how much a roof will cost you over the years.

*Note: These are not yearly maintenance rates. This represents what the total maintenance and repair rates would be when spread out over a 40-year lifespan.

Metal Roofing Prices Per Square, Sheet or Panel

Depending on the form and material, metal roofing can run anywhere from $75 to $1,000 and more per square. A square, as mentioned above, is a measurement that equals 100 square feet. There are three common forms to choose from: sheet, standing seam, and shingles that resemble asphalt, wood, slate or tile. Within each of these categories there are many varieties – called profiles – to consider.

• Types include: R Panel, 5V Crimp, corrugated, through-fastened
• Typically galvanized or galvalume steel
• "Agricultural" aesthetic
• 24-30 gauge
• Exposed fasteners
• Painted and unpainted options
• Low-cost

• Types include: through-fastened, clip-fastened
• Typically galvanized or galvalume steel
• Also available in aluminum, copper, and zinc
• Popular style
• "Modern" aesthetic
• 18-28 gauge
• 24-26 gauge for residential
• 12" to 20" wide panels that are cut to the size of your roof

• Profile types resemble asphalt, wood shake, slate, tile
• Also known as modular panels or stamped
• Steel and aluminum options
• 26-28 gauge
• "Traditional" aesthetic
• Stone or Kynar coating
• Shingles, shakes, and slate come in various panel sizes, including:
  • 2' x 1'
  • 4' x 1'
  • 5' x 1'
• Tile comes various panel sizes, including:
  • 14" x 16"
  • 39 ¾" x 14"
  • 3' x 20'
  • 43 ¼" x 23'
• Slate can be made of copper

Average Material Costs of a Metal Roof

Metal roofing materials range in cost from $75 per square to $1,500 per square. Aluminum, copper, stainless steel, tin and zinc are among the most commonly used.

Steel Roofing Prices

Steel and stainless steel are two popular materials that come at drastically different prices.

• Stainless Steel runs $400 to $1,200 per square, depending on whether it is in tile or sheet form. It is a durable, corrosion- and rust-resistant alloy with an excellent track record. For example, stainless steel is on the Chrysler Building in New York City.
• Steel is $75 to $350 per square depending on the style. It comes in both panel and shingle options and will be either galvanized or galvalume.

Galvanized

Galvanized products cost $150 to $350 per square. These are products with a steel core and a zinc coating for rust resistance.

• Higher price point than galvalume
• Aren't as corrosion-resistant
• Reasonably long-life expectancy
• Low-maintenance
• Increase energy efficiency
• Heavier style
• More durable against impact

Galvalume Metal Roofing Prices

Galvalume metal is $75 to $200 per square. This is a product that has a steel core and an aluminum/zinc coating.

• Lower-cost option
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Resists corrosion
• Highly pliable
• Coloring is subject to fading

Tin Roof Cost (Terne)

Tin roofs cost around $350 to $1,500 per square before installation. In most cases, today's popular "tin" products are known as Terne and their core material is not tin, only their coating. Terne has a steel core and a zinc/tin or lead/tin coating.

• Naturally corrosion-resistant
• Develops a gray patina over time
• Very durable

Aluminum Roofing Cost

Aluminum pricing is $150 to $600 per square, depending on whether it's in sheet or shingle form.

• Recyclable,
• Highly pliable
• High natural reflectivity
• Among the most energy-efficient materials

Copper

Copper roofing costs $800 to $1,500 per square. This material is difficult to work with and demands professional installation.

• Long-lasting
• Low-maintenance
• Develops corrosion-resistant patina
• Doesn't rust

Zinc

Zinc costs $600 to $1,000 per square. It is a naturally occurring material that can actually "heal" itself. It forms a coating as it weathers that protects the zinc and reseals if it suffers dings or scratches.

• Durable
• Long-lasting
• Shingle styles are lower-cost
• Standing seam styles are higher-cost

Lead

Lead roofing runs $1,000+ per square. Many of today's lead products have an alternative core, such as copper, and a lead coating. The copper alternative is lighter-weight. Manufacturers have conducted studies to show that this material is safe, but check with your installer, the EPA and/or your state legislature for restrictions and regulations.

• Long-lasting
• Works on steep and flat surfaces
• Comes in shingles and panels
• Resists corrosion
• Highly malleable
• Develops a patina over time

Rusted Metal

Rusted metal comes at a rate of $200 to $300 per square and is also known as weathering or "Corten" steel.

• Corten is a recognized brand name
• Develops protective rust layer
• Looks weathered and rustic
• Available in most panel styles
• Not ideal for coastal residences

Additional Price Considerations

As with any home improvement project, there are aesthetics and price factors to consider before plunging in.

