Cost to Install Corrugated Metal Roofing

Are you considering choosing corrugated metal for roofing or remodeling your home? This roofing material can give your home an average ROI of over 80%. But at what cost?

There are many factors that can affect prices. These include the nature of the project, thickness and length of the panels, and type of paint or finish.

Below, we look at the cost of buying and installing corrugated metal roofs and compare it to the different roofing options available. Also, we examine the various factors that influence the price to help you make an informed choice.

How Much Does a Sheet of Corrugated Metal Cost?

Corrugated metal panels can cost as low as $0.90 per square foot and as high as $1.75. On average, you should expect to pay around $1.33. Of course, these prices will depend on several factors, including gauge and type of paint finish. But more on that later.

What is the Average Cost of a Corrugated Metal Roof?

The average cost of installing a corrugated roof ranges between $8000 and $19500. Taking a standard-sized house as an example, you should expect to pay $350 to $650 per square or $3.5 to $6.5 per square foot.

This table shows varying prices for different panel dimensions.

Size

Price ($)

Coverage area (square foot)

14 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel

76.91

42

12 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel

70.60

36

10 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel

60.15

30

8 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel

47.22

24

3 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel

37.63

6.75

Corrugated VS Asphalt Shingles, Which is More Expensive?

The cost of buying corrugated metal panels and asphalt shingles is relatively similar. However, it will cost significantly more to install a corrugated metal roof. That’s because you need more accessories such as screws.       

All factors considered, you will pay more to buy and install a corrugated roof compared to asphalt shingles. However, with a corrugated roof, you are likely to recoup some of the costs in the long run. That’s because the roof will last longer and will require minimal resistance. Moreover, metal roofs are energy efficient. So, expect to save more on heating and cooling costs.

Corrugated Vs. Exposed Fastener Panels Cost

Here is a guide that compares corrugated metal roofs to other exposed fastener panels.

R Panel Roofs

Compared to corrugated metal roofs, R panel roofs are cheaper to buy and install. The price of the panels is lower by 10 to 15%. Moreover, you will need fewer materials since the panels don’t side lap. Overall, you should expect to save 20 to 25% of the total cost of installation.

Metal Shingles and Tiles

Metal shingles and tiles are more expensive to buy and install. For instance, galvanized steel shingles cost between $3.35 and $4.25. If you add installation costs, the total comes to about $10 per square foot.

You will pay even more for stainless steel shingles. The materials cost between $10 and $16 per square foot, and the installation cost is about $15.50 more.

Factors Affecting Corrugated Metal Roofing Prices

Some consumers are only concerned about how much they can save and are always searching for cheap metal roofing ideas. However, solely focusing on price can cause you to ignore other essential factors such as aesthetics, quality, and suitability. Here are factors that determine corrugated metal roofing prices.

Thickness

The thickness of a corrugated metal panel is measured in gauge. Thickness can range from 20 to 29 gauge depending on the application. 20 gauge is the thickest while 29 is the thinnest. However, the most common options are 24 and 26 gauge.

29 gauge might be the cheapest, but it is largely unreliable. On the other extreme end, a 20 gauge panel may not be necessary, especially when placing it over a wooden roofing substrate. The extra costs you are likely to incur may not be worth the investment.

Colors and Finishes

Whether you go for painted corrugated metal roofing or not will depend on the nature of the application. If you install the roof on a commercial building- where aesthetics may not matter much-panels with an inexpensive galvalume finish will suffice.

However, that option is not suited for residential applications, where looks are everything. In such cases, you can not escape painted panels. There are two options on the table for your consideration. These include SMP and Kynar paint finish. SMP is only present in 26 gauge panels, and you have to buy the 24 gauge panel if you want Kynar paint.

The type of metal finish will determine the price of the metal panels. Galvanized panels are the cheapest option available. You only need to pay between $0.90 and $1.35 per square foot. SMP panels are the cheapest painted panels and cost between $1 and $1.55 per square foot.

Finally, panels with a Kynar paint finish range from $1.50 to $3 per square foot. These prices are exclusive of installation costs.

Consumers also have the option of buying panels with specialty paint finishes. These will often try to mimic naturally occurring patina, such as weathered gray or brown rust. Naturally, these panels are the most expensive. You should expect to pay between $2.50 and $3 per square foot, excluding installation costs.

Where You Buy the Materials

If you want to buy corrugated metal panels, you have three options on the table, each with varying cost implications. You can buy from the manufacturer, distributor, or you can let your contractor handle it on your behalf.

Buying directly from the manufacturer can save you between 15 to 50%. However, the manufacturer is not likely to offer any metal roofing cost guide. Should you choose this route, ensure you know how many things you need, their prices, and sizes.

You can also buy from a distributor or a roofing supply firm. Here, you can get guidance depending on your needs if you have no idea where to start. However, prepare to pay 15 to 50% more for the advice and assistance.

The last option at your disposal is to leave everything in the contractor’s hands. If you are already paying them for their services, there is no harm in letting them source the materials. The only drawback is the 10 to 20% markup they will put on the panels.

Size of the Project

The larger the project, the more you are likely to save on costs. For instance, a 500 square foot project could easily cost twice as much as a 5000 square foot project.

Size of the Panels

Large panels will cover a wider area and will, therefore, cost more. For instance, a 14 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel will cost more than a 10 ft. galvanized steel corrugated roof panel.

Installation Cost - DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Roofer

If you hire a professional roofer to install a corrugated metal roof, you will spend between $4.50 and $5.50 per square foot. That will significantly drive up your overall costs. However, an expert possesses all the technical skills required to get the job done. Remember, a metal roof may not be as easy to install as other roof types.

A metal roof can last for up to 60 years. However, durability is dependent on the installation process. If not installed properly, a corrugated metal roof may not last as long as expected, and you will not get your money’s worth. That’s why hiring professional installers to do the job can be a worthy investment.

Apart from guaranteeing quality installation, relying on experts will also guarantee your safety. As mentioned earlier, installing a metal roof requires specific technical skills and appropriate tools. Using the tools improperly can put your life at risk. Moreover, there is always the risk of falling from heights.

If you are a regular DIYer who has confidence in their skills and experience, installing a corrugated metal roof can save you a lot in labor costs. The process is straightforward if you know what you’re doing.

Corrugated Metal Roof Calculation Example

Here are several examples of average estimated costs of professionally installed 24 gauge and 26 gauge corrugated metal panels with varying paint finishes in a 1500 sq. ft. house.

  1. House 1 with 26 gauge thickness and galvanized finish: The average estimated total cost is $9,188.
  2. House 2 with 26 gauge thickness and SMP paint finish: Estimated total cost is $9,413.
  3. House 3 with 24 gauge thickness and Kynar paint finish: The estimated total cost is $10,875.
  4. House 4 with 24 gauge thickness and specialized paint finish: The average estimated total cost is $11,625.

Conclusion

The average ROI you get after installing a corrugated metal roof is worth the trouble. However, the installation costs will vary depending on the needs of your project.

There is a lot to consider when choosing metal panels, including durability, functionality, and aesthetics. However, while the goal is to spend as little as possible, balancing price and performance is always a challenge.

You’ll find that you can save more by opting for cheaper paint and finishes, especially in agricultural and commercial projects. Moreover, you can save 15 to 50% by buying the materials from the manufacturer directly.

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