How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost

Are you looking to upgrade to a metal roof? Metal offers a number of advantages over asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. A metal roof costs $14,500 on average, depending on your options. The cost of a metal roof is based on square footage, with prices ranging from $5 to $28 per square foot. Here are the basics of how much a metal roof costs, plus specifics about different types of metal roofs and other considerations that impact the total price.

Average Cost of a Metal Roof

The average cost of a new metal roof is $14,500. However, the total price ranges from $9,000 to $135,000 or more. The exact cost depends on the size of your roof and the style and materials of the metal roofing used.

Although more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal roofing costs are comparable with other roofing options like tile or stone-coated steel. Still, it is often less than wood and slate.

Metal roofing is also more durable and long-lasting than some roofing options. It usually lasts 20 to 50 years, depending on the style and gauge of the roofing, your climate, and other factors.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Metal Roofing Per Square Foot?

When it comes to roof replacement, many roofing contractors estimate based on a square foot price. This price includes the materials, labor costs, and all additional fees and charges. While they will break out individual costs in their estimate, quoting by the square foot offers you a rough estimate with minimal measuring.

Here are the average costs to install metal roofing per square foot based on the style:

Metal Sheets or Panels: $5 to $26
Metal Shingles: $8 to $30
Standing Seam Metal Roofing: $12 to $28

However, these are just estimates. Talk with a qualified, local roofing company for accurate pricing in your area.

Common Cost Factors for Metal Roofs

When it comes to the average cost of metal roofing, prices can vary widely depending on the options you choose.

Roof Material

One of the biggest factors in the cost of metal roofs is the material. You might think, isn’t it metal? While you are correct, we are specifically talking about the type of metal used in the roofing.

The most common metals are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc, but there are several other options. Each offers certain pros and cons and a slightly different price point.

Here is the average cost per square foot based on the type of metal roof you choose:

Aluminum $4 – $11
Copper $14 – $25
Corrugated steel $3.50 – $6.50
Galvalume $2 – $7
Galvanized steel $7.50 – $10
Lead $10 – $15
Steel shingles $6 – $16
Rusted metal $9 – $15
Stainless steel $10 – $16
Tin $3 – $15
Zinc $6 – $12

It’s worth noting that corrugated steel, galvanized steel, and tin are best used on smaller structures. They are usually thin and not well-suited to protect your home.

Also, Galvalume has largely replaced galvanized steel. Galvanized metal tends to rust within a few years, whereas Galvalume is mixed with other materials to prevent rusting.

Roof Size

When it comes to roofing, one of the most important cost factors is the size of your roof. Regardless of the material, prices are based on the square footage of your roof. The larger your house, the more expensive a new metal roof will cost. Your roofing company will measure your roof to get a precise size and cost for your new metal roof.

Style

Like material, there are more than one style of metal roofing. The three most common are metal panels or sheets, metal shingles, and standing seam metal roofs.

Metal panels are large sheets or tiles that either lock together or overlap to create a water-tight seal. They are easy and cost-effective to install but are not the most luxurious to look at.

Metal shingles are similar to asphalt or slate shingles. They are most effective for complex roofs that require precise fitting around chimneys and other odd shapes. However, they tend to be among the most expensive styles of metal roofs.

Standing seam metal roofs offer a stylish, modern appeal and a distinctive look. Standing seam roofs feature wide flat panels with a vertical rib that hides the fasteners. In most cases, it offers a balance between style, quality, and value.

Slope and Pitch

Perhaps one of the most unlikely cost factors with metal roofs – and all roofing materials actually – is the slope and pitch of the roof. While often used interchangeably, slope and pitch are slightly different.

The slope is the ratio of the number of vertical inches the roof rises over a horizontal foot. For example, the slope is “4 in 12” if the roof rises 4 inches over a foot – with a foot being 12 inches.

Whereas the pitch is a fraction of the total rise divided by the total horizontal distance – also called the run – from the peak to the roof edge. For example, if the total rise is 8 feet and the run is 24 feet, the pitch is 1/3. Similarly, the pitch for a 12-foot rise and a 24-foot run is 1/2.

So, why does all this matter? Even though the pitch and slope mean slightly different things, the result is they impact how much roofing material you need and how hard it is to install.