Roofing Style

The first thing you'll need to think about is the style. As we said above, these products can look like several other products. Different looks may not be suitable for all materials and gauges, so give this some careful thought:

1. Sheet Metal: $75-$600 per square and typically refers to flat, ribbed and crimped profiles. One of the most popular styles is corrugated.

• Corrugated panels cost $150-$250 per square, depending on the type used. These panels have U-shaped ribs.
• Sheet styles are usually affordable with many color options
• R-panels and 5V-crimp panels are popular styles
• Typically 24" and 36" wide

2. Standing Seam Metal Roofs: $200-$1,000 per square. The "standing seam" is made by folding the long edges of two adjacent panels up and then folding them over on themselves, giving the surface a ribbed look. Standing seam panels longer than 20' have hidden, adjustable clips that fasten to the deck. This allows them to expand and contract with the weather safely.

• Mechanical seam and snap-lock styles
• Popular option
• Weather-resistant
• Attractive
• Material options: Steel, aluminum, copper and zinc

3. Aluminum or Metal Shingles and Shakes: $200-$600 per square. They are also known as stamped or modular press-formed.

• Modular Press-Formed Granular Coated:Also known as stone-coated, these can look like shake, tile or shingles, can have either exposed or hidden fasteners and are typically 26-gauge steel.
• Metal Spanish Tile - Can be $10 to over $14 per square foot installed. Lighter and more affordable than real Spanish tile.
• Metal Slate: More affordable than real slate, lighter-weight and low-maintenance.
• Erie Roofs: A brand of interlocking, stone-coated steel panels that can imitate asphalt, tile, and

Prices by Metal Gauge

The rate of metal by gauge ranges from $1.75 to $7.00 per square foot.

The gauge is a measurement of how thick it is. The smaller the number, the thicker the panel or shingle. For example, 24-gauge (sometimes written "24ga") is thicker than 29-gauge.

Thicker products cost more than thinner ones. When looking at these materials from a perspective of their thickness, manufacturers calculate them by square foot and, though the price difference is small in increments, it can add up quickly.

*Some products are only available in specific gauges. For example, modular press-formed granular coated products only come in 26-gauge.

Exposed vs. Hidden Fastener Metal Roofing

Exposed fastener roofing costs $250 to $700 per square after installation versus hidden fastener styles at $600 to $1,400 per square after installation. The fastener type affects price and efficiency.

Exposed fasteners are more economical than hidden. However, the fastener – which typically consists of a roofing screw and washer head – is exposed to the elements which increases the risk for leaking. A good installer will remove the existing material and use a "peel and stick" underlayment to minimize this risk. The standard gauges for this style are 26 and 29.

Concealed fasteners are more expensive than exposed, but they are hidden from the elements, giving greater protection from exposure and potential leaking. They also create a sleeker appearance. The standard gauges for this style are 24 and 26.

Coatings

Sealing a metal roof costs $500 to $2,000. The price of the coatings themselves varies between $100 and $250 for a 5-gallon bucket. One gallon of coating covers about 100 square feet.

Coating on the surface not only helps protect it from the elements but also provides color. Most keep the material from "chalking," oxidizing to form a white haze. They are also often fade resistant to a degree. Sealing a crucial step in the process, and your estimate should include this service.

Labor Cost to Install a Metal Roof

Labor for an average roofing project costs $3,000, assuming the surface is an ordinary shape without steep slopes or complicated features. For higher-end materials and complex structures, labor will be closer to $10,000.

After you factor in overhead and features like drip edges, gable edges, ridge caps, valleys, fasteners, coatings and pipe flashings, the total for professional installation can be three to seven times the rate of the shingles or panels alone. However, it's worth having it professionally done because proper installation ensures a long-life expectancy and greater efficiency – as well as a valid warranty. DIY installation can void warranty terms.

New Metal Roof vs. Replacement Estimate

A new metal roof will cost an average of $5,000 to $25,000 versus the $6,000 to $27,000 rate of a replacement. This is because of the added cost to remove the existing roofing and dispose of it.

Installation by Pitch

The pitch of your roof plays a major role in the price of your project and the materials you can use.

• A steep pitch (greater than 3/12 pitch) requires more materials, safety equipment, and higher labor rates. Steeper surfaces take more time to work on – especially if they aren't walkable.
• A low pitch (less than 3/12) requires less safety equipment, materials and take less time. You cannot use metal shingles on slopes flatter than a 3/12 pitch.
• A curved pitch. The most expensive option. Requires more care to apply the panels without damaging them.

