While metal roofing seems costlier than asphalt shingles with its upfront expenses, it is a far better roofing option – especially considering its cost-to-value ratio in the long run. Not only is it long-lasting, but you could recoup up to 95% of the cost over time, depending on the type of metal roofing you choose. You should be prepared to spend between $8,190 and $21,552, with a national average of $14,871.
To figure out the exact cost, you must consider other factors that influence it, including the size of the roof and the metal roofing panels you’ll be using. Expect to pay a rate between $391 and $3,098 per square – with a square being a measurement of 100 square feet – which includes labor and materials.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Metal Roof Installation Costs
| National Average Cost | $14,871 |
| Typical Price Range | $8,190 – $21,552 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $4,692 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $108,430 |
The national average cost of $14,871 and the typical price range of $8,190 to $21,552 are not set in stone. Several variables can influence the total cost of your new metal roof. Some of these include the size of your roof and the cost of labor in your area. There’s also a difference between a new installation or a replacement – with the former involving a higher cost to remove your old roof shingles.
Those with small homes of around 1,000 square feet or less and who opt for thinner metals usually cost less. Remember, though, that while it can be as low as $4,692, there’s usually a tradeoff, which in this case, is the roof’s durability.
High-end installations can be costly, especially if the home has larger square footage, like 3,500 square feet or more. If you opt for premium metal materials, the cost could reach as high as $108,430.
Metal Roof Installation Cost by Size
The size of your roof is one of the biggest factors influencing your metal roofing cost. Doing the math in this particular category is not hard. Most metal roof installers charge their labor fees by the square foot, while some bill it by the hour. But regardless of your roofing contractor’s billing method, your roof size would still considerably affect the installation costs.
You can estimate the size of your roof based on your home’s square footage using the formula:
Your home’s square footage x 1.5 = approximate roof size
For example, if your house is 1,200 square feet, multiply that number by 1.5, and your approximate roof size would be 1,800 square feet or 18 squares (1 square = 100 square feet). Determining the metal roof cost is now a matter of multiplying it by the rate provided by the roofing company. So if their rate is $1,239 (average per-square cost), you need to multiply that by your roof size in squares. In the example above, multiplying the rate by 18 squares will result in an approximate total cost of $22,302.
| Home Square Footage | Approximate Roof Square Footage | Number of Squares | Average Overall Cost (based on $1,239 average per-square cost) |
| 1,000 | 1,500 | 15 | $18,585 |
| 1,500 | 2,250 | 23 | $28,497 |
| 2,000 | 3,000 | 30 | $37,170 |
| 2,500 | 3,750 | 38 | $47,082 |
| 3,000 | 4,500 | 45 | $55,755 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While the total amount per square you’ll have to pay for your metal roof installation heavily depends on the type of metal, other factors also can affect the overall cost. These roofing options include color, style, and additional services.
Metal Roofing Material
One of the crucial things that impact the cost of installation is the type of material you’ll be using for your metal roof. Each of these metals has its own set of benefits aside from the common properties inherent in every metal roof, such as durability and low maintenance.
| Type of Metal Roof | Typical Price Range (Materials only) | Typical Price Range (including labor) |
| Aluminum | $239 – $800 per square | $469 to $1,030 per square |
| Zinc | $594 – $1,033 per square | $824 to $1,263 per square |
| Copper | $1,235 – $2,340 per square | $1,465 to $2,570 per square |
| Steel | $355 – $820 per square | $585 to $1,050 per square |
| Tin | $367 – $1,383 per square | $597 to $1,613 per square |
| Stainless steel | $700 – $1,400 per square | $930 to $1,630 per square |
| Rusted metal | $900 – $1,500 per square | $1,130 to $1,730 per square |
Aluminum
Aluminum is not the most expensive of all types, but you can expect to pay around $469 to $1,030 per square. Despite its cost, some homeowners prefer to install this because it’s the most eco-friendly option. An aluminum roofing system is one of the most energy-efficient metals and is also made of recyclable materials. Due to its rust-proof and salt-resistant properties, this is a great option for homes located in coastal regions.
Zinc
Zinc is popular for its durability and strength. It can even heal itself from scratches as it naturally returns to its original shape over time, getting rid of blemishes in the process. Roofing contractors would usually charge you in the range of $824 to $1,263 per square for a zinc roof installation.
