How much does a tin roof cost?
How much does a tin roof cost?
$6 – $18 cost per square foot installed
$9,000 – $45,000 average total cost (1,500-2,500 SF home)
Tin roof cost
A new tin roof costs $6 to $18 per square foot installed or $9,000 to $45,000 for an average house. Tin roof material prices are $300 to $1,100 per square (100 SF) or $15 to $45 per sheet. Labor for metal tin roof installation costs $300 to $700 per square.
| Roof square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $27,000 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| 3,000 | $18,000 – $54,000 |
| 3,500 | $21,000 – $63,000 |
Average cost for a new tin roof
The following table shows the average cost for a new tin roof.
| National average cost | $21,400 |
| Minimum cost | $6,000 |
| Maximum cost | $54,000 |
| Average range | $9,000 to $45,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Tin roof prices
Tin roof prices are $600 to $1,800 per square installed or $300 to $1,100 per square on average for materials alone. Tin or Terne-coated roofing materials are typically steel, stainless steel, or aluminum cores and are suited to most roof shapes and locations.
Roofers typically estimate costs by the square. One square equals 100 square feet.
Tin roof cost per square foot by type
A tin roof costs $6 to $18 per square foot installed, depending on the type:
Flat-lock or exposed fastener panels cost $6 to $11 per square foot installed, are less watertight, and require more maintenance to prevent leaks. Flat-lock panels are better suited for high-pitched roofs due to faster and easier installation.
Standing seam or concealed fastener panels are more difficult and costly to install at $10 to $18 per square foot but are thicker, more durable, and require less maintenance.
| Type | Cost per square foot installed | Average total installation cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-lock / exposed fastener | $6 – $11 | $9,000 – $27,500 |
| Standing seam / concealed fastener | $10 – $18 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
Standing seam panels warm in the sun and allow heavy sheets of snow and ice to slide off the roof. Roof heating cables cost $5 to $15 per linear foot and attach easily to the standing seam panel leg to prevent ice dams on the roof.
Tin roofing cost by material
Tin roofing costs $300 to $1,100 per square for materials alone. Tin or terne roofing refers to any metal material coated with a tin alloy. A terne metal roof has a steel or stainless-steel core coated with a mixture of tin and zinc to resist corrosion.
Terne-coated steel (TCS) is also called tin matte and weathers to a natural grey, matte patina.
Terne-coated stainless steel (TCSS) is more durable, lasting as long as copper or zinc.
Aluminum is often coated with a tin alloy and used in coastal climates because it resists salt corrosion better than steel.
Tin roofing prices by style
A tin roof costs $300 to $1,100 per square for materials, depending on the panel style. Standing seam panels cost the most, while 5V crimp panels mimic a high-end standing seam roof. Corrugated and R-panels are used for roofing and siding on residential and commercial properties.
| Style | Cost per square* |
|---|---|
| Standing seam | $700 – $1,100 |
| Corrugated | $400 – $800 |
| 5V crimp | $400 – $700 |
| R-panel | $300 – $800 |
*Not including installation.
Tin roofing prices per sheet
Tin roofing sheets cost $15 to $45 per sheet and come in 8- to 12-foot lengths. Some roofers offer a per sheet price in their quote, with the total estimate based on the number of sheets needed.
Tin roof installation cost factors
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $3 – $11 |
| Labor | $3 – $7 |
| Total cost to install | $6 – $18 |
Other factors that impact the cost of a tin roof installation include:
Roof slope and pitch – Tin panels are suitable for steep slope installations. Installation costs are higher for roof pitches greater than 6:12 due to increased safety precautions.
Geographic location – Contractors in major cities typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Permits– Most roofing estimates include permit costs of $150 to $500.
Roof removal – Removal and disposal of an old roof costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Renting a 40-yard dumpster costs $350 to $780 per week.
Coating – Metal roof coating costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the product used.
Painting – Metal roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot.
Drip edge – Adding a drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot to prevent water from getting under the tin surface and causing a leak.
Gutter replacement – Replacing gutters costs $6 to $17 per linear foot, depending on the material.
Rafter / truss replacement – Replacing roof trusses costs $5 to $14 per square foot. Trusses are wooden beams that frame the roof and support the decking.
Roof condition – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400 to assess the roof's condition.
Roof repairs – Minor metal roof repairs cost $150 to $600, with more extensive repairs costing $600 to $3,500.
Underlayment – A moisture-resistant roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.90 per square foot for synthetic material to protect the roof decking against damage from trapped moisture.
Roof decking / sheathing – Plywood roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot and provides a foundation for roofing panels or shingles.
Roof penetrations / venting – Roof ridge vents cost $7 to $15 per linear foot. The vents allow warm, damp air to leave the attic, but more vents result in more time and labor to work around them during a roof installation.
Soffits and fascia repair/replace – Replacing soffits and fascia costs $9 to $34 per linear foot, depending on the material.
Waste factor – Contractors typically add a 10% to 15% waste factor for complex roofs because cutting panels to fit multiple angles and roof features results in more waste.
Labor cost to install a tin roof
Labor costs to install a tin roof are $300 to $700 per square. Higher and steeper roofs, complex installations, and seasonal demands increase labor rates.
Change tile to tin roof cost
The cost to change a tile roof to tin depends on the roof size, slope, and roof damage that occurs as old tiles are removed. Tile roof removal alone costs up to $5 per square foot. Old clay and slate tiles must be removed to create a level surface for a new tin roof installation.
Tin roof vs. shingles cost
An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed, depending on the roof size and complexity. A tin roof costs significantly more to install, but the extended lifespan, warranty, and return on investment make it worth the upfront expense. Compare metal roofs vs. shingles costs and differences.
| Factor | Tin roof | Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost installed (per square foot) | $6 – $18 | $3 – $5 |
| Average lifespan | 40 – 50 years | 15 – 20 years |
| Typical warranty | 40 years – lifetime | 25 – 50 years |
| Home value | Increased value | No impact |
Pros and cons of tin roofing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tin roof last?
A tin roof lasts 40 to 50 years, depending on the location and maintenance. A tin roof will rust in coastal areas unless pressure washed regularly to remove the salt.
What is a tin roof made of?
A tin roof is made of a steel, stainless steel, or aluminum metal core coated with an alloy consisting of zinc, tin, and other trace elements. The coating increases the tin's corrosion resistance by up to ten times.
Can you paint a tin roof?
Yes, you can paint a tin roof. Painting an aging tin roof improves its appearance and extends its lifespan and energy efficiency. Painting may also prevent mold and lichen growth. Covering over a baked-on factory finish may void the panel warranty.
Are tin roofs loud and noisy?
A tin roof is quiet in the rain when properly installed over solid decking, insulation, and underlayment. Occasional expansion and contraction popping sounds are normal in any metal roof.
Can you put new tin over an old tin roof?
You can install a new tin roof over an old tin roof. A roof-over reduces costs, decreases installation time, is less disruptive, and offers another layer of roofing security. A second roof adds weight and requires special installation techniques and barrier layers between the old and new roofs.
Finding and hiring a tin roofing contractor
When hiring a tin roofing contractors near you, be sure to:
Look for a roofing contractor with experience installing tin roofing.
Confirm they have a state contractor license and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification.
Select only insured and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ 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 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 tin roofing?
How many metal roofs have you installed in the last year?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What tin alloy are you installing?
What kind of maintenance does a tin 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?