How much does a metal roof cost?
How much does a metal roof cost?
$5 – $16 cost per square foot installed
$7,500 – $40,000 average total cost (1,500 – 2,500 SF)
Metal roof cost
A metal roof costs $5 to $16 per square foot installed or $7,500 to $40,000 on average. Metal roofing prices are $3 to $20 per square for materials, depending on the type and gauge. The labor cost to install a metal roof is $4 to $8 per square foot.
| Roof size (square foot) | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $5,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 | $7,500 – $24,000 |
| 2,000 | $10,000 – $32,000 |
| 2,500 | $12,500 – $40,000 |
| 3,000 | $15,000 – $48,000 |
| 3,500 | $17,500 – $56,000 |
Corrugated sheet metal roofing costs $5 to $12 per square foot installed.
A standing seam metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot installed.
A tin roof costs $6 to $18 per square foot installed.
Installing a steel roof costs $5 to $13 per square foot for galvanized or galvalume metal.
Average metal roof cost calculator
The following table shows the average cost to install a metal roof.
| National average cost | $23,800 |
| Minimum cost | $5,000 |
| Maximum cost | $56,000 |
| Average range | $7,500 to $40,000 |
Metal roofing prices per square foot, sheet, or panel
Metal roofing prices are $5 to $16 per square foot installed on average, depending on the type. Corrugated or sheet metal roofing falls at the low end of the price range but typically requires more maintenance and wears faster than standing seam panels or metal shingles.
| Roof type | Average material cost per square foot | Average installed cost per square foot | Average installed cost per square |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated / standard sheet metal | $1 – $5 | $5 – $12 | $500 – $1,200 |
| Standing seam | $4 – $8 | $9 – $16 | $900 – $1,600 |
| Metal shingles | $3 – $6 | $6 – $14 | $600 – $1,400 |
Most contractors charge by the square for roof installation. One square is equal to 100 square feet of roofing area.
Corrugated sheet metal roofing cost
Sheet metal or corrugated roofing costs $5 to $12 per square foot installed, making it one of the most cost-effective metal roofs. Corrugated roofing panels come in wavy, ribbed, or 5-V crimp styles and install easier than standing seam but require more maintenance due to the exposed fasteners.
Standing-seam metal roof
A standing seam metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot or $13,500 to $40,000 installed on average. Premium metals like copper and zinc increase the price to $11 to $32 per square foot. Standing seam roofing panels overlap, hiding seams and penetrations and creating a more watertight surface.
Metal shingle roof cost
A metal shingle roof costs $6 to $14 per square foot or 9,000 to $35,000 on average for labor and materials. Metal roof shingles are interlocking metal panels with a traditional shingle appearance. Steel and aluminum are the most popular. Other metal options include copper, tin, and zinc.
Labor cost to install a metal roof
The labor cost to install a metal roof is $400 to $800 per square (100 SF)on average. The roof size and type, job complexity, and local labor rates impact the labor cost. Standing seam metal roofs typically require more time and expertise than corrugated sheet metal roofing.
Metal roofing material prices
Metal roofing materials prices are $100 to $2,000 per square, depending on the type. Galvalume and galvanized steel are the most budget-friendly materials. Copper, zinc, and stainless steel fall at the high end of the price range but are more durable and typically last longer.
| Material | Material price per square | Total cost installed per square | Average total cost installed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $300 – $900 | $700 – $1,700 | $10,500 – $42,500 |
| Copper | $900 – $2,000 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $19,500 – $75,000 |
| Galvalume metal | $100 – $450 | $500 – $1,300 | $7,500 – $32,500 |
| Galvanized steel | $100 – $500 | $500 – $1,300 | $7,500 – $32,500 |
| Metal slate | $300 – $500 | $600 – $1,400 | $9,000 – $35,000 |
| Rusted (Corten) | $200 – $300 | $600 – $1,100 | $9,000 – $27,500 |
| Stainless steel | $550 – $1,300 | $1,000 – $2,100 | $15,000 – $52,500 |
| Stone-coated steel | $350 – $600 | $700 – $1,300 | $10,500 – $32,500 |
| Tin (Terne) | $300 – $1,100 | $600 – $1,800 | $9,000 – $45,000 |
| Zinc | $500 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $15,000 – $50,000 |
*Based on an average roof size of 1,500 to 2,500 SF. One roofing square equals 100 SF.
