How much does a metal shingle roof cost?
How much does a metal shingle roof cost?
$6 – $14 cost per square foot installed
$9,000 – $35,000 average total cost to install (1,500 – 2,500 SF)
Metal shingle roof cost
Metal shingles cost $6 to $14 per square foot installed or $9,000 to $35,000 on average for a 1,500 to 2,500 SF roof. The cost to install metal roofing shingles depends on the roof size, metal type, gauge, and finish. Metal shingle prices are $300 to $3,000 per square for materials.
| Roof size (square foot) | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $14,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $21,000 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $28,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| 3,000 | $18,000 – $42,000 |
| 3,500 | $21,000 – $49,000 |
Average cost to install metal roofing shingles
The following table shows the average cost of metal shingle roof installation:
| National average cost | $19,200 |
| Minimum cost | $6,000 |
| Maximum cost | $49,000 |
| Average range | $9,000 to $35,000 |
Metal shingles prices by type
Metal shingle prices range from $300 to $3,000 per square, depending on the material, gauge, and finish. Steel roof shingles are the most common and budget-friendly option, with copper and zinc falling at the high end of the price range.
| Type | Material cost per square | Total cost installed per square |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $300 – $500 | $600 – $1,300 |
| Stone-coated steel | $370 – $580 | $720 – $1,280 |
| Aluminum | $325 – $650 | $670 – $1,600 |
| Copper | $900 – $2,000 | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| Tin | $300 – $1,100 | $600 – $1,800 |
| Zinc | $500 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
The best roof shingle gauge depends on the metal type, roof slope, and the home's location.
29-gauge metal is the thinnest and cheapest roof thickness, but this gauge is unsuitable for areas with frequent hail and extreme weather.
Most metal roof shingles have a silicone-modified polyester (SMP) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin-based coating.
PVDF (Kynar 500® and Hylar 5000®) coatings provide the longest-lasting, fade- and chalk-resistant finish.
Steel shingles cost
Steel shingles cost $6 to $13 per square foot installed. Most steel shingle roofs use galvanized steel or galvalume:
Galvanized shingles have a protective zinc coating.
Galvalume shingles have a protective coating of aluminum and zinc combined.
Galvalume shingles resist corrosion best but are more scratch-prone than galvanized shingles.
Stone-coated steel shingles cost
Stone-coated steel shingles cost $7 to $13 per square foot or $12,200 to $25,900 on average for labor and materials. Stone-coated steel roofing has a steel core with several protective coatings. A finishing layer of stone granules gives stone-coated steel a textured, traditional roofing material appearance.
Aluminum shingles prices
Aluminum shingles cost $3.25 to $6.50 per square foot for the material alone or $6.70 to $16.00 per square foot installed. Aluminum shingles are lightweight, strong, durable, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Still, aluminum's lighter weight makes it damage easier than steel.
Aluminum is not ideal for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations due to its higher expansion and contraction rate.
Tin roof shingles cost
A tin roof costs $9,000 to $45,000 installed on average. Embossed tin shingle roofs were popular in the 1800s but are not common today. Some companies offer galvanized steel and copper shingles in the embossed tin shingle style, ideal for restoration projects or to create a traditional aesthetic.
Metal tile roof cost factors
The labor cost to install a metal shingle roof is $3 to $8 per square foot. Labor makes up 50% to 60% of the total project cost.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Metal shingle materials | $3 – $6 |
| Installation labor | $3 – $8 |
| Total cost | $6 – $14 |
In comparison, corrugated metal roofing costs $5 to $12 per square foot and a standing seam metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot.
Factors affecting the cost to install a metal tile roof include:
Roof size – The larger the roof, the more materials and labor required.
Slope, pitch, & complexity – A steep-sloped roof with a pitch greater than 6/12 costs more due to the extra safety equipment and measures required. Multiple slope changes, valleys, and penetrations also increase the cost.
Metal shingle gauge –Thicker gauge metal shingles cost more but are more durable. Thicker gauge shingles are best for homes in areas with high winds, heavy snowfall, or frequent hailstorms.
