How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $7.54–$39.43 per square foot
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Standing seam metal roofs often have durable and energy-efficient designs and will run customers between $7.54 and $39.43* per square foot. Primary cost factors include the type of metal you choose, the width and gauge of the roofing panels, and the design of your current roof. Read our guide for a breakdown of standing seam metal roof pricing.
*Cost information in this article was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
Key Takeaways
What Are Major Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Factors?
Standing seam metal roof pricing depends on the size. Expect to pay between $7,540 and $39,430 for a 1,000-square-foot roof. Here are the primary factors that impact metal roof pricing:
- Panel width and gauge: Standing seam metal roof panels are available in different widths and thicknesses (gauge). The wider and thicker the panel, the more it will cost.
- Roof design and accessibility: The design and accessibility of your roof affect labor costs. A roof with a steep pitch or hard-to-access spots will require more time and skill to re-roof. So will roofs with many hips, valleys, dormers, and roof penetrations.
- Roof size: Both materials and labor are priced per square foot, so larger roofs will cost more.
- Type of metal: Standing seam roofs are available in steel, zinc, copper, and aluminum, while certain structures use stainless steel and titanium. A steel roof is the cheapest common option, while copper is the priciest.
Roof Size
Your roof size is the top indicator of how much you’ll pay. Here are some average cost ranges based on various roof sizes.
Cost by Roof Size
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
1000 |
$7,540 |
$39,430 |
|
1200 |
$9,048 |
$47,316 |
|
1500 |
$11,310 |
$59,145 |
|
1800 |
$13,572 |
$70,974 |
|
2000 |
$15,080 |
$78,860 |
|
2500 |
$18,850 |
$98,575 |
|
3000 |
$22,620 |
$118,290 |
Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™
Type of Metal
The type of standing seam metal roofing material you choose dictates pricing.
Cost by Metal Type
| Type of Metal | Minimum Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Maximum Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
|
Steel |
$4.59 |
$8.55 |
|
Aluminum |
$6.12 |
$28.50 |
|
Zinc |
$6.12 |
$28.50 |
|
Copper |
$12.24 |
$26.60 |
Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™
How To Choose the Right Metal Type for Your Roofing Project
Here’s how to choose the best metal type for your roof project:
- Appearance: Consider how metal roofing materials age over time. Copper, for instance, can develop a green patina. Other metal panels usually come in preapplied colors.
- Location: Your area’s weather patterns will significantly affect the metal you choose. Corrosion resistance is a necessity if you live near a body of water, limiting your metal roofing options to aluminum, zinc, or copper. If you’re not on the water, you could consider galvalume (a metallic coating blend) or galvanized steel.
- Longevity: Most metal roofs are long-lasting, low maintenance, and fire-resistant, but some are more durable than others. Copper roofs, one of the high-end metal roofing options, last 100 years or more, while other types of metal last 40 to 70 years. An asphalt roof, in contrast, will generally last for 15 to 30 years.
Panel Width and Gauge
Standing seam panels are available in panels that range from 12 inches to 24 inches. You’ll likely save money on the wider gauge because these panels are cheaper to manufacture and ship and require less installation time.
Nearly all standing seam roof panels come in 24 gauge (a measure of thickness), but it is possible to find heavier options that will cost more. Depending on the finish of the panels, 24-gauge galvanized steel panels cost between $2.20 and $8.25* per square foot.
*Cost data in this section was sourced from Western State Metal Roofing.
How To Save on Standing Seam Metal Roof
Here are some tips to lower your new roof cost.
What Are Additional Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Factors?
We outline additional standing seam metal roof cost factors from start to finish, including labor, permitting, and finishes.
Labor
Labor costs vary widely based on location. Homeowners in more expensive areas will have higher labor fees. Cleanup costs may make the project more expensive depending on whether they’re included in the initial bill.
Permits
Most cities and counties require one or more permits to install a new roof. Inspections are included as part of the permit process and help ensure that all building codes are being met throughout each stage. The roofing company typically pulls permits and navigates inspections on your behalf, which places the responsibility of passing those inspections on them.