Tin roof cost
A tin roof costs $300 to $1,100 per square for materials or $600 to $1,800 per square installed on average. Roofing tin is several metals combined, the most common being terne—steel coated with tin and zinc. Tin roofs are lightweight, heat and weather resistant, and suitable for low-pitched roofs.
Steel roof prices
A steel roof costs $100 to $1,300 per square for the materials alone, depending on the type. Stainless steel costs more than galvanized steel but is more durable and long-lasting. Corten or weathering steel offers a rustic look, developing a dark brown, protective patina within a few months.
| Steel roof type | Price per square* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | $550 – $1,300 |
|
| Galvanized steel | $100 – $500 |
|
| Corten steel / weathering steel / rusted metal | $200 – $300 |
|
*Material price only. Not including installation.
Corten steel is not suitable for tropical or coastal regions. It requires alternating cycles of moist and dry air to form its protective rust layer.
Metal gauge and roofing style also impact steel roofing costs. Steel standing seam panels and steel shingles cost more than corrugated steel panels.
Aluminum roofing cost
Aluminum roofing costs $300 to $900 per square for materials alone or $700 to $1,700 per square installed. Aluminum roofs come in shingles or panels and are among the most recommended roofing materials in coastal regions due to their superior corrosion resistance.
Galvalume metal roofing prices
Galvalume metal roofing prices are $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot for the material, depending on the roofing type. Galvalume—steel coated with aluminum, zinc, and silicon mixture—is among the most popular roofing materials in non-coastal areas because it resists corrosion better than galvanized roofing.
Installing a galvalume standing seam roof costs $800 to $1,300 per square on average.
A galvalume corrugated roof costs $500 to $1,000 per square installed.
Copper roofing
Copper roofing costs $900 to $2,000 per square excluding labor or $1,300 to $3,000 per square installed. Copper roofs require little maintenance and may reduce insurance premiums in fire-prone regions. Copper develops a bluish-green patina naturally over time or may be artificially aged for a faster patina look.
Zinc roof cost
A zinc roof costs $1,000 to $2,000 per square to install or $15,000 to $50,000 for an average home. Zinc roofs last 80 to 100 years, withstand harsh environments, and provide a high return on investment. Zinc is a non-corrosive metal with self-healing properties.
Metal slate roof cost
A metal slate roof costs $300 to $500 per square on average for the material alone or $600 to $1,400 per square installed. Metal slate shingles provide a natural slate roof appearance using a cheaper, lighter-weight material, typically steel.
Stone-coated steel roofing cost
A stone-coated steel roof costs $350 to $600 per square for materials or $700 to $1,300 per square with installation. Stone-coated steel roofing combines steel's strength and durability with the look of traditional roofing materials. Style options include asphalt shingles, wood shake, and clay tile.
Cost factors to install or replace a new metal roof
| Factor | Average cost per square (100 SF) |
|---|---|
| Metal roofing materials | $100 – $800 |
| Installation labor | $400 – $800 |
| Old roof removal | $100 – $300 |
| Roofing underlayment material | $10 – $90 |
| Roof decking / sheathing | $200 – $500 |
Factors affecting the cost of metal roof replacement include:
Remove existing roofing – Removing an existing roof costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Installing the new roof over the existing on saves time, labor, and disposal fees but may add too much weight or make underlying damage unrepairable.
Roof pitch / roof slope – Steeply-sloped roofs with pitches greater than 6:12 require more labor, equipment, and safety measures.
