Corrugated roof costs, pros & cons, and alternatives
Corrugated roof costs, pros & cons, and alternatives
$5 – $12 cost per square foot installed
$6,000 – $22,000 average total cost to install
Corrugated metal roof cost
Corrugated roofing costs $5 to $12 per square foot installed or $6,000 to $22,000 on average. Corrugated metal roofing prices are $1 to $5 per square foot for materials alone. The labor cost to install corrugated metal roofing sheets or panels is $4 to $7 per square foot.
| Roof size (square feet) | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,500 | $7,500 – $18,000 |
| 2,000 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,500 | $12,500 – $30,000 |
| 3,000 | $15,000 – $36,000 |
| 3,500 | $17,500 – $42,000 |
Average cost to install corrugated metal roofing
The following table shows the average cost to install corrugated metal roofing.
| National average cost | $14,500 |
| Minimum cost | $5,000 |
| Maximum cost | $42,000 |
| Average range | $6,000 to $22,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Corrugated metal prices per square foot, sheet, or panel
Corrugated roof prices are $5 to $30 per square foot installed or $1 to $20 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the metal. Corrugated metal sheets come in 8-, 10-, and 12-foot sheets that are 24 to 39 inches wide. When installed, each piece overlaps by several inches.
| Type | Material price per square foot | Installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Steel / Iron (CGI) | $1 – $5 | $5 – $12 |
| Galvalume | $1 – $3 | $5 – $10 |
| Tin | $3 – $11 | $6 – $18 |
| Copper | $9 – $20 | $13 – $30 |
| Aluminum | $3 – $6 | $7 – $13 |
| Zinc | $5– $10 | $10 – $20 |
Roofing contractors charge by the square for roof installation or replacement. One square covers 100 square feet.
Most light gauge metals can be corrugated or folded to add grooves and ridges for improved strength. Galvanized steel or a less expensive alternative called Galvalume are the most popular. Other common types of corrugated metal roofing include aluminum, copper, and zinc.
A copper roof costs $13 to $30 per square foot installed.
A zinc roof costs $10 to $20 per square foot installed.
A tin roof costs $6 to $18 per square foot installed.
Cost of corrugated metal sheets or panels by gauge
Galvanized corrugated metal sheets cost $1 to $5 per square foot for materials, depending on the gauge and finish. Residential roofing projects use 22-, 24-, or 26-gauge panels with a coated finish. Unpainted 29-gauge panels are used on outbuildings and barns but are not recommended for homes.
| Gauge | Price per square foot* | Paint finishes |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | $3.50 – $5.00 | PVDF / Kynar 500® Specialty paint print |
| 24 | $2.00 – $3.50 | PVDF / Kynar 500® Specialty paint print |
| 26 | $1.00 – $2.50 | SMP |
| 29 | $1.00 – $1.50 | SMP Unfinished |
*Not including installation.
Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) coated panels typically come in a thinner 26-gauge.
High-Performance Fluoropolymer (PVDF), also called Kynar 500® painted panels, are thicker 22-gauge or 24-gauge and provide a better warranty and fading properties than SMP.
Specialty paint prints are custom painted to look old and weathered. The finish mimics the natural patina of higher-end copper, tin, and zinc and is added to thicker 22- or 24-gauge panels.
Corrugated metal roof cost vs. standing seam
A standing seam metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot installed, depending on the material. The sleek panels have concealed fasteners that look better but are more difficult and costly to install. The fasteners are protected from the elements, reducing maintenance costs and extending the roof's lifespan.
Labor cost to install corrugated metal roofing
Labor to install corrugating metal roofing costs $4 to $7 per square foot. Labor rates increase with higher and steeper roofs, complex installations, and seasonal demand. Removing an old roof adds $1 to $3 per square foot in labor costs.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old roof removal | $1 – $3 |
| Corrugated metal materials | $1 – $5 |
| Installation labor | $4 – $7 |
| Total cost to replace | $6 – $15 |
The following factors also affect the total cost:
Materials – Galvanized steel or aluminum roofs have similar costs. Stainless steel corrugated panels are a more expensive option.
