Metal Roofing Cost Guide (2023)

A new metal roof costs $11,557 on average but can range anywhere from $9,150–$16,743. Although metal roofing costs more than traditional materials, it offers better durability, energy savings, and return on investment. Metal roofs come in various materials, styles, and designs, making it easier to customize your ideal roof. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofs can last 50 years or longer, making them a top roofing option for long-term protection.

Ease of Cleaning

Metal roofs are much easier to clean than shingles. They stand up well to a simple pressure washing, whereas asphalt shingles can grow moss and algae that must be carefully washed off.

Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

As homeowners become more aware of the environmental effects of heating and cooling their homes, many are prioritizing efficiency to both save money and protect the environment. Metal is a highly reusable material, as many metal roofs are made of 30%–60% recycled metal. Their high durability also means they don’t need to be replaced as often, whereas torn and damaged asphalt shingles end up in the landfill.

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,” says John Foley, New England Branch Manager of Long Home Products. Even non-reflective metal can be treated with special paint that blocks UV rays. Experts typically estimate that you’ll save about 20%–30% on the cost of cooling your home in the summer with a metal roof.

Read also: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Improved Resale Value

A new metal roof can improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value. Homebuyers may be willing to pay more for a house with a roof they won’t have to replace anytime soon. Depending on where you live and the type of metal roofing you select, you could see a 60%–85% return on your investment.

Weather and Fire Resistance

Metal stands up to severe weather events such as hail, high winds, and heavy storms much better than asphalt shingles. Alternatively, if you live somewhere that’s prone to wildfires, metal resists fire and smoke damage extremely well.

Metal roofing materials come in premeasured sheets, typically about 50–100 square feet. Professional contractors use a “roofing square” measurement, equal to 100 square feet, to determine materials and costs. 

Here are some of the most common metal roofing materials and their average costs.* We’ve also included roofing square measurements in our calculations. The prices are calculated for the average American roof size of 1,700 square feet.

Aluminum

Aluminum roofing is a good choice if you live near the ocean, as it’s resistant to corrosion and saltwater damage. It’s also relatively inexpensive, costing between $6.50 and $21 per square foot for the shingles alone. Since aluminum is a fairly easy material to work with, installation costs are relatively low—you can have this type of roofing installed for about $11,050–$35,700 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

The downside of aluminum is its appearance: it doesn’t age well and dents easily. Aluminum also expands and contracts more than other metals typically used for roofing, which can put wear and tear on the roof and cause creaking sounds as temperatures change.

Copper Tiles

Not only is copper roofing extremely durable and lightweight, but it’s one of the most attractive options for metal roof tiles. However, it’s among the most expensive roofing materials, costing $20–$40 per square foot. The total cost for a new copper roof is around $34,000–$68,000 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

Steel Shingles and Tiles

There are several common types of steel roofing. Galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc to deter corrosion, is a popular choice for its strength and durability. A cheaper alternative is galvalume, which is aluminum-coated steel. On the high end of the scale is stainless steel, which is a rare but striking choice—the Chrysler Building, for example, is roofed with stainless steel.

A 100-square-foot Galvalume panel costs between $400 and $900 and installs for $6,800–$15,300. Galvanized steel, which is a bit more expensive, runs $4.50–$17 per square foot, and materials plus installation come out to about $10 per square foot, or $7,650–$28,900. Stainless steel is quite a bit more expensive at $7–$20 per square foot, or about $11,900–$34,000 for 1,700 square feet.

Tin Panels

Pure tin roofs gained popularity after the Civil War and became the most widely used material in U.S. home roofing. These days, tin has declined due to the introduction of more modern roofing materials. Terne has patinareplaced pure tin as the new “tin roof” material. Terne contains a steel core coated with a tin alloy exterior. Although not as popular as other metals, it’s durable and highly corrosion-resistant. Tin can either be painted or left to develop a natural matte gray patina, a film produced by oxidation over a long period.

The price of tin panels can vary based on the product, but many start around $10 and can be as expensive as $26. The cost of a tin roof, including installation, can range from $10–$26 per square foot, for a total of about $17,000–$44,200.