Complexity – Roofs with multiple corners, peaks, valleys, and penetrations require more materials and take longer.
Metal gauge – Extreme-weather-prone areas require thicker gauge metal, which costs more.
Exposed vs. hidden fasteners – Standing seam roofing with concealed fasteners costs more than corrugated roofing with exposed fasteners. Concealed fastener systems last longer since they are not exposed to the elements.
Colored metal roofing prices – Popular metal roofing colors are brown, gray, red, and natural metals like copper and zinc. Custom colors requiring special manufacturing increase the per square foot cost.
Waste – Roofing contractors typically add 10% to 15% to the material cost to account for the waste on complex roofing systems.
Labor – Roofing contractors charge $400 to $800 per square on average to install a metal roof.
Underlayment – Metal roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.90 per square foot for synthetic material and is typically included in a roof replacement estimate.
Rafters – Rafter replacement costs $7 to $30 per square foot, depending on the rafter size and spacing.
Roof decking / plywood – Replacing the roof deck costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Roof venting – Installing roof ventilation costs $200 to $700 per vent.
Coating – Coating a metal roof costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the rust level, accessibility, and needed repairs.
Painting – Metal roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot on average.
Soffits and fascia – Repairing soffits and fascia costs $500 to $2,600.
Geographic location – Labor rates are typically higher in major cities with a higher cost of living.
Permits – Roofing permits cost $150 to $500. Most roofing estimates include the permit fees.
Inspection – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400 to assess problems before a roof replacement.
Metal roofing prices by gauge
Metal roofing prices are $1 to $8 per square foot for materials, depending on the gauge. The metal’s thickness increases as the gauge number decreases. Thicker gauge metal is more durable but also more costly and challenging to install. Most residential roofing is 24- or 26-gauge metal.
| Gauge | Price per square foot* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | $1.00 – $3.00 | Small barns or sheds in mild climates |
| 26 | $1.50 – $5.00 | Residential roofs in mild to moderate climates |
| 24 | $3.00 – $7.00 | Residential and commercial roofs in severe-weather-prone climates |
| 22 | $4.00 – $8.00 | Commercial or high-end residential applications |
*Not including installation.
Exposed vs. hidden fastener metal roofing prices
| Style | Price per square | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed fasteners | $500 – $1,200 | Corrugated / sheet metal roofing |
| Concealed fasteners | $900 – $1,600 | Standing seam roofing |
Hidden fastener metal roofing costs $900 to $1,600 per square installed. Hidden fasteners are concealed under the panels, creating a more watertight surface that lasts longer and requires less upkeep than exposed fastener roofing.
Exposed fastener roofs cost $500 to $1,200 per square and have visible screws, clips, or bolts attaching the panels. Exposed fastener roofing systems wear faster due to the roof penetrations’ exposure to the elements.
Other residential metal roofing cost estimator
Residential metal roofing costs depend on the project size, metal type and gauge, and roofing type. Metal roofing is often used for sheds, barns, garages, and mobile homes. Smaller roofs typically cost more per square foot for professional installation because most contractors require a minimum project fee.
Metal roof for mobile home cost
A metal mobile home roof costs $2,500 to $19,200 for a single-wide or $5,000 to $32,000 for a double-wide home. Aluminum is a popular material for mobile homes. A metal roof's high wind rating creates a safer structure than a shingled roof to weather severe storms.
Alternative mobile home roofing options include:
A TPO roof costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed and is popular for flat mobile home roofs.
Mobile home rubber roofing costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed.
An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed.
Most mobile homes last 30 to 50 years. Consider the home’s remaining lifespan before investing in longer-lasting but more expensive roof materials.
Metal roof for shed or barn cost
The cost to install metal roofing on a shed or barn depends on the building size. A metal roof for a small, 10’ x 12’ shed costs $600 to $1,900 installed on average, while metal roofing for a 40’ x 30’ pole barn or garage costs $6,000 to $19,200 to install.
