How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
$9 – $16 cost per square foot installed
$13,500 – $40,000 average total cost to install
Standing seam metal roof cost
A standing seam metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot installed or $13,500 to $40,000 on average. The cost of standing seam metal roofing depends on the metal type and gauge, roof size, and job complexity. 24-gauge metal roofing prices are $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot for materials.
| Roof size (square feet) | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 | $13,500 – $24,000 |
| 2,000 | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| 2,500 | $22,500 – $40,000 |
| 3,000 | $27,000 – $48,000 |
| 3,500 | $31,500 – $56,000 |
Average standing seam metal roof cost calculator
The following table shows the average cost to install a standing seam metal roof.
| National average cost | $22,300 |
| Minimum cost | $9,000 |
| Maximum cost | $56,000 |
| Average range | $13,500 to $40,000 |
Standing seam metal roofing prices by material
| Type | Cost per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $4.50 – $9.00 |
| Copper | $9.00 – $20.00 |
| Galvalume | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| Steel | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Zinc | $6.00 – $10.00 |
*Not including installation
Standing seam steel roof cost
A standing seam steel roof costs $8 to $13 per square foot installed or $3 to $5 per square foot for the material alone. G-90 galvanized steel is zinc-coated to resist corrosion and falls at the low end of the price range. Stainless steel is pricier but offers more durability.
Another steel roof option is stone-coated steel. Stone-coated steel roofs cost $12,200 to $25,900 on average with installation.
Standing seam copper roof prices
Standing seam copper roof prices are $18 to $32 per square foot installed or $14 to $22 per square foot for the material alone. Copper is a strong but pliable metal and requires an experienced installer. Copper standing seam roofs are not as popular due to the premium material pricing.
Galvalume standing seam metal roof cost
A galvalume standing seam metal roof costs $7.50 to $12.50 per square foot installed or $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot for the material alone. Galvalume is steel coated in zinc, aluminum, and silicon, giving it better corrosion resistance than galvanized steel.
Galvalume's lighter weight allows for lower structural support requirements than some heavier metals.
Zinc standing seam roof cost
A standing seam zinc roof costs $10 to $20 per square foot installed or $6 to $10 per square foot for the material alone. Zinc is eco-friendly, long-lasting, and has self-healing properties. While cheaper than copper, zinc still falls at the higher end of the standing seam roof price range.
Homeowners may have difficulty finding an experienced installer as few U.S. contractors work with zinc.
Aluminum standing seam roof prices
An aluminum standing seam roof costs $9.50 to $17.00 per square foot installed or $4.50 to $9.00 per square foot for materials alone. Aluminum is softer than steel and dents more easily. Still, it is the ideal material for coastal regions due to its superior corrosion resistance.
Standing seam metal roof installation cost factors
Installing a standing seam metal roof costs $5 to $8 per square foot for the labor alone. The total cost depends on the roof size, complexity, existing roof condition, and material.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old roof removal | $1 – $3 |
| Seamless metal roofing materials | $4 – $8 |
| Installation labor | $5 – $8 |
| Roof decking | $2 – $5 |
The following factors also affect the cost to install a standing seam metal roof:
Remove existing roofing – Removing an old roof costs $1 to $3+ per square foot.
Roof pitch / slope / complexity – Labor costs are higher for complex or steep roofs.
Metal gauge – Thicker gauges cost more but provide better strength and durability. Homes in regions with heavy snowfall and extreme weather do best with thicker gauge metal.
Panel width – Standing seam panels range from 12" to 24" wide. Wider panels are the most cost-effective but show more imperfections. Choose a lighter color or striated style panel to lessen oil canning visibility on wider panels.
Panel type – Most residential homes use architectural—or non-structural—standing seam panels. Architectural panel installation requires a roof deck. Structural standing seam panels are thicker and designed for open frame installation, typically used in commercial applications.
Color – High-quality finishes like Kynar 500 cost more but carry extended warranties. Custom and high-demand colors increase the price by $1+ per square foot. Lighter color panels are reflective and provide the most energy efficiency.
Labor – Contractors charge $5 to $8 per square foot on average for labor to install standing seam metal roofing.
Underlayment – Roofing underlayment prices are $0.10 to $0.90 per square foot for synthetic material suitable for a metal roof.
Trusses / rafters – Truss replacement prices are $5 to $14 per square foot for labor and materials.
Roof decking / sheathing – Roof deck replacement costs $2 to $5 per square foot with installation.
Roof venting – Installing a roof vent costs $200 to $700.
Coating / recoating – Metal roof coating costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Painting – Painting a metal roof costs $1,440 to $3,264 on average.
Soffits & fascia – Replacing soffits and fascia costs $900 to $6,800.
Geographic location – Labor rates are typically higher in major metropolitan areas.
Permits – Roofing permits cost $150 to $500.
Cleaning / pressure washing – Cleaning a metal roof costs $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot.