Lock Type (Snap vs. Mechanical)
Mechanically seamed metal roofs require a hand or electric seamer to join the vertical legs of two panels. However, this option can be more expensive because of the added time and labor.
Snap-lock panels are attached to a roof deck using fasteners. The installation process is faster, which could save on labor costs.
Color and Finishing
The type of paint finish you choose might change the cost of your project. The cheaper option is called SMP paint, while PVDF paint is more expensive. The benefits of the costlier option are that it doesn’t fade as quickly as SMP, comes with a longer warranty, and can be purchased in approved cool roof colors.
Existing Roof Removal
The cost of removing your current roof depends on its material. Asphalt and metal roofs are typically the cheapest to remove, while clay and slate tiles are pricier.
Decking Inspection
The roof decking is one of the key parts of a roof, connecting it to the house frame. Your contractor should inspect the decking to make sure the underlayment is in good condition. If your home is older, your project quote might be higher to account for new sheathing.
Underlayment, Flashing, and Trim
A standing seam metal roof involves the following costs:
Flashing and trim: Roof flashing and trim pieces prevent water from getting in panel intersections and terminations. These elements are included in the roof installation price. You may see a higher cost if you have skylights or other unique roof features requiring additional flashing or trim.
Underlayment: Metal roofing typically requires a felt underlayment. This is the cheapest option, but you could opt for synthetic sheet underlayment, which has a longer life span.
Can You Install a Standing Seam Metal Roof Yourself?
Seasoned DIYers may consider installing standing seam metal roofs on their own, but homeowners without roofing experience should defer to the professionals.
DIY Standing Seam Metal Roof
Consider costs, logistics, and time when deciding whether to install a standing seam metal roof on your own. Also note that standing seam roofs are more dangerous to install or replace than most types of roofing.
Labor costs range from $2.95 to $10.93* per square foot, so if your roof is 1,000 square feet, the savings potential is anywhere from $2,950 to $10,930. However, purchasing specialized tools could raise the DIY price.
Consider how long a roof replacement project will take you, factoring in the removal and disposal of the old roof paired with the metal roof installation.
*Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™
Professional Standing Seam Metal Roof
Most professional roofers include old roof and felt removal as part of the price of standing seam metal roof installation. Here are some benefits of working with a roofing contractor:
- Roofing companies have insurance to cover safety hazards.
- They have access to a range of standing seam roof materials.
- They have installation experience to give you a high-quality finished product.
- They may include a warranty in the event of any installation issues.
- They understand your local permitting requirements.
Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Worth it?
A standing seam roof is a quality investment with a higher-than-average ROI that will last for many decades. To protect your investment, work with an experienced, licensed roofing contractor that offers a warranty for their work. To learn more about how we research and recommend roofing companies, check out our detailed rating methodology.
FAQs About Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
What is the difference between a standing seam metal roof vs. standing seam metal roofing?
There is no difference between a standing seam metal roof and standing seam metal roofing. They’re two different phrases referring to the same product.
Why is standing seam more expensive?
Standing seam is more expensive than other roof material types because it has a long lifespan and is extremely durable. Many models come with a high-quality painted finish, such as the Kynar 500.
What is the lifespan of a standing seam metal roof?
The lifespan of a standing seam metal roof is between 50 and 80 years. Cooper roofing systems last even longer.
What is a cheaper alternative to standing seam?
A cheaper alternative to standing seam is corrugated paneling. You could pay as much as 50% less with this metal roofing option.
What are the benefits of a standing seam metal roof?
A standing seam metal roof is resistant to extreme weather, durable, and energy efficient. It has a more modern look compared to corrugated metal roofing systems.
What is a standard warranty for standing seam?
There are three typical warranty types for metal roofs: substrate, paint, and weathertight. The standard warranty for standing seam panels depends on their painted finish. For example, the Kynar 500 finish comes with a 30-year warranty.
What is the cost of a standing seam metal roof for a 2,000-square-foot house?
The cost of a standing seam metal roof for a 2,000-square-foot house depends on the square footage of the roof itself. Assuming a two-story house of this size has a 1,000-square-foot roof, the cost would range from $7,540 to $39,430.
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