The material and roof type also impact the cost. Galvanized or galvalume corrugated roofing panels are popular and budget-friendly for shed roofs.
DIY metal roof cost
A DIY metal roof costs $1 to $8 per square foot on average for materials versus $5 to $16 per square foot for materials and professional installation. Most metal roofs require professional expertise. Corrugated roofing panels are the most DIY-friendly but installing any metal roof DIY may void its warranty.
Metal roofing FAQs
How long does a metal roof last?
A metal roof lasts 30 to 80+ years when installed correctly and well maintained. Location and the roof and metal type impact its longevity. Metal roofs in high-humidity climates typically last 30 to 50 years for corrugated metal or longer for standing seam.
Is a metal roof worth the cost?
Metal roofs are worth the cost for homeowners seeking long-term savings and a high return on investment (ROI). A metal roof lasts 2 to 3 times longer than asphalt shingles, boosts home value, improves energy efficiency, reduces heating and cooling costs, and requires minimal maintenance.
Homes in heavy snow, high wind, and fire-prone areas see the highest ROI for metal roof installation.
How long does it take to install a metal roof?
Installing a metal roof takes 2 to 5 days on average. The roof and crew size, metal roof type, and weather impact the installation time. Damage or structural issues discovered during the installation may also delay the timeline.
What are the pros and cons of a metal roof?
A metal roof is a significant investment up front but has more benefits than disadvantages. Metal roofs are excellent insulators, reducing energy costs and potentially reducing insurance premiums. While metal roofs are not hurricane-proof, their durability and strength provide ideal weather and fire protection.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Metal roofs are not noisy when installed and insulated correctly.
A metal roof does not affect Wi-Fi because the signal typically comes from a router within the home.
A metal roof should not affect cell phone service; most cell phone issues stem from weak tower signals.
How much does a metal roof cost in Florida?
A metal roof costs $7,100 to $38,000 on average in Florida. Standing seam metal roofs fall at the high end of the range but are the most durable and long-lasting. Corrugated roofs cost the least but wear more quickly and require more maintenance. Aluminum is the best material for coastal areas.
Is a metal roof cheaper than asphalt shingles?
A metal roof costs more up front than asphalt shingles, but the cost of a metal roof vs. shingles is cheaper over the long term due to metal’s longer lifespan.
| Roof type | Cost installed | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | $7,500 – $40,000 | 30 – 80+ years |
| Asphalt | $5,700 – $12,000 | 15 – 30 years |
What are metal roofs made of?
Most residential metal roofs are made of aluminum, Gavlalume®, steel, or copper. Some metal roofs are zinc or tin, but these metals are not as common today in the U.S.
Getting estimates from metal roof installers
Before hiring a roofing contractor to install your metal seam roof, be sure to:
Know your approximate roof square footage to confirm the estimate details are accurate.
Look for licensed contractors with experience in metal roof installation.
Select a contractor who is a member of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Ask for references going back at least five years.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose companies that are insured and bonded.
Get at least three itemized bids to compare.
Be cautious of round number quotes. Most honest estimates with accurate material and labor costs are not round numbers.
Avoid going with the lowest bid as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Never pay in full before the work begins. Use a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have installing metal roofs?
Are you certified by the roofing manufacturer?
Do you have before and after photos of past local roof installations?
Can you provide references?
What type of metal roof do you recommend for my home, and why?
Are the materials you plan to install manufactured by a Metal Roofing Alliance member manufacturer?
How long will the installation take?
How will you protect the yard and driveway during the installation?
Can you install the new metal roof over my existing shingles? If not, is removing the old roof included in the estimate?
What type of underlayment do you use? Is underlayment included in the estimate?
Do you need a permit to install the roof? If so, are the permit fees included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long should the roof last?
Do you offer a workmanship warranty backed by the manufacturer? If so, what does it include?
Is the warranty transferrable if I sell my house?
Will you register all the material warranties and provide proof of the registration?