Seamless metal roof cost by gauge
Seamless metal roof panels come in 22- to 29- gauge panels, with most residential standing seam roofs using 24- or 26- gauge metal. 29-gauge panels are budget-friendly but too thin for extreme weather and heavy snowfall. Metal thickness and weight increase as the gauge number decreases.
| Gauge | Price per square foot* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | $5.00 – $9.00 | Commercial or high-end residential applications |
| 24 | $3.50 – $8.00 | Residential and commercial roofs in severe-weather-prone climates |
| 26 | $3.00 – $5.00 | Residential roofs inmild to moderate climates |
| 29 | $2.25 – $3.50 | Small barns or sheds in mild climates |
*Not including installation.
Thinner metal highlights imperfections and oil canning. Oil canning is when flat metal develops a wavy, rippling appearance.
Snap lock metal roofing prices vs. mechanical lock
Standing seam metal roofing panels come in several styles with similar material costs but different installation methods. Snap lock metal roofing requires the least labor but is not as reliable as mechanically locked panels in high-wind and extreme weather.
| Installation method | Details |
|---|---|
| Snap lock |
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| Nail strip |
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| Mechanical lock / mechanically seamed / field-locked |
|
Prefabricated panels vs. onsite roll-forming for standing seam metal
Standing seam metal panels are made to order at a factory or formed onsite using a roll-forming machine. Prefabricated panels are ideal for small or simple roofs. Onsite roll-forming is ideal for larger or complex roofs. The panels are made to any length, reducing seams to create a more weathertight roof.
Onsite roll-forming reduces lead time, waste, and freight charges, but some locations may not have the space for the required onsite equipment.
Seamless metal roof cost comparison, pros, and cons
A standing seam metal roof is more expensive than a standard sheet metal roof, but the added long-term benefits of standing seam vs. corrugated metal may be worth the investment if it fits the budget.
| Factor | Standing seam roof | Corrugated metal roof |
|---|---|---|
| Average installed cost | $13,500 – $40,000 | $6,000 – $22,000 |
| Lifespan | 30 – 50+ years | 30 – 45 years |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Standing seam roof FAQs
What is a standing seam or raised seam metal roof?
A standing seam metal roof is a system of overlapping vertical metal panels with raised, interlocking seams. The overlapping panels hide the fasteners, providing superior water protection, low maintenance, and a streamlined aesthetic. Most standing seam panels are 12" to 18" wide.
Standing seam metal roofs are safe to walk on, provided they are dry and not too steep.
How long do standing seam metal roofs last?
Standing seam metal roofs last 30 to 50+ years, depending on the metal type, finish, weather conditions, and maintenance schedule. Most standing seam panels come with a Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 protective coating, typically warrantied for at least 30 years. Many standing seam roofs have a 50-year warranty.
Roof inspection prices are $100 to $400. Inspect the roof and penetrations annually and after severe weather to ensure its longevity.
How long does it take to install a standing seam roof?
Installing a standing seam roof takes 2 to 5+ days, depending on the roof and crew size, weather, job complexity, and the installation method. Installing the roof over the existing shingles saves time and labor, but this method is not suitable for every roof.
Is a standing seam roof worth the cost?
A standing seam roof is worth the cost for homeowners wanting long-term savings. A standing seam roof costs more up front than asphalt shingles but lasts longer and costs less per year. Standing seam roofs provide superior weather, water, and fire protection, improve energy efficiency, and need little maintenance.
Installing a standing seam metal roof may qualify for insurance discounts.
What is the minimum slope for a standing seam metal roof?
The minimum slope for a standing seam metal roof is ¼:12 to 3:12, depending on the type and manufacturer.
Most standing seam metal roofs are snap lock style and require a minimum slope of 2:12 to 3:12, depending on the brand.
Mechanically fastened standing seam metal roofs require a ½:2 to 2:12 minimum slope.
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) states the minimum slope for a standing seam metal roof is ¼:12.
Can you put a standing seam metal roof over shingles?
You can put a standing seam metal roof over shingles if local building codes allow it and if the shingles are even and damage-free. Most experts recommend removing the old roof for best results. Standing seam metal panels conform to their installation surface.
| Installation method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Remove old shingles |
|
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| Install over old shingles |
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How much do seamless metal roof repairs cost?
Metal roof repairs cost $300 to $1,500 on average. Standing seam metal roofing is low maintenance, but incorrect installation or severe weather may cause damage. Some issues that lead to leaks and damage include:
Failed flashing
Failed fasteners (too loose or too tight)
Failed seam
Failed sealant
Installation not matching the manufacturer's specifications
Getting standing seam metal roof quotes and estimates
Before hiring roof installers to install your standing seam roof, be sure to:
Determine your approximate roof square footage to confirm the installation estimate details are accurate.
Look for licensed contractors with experience in standing seam roof installation.
Look for members 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.
Obtain 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 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 standing seam metal roofs?
Are you certified by the manufacturer to install the standing seam panels?
Do you have before and after photos of previous standing seam roof projects?
Can you provide references?
What gauge and type of metal do you recommend for my roof, and why?
Are the panels you plan to install manufactured by a Metal Roofing Alliance member manufacturer?
Will you use subcontractors?
How long will the installation take?
How do you protect the yard and driveway during the installation?
Can you install the new roof over my existing roof? If not, is removing the old roof included in the estimate?
Will the metal react well to the materials in contact with it?
What type of underlayment do you use? Is underlayment included in the estimate?
How long should the roof last?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you need a permit to install the roof? If so, will you obtain it?
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?