How Much Does Metal Roof Repair Cost?

Metal roof repairs cost $1,637 on average. The national average ranges between $599 and $2,676. However, you may spend $6,900 or more. Above that price, you’ll want to consider replacement. Roof repairs generally involve sealing holes and cracks. Although uncommon, you’ll occasionally need to remove and repair rusted sections. As your roof ages, you may consider having it completely sealed for $400 to $2,000.

Metal roofs cost more to install than most other varieties, including asphalt shingles. But with double the lifespan and designs to choose from, they pay off over the life of your home. Although more durable than most, you’ll get the longest lifespan with the least issues with regularly scheduled inspections, maintenance and repairs. Quickly fix minor issues to keep them from growing into major ones.

Cost to Repair Metal Roof

Repairing a metal roof costs anywhere from $1 to $5 per square foot. Replacement quickly doubles that price. Square feet pricing ranges depend heavily on the extent of damage and the type of repair you choose. For example, if you have corrosion and need to replace a section, you’ll likely spend closer to the $5 per square foot price. For small patches and resealing, you’ll end up on the lower end.

• Re-coating the Panels: $1,500-$2,500. Extend the lifespan of your aging metal roof with the application of an approved metal coating. Contractors use grinders, sanders, wire brushes and high-pressure water blasting to thoroughly remove all loose paint, rust, dirt and other contaminants.

• Resealing Seams: $100-$500. Reseal with newer caulks where older ones have shrunk or become brittle, which allows unwanted moisture to break through. You can use special rubberized tapes for some repairs.

• Fastener Repair and Replacement: $40-$60 per hour. Inspect, tighten and replace fasteners with sealant or new hardware if rust is evident. Leaks often occur in spots with missing or corroded fasteners. The cost of fastener repairs consists primarily of labor costs.

• New Panels and Components: $2-$15+ per square foot. Replace entire sections with extensive corrosion or weather-related damage. Once repair prices exceed 50% of installing new panels or a roof, opt to replace rather than repair. Panels run $2-3 per square foot for thinner gauge steel to $3-5 per square foot for higher grades of steel. Zinc alloys and copper materials are the most expensive of all, at $10-15 per square foot.

Metal Roof Leak Repair Costs

Repairing leaks in a metal roof costs $200 to $600 for most projects. You may pay up to double that if the cause of the issue isn't apparent or requires more time to fix. Early detection of roof leaks may cut down on repair costs.

Metal roofs may be more vulnerable to leaks along seams and where protrusions occur, like skylights and vents. Leaks sometimes develop in the valleys and along the ridges where different planes of the roof meet.

In addition, certain installation errors can also lead to roof leaks, such as:

• Leaving off required sealants at roof penetrations and joints

• Failure to install tape sealant under screw heads

• Failure to add an extra sealant strip at the eave connections and where panels meet

• Incorrectly applying or failing to apply required sealants along longitudinal seams

• Lack of caulking between any extra trim and the underside of panels

Splits, Cracks and Gaps

Repairing splits, cracks and gaps costs $100 to $1,000. The process involves cleaning and applying a metal adhesive with a fiber or rubberized membrane. You can repair more minor cracks and splits with special rubberized tapes.

Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion repair services cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000 or more. Material costs make up 50% or more of this type of repair. You'll sometimes find pitting on older metal roofs, which is the start of surface corrosion. Your pro will sand and scrape the affected area before applying a rust-inhibiting primer coat. They’ll follow that with a final coat of sealant. Remove and replace severely corroded panels.

Storm Damage

Homeowner’s insurance covers most functional damage caused by hail, high winds or other severe weather. However, in most policies won’t cover cosmetic damage, or the insurer only pays a percentage of the total replacement cost—usually 50% or less. Metal roofs are typically considered the most storm and hail-resistant material for your home. However, it is still possible for large hail to distort interlocking seams or flashings.

Metal Roof Maintenance Costs

Although high-quality metal roofs outlast most other types, they still require periodic inspections and maintenance. Maintenance includes cleaning, removing debris and trimming trees back from the roof.

• Pressure washing your roof costs $30-$50 per hour. It generally includes a complete cleaning and sometimes an inspection for sealant issues, corrosion and leaks. Regular pressure washing maintains its appearance.

• Tree trimming services cost $200-$760 on average. Ensure that trees and bushes aren’t rubbing against the roof's surface. Tree and shrub growth can initiate a cycle of constant friction that may compromise coatings or damage panels.

Annual Inspection Fees for Metal Roofs

Annual metal roof inspections cost $100 to $400. Schedule an inspection every 1 to 3 years, after a severe storm or if you notice any signs of water damage.

Certified roof inspectors look for evidence of:

• Cracks, holes and other damage

• Deteriorating gaskets

• Movement/stress of panels

• Ice and snow damage

• Storm damage

• Compromised surface coatings

• Debris clogging drains and gutters

Metal Roof Advantages

Metal offers multiple advantages with the higher price tag, including durability, lifespan and environmental friendliness.

• Durable: The highest-quality metal roof systems offer decades of durability—some copper roofs date back to the 19th century. They offer much of the longevity of tile and slate roofs, but often at a lower cost.

• Lightweight: Compared to many residential roof alternatives, metal roofs are much lighter. Steel panels may weigh as little as 1/20 of the weight of tile or slate.

• Reduces HVAC Costs: Some installations reduce your heating and cooling costs by 7% to 15% throughout the year.

• Wind-Resistant: Interlocking metal roof panels are more resistant to high winds than traditional asphalt shingles and cedar shakes.

• Stylish: From steel to copper, modern metal fabrication methods mimic the look of almost any other type of roof system. You’ll find any type of metal to match your aesthetic and budget, including aluminum, zinc alloy (weathering steel) and stainless steel.

• Fire Resistant: It’s one of the most fire-resistant materials you can put on your home, so much so that some insurance companies offer discounts.

• Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofs are also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Metal roofs can be made from recycled materials and at the end of their useful life, can be recycled again.

Full Metal Roof Replacement

A full metal roof replacement costs $5,000 to $45,000, depending on the size, style and material you choose. That’s $7 to $20 per square foot. You'll want to consider a complete replacement when it nears the end of its life or when repair prices exceed 50% of a new roof. A standing seam metal roof costs more than many other types, but it’s more durable and easier to repair.

DIY vs. Hiring a Metal Roof Repair Professional

When it comes to roofs, it’s always a good idea to consult a roofing contractor or local metal roof repair professional. Some repairs are hard to diagnose, and others may look simple but require specialized knowledge, experience and tools. At the least, hire a roof inspector near you to help you fully diagnose the problem.

FAQs

How much does it cost to repair a metal roof?

Metal roof repair costs $1,500 on average.

How much does it cost to put a metal roof on a 2,000 sq. ft. house?

It’ll cost $14,000 to $40,000 to put a metal roof on a 2,000-square-foot home, depending on the materials and the size of your roof. A flat roof on a 2,000-square-foot home uses far fewer materials than a steeply pitched roof.

How much should roof repair cost?

Roof repairs range from $100 to $3,000. The price ranges due to several factors, including:

• Extent of damage: A small hole will cost less than a significant section

• Type of repairs: Replacing panels costs more than simply seam sealing

• Type of metal: Copper and weathering steel cost far more than coated steel or aluminum

• Type of roof: Pitched roofs cost more than flat roofs

• Size of the repairs: The larger the area, the more your roofing project costs

Can a metal roof be repaired?

You can repair most metal roofs, either with sealants, tapes, or replacing small sections.