Copper
When it comes to metal roofing that can last for over a century, copper is your best option. In fact, its lifespan can reach up to 200 years if exposed to optimal conditions. Due to its natural coating, a copper roof doesn’t need to be repainted at all. Expect to pay between $1,465 to $2,570 per square for copper roof installation.
Steel
The most common type of metal roofing for both residential and commercial buildings, steel is one of the strongest compared to other metals. It’s one of the mid-priced roofing options available, usually falling between $585 to $1,050 per square. However, steel panels are susceptible to rust, so they require a protective coating to make them resist corrosion.
Tin
A true tin roof is hard to find these days, and it’s also very rare for a roofing company to carry this type of metal roof. Most of the time, when someone talks of a tin roof, they’re either referring to a steel or an aluminum roof. If you find a contractor that can install an actual tin roof, expect to pay $597 to $1,613 per square.
Stainless Steel
A premium alternative to steel with its rust-resistant property, stainless steel can last between 50 to 100 years. However, its durability, as well as its shiny, luxurious aesthetics, make it one of the more expensive options. But for homeowners who choose this metal, paying between $930 to $1,630 per square is no biggie since they find stainless steel roofing worth its cost.
Rusted Metal
With its worn appearance, rusted metal roofing is the perfect choice for property owners who want a rustic appeal for their homes. And while it has a layer of rust that offers protection, it’s still not a good fit for houses in coastal regions. It’s mostly available in panels, so if this is the style you want for your roofing system, expect to shell out $1,130 to $1,730 per square.
Roof Style
Flat panels are quite common when it comes to metal roofing. But this is not the only style to choose from. And while you can choose to go with designs such as standing steam or shingles, you need to consider that it could affect how much it can lessen or increase the cost.
Corrugated Metal
Expect the cost of corrugated metal panels to be between $215 and $640 per square, increasing to a range of $445 to $870 per square if you factor in the installation cost. You can easily identify a corrugated roof design by its repeating pattern of wavy S-shaped ridges and grooves. It also has better structural strength compared to flat panels.
While corrugated metal roofing is known to be one of the cheapest materials for metal roofing, it comes at a cost – it’s not as durable as the other metal roofing materials. Fluctuating temperatures can easily cause its panels to expand and contract. But its wave-like appearance and lightweight property allow for easy installation, even over an existing roof.
People living in areas that typically experience harsh weather conditions can rely on this type of metal roofing because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. For a roof with an affordable price point that is both eco-friendly and lasts up to 45 years, it’s no surprise why a lot of homeowners choose corrugated metal.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
If you choose standing seam, expect your standing seam roof cost to be $500 to $975 per square. The price could increase to around $730 to $1,205 per square if you include the labor costs. It’s a great choice if you’re concerned about waviness on your metal panels caused by expansion and contraction. It uses hidden fasteners to keep the panels together while giving them enough breathing room to expand and contract.
The seam panels are made of different types of metals and can be purchased as roof panels. You can easily identify them from others by the vertical, ribbed appearance, which helps conceal the fastening between panels. There are two options to fasten pieces in place, either with special metal caps or by snap-locking them together.
Standing seam metal roofs are very popular because they are easy to install and last more than 30 years. And apart from being fire-resistant, it’s also resistant to high winds, hail, and rain.
Steel Shingles
If you’re not a fan of flat panels, you also can go with metal shingles. Galvanized and galvalume are some of the options you can choose from. The cheaper of the two, galvalume, is aluminum-coated and costs around $336 to $580 per square, including installation. Galvanized, on the other hand, costs about $697 to $955 per square, including labor.
These shingles are applied with different coatings to emulate the look of other roofing types, such as asphalt shingles, slate, or even wood shakes. Galvanized and galvalume are some of the options you can choose from.
Stone-Coated Steel or Metal Slate Roofs
Metal slate roofs, or stone-coated steel roofs, have the aesthetics of the natural slate roof. Their advantage is that they don’t have two of the biggest flaws of natural slate, which are its heavy weight and brittleness. With this metal roof style, you won’t have to worry if your home’s existing structure can support the new roof. The roofing materials and labor usually cost around $730 – $1,430 per square.
