Metal roofs cost about $57,661 for a 2,000-square-foot home, with most projects ranging from $25,721–$89,600 depending on the metal type. Although metal roofing costs more than asphalt or wood shingles, it delivers long-term value with exceptional durability. This guide breaks down average metal roofing prices, highlights the key factors that drive new roof costs, and shares expert advice from roofing experts featured in This Old House’s magazine and television series.
Key Takeaways
- Metal roofing costs $13–$45 per square foot on average.
- Nearly 73% of homeowners who took our 2026 roofing survey and purchased metal roofing for their most recent roof replacement said the installation work took seven days or less.
- While metal roofs cost significantly more upfront than asphalt shingles, they can last 40 years or more. Asphalt lasts 20–30 years comparatively, meaning metal offers better long-term value.
What Factors Impact the Cost of a Metal Roof?
The type of metal you, your roof’s size, and labor are the main factors that go into roofing costs.
Roof Cost by Type of Metal
The type of metal you choose for your roof is the biggest cost factor. Different types of metal vary widely in price, with copper topping the list as the costliest option. The table below shows estimated costs per square foot for different types of metal roofs.
| Material | Average Price per Square Foot | Price for 2,000 Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc | $14–$20 | $28,691–$40,455 |
| Steel | $16–$23 | $32,191–$45,276 |
| Tin | $16–$23 | $32,922–$46,372 |
| Aluminum | $17–$25 | $34,952–$49,215 |
| Copper | $29–$41 | $58,216–$82,459 |
Metal roofing most often comes in two panel profiles: corrugated or standing seam. Corrugated metal roofing is affordable and easy to install because of its wave-like appearance. Standing seam roofing panels feature concealed fasteners beneath vertical raised ribs, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction.
Expert Insights
- There are metal shingles available that are generally more affordable than standing seam metal roofing, says Charlie Silva, a roofing contractor featured on This Old House’s television series. Metal shingles are also a solid option for historic homes.
Metal Roof Cost by Size
The size of your roof also influences the cost of your project, with pricing for metal roof installation ranging from $13–$45 per square foot, or $29 on average. The table below shows estimated metal roof costs based on various sized roofing projects. Note that most residential roofs fall within 1,000–2,000 square feet in size, according to our 2026 survey.
| Roof Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $18,739 |
| 1,500 square feet | $28,012 |
| 2,000 square feet | $37,285 |
| 2,500 square feet | $46,558 |
| 3,000 square feet | $55,831 |
Professional contractors use a “roofing square” equal to 100 square feet to determine materials and costs. We learned from our experience shadowing an Erie Home metal roofing consultation that metal roofing materials come in pre-measured sheets, typically about 50–100 square feet. The Erie Roofing representative explained that roofers usually order slightly more material than required in case of issues, which often results in roughly 10% of the material going to waste.
Metal Roof Labor Costs
Labor makes up a large share of roofing costs. Expect to spend around 60% of your total metal roof replacement cost on labor. This includes the cost of specialized equipment and scaffolding. According to our 2026 roofing survey, labor was the second-highest contributor to the overall cost of replacing a metal roof.
Areas with a higher cost of living usually bring higher roof replacement costs, and your local weather and climate also determine the roofing materials you’ll need.
Other Metal Roof Cost Factors
Other project elements, like investing in metal roof finishes, and specifications like your roof’s pitch can also add to your total price.
- Finishes: Metal roof finishes provide color and durability. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP) are the main types. PVDF resists fading and corrosion better, but scratches more easily. SMP is harder but more prone to cracking and fading.
- Your roof’s pitch: You can measure a roof’s pitch by a ratio that indicates how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. Most homes have roof pitches between 3:12 and 6:12. Any roof with a pitch exceeding 6:12 is steep, making it more difficult and hazardous to work on, which can increase labor costs.
- Trim and flashing: Your estimate should include the necessary metal trim and flashing for your roof. The cost of trim depends on the type of metal roof. Skylights, chimneys, and other architectural features can increase the cost related to flashing.
- Underlayment: Roof decks require underlayment to provide leak protection. Your current roof’s underlayment might not work for a metal roof, and if you need repairs or a replacement, you’ll pay more.
Pro Tip
- Tommy Santos, a roofing contractor featured on This Old House’s television series, recommends installing a snow guard system on your metal roof if you live in an area with heavy snowfall during the winter. This can help prevent heavy amounts of snow from sandwiching your metal roofing material onto each other.
How Do Different Types of Metal Roofing Compare?