Zinc Panels

Consider zinc if you want a high-quality metal roof that’s more durable than aluminum and more affordable than copper. This material can last up to 100 years and requires little to no maintenance due to its self-healing coating that covers scratches and scrapes. As long as the underside of the shingles or panels is sealed properly, zinc can resist corrosion entirely.

Zinc panels cost about $6–$10 per square foot.

Additional factors affect your metal roof’s cost, including your location, roof pitch, and additional roofing elements. We’ll explain those factors below.

Labor

Roughly two-thirds of a new metal roof’s cost goes toward labor, according to Roofing Calculator. This includes associated labor costs, such as specialized equipment and scaffolding. Labor costs start around $350–$400 per square foot. 

Location

Areas with a higher cost of living incur higher roof replacement costs. Your local weather and climate also determine the roofing materials you’ll need. For example, if you live in an area that experiences frequent severe weather patterns, such as heavy winds or hail, you may need a more durable material.

Pitch

A roof’s pitch is measured 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 that exceeds a 6:12 pitch is considered steep, making it more complicated and hazardous to work on. Homes with steep roof slopes incur higher installation costs due to additional safety equipment needs. 

Underlayment

The roof underlayment is required under your roof’s deck to provide leak protection. Your current roof’s underlayment might not work for a metal roof. If so, a new underlayment will increase your total. According to Roofing Calculator, synthetic underlayment costs between 15 cents and 65 cents per square foot.

Style

Metal roofing comes in two metal panel profiles: corrugated or standing seam panels. Both profiles, or styles, offer different benefits, installation methods, and budget options. We’ll explain each panel option below.  

Corrugated Metal Panels

Corrugated metal (or exposed fastener) roofing is one of the least expensive metal roofing panels, but it’s not as durable as standing seam. Corrugated metal panels have a wave-like appearance that allows for simple installation because the grooves of each wave fit together seamlessly. The panels easily expand and contract under changing temperatures, are lightweight, and can be installed over an existing roof.

Because corrugated metal panels are attached with thousands of fasteners, they may be damaged by over tightening or having loose fasteners. Improper installation can lead to possible leaks and water damage. In addition, fasteners may loosen or corrode over time, requiring additional repairs. 

Although many types of metal can be made into corrugated sheets, galvanized steel or a less expensive galvalume are most common. These metal panels cost between $7 and $13 per square foot installed. Based on prices from Roofing Calculator, your total cost with labor will fall between $8,412 and $12,004 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

Standing Seam Panels

Standing seam is a type of roofing panel with a vertical ribbed appearance, with the raised ribs concealing the fastening between the panels. Some panels can be snap-locked together, but others require special metal caps to fasten the pieces in place.

One benefit of having no exposed fastened parts is that the fasteners aren’t subject to weathering, moisture, wind, or other stresses that can break them down over time. Additionally, the ribs and unique locking mechanisms of standing seam panels allow them to expand and contract as temperatures change.

Typical standing seam materials include aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. The panels will cost between $7 and $13 per square foot, depending on your chosen material. Roofing Calculator estimates that with materials and labor, the average cost ranges between $11,900 and $22,100. Keep relative metal costs in mind: aluminum and steel standing seam panels are typically much less than copper or zinc panels.

Trim/Flashing

Your estimate should include the necessary metal trim and flashing for your roof. The cost of trim depends on the type of metal roofing system. Overall, exposed fastener roofing costs less than standing seam systems. Below are the latest 2023 cost estimates from Western States Metal Roofing. 

Here are the average costs for metal trim for exposed fastener panels:

• Eave trim: $2.50–$4 per linear foot
• Gable trim: $2.50–$4 per linear foot
• Ridge cap: $3.50–$5 per linear foot

Here are the average costs for metal trim for standing seam (or concealed) fastener panels:

• Eave trim: 5.50–$8.00 per linear foot
• Gable trim:  5.50–$8.00 per linear foot
• Ridge cap:  $7.00–$10.00 per linear foot

Finishes

Metal roof finishes boost your roof’s paint color and extend its durability. The two main types of metal roof finishes are polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP). 