Aside from achieving the same look and feel, you won’t have to deal with the higher cost of natural slate roofs since these steel roofs are easier to install. The drawback, though, is that it only lasts up to 30 years.
Other styles for metal roofing include R-panels, which are panels with raised ridges and flat spaces between them, and screw-down panels held in place by exposed fasteners. The latter is the cheapest of all the styles mentioned here because of its ease of installation.
Color
Metal roofing can be painted over with almost any color imaginable, which is one of its perks that traditional asphalt shingle roofs can’t beat. Expect to pay around $120 to $276 per square to cover the labor and material prices for painting. Aside from a selection of standard colors straight from the factory, you also can use custom colors.
You should consult your roofing contractor about the costs involved before deciding on a particular color. Keep in mind, though, that your color choice has an impact on the cost of metal roofing. It will depend on the following:
- Supply and demand
- Amount of pigment used
- Color application process
After choosing your metal roof color, you can opt for a high-quality Kynar 500 coating. While this increases the cost of the material, its benefit usually makes up for it since it protects the color from fading or chalking and also includes a 30-year warranty.
Coating
You can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $488 per square for your metal roof coating, including labor. A clear coat is your cheapest option, but it can wear out quickly as it protects your metal roof from the elements. If you want a longer-lasting coat with numerous color choices, you can choose to go with high-end metal roof types with a PVDF finish. The three subtypes of PVDF finish are:
- Standard PVDF: The colors in this group are the most common and the lowest priced. Since the colors require less pigment, manufacturing costs are also lower. Colors that fall under this group are beige, dark bronze, black, and white.
- Premium PVDF: This group has colors that are above the standard, offering aesthetics that make a statement. They require more pigments to produce dramatic colors, so they’re more expensive. Oranges, vibrant greens, and reds fall under this category.
- Metallic PVDF: The most expensive of the three, metallic PVDF gives your roof a more luxurious finish. Achieving the colors of coppers, bronzes, silvers, or champagnes requires a combination of large batches of pigments.
Labor
While metal roofing is lightweight and generally easy to install, it doesn’t mean the labor involved is always simple. Most roofing companies usually charge between $40 to $80 per hour for labor. If they charge by square foot instead, expect it to be between $230 to $580 per square ($2.30 to $5.80 per square foot). Note that this cost is on top of the material costs.
The number of hours required for labor can increase drastically based on the complexity of roof geometry. So if your roof has a steeper incline, you’re more likely to pay more for the labor. You also should consider the time of year when you’re planning to have your roof installed, as the cost during summertime is usually high because of the demands.
Roof Removal
Apart from the metal roof costs, you also have to consider the expenses for the roof removal. Typically, roofing contractors charge between $100 to $165 per square, which already includes the cost of disposing of the old roofing materials.
While you won’t have to bother about this if you’re building a new house, homeowners who are replacing their current roof need to be aware that roof replacement can significantly add to the cost. As with roof installation, the bigger the size of the roof, the higher the cost for removal.
Underlayment
Your metal roof may already be tough on its own, but you also need to install underlayment. You have two types to choose from – synthetic or felt. Synthetic can fall between $400 to $500 per square ($4 to $5 per square foot), whereas felt underlayment costs only between $100 to $300 per square ($1 to $3 per square foot). Apart from providing additional insulation, underlayment is also an effective preventive measure against leaks.
Felt has a lifetime of 15 to 20 years, while synthetic can last up to 40 years. Another main difference between the two is that felt is less sturdy against high temperatures compared to synthetic. While synthetic underlayment may seem to be the better choice overall, its drawback lies in the amount you have to pay.
Permits
Obtaining the necessary permits for a metal roof installation also can affect the overall costs. The fees usually cost between $255 and $500, but it can vary depending on your location, the specific requirements of your local building department, and the size and complexity of your roofing project. In general, obtaining building permits for a metal roof installation may involve paying fees to cover the cost of reviewing and approving the project plans, as well as any inspections that may be required.
Remember to obtain all necessary building permits before beginning a metal roof installation project, as failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties. This way, your home improvement project meets all local building codes and standards, which can ultimately ensure the safety and integrity of the metal roof.
If you are hiring a professional roofing contractor to install your metal roof, be sure to ask about the cost of obtaining permits and whether it is already included in their estimate. Some contractors may include the cost of obtaining permits in their overall price, while others may charge it as an additional fee.