Shallow slopes and pitches use less material and are relatively easy to install. However, steeper slopes and pitches mean more materials and more difficult installations. As a result, metal roofing costs go up.

Labor and Installation

Overall, labor and installation account for upwards of 60% of costs, regardless of the type of metal roofing you choose. Includes in the labor costs are removing your existing roof, the time spent repairing your roof decking or rafters, and then installing the new roofing material.

Roofing is extremely labor intensive, so most installers charge $2 to $5 per square foot for labor. Factors like the roof slope and pitch and the amount of repairs will drive up installation costs.

Additional Factors

Aside from the factors above, there are a few other things to consider.

First, you may need to get permits when replacing your roof. The cost of roofing permits varies from area to area but usually ranges from $250 to $1,000. Some roofing companies will get the permits for you, while others may require you to apply for the permits yourself.

Roof decking replacement or repairs will also impact the total cost. The roof decking is traditionally made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and it provides a secure base when installing the roofing.

On average, replacing roof decking costs between $3 to $6 per square foot. Minor repairs can cost between $250 and $750, while full replacement will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,500 or more based on the size of your roof.

Another common cost is roof underlayment. This is the protective barrier installed between the roofing material and the roof decking. While usually inexpensive, it does add to the total roofing costs.

Finally, there are protective metal roof coatings. Most are designed to protect the roof from damage, but some offer better UV protection or energy efficiency. Coatings typically cost anywhere from a few dollars to upwards of $100 per square foot.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetic. However, like any roofing material, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing:

Pros of Metal Roofing

Aside from being trendy and popular, metal roofing is an investment that comes with a lot of benefits. Often the biggest positive of buying a metal roof is the increased lifespan and durability. Here are the pros of installing metal roofing:

Lifespan: Metal roofs are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. They can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance, significantly outlasting many other roofing materials.
Looks and Curb Appeal: Metal roofs come in various styles, colors, and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose a design that matches their preferences and complements their home’s architecture.
Low Maintenance: Metal roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. They are resistant to rot, mildew, and pests and do not require regular painting or sealing.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing can reflect solar radiant heat, reducing cooling costs during hot summers. Some metal roofs are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they meet specific energy efficiency standards.
Weather Resistance: Metal roofs are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, hail, and high winds. They do not rot or warp, making them an excellent choice for regions with harsh climates.
Fire Resistance: Metal roofs are non-combustible and have a Class A fire rating, which can help protect your home from wildfires or flying embers.

Cons of Metal Roofing

Still, there are a number of cons to installing metal roofing. Often the biggest concern is the cost, which tends to be higher than traditional asphalt shingles. Here are some factors to consider before buying a metal roof:

Cost: Metal roofing materials are generally more expensive upfront than traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. However, their longevity may offset the initial investment over time.
Installation Complexity: Installing a metal roof can be more complex than installing other roofing materials, which may require professional installation. This can add to the overall cost.
Noise: Rain or hail hitting a metal roof can be noisy, which some homeowners find bothersome. However, proper insulation and underlayment can help address this issue.
Denting: Some metal roofing materials are susceptible to denting from heavy hail or falling branches. Thicker gauges of metal or impact-resistant coatings can help prevent this.
Expansion and Contraction: Metal roofs can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. Proper installation and fasteners designed to accommodate this movement are necessary to prevent issues like leaks.
Limited DIY Installation: Due to the complexities involved in installing a metal roof, it’s not typically a suitable DIY project for most homeowners.

Who Do You Call for Metal Roofing?

Although once a specialty material, most roofing contractors offer metal roofing today. From standing seam roofs to zinc, stainless, and aluminum roofs, most roofing companies offer a variety of material and style options. They will offer several types of metal roofs, along with other material options, to help you choose the right option for your budget and your style.

As one of the largest networks of remodeling contractors, Remodeling.com makes it easy to get fast, free quotes on metal roof installation. We work with reliable pros around the country to ensure you get quality metal roofing at competitive prices. Choose from a variety of metal roofing systems, including sheets, tiles, and standing seam roofing.

From stainless to aluminum, they offer a variety of metal roof types to accent and protect your home. If you want metal roofing, let Remodeling.com connect you with a trustworthy roofing contractor near you today. Enter your zip code to get started on your roofing project today.