PVDF coating provides the best protection against fading, cracking, and harsh outdoor elements, but its softer composition makes it easier to scratch. SMP coatings are harder, making them more resistant to scratches and chalking, which is when a powder-like substance forms on a surface. However, UV rays make it more susceptible to cracking and fading. PVDF coatings cost between 15 and 35% more than SMP options. 

Gutters

Depending on your roof layout and existing gutter systems, you may require gutter replacement or repair. Gutter installation costs $1,000–$7,000, or about $10 per linear foot. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards for added protection and performance.

Metal roofing offers better durability and longevity than other roofing materials. They 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 surface, metal roofs deflect the sun’s rays to help keep your home cooler and energy bills lower. 

Ask This Old House Roofing Materials Video

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses different roofing materials and highlights the benefits of choosing a metal roof.

Longevity and Durability

A primary benefit of metal roofs is their longevity. In its 2022 Residential Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) states that metal roofs have a life span of 50 years or more. Traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt, offer only 15–20 years of protection. 

Metal stands up to severe weather events such as hail, high winds, and heavy storms, whereas other roof materials become damaged in such conditions. Alternatively, if you live somewhere prone to wildfires, metal resists fire and smoke damage extremely well.

Although metal roofs can become dented, it typically takes quite a bit of pressure to accomplish. For example, golf-ball-sized hail likely would dent a metal roof, but smaller hail would have minimal effect. It takes much less force to tear or damage asphalt shingles.

Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance

Metal roofs are much easier to clean than other materials. They stand up well to a simple pressure washing, whereas other roof types require additional roof washing expenses for specialty cleanings. 

Metal roofs require little maintenance and don’t need annual inspections like clay, asphalt, or shake roofs. You’ll also save on roof repair costs since metal roofs don’t require frequent repairs for damaged shingles or tiles. 

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,” says John Foley, New England Branch Manager of Long Home Products. 

Even non-reflective metal can be treated with special paint that blocks UV rays. The MRA reported that metal roofs provide up to 30% in energy savings. Considering most metal roofs last 50 years or longer, you’ll benefit from long-term heating and cooling savings into the future. 

By adding reflective or lighter paint colors, homeowners could create what’s known as a cool roof. According to Energy Star, cool roofs have higher solar reflectance which lowers your home’s internal temperatures. Many cool roofs are Energy Star-certified and help you save up to 15% more on energy bills. They work best in areas with plenty of sunlight, such as southern states or homes with little roof insulation. 

Read also: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Eco-Friendliness

Metal is a highly reusable material, as many metal roofs are made of 30%–60% recycled metal. Their high durability also means they don’t need to be replaced as often. Because they are resistant to fungus and moss, they don’t require harsh chemical treatments that could be harmful to the environment. They’re also 100% recyclable when they reach their end of life, compared to other roofing materials that end up in landfills.

Increased Resale Value

A new metal roof can improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment for metal roof replacement is around 61.2%. Homeowners can recoup more than half of their roof replacement expenses when they sell their homes. 

Customization

Metal roofs offer various customization options, such as paint colors, roof styles, finishes, and materials. Aluminum and steel roofs offer the widest color options. Other materials, such as copper, tin, and zinc, have natural finishes and textures that make their appearance unique. Metal roofs can blend into your color scheme, or become accent pieces on your home. As part of its 2023 Curb Appeal Trends report, the MRA predicts more homeowners will start mixing and matching metal roof patterns, designs, and colors for bolder combinations. If energy efficiency is your goal, there are plenty of light shades and hues that help with efficiency and boost design appeal.

Metal roof costs vary based on your selected material, panel style, and other customization options. Selecting more durable materials increases costs but results in higher-quality roofs. Despite their higher initial costs, metal roofs can help homeowners save money on future roof repairs and replacement. In addition, an investment in a metal roof translates to better energy savings, improved home protection, and a boost to home value.  

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