How much does metal roof repair cost?
How much does metal roof repair cost?
$5 – $15 cost per square foot
$300 – $1,500 average total cost to repair
Metal roof repair cost
Metal roof repair costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $300 to $1,500 on average. The cost to replace screws in a metal roof is $150 to $1,000, while resealing metal roof seams costs $250 to $1,100. Repairing a leak in a residential metal roof costs $200 to $1,000.
| National average cost | $900 |
| Minimum cost | $100 |
| Maximum cost | $7,400 |
| Average range | $300 to $1,500 |
Cost to repair a metal roof by problem
Minor metal roof repairs cost $150 to $600 for items like sealing a panel gap or patching a small hole. Moderate to major repairs cost $600 to $3,500 to fix large areas of damage, recoat the entire roof, or replace multiple panels.
| Repair | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Replace screws / fasteners | $150 – $1,000 |
| Leak repair | $200 – $1,000 |
| Recoating or PVC membrane | $750 – $10,000 |
| Resealing loose seams | $250 – $1,100 |
| Replacement panels (metal-over-metal roof overlay) | $3 – $14 per square foot |
| Full replacement | $5 – $16 per square foot |
Cost to replace metal roof screws
The cost of replacing metal roof screws or fasteners is $150 to $1,000, depending on the number of screws. Thermal expansion and contraction cause the fasteners to loosen or back out over time, reducing the roof's resistance to wind and moisture.
Resealing metal roof seams
Resealing metal roof seams costs $250 to $1,100, depending on the number of seams repaired. Most roofers use a silicone caulk gun or tape to seal against moisture and leaks. The silicone adheres to metal and allows expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
Non-curing caulk is used to seal cracks, gaps, and joints between panel seams and metal laps.
A tape sealer made of butyl is used anywhere there is a metal-to-metal connection that is not fastened off to compress the two pieces of metal together.
A combination of tape and caulking is used around roof penetrations like chimneys, vents, or pipe boots.
Cost to replace metal roof panels and sections
Replacing metal roof panels costs $3 to $14 per square foot on average. More expensive metals like copper cost up to $30 per square foot to replace.
Metal-over-metal retrofits installed directly over the damaged roof save on labor costs and provide a secondary layer of protection.
If the metal has deteriorated or the structure can’t support another roof layer, the old roofing must be removed and replaced.
| Material | Total repair cost per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $7 – $17 |
| Copper | $13 – $30 |
| Corrugated metal | $5 – $12 |
| Galvalume metal | $5 – $13 |
| Galvanized steel | $5 – $13 |
| Metal slate | $6 – $14 |
| Rusted (Corten) | $6 – $11 |
| Stainless steel | $10 – $21 |
| Stone-coated steel | $7 – $13 |
| Tin (Terne) | $6 – $18 |
| Zinc | $10 – $20 |
*Including labor and materials.
Metal roof coating prices
Metal roof coating or sealing costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot and provides a secondary barrier against moisture and UV damage. Most roofers prefer silicone sealants, which adhere to metal and allow thermal movement. Sealants last from 10 to 20 years with proper installation and adequate cure time.
A PVC membrane costs $4 to $10 per square foot to cover flat roofs. The membrane is watertight, withstands ponding, resists mold, and reflects heat. A PVC membrane lasts 25 years when properly installed.
Metal roof painting
Metal roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot to clean, seal or prime, and paint the metal. Painting a metal roof improves the roof's appearance, energy efficiency, and lifespan.
Oil canning metal roof repairs
Oil canning is a visible distortion or buckling seen in the flat surface of the metal panel between the standing seams. Oil canning occurs in all types of metal and is an aesthetic problem that doesn't require repairs. To prevent oil canning, hire an expert installer and:
Select a thicker gauge metal.
Use a striated or ribbed panel to deflect light and hide imperfections.
Ensure level roof decking before installation.
Properly store materials out of the elements before installation.
Allow for thermal movement of the fasteners.
Metal roof leak repair cost
Metal roof leak repairs cost $200 to $1,000 on average. Leaks from rust or corrosion cost up to $3,000 to repair. Most leaks result from poor installation, occurring along the seams, fasteners, or roof protrusions. Repair costs increase when the leak source is difficult to find.
Price to repair metal roof gaps, cracks, and holes
Repairing gaps, cracks, and holes in a metal roof costs $200 to $900. Minor cracks and holes are fixed with epoxy sealant, rubberized tape, or a repair patch. Major gaps require removing and replacing the membrane and roof panels to ensure leak protection.
Metal roof rust and corrosion repair costs
Metal roof rust and corrosion repairs cost $300 to $3,000 on average. Metal roofing panels are coated to resist rust, but small areas of rust eventually leak. Minor repairs include sanding off the rust, priming, and painting the surface. Severely rusted panels must be removed and replaced.
Storm damage repair costs on metal roofs
Homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage repair costs. Metal roofs are hail-resistant, suffering only cosmetic damage in most cases. Deep hail dents may cause punctures and leaks, and extreme winds lead to loosen seams and fasteners.
Metal roof maintenance costs
Metal roof maintenance costs $75 to $1,200 per year or about 1% to 3% of the total cost of a new roof installation. Routine service plans help prevent potential problems, extend the roof's lifespan, and maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
| Service type | Cost | Frequency | Maintenance tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface maintenance | $75 – $400 | Every 12 – 18 months |
|
| Structural maintenance | $225 – $1,200 | Every 1 – 2 years |
|
Additional roof maintenance tasks include:
Roof cleaning costs $0.15 to $0.60per square foot.
Pressure washing costs $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot.
Professional tree trimming costs $250 to $500 per visit.
Annual roof inspection costs $100 to $400 per year.
Complete metal roof replacement
A complete metal roof replacement costs $5 to $16 per square foot or $7,500 to $40,000 for an average roof. A metal roof lasts 30 to 80 years and provides a return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 85%.
Finding and hiring a roof repair contractor
Before hiring a roofing contractor near you, follow these tips and ask the right questions.
Look for a roofing company in business for five years or more.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Schedule at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Confirm that the roofing contractor has experience repairing metal roofs.
Select a contractor who is a member of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Be wary of extremely low or high price quotes.
Beware of companies who recommend a full roof replacement when only repairs are needed.
Ask for a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty.
Avoid large upfront payments. Instead, negotiate a payment schedule.
Questions to ask roofers
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Are you NCRA-certified?
Can you provide references from past work?
Do your employees make repairs, or do you subcontract the work?
Do you offer a free estimate?
How long will the repair take?
How will you protect the gutters and landscaping while you make the repairs?
What will you do in the event of bad weather?
Do you haul off the debris, or do I need to rent a dumpster?
Will you obtain the necessary permits?
How long is the repair warranty, and what does it include?