Residential Metal Roof Cost Estimator

All of these cost factors can be helpful in determining the end-price of your project. With the square footage of your home and pitch, you can figure how many squares of materials you'll need and what the project total might be with labor and overhead.

*Figures based on an installed rate of $400 to $1,400 per square for a 4/12 pitch.

Metal Barn or Shed Roofs

Roofing for a shed can range from $500 to $1,500 for average barns. Corrugated, ribbed and crimped steel are common options for these installations.

Pros, Cons, & Myths

Pros of Metal Roofs

Along with the above advantages here are some other points to consider:

• Doesn't peel up and protects better from elements
• Could qualify for tax credits because environmentally friendly
• Saves 10%-40% on energy bills
• Can often be installed over existing asphalt
• Durable
• Great wind resistance
• Light-weight
• Fire-resistant

Cons of Metal Roofs

This material does have its downsides, though a quality installer can treat or avoid many of them:

• Higher up-front investment
• Depending on the fasteners, could expand and contract due to the weather
• Require extra insulation from noise
• Minor repairs usually result in color inconsistency due to patina
• Poor installation can leave places for water to accumulate
• Very difficult to breach in an emergency

Myths

As metal styles are not as popular as asphalt, many myths have arisen about them. Here are a few, as well as the truths behind them:

• "Metal roofs are noisy.": Today's styles are rigid and often have a sound-deadening underlayment. Some homeowners have reported that their houses are quieter after having one installed.
• "A metal roof will dent underfoot." Well-supported materials shouldn't buckle when you walk on it. However, it is less walkable in moist conditions because it becomes slippery.
• "Metal rusts." It will rust if it's exposed and doesn't have a galvanized coating or another form of protection. Installers usually include this coating in the estimate.
• "It gets hot." Asphalt, slate, and any other material will get hot in the sun. Metal can be coated with cooling colors to reflect solar heat and keep your home comfortable.
• "Metal makes your roof a lightning rod." It's no more likely to be struck by lightning than asphalt. However, when it does get struck, asphalt is petroleum-based and can ignite versus metal, which can take the strike without igniting.
• "It's heavy." This material is 50% lighter than asphalt and 75% lighter than slate, concrete tile, and fiber cement shakes.

Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs

Metal has several advantages over asphalt. A homeowner who intends to stay for a long time would be well advised to consider these advantages:

• Longevity: Can last 30-60+ years before they need serious attention. Compare this to the average 15- to 30-year lifespan of asphalt.
• Resale Value: Replacing asphalt with a metal can increase your home value by 1%-6%. You can recoup up to 65%-95%.
• Aesthetics: Asphalt looks like asphalt no matter what color you make it. They come in a variety of styles and can resemble ribbed panels, tiles, wood shake, or even asphalt itself.
• Low Maintenance: Over its lifespan, it will require very little maintenance, and you'll be able to clean it with little more than a good pressure wash.
• Insurance Discounts: Some homeowners have seen discounts on their policies of 30%-35% because of the material's fire resistance.
• Environmentally Friendly: These products are 30%-70%+ recycled materials. Unlike petroleum-based asphalt, the entire roof is 100% recyclable.

Which One Is Best for your Climate?

Cost and durability aside, you should be thinking about your climate. Metal has many advantages over asphalt in most environments, but in certain conditions asphalt might be a better choice.

• Snowy or Icy: For snowy or icy areas, asphalt is safer, even over granular metal shingles.
• Fire Prone: Metal is the best choice for fire-prone areas.
• Hot & Dry: Hot, dry climates don't deteriorate metal in the way they deteriorate asphalt.
• Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: Properly installed material is best because expands and contracts with large fluctuations in the weather.
• Temperate Regions: Where the weather is mild, and the risk of fire is low, which material you choose is more dependent on your budget and personal tastes.

Metal vs. Asphalt Roofing Comparison

When comparing asphalt with metal, the durability of metal is its crowning glory. A roof that will probably outlast its owner is a good investment. Asphalt is more economical, and that's why it has most of the residential market now. As metal becomes more economically viable, that may change.

DIY Metal Roof Cost vs. Hiring a Local Roofer

A DIY metal roof will cost $2,000 to $5,000 versus the average $5,000 to $12,000 to have one installed professionally. Some are easier to install than others, but most are more difficult to work with than materials like asphalt shingles.

Improper application could result in a less efficient structure, leaking problems and a shorter lifespan. When you work with a professional, they can guarantee the best results and are likely to get better rates on materials than you would independently. Check out these truths about DIY roofing for more information.