How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Metal Roof Cost

Professional metal roofing installation costs an average of $10,367. Most homeowners pay between $5,431 and $15,302. The prices vary by material, style and labor rates in your area. Standing seam styles are between $7 and $14 per square foot. Modular press-formed panels and granular-coated units are between $8 to $10 per square foot.

Metal Roof Cost Estimator

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.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal panels cost $75 to $600 per square, making them an inexpensive option for many homeowners. Metal panels derive from galvanized steel or galvalume steel and tend to feature exposed fasteners and a thickness of 24-30 gauge. These steel panels offer painted and unpainted options to suit diverse aesthetic needs. 

Standing Seams

Standing seams cost $200 to $1,000 per square, making them an expensive yet highly customizable option for residential and commercial use. The width ranges from 12” to 30” per panel and each square is cut to the actual size of your roof. Thickness ranges from 18-28 gauge and material types include galvanized steel, galvalume steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. This is a popular roofing style, thanks to its modern aesthetic. 

Shingles

Metal shingles, including aluminum, cost $200 to $600 per square. Shingles resemble different material types, including asphalt, wood, and slate, increasing aesthetic flexibility. These squares, also known as modular panels or stamped panels, come in various sizes from 2’ x 1’ all the way to 5’ x 1’ and are typically coated to enhance durability. 

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.

Stainless Steel Roofing Prices

Stainless steel is a popular, durable, and expensive choice for metal roofing. 

• 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.

Galvanized Steel

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

• Resistant to 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 or more 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.

Prices by Metal Gauge

The cost of metal roofing ranges from $1.75 to $7 per square foot, depending on the thickness, otherwise known as the gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the panel or shingle. For example, 24-gauge (sometimes written "24ga") is thicker than 29-gauge.

*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 of 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 foot 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.

DIY Metal Roof Cost vs. Hiring a Local Roofer

A DIY metal roof will cost $2,000 to $5,000 versus the average $5,500 to $15,000 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.

FAQs

What are the additional advantages of a metal roof? 

Metal roofs have plenty of pros in addition to those listed above. Metal doesn’t peel up, offering increased protection from the elements. Metal is durable, wind-resistant, relatively lightweight, and can often simply be laid over pre-existing asphalt. Homeowners opting for a metal roof could receive tax credits and, finally, they are energy-efficient, saving 10%-40% on utility bills. 

What are the disadvantages to metal roofs? 

There are some downsides to choosing a metal roof over other material types, including increased upfront costs. Metal is difficult to breach during an emergency, tends to contract and expand during the winter months, and require additional insulation to block unwanted noise. Additionally, a poorly installed metal roof leaves plenty of spaces for water to accumulate over time. 

Is it cheaper to get a metal roof or asphalt shingles?

There are many differences between a metal roof and asphalt shingles, cost among them. Asphalt shingles average $60-$90 per square, costing $1,200-$1,800 for a home roof of 2,000 square feet. Metal averages $100-$200 per square, costing $2,000-$4,000 for a home roof of 2,000 square feet. In other words, asphalt is cheaper than metal.