The average metal roof costs about $15.50 per square foot or $1,550 per square. If your roof needs 20 squares, or 2,000 square feet of roofing, expect an estimate of around $30,000 to $36,000 when materials, including extra needed for trimming and waste, plus labor costs are added together.
Pro Tip: Metal roofing costs are generally quoted as cost per square. A square equals 100 square feet of roof coverage.
Price Range? While 17 bucks per square foot is average, the total price range is less than $12.00 to more than $40.00 per square foot based on job cost factors related to materials and the difficulty of installation.
Worry-free Estimating – Our goal here is to clearly explain your material options, cost factors and labor fees, so you will have a very good idea of your costs before roofing contractors come out to give you estimates.
Overview of Metal Roofing Costs
This table shows metal type, material cost, installation cost and enough material to cover 2,000 square feet of roofing. A home with a 1,650 square foot footprint and a 6/12 pitch has about 2,000 square feet of roof.
| Metal | Profile | Materials / Cost Per Square | Installation / Cost Per Square | Total Cost Range / 2,000 Square Feet (20 Squares) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized Steel | Standing Seam | $450-$600 | $400-$1,200 | $19,000-$36,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $400-$900 | $550-$1,100 | $15,000-$40,000 | |
| Corrugated | $275-$500 | $350-$1,000 | $9,500-$30,000 | |
| Galvalume | Standing Seam | $400-$550 | $500-$1,200 | $18,000-$35,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $350-$800 | $550-$1,100 | $14,000-$38,000 | |
| Corrugated | $225-$450 | $375-$950 | $8,500-$28,000 | |
| Stainless Steel | Standing Seam | $700-$1,350 | $600-$1,200 | $26,000-$51,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $650-$1,100 | 600-$1,400 | $21,000-$50,000 | |
| Corten | Standing Seam | $300-$500 | $500-$1,200 | $16,000-$34,000 |
| Corrugated | $225-$400 | $350-$900 | $8,500-$26,000 | |
| Aluminum | Standing Seam | $500-$850 | $500-$1,000 | $20,000-$37,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $450-$900 | $550-$1,200 | $16,000-$42,000 | |
| Corrugated | $300-$550 | $400-$900 | $10,000-$19,000 | |
| Copper | Standing Seam | $1200-$2,400 | $800-$1,200 | $40,000-$72,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $800-$1,800 | $500-$1,000 | $26,000-$56,000 | |
| Zinc | Standing Seam | $650-$1,200 | $800-$1,200 | $29,000-$48,000 |
| Shingle/Tile | $600-$850 | $600-$1,000 | $24,000-$37,000 | |
| Terne | Standing Seam | $650-$1,400 | $500-$1,200 | $23,000-$52,000 |
Don't Forget Extra Material! Most roofing contractors order about 10% extra roofing to account for trim and other waste. So, when you determine how many square feet of roofing (or squares, when divided by 100), multiply that amount by 1.1 for an extra 10%. So, for example, if your roof area is 1,400 square feet, you'll need 14 x 1.1 = 15.4 squares rounded up to 16 squares of metal roofing.
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Why Metal Roofing is Growing in Popularity
Metal is good-looking and long-lasing, a hot roofing commodity in the 21st century. It is durable. Metal is green. And with more homes of all types being topped with metal, it is gaining acceptance in every kind of neighborhood.
So, if you're planning to build a home or replace an existing roof, considering metal is a great idea. In the past, metal roofing has been used primarily on commercial buildings and sheds, but with recent innovations in materials, coatings and styles, metal roofing is grabbing market share from traditional asphalt shingles.
Pro Tip: Metal roofing offers many advantages including durability, longevity, sustainability and very low maintenance. Metal roofing is also energy efficient, environmentally friendly and resistant to enemies of wood and asphalt roofing including fire, mold, and plant growth.
Consider Lifetime Cost: Metal roofing will cost more upfront than asphalt shingles, but due to its long lifespan, low maintenance costs, and energy efficiency, you can expect metal to cost you less in the long run. Think about it. You'll replace asphalt shingles two or three times before you'd replace a metal roof.
Metal roofing is available in a large variety of materials, styles, thicknesses, finishes, and therefore in a wide range of prices. In this article we'll detail the various types of metal roofing and the costs for materials and installation.
Metal Roof Cost Factors
If you're in a hurry to see metal roofing prices for the various material options, see the Table above or skip down the page to the detailed list of costs.
However, if you're crunching numbers and want to know where various metal roofing materials fall on the metal roof cost spectrum and why, consider the explanation of metal roofing cost factors below.
This list includes metal roof price factors for both material and installation labor. The factors also show you your range of metal roofing options – some you might not have been aware of and would now like to explore.
Here we go.
Material
This is the key cost factor. Copper, rarely used, costs much more than other metals. Steel is least expensive, but it comes in various forms and finishes at differing prices. Aluminum is in the sweet spot – a fair cost and outstanding durability.
Size of the Roof
The bigger the roof, the higher the cost, of course. However, the price per square often drops a little as the amount of materials rises. Roofing Profile – Standing seam with concealed or exposed fasteners, shingles, tiles, corrugated panels all have different costs. Simple steel panels and corrugated steel cost the least; Metal shingles cost the most for both materials and installation labor.
Metal Finishes
PVDF resin paint, Galvalume and other coatings play a role in durability and in upfront cost. Stone-coated steel roofing is quite expensive but very durable and a great choice where large hail is a factor. See the Metal Roofing Cost table below for exact pricing for each.
Shingle or Tile Design
Stamped steel, to give panels the look of individual shakes, and other design technologies will affect cost.
Quality of Materials
For example, steel roofing is made in a range of gauges from about 22-gauge to 29-gauge steel. Fact – The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel.
Roof Complexity
Whether a roof is relatively easy or hard to install material on is affected by its steepness, aka pitch, number of peaks and valleys, and the presence of chimneys, vent stacks, dormers and other obstacles that take extra time to work around.
Height of the Roof
It is easier on a single-story home to get materials and crew to the roof than on a multi-story home, so the labor cost will be lower.
Where you Live
Large urban areas often command higher prices, especially when those areas are on the Coasts. Local cost of living affects metal roofing costs by up to 35%. In Alaska and Hawaii, prices are even higher.
Metal Roofing Profiles and Styles
As metal roofing grows in popularity and demand, manufacturers are producing more style options. There are a bunch of profile types plus a range of finishes. Together, these options give you the opportunity to choose a semi-custom metal roof for your home or other building project.
Standing Seam Roof
Highly popular, a standing seam roof features vertical panels running from the ridge of the roof to the eaves. The panels are available in smooth or with varying degrees of ribbing. The panels are attached with fasteners, most often, concealed below the surface of the panel. Standing seam roofing with exposed fasteners can be up to 50% less expensive to install but the fasteners and screws are exposed to the elements which may shorten the lifespan of the roof.
Corrugated Roof
A corrugated roof consists of metal panels that have been formed with "S" shaped curves. Panels are available with a range of corrugation sizes. The corrugation process increases the strength of the metal. Most corrugated profiles use an exposed fastener system. This is the most affordable metal roofing style and is often used on outbuildings and barns. However, some homeowners like the rustic look of corrugated steel for their homes.
Shingles Roof
Metal shingles are available in many shapes, sizes, and architectural styles. They can be left natural in Corten, copper or zinc. And painted shingles are available in a spectrum of colors. Metal shingles can be designed to look like cedar shake, asphalt, or slate through stamping or embossing and applying finishes. Steel shingles can also be made to look like other metals including copper.
Tiles Roof
Metal can be made to mimic the look of clay roofing tiles by forming the metal into curves and applying ground stone. These tiles are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors.
Metal Roofing Materials
Let's get specific about your material choices and what it will cost you to put one of these durable roofs on your home or building.
Steel Roofing
Steel is the most common and affordable choice in metal roofing and is available in Galvanized, Galvalume, Stainless, and Corten.
Galvanized, Galvalume, and sometimes Stainless, can be coated with a PDVF resin paint to protect them as well as add color and reflect the sun's rays. Purchasing materials with a PDVF coating will add about 8% to 12% to the cost.
Knowledge Note: PDVF? It is polyvinylidene fluoride, and you'll see it referred to by the brand name Kynar ® when you read metal roofing literature. More specifically, its trade name is Kynar 500 ®. To add confusion, Hylar 5000 ® is another trade name for PDVF.
Steel Roofing Gauges - Steel roofing is also available in various grades of thickness from 22 to 29 gauge with 26 being the industry standard for residential roofing. The thinnest gauge is 29 and the thickest gauge is 22. The thicker the gauge, the more expensive the steel. A thicker grade would be a good choice in a climate prone to high winds and harsh winters. A thinner grade would be a good option in mild climates.
- Galvanized Steel Costs
Galvanized steel is carbon steel that has been layered with zinc to protect it from corrosion. G-90 is the standard roofing grade and means that the steel is coated on each side with zinc. Galvanized steel costs 5% to 8% more than Galvalume today. Tomorrow it might be different. Ten years ago, Galvalume was more expensive.
Galvanized Steel Costs | Materials | Labor |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $450 to $600 | $400 to $1200 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $400 to $950 | $550 to $1100 |
Corrugated Costs | $275 to $500 | $350 to $1,000 |
- Galvalume Steel Costs
Galvalume is steel coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminum. Galvalume is a good choice for coastal climates because the addition of aluminum resists corrosion and rusting in salt air. Choose a grade of AZ-50 for painted and a grade of AZ-55 for unpainted Galvalume.
Galvalume Steel Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $400 to $550 | $500 to $1200 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $350 to $800 | $550 to $1100 |
Corrugated Costs | $225 to $450 | $375 to $950 |
Stainless Steel Costs
Stainless steel is steel alloyed with chromium making it very strong, durable, and highly resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel can stand up to extremely harsh weather and climates. Stainless steel costs about the same as zinc and can last over 60 years.
Stainless Steel Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $700 to $1350 | $600 to $1200 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $650 to $1100 | $600 to $1400 |
Corten Steel A606-4 or Weathering Steel Costs
Corten or Weathering Steel is increasing in popularity due to its natural and rustic appearance. The steel weathers or oxidizes to form a rusted, coppery look and never needs painting.
Corten Steel A606-4 or Weathering Steel Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $300 to $500 | $500 to $1200 |
Corrugated Costs | $225 to $400