Metal type – Steel and aluminum are the cheapest and most common types. Copper and zinc are the most expensive.
Shingle brand – Matterhorn, DECRA, and EDCO metal shingles cost more than lesser-known brands but offer premium finishes and the highest hail impact resistance rating.
Color & texture – Specialty colors, two-tone, and decorative metal shingles cost more than standard color shingles.
Finish – Shingles coated with Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paint such as Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 cost more but are more durable and UV-resistant. Silicone-modified polyester (SMP) finishes are cheaper but carry a shorter warranty and start fading after about 10 years.
Geographic location –Installation costs more in major metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living.
Removing old roofing – Removing and disposing of an old roof costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the size and type. Some building codes allow metal shingle roof installation over an old roof, saving on the total replacement cost.
Ice & water shield – An ice dam barrier costs $2 to $5 per square foot and may be required in cold or wet climates.
Underlayment – Underlayment installation costs $0.75 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the type. Roofing contractors typically include underlayment in a roof replacement estimate.
Rafters / trusses – Roof truss replacement costs $5 to $14 per square foot.
Roof decking – Replacing the roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Roof venting – Installing a roof vent costs $200 to $700 on average.
Coating – Metal roof coating costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Metal shingle roofs may start fading after 10 to 30 years, depending on the shingle brand and quality.
Painting – Painting a metal shingle roof costs $1,440 to $3,264for an average size roof, depending on the roof slope and paint quality.
Soffits and fascia – Replacing soffits and fascia costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
Permits – Roofing permits cost $150 to $500. Most installers include permit fees in a roof installation estimate.
Metal roofing shingles pros and cons
Metal roofing shingles are durable, long-lasting, and may reduce energy costs by up to 25%. Still, metal shingles carry a high upfront cost. While installing a metal shingle roof boosts home value, homeowners planning to move in the next 5 years may want to consider a cheaper roofing material.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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What are metal roof shingles?
Metal roof shingles are interlocking or overlapping metal panels designed to mimic the look of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, wood shake, tile, or slate. Most metal shingles are aluminum or steel and have chalk- and fade-resistant coatings. Other options include tin, copper, and zinc.
Are metal shingles worth it?
Metal shingles are worth it for homeowners wanting a long-term investment. The initial expense is higher than asphalt, but metal shingles are more durable, longer lasting, and have a return on investment (ROI) up to 60%, depending on the region. Most metal shingle roofs come with a 50-year warranty and may reduce insurance premiums.
How long do metal roof shingles last?
Metal roof shingles last 40 to 70 years, with most lasting about 50 years. Metal shingles typically last 2 to 3 times longer than asphalt shingles. The metal type, gauge, quality, finish, and the home's geographical location impact the roof's lifespan.
Can you walk on a metal shingle roof?
You can walk on a metal shingle roof if it is not steep. If you need to walk on the roof, walk on the upper half of the panels. Avoid walking on wet shingles because they are very slippery. Consider installing foam backing under the shingles to prevent denting in areas of expected foot traffic.
Getting estimates from metal roof installers
When seeking roof replacement near you, be sure to:
Know your estimated roof square footage so you can confirm the installation estimate details are accurate.
Obtain at least three itemized estimates to compare.
Look for licensed roofing contractors with experience in metal shingle installation.
Look for members of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) who specialize in metal shingle roof installation.
Ask for references going back at least five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose companies that are insured and bonded.
Avoid going with the lowest quote 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 for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have installing metal shingles?
Are you a member of the MRA or NRCA?
What shingle style do you recommend for my roof, and why?
Do you have before and after photos of previous metal shingle roofing projects?
Will you use subcontractors?
How many days will the installation take?
How will the crew leave the site at the end of each day?
How do you protect the yard and driveway during the installation?
Can you install the new roof over my existing shingles? If not, is removing the old roof included in the estimate?
Does the estimate include underlayment? What type of underlayment do you use?
How long should the roof last?
Will the metal roof rust?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Will you register all the material warranties and provide proof of the registration?
What is included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you need a permit to install the roof?