Metal gauge – The gauge measures metal thickness; the lower the gauge, the thicker and more expensive the metal. A 24-gauge sheet is more durable but costs more than a 26-gauge sheet.
Panel width – Wider panels reduce labor and material costs since they are faster to install and require fewer attachment clips.
Metal finish – Panels painted with cheap polyester or mid-grade SMP paints are less costly than panels painted with high-end factory PVDF paint, commonly known as Kynar 500®.
Metal design:
Corrugated panels are waved, U-shaped panels with alternating ridges and grooves.
Ribbed or R-panels have a similar cost with ridges of different heights.
5V-crimp panels cost the most and resemble a high-end standing seam roof but with exposed fasteners.
Structure styles:
Flat and smooth panels show the most oil-canning, the visible distortion in rolled metal.
Structured (striated or ribbed) panels hide imperfections and oil canning by deflecting light.
Embossed panels have an orange-peel texture to hide dirt and blemishes better than smooth panels.
Coating – Metal roof coating costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the metal and the sealant used.
Painting – Metal roof painting costs$1.20 to $2.70 per square foot.
Underlayment – Roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot for felt or synthetic materials. Roof replacement estimates typically include new underlayment.
Roof repairs – Minor metal roof repairs cost $150 to $400 to patch small leaks or flashing. More extensive structural damage may require replacing the decking or trusses.
Decking/sheathing – Roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot and provides a foundation layer of plywood beneath the corrugated metal sheets.
Truss replacement – Replacing roof trusses costs $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on the roof weight and condition.
Roof penetrations/vents – Ridge vent installation costs $7 to $15 per linear foot, allowing warm, damp air to leave the attic.
Soffits and fascia – Fascia replacement costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, and soffit replacement costs $4 to $22 per linear foot, depending on the material.
Geographic location – Labor rates are higher in major metropolitan areas.
Warranty – Most metal roofing warranties cover the paint finish. A weathertightness warranty insures against leaking or water damage but must be purchased separately.
Permits – Most roofing estimates include $150 to $500 to cover the cost of roof permits.
Inspection – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400.
Pros and cons of corrugated metal roofing
Corrugated metal roofing is a low-cost, durable, and energy-efficient roofing option. The lightweight panels are used primarily for commercial or agricultural buildings and have thousands of exposed attachment points, requiring frequent maintenance to prevent leaks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Frequently asked questions
What is a corrugated metal roof?
A corrugated metal roof is made with metal sheets roll-formed into panels with grooves and ridges to improve the strength of light gauge metals like aluminum, copper, and steel. A corrugated roof can be coated or painted to improve its appearance and extend its life.
How thick and wide is corrugated metal roofing?
Corrugated metal roofing comes in 8 ft and 12 ft long panels in a standard 26-inch width. Panel thickness is measured in gauges. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. Roofers use 24- or 26-gauge sheets for residential homes, which last longer than cheaper, thinner 29-gauge sheets.
How long does corrugated roofing last?
Corrugated roofing lasts 30 to 45 years on average, depending on the material, installation, and maintenance. A thicker gauged galvanized metal coated with a high percentage of zinc can last 50 to 70 years. Maintaining clear gutters prevents ponding water and extends the roof's life.
Does corrugated metal roofing rust?
Corrugated steel roofing rusts unless it has a protective coating of zinc or a zinc and aluminum mixture. A corrugated aluminum roof is naturally immune to rust and suitable for coastal areas.
What is the minimum pitch for a corrugated metal roof?
The minimum pitch requirement for a corrugated metal is 3:12, providing the roof has exposed fasteners and seams without sealant. Lapped seams with sealant can go lower to ½:12, and standing seam metal roofs can go as low as ¼:12.
Finding and hiring a metal roof installer
When hiring a metal roof installer near you, be sure to:
Look for a roofing contractor with corrugated metal roof installation experience.
Check their credentials to confirm they have a state contractor license and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for more than five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates with similar materials to compare.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask roofers
What experience do you have with corrugated metal roofs?
How many metal roofs have you installed in the last year?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What metal and gauge do you recommend and why?
What kind of maintenance does a corrugated metal roof require?
How long will the installation take?
Will the installation require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?
Do you offer a guarantee of your work, and what does it include?