Slope and Pitch
The rule of thumb is that the steeper your roof’s pitch or slope is, the more you’ll have to pay. Technically, a 3-inch rise per foot or higher means it’s harder for roof installers to work, taking more time, requiring more materials, and needing to use additional safety equipment.
On the other hand, if your roof is less than a 3-inch rise per foot, you won’t have to pay as much for the labor and material cost.
Roof Add-ons and Upgrades
Other factors that can negatively impact the labor cost are roof upgrades and add-ons like chimneys, flashings, and vents. Roofing contractors need to do extra work to ensure that such features have been sealed properly. Needless to say, dormer windows and skylights also require this additional work to prevent any leaks or water damage.
Related Services
Metal roof is indeed one of the easiest roofing types to maintain, but that doesn’t mean it’s a set-and-forget kind of thing. You will have to allocate additional money to maintain it because you want your new roof to last.
Roof Cleaning
While cleaning a metal roof is not as hard as other types, leaving it to professionals is still the best option since they have the equipment and the right cleaning solutions. The best tool for cleaning a metal roof is a pressure washer. But without the proper know-how, you might even end up damaging the paint. On average, homeowners usually have to pay $490 for a professional roof cleaning service.
Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is another important cost you must factor in, which you only need to do once a year. This helps professionals quickly identify any developing issues and allows you to rectify them as early as possible. Expect to pay as little as $100 to $450 for a professional inspection, depending on the size and type of roof.
Roof Repairs
No matter how durable your roof is, expect to have it repaired several times during its lifetime. That’s because this part of your house is constantly exposed to the elements. Repairs can become more frequent if you live in an area prone to harsh weather. The cost of roof repairs ranges from $348 to $1,186. But the amount you have to spend will depend on the severity of the damage and the type of roof you have, among other things.
Cost of Metal Roof Installation by Location
Depending on your location, the cost of a metal roof can vary considerably. Since the materials and labor will be more expensive in cities with a high cost of living, you should be ready to pay more for a roofing project in Los Angeles or New York.
On the other hand, metal roof installations in rural areas would typically be less expensive. Furthermore, roofing costs are generally more affordable in areas with warm climates and longer roofing seasons than in areas with harsh climates and shorter roofing seasons.
Still, it would be better to compare the free quotes you receive from reputable contractors in your area to get a more accurate number.
FAQ About Metal Roof Installation
Since metal roof installation is a fairly advanced DIY home improvement project, you need the right skills, experience, and crew to help you. And depending on the metal roofing materials used, the process can still get extremely complicated. You also risk voiding the warranty if you don’t install the roof in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications.
Working at heights, handling heavy materials, and using power tools all present potential risks, and it is important to follow all safety guidelines and precautions to minimize the risk of injury.
So if you are not comfortable with the risks involved, or if you have limited experience with roofing projects, it is recommended to hire a roofing contractor. A professional roofer will have the necessary tools, experience, and safety training to safely and effectively complete the project.
Water accumulation is the biggest problem with metal roofs. However, this can easily be avoided by choosing high-grade metals with a durable coating. High-quality installation is also important to minimize this issue from happening. If you end up choosing a metal roof type that is not impervious to rust, the accumulated water can end up causing your roof to rust.
No. Metal roofs are not loud in the rain unless it’s the only thing you have in your roofing system. The roof deck, underlayment, and insulation can all dampen the sound when rain hits the metal roof.
Instead of absorbing light and heat, metal roofs reflect them because of their low thermal mass. As such, it can keep your home warmer during winter and cooler in summer. You can even increase its energy efficiency by painting your metal roof white to make it more reflective.
Hire a Roofing Contractor Near You
Installing a metal roofing system is expensive – at an average cost of $14,871. Still, even if you end up paying between $8,190 and $21,552, you actually get its worth in the long run. And who wouldn’t want to have a roofing system that lasts for years?
Durability, low maintenance, increased resale value, and eco-friendliness are just some of the major benefits of metal roofs. Even if your priority is aesthetics, this type of roofing will not disappoint you since you can have almost any style you want – mimicking even wood shakes.
Are you ready to get this home project rolling? RoofGnome connects you with the best roofing contractors near you.
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