The most common types of metal roofing materials include steel, aluminum, tin, zinc, and copper. Steel roofing is typically considered the best type of metal roofing for most homeowners because of its strength and durability. Learn more about metal roofing options below.
Metal Roofing Costs vs. Other Materials
Though there are many factors to consider when choosing a new roofing material, including the upfront cost and projected lifespan. Metal roofing is a great upgrade over standard asphalt shingles because of its durability and longevity. Plus, shingle roofs are significantly cheaper than metal roofs.
We gathered pricing information on popular roofing materials to help you compare average costs and decide if metal roofing makes sense for your budget.
Ultimately, the right type of roofing material for your home will depend on your location, budget, and aesthetic preference.
Homeowner Insights
About 47% of our 2026 survey respondents chose asphalt shingles as their replacement roofing material. Metal roofing was the second most popular option.
Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof
Metal roofing offers better durability and longevity than other roofing materials. Metal roofs are low-maintenance and resistant to extreme weather conditions. They come in various styles and colors to match your home’s design. Thanks to their reflective surfaces, metal roofs deflect the sun’s rays, helping keep your home cooler and your energy bills lower.
Longevity and Durability
A primary benefit of metal roofs is their longevity. Metal roofs have a lifespan of 40 years or longer. Traditional roofing materials, like asphalt, generally last only 15–30 years.
Metal can stand up to severe weather events like hail, high winds, and heavy storms, whereas other roof materials are prone to damage in such conditions. Metal is also fire resistant and resistant to smoke damage—a benefit if you live somewhere prone to wildfires.
Though metal roofs can become dented, it typically takes a lot of pressure to do so. For example, golf-ball-sized hail will likely dent a metal roof, but smaller hail will have a minimal effect. It takes much less force to tear or damage asphalt shingles.
Ease of Cleaning
Metal roofs are much easier to clean than roofs made of other materials. They stand up well to basic pressure washing, whereas other roof types require specialty cleanings.
Energy Efficiency
Since most metal roofs are reflective, they direct the sun’s heat away from the building they cover. “Reflection of sunlight will lower surface temperatures on a roof and subsequently reduce attic temperatures, lowering energy costs,” said John Foley, the New England branch manager of Long Home Products.
You can even have non-reflective metal treated with special paint that blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays. Considering that metal roofs last 50 years or longer, you can benefit from long-term savings on heating and cooling costs in the future.
Eco-Friendliness
Metal is highly reusable, as many manufacturers make metal roofs with 30%–60% recycled metal. Their high durability also means they don’t need replacement as often. Because metal roofs are resistant to fungus and moss, they don’t require harsh chemical treatments that could harm the environment. They’re also 100% recyclable.
Increased Resale Value
A new metal roof can improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment for metal roof replacement is around 50% of initial project costs. This means homeowners can get back half of their roof replacement costs when they sell their homes.
Customization and Enhanced Aesthetic
Metal roofs offer various customization options, including paint colors, roof styles, finishes, and materials. Aluminum and steel roofs offer the widest color options. Other materials, like copper, tin, and zinc, have natural finishes and textures that give them unique appearances. Metal roofs can blend into your color scheme or become accent pieces in your home. If energy efficiency is your goal, there are plenty of light shades and hues that help with efficiency and boost design appeal.
Drawbacks of Metal Roofing
While there are distinct benefits of metal roofing, the main drawback to consider is the cost. With significantly higher material and installation costs than many other roofing options, some homeowners may opt for a lower-cost material. However, with its above-average durability and longevity, metal roofing can offer a good option for many homeowners.
It’s also important to note that installing a metal roof is difficult and often dangerous for inexperienced homeowners. Metal roofing isn’t typically a good option for the average do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowner. Installation requires experience and knowledge to complete safely and effectively.
How To Save on Metal Roofing Costs
You can save money on a new roof by learning as much as you can before you sign a work agreement. Learning about the cost, quality, and longevity of materials and labor can protect you against paying more than you have to. We also recommend exploring your options for discounts, rebates, tax incentives, and financing specials.
“You oftentimes don’t know what you don’t know, and unless you ask questions, you may not get the full picture,” said Maciek Rupar, the technical services director of the National Roofing Contractors Association. “I would say that reputable roofing companies prefer to deal with educated consumers and won’t mind spending time providing that information.”
Here’s a list of a few questions you can ask to help you save money on a new metal roof:
- Is your roofing company offering a seasonal sale, like a percentage-off discount?
- Are there alternative metal materials that might cost less than your first choice?
- Does the roofing company offer no-interest financing?
- If you’re replacing your roof because of storm-related damage, will your home insurance cover any costs?
- Does the roofing company offer a work warranty to protect your investment?
- Does the manufacturer offer a warranty for its metal roof products and accessories?
Remember to shop for the best value, which doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price. Look for a roofing contractor with a good reputation, and make sure you read and understand the fine print in your job description and final contract.
“You basically have to do your due diligence in your local area to find out who the reputable companies are that have been around for a while and that stand behind their service and their work,” says Rupar. “Before signing that contract, you want to know exactly, potentially, how much you’re on the hook for as a consumer.”
Are Metal Roofs Worth It?
A metal roof is worth the cost if you’re looking for a material that offers longevity and durability against the elements. Our 2026 survey showed that metal roofing is most common among homeowners in hotter climates, like the Southwest, because of its ability to reflect sunlight and resist heat retention. It’s also popular in colder climates that require enhanced durability due to heavy snowfall.
Homeowner Insights
Over half of our 2026 survey respondents who installed a metal roof live in the Southern U.S., which typically experiences hot, humid weather most of the year.
But even if you don’t live in an extreme climate, metal roofs offer a wise long-term investment because they’re durable and long-lasting. Metal roof costs vary based on your selected material, panel style, and other customization options. Though more expensive than other roofing materials, metal roofs can help homeowners save money on future roof repairs and replacements.
Survey Insights From Homeowners With a Metal Roof
We surveyed 1,000 homeowners in 2026 to learn more about real roof replacement experiences. A total of 129 homeowners reported installing metal roofing. Learn more about their roof replacement projects below.
Weather-Related Damage Drives Roof Replacements
Over 37% of the 129 homeowners said they replaced their old roofs with metal because of weather-related damage. Nearly 15% said they wanted a different roofing material or style from what they had previously. In addition, 52% of homeowners reported that their home was 16 years or older when they installed a metal roof.
Roofing Materials Are a Major Cost Factor
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of our survey respondents said that materials were the main cost driver for their metal roof. Labor was the second-largest factor contributing to their metal roofing costs. This matches our research that labor typically accounts for most of the cost of a roofing project. However, our survey found some exceptions based on the chosen material.
Homeowners Prefer Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Over 55% of respondents reported turning to friends and family when searching for a roofing contractor. The next most popular research method was looking at contractor websites (36%). Homeowners also preferred working with a roofing contractor they had previously hired for a different project.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
In 2026, our team surveyed 1,000 homeowners who replaced their home’s roof within the last five years across all 50 U.S. states. Our goal was to gather insights from actual roofing customers about why they decided to replace their roofs and what their experience was like. We also gathered data on project costs, timelines, and overall satisfaction levels.
FAQs About Metal Roofing Costs
Can I install a metal roof over my old roof?
Yes, in most cases, you can install a metal roof over your old roof. These installations are most common with existing asphalt roofs. We recommend having a professional roofing contractor check your existing roof for any damage before installing a new roof over it. If your roof is in poor condition, you may need to replace it entirely.
Can I install solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes, you can install solar panels on a metal roof. Metal roofs are strong and durable, allowing them to easily support solar panels, mounting racks, and other necessary equipment.
Can I repaint a metal roof?
Yes, you can repaint a metal roof to give it a fresh look or a new color. It’s important to wash and prime the surface before painting. Your paint choice will depend on your metal roof material. Acrylic latex paint or oil-based alkyd paint are typically the best options.
Does a metal roof interfere with cell phone reception?
No, metal roofs don’t affect cellphone reception. A poor cellphone signal is likely the result of where you live, your home’s distance from a utility tower, harsh weather conditions, and the cell service carrier you use.
Does a metal roof amplify the sound of rain?
Metal roofs are no louder than other types of roofs when it rains. This is a common misconception about metal roofs.
Can I install gutters on my metal roof?
Yes, you can install gutters on your metal roof. Professional gutter installation costs $2,400–$6,600 for roughly 200 linear feet, which is the amount you need for a 2,000-square-foot home. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards for added protection and performance.
How We Determined Metal Roof Pricing
To provide current and accurate pricing for metal roofing projects, we collected cost estimates from Homewyse, a platform used by contractors to generate cost estimates for home improvements across the U.S. We also gathered cost data from our 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners who replaced their roofs within the last five years.
Our research provides a comprehensive overview of both national and local pricing. We requested or analyzed quotes for asphalt, metal, clay, and cedar shingle roofs ranging from 1,000–3,000 square feet in several U.S. states, including California, Texas, and New York, for local pricing. This allows our cost averages to reflect diverse homeowner needs across both urban and rural markets.
Prices shared in this guide represent the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, home size, material quality, and project scope.
