How Much Does Metal Roof Repair Cost?
Typical Range:
$627 - $2,978
Typical Range:
$627 - $2,978
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,844 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
ā¢
ā¢
ā¢
ā¢
Updated September 2, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Metal roof repairs cost $1,740 on average. The national average ranges between $627 and $2,978. However, you may spend $6,900 or more. Above that price, youāll want to consider replacement. Roof repairs generally involve sealing holes and cracks. Although uncommon, youāll 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, youāll 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.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $1,740 |
Typical Range | $627 - $2,978 |
Low End - High End | $150 - $7,630 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,844 HomeAdvisor members.
Repairing a metal roof costs anywhere from $1 to $5 per square foot. Replacement quickly doubles that price. Square foot 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, youāll likely spend closer to the $5 per square foot price. For small patches and resealing, youāll end up on the lower end.
Re-coating the Panels: $1,500ā$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: $100ā$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: $40ā$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: $2ā$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 $2ā3 per square foot for thinner gauge steel to $3ā5 per square foot for higher steel grades. Zinc alloys and copper materials are the most expensive at $10ā15 per square foot.
Metal roof repairs vary in cost by the type of metal. Aluminum and tin are among the least expensive, with repairs starting at $6 per square foot, all in. Copper and steel are the most costly, with repairs costing as much as $20 per square foot, including labor.
Material | Cost Range per Sq. Ft. (All-In) | Average Price per Sq. Ft. (All-In) |
---|---|---|
Aluminum | $6 ā $16 | $11 |
Tin | $6 ā $16 | $11 |
Zinc | $7 ā $17 | $12 |
Steel | $9 ā $19 | $14 |
Copper | $12 ā $20 | $16 |
To repair an aluminum roof, expect to pay between $6 and $16 per square foot, with most repairs costing around $11 per square foot. Aluminum is a popular metal roofing option because it's affordable and represents a good balance between durability and cost.Ā
While it's very strong and corrosion-resistant, it's at risk of contracting and expanding in rapid or extreme temperature changes, which can lead to homeowners paying for crack, fastener, and leak repairs.
Like aluminum, tin roofs cost an average of $11 per square foot to repair, with homeowners typically paying between $6 and $16 per square foot. Tin roofs are popular because of their ready availability and affordability. However, tin does corrode, so you'll eventually need to have rusty sections patched or replaced. It's also worth noting that tin roofs are prone to denting from impact damage from storms, which can lead to damage that requires you to call a local metal roofing specialist to fix.
Zinc roof repair costs around $12 per square foot, ranging from $7 to $17 per square foot. Itās a popular mid-range roofing material because it's corrosion-resistant, long-lasting, and can essentially heal itself from minor scratches and dents, requiring minimal maintenance. However, like all metal, zinc can eventually corrode or suffer from cracks and leaks.
To repair a steel roof, expect to pay in the region of $14 per square foot, or somewhere between $9 and $19 per square foot. Steel roofs, including galvanized options, can last for decades with minimal maintenance. This type of metal roof is exceptionally strong and long-lasting. However, they do expand and contract, so they may develop loose fasteners or cracks and gaps that need repair.
At an average cost of $16 per square foot, and with most people paying between $12 and $20 per square foot, copper roof repair is the most costly. Copper is super-durable and has a unique look that changes over time, as the copper oxidizes and develops a unique patina with a blue-green hue.Ā
You can, however, have the roof cleaned and restored to bring back the original copper shine. Copper is durable and lasts for decades, but, like any metal roof, it can suffer from dents and loose fasteners.
Many issues require repair when it comes to metal roofs, and costs vary based on complexity and the size of the repair. Fixing a few loose fasteners can cost as little as $100, while extensive hailstorm damage can cost $4,000 to correct.
Issue | Cost Range (All-In) | Average Cost (All-In) |
---|---|---|
Splits, Cracks, and Gaps | $200 ā $1,000 | $600 |
Leak Repair | $400 ā $1,000 | $700 |
Buckling and Wrinkling | $500 ā $3,000 | $1,750 |
Rust and Corrosion | $500 ā $3,000 | $1,750 |
Storm Damage | $700 ā $4,000 | $2,350 |
Repairing splits, cracks, and gaps costs $200 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.
Repairing leaks in a metal roof costs $400 to $1,000 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
Buckling and wrinkling, also known as oil canning, costs between $500 and $3,000 to repair. Caused by stress, rapid temperature changes, or a loss of elasticity, stress wrinkling or elastic buckling can only effectively be repaired by replacing the affected metal sheets.
Rust and corrosion repair services cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 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. Theyāll follow that with a final coat of sealant. Remove and replace severely corroded panels.
Storm damage can cost anywhere from $700 to $4,000 to repair. Homeowners insurance covers most functional damage caused by hail, high winds, or other severe weather. However, most policies wonāt cover cosmetic damage, or the insurer only pays a percentage of the total replacement costāusually 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.
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 $30ā$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 $200ā$760 on average. Ensure that trees and bushes arenāt 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 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 offers multiple advantages with the higher price tag, including durability, lifespan, and environmental friendliness.
Durable: The highest-quality metal roof systems offer decades of durabilityāsome 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: Metal roofs are much lighter compared to many residential roof alternatives. 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. Youāll find any type of metal to match your aesthetic and budget, including aluminum, zinc alloy (weathering steel), and stainless steel.
Fire-Resistant: Itās 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.
A full metal roof replacement costs $5,000 to $45,000, depending on the size, style, and material you choose. Thatās $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 itās more durable and easier to repair.
When it comes to roofs, itās 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.
Itāll 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. Roofs with multiple angles, corners, and tight spots also cost more, as they require more material, cuts, fasteners, and flashing, all of which costs more in both materials and labor.
In most cases, you should call a professional to fix a hole in a metal roof. However, if you have the right tools and skills, and are comfortable working at height, here are the general steps you'd take to fix a small hole in a metal roof:
Clean and dry the area, including a 6-inch margin around the hole.
Scuff the metal to allow for good adhesion.
Measure and cut the repair patch at least 3 inches bigger than the hole you're repairing.Ā
Install the patch using an outdoor-rated urethane sealant, ensuring no gaps exist in the sealant.
Use sheet metal screws to secure the patch.
If necessary, paint the patch to match the rest of your roof.
No, if properly installed, metal roofs do not leak more than shingle roofs. In fact, because of metal roofs' nature, they shed snow and ice to prevent the buildup you commonly see on shingles that damage the structure and often cause leaks. Metal, unless corroded, is also waterproof, so water can't get inside and cause damage.
No, a properly structured metal roof is not loud in the rain. With a roof deck, underlayment, and insulation in place, a metal roof is silent when it's raining because its full roof structure reduces reverberation and noise. The more textured a sheet of metal roofing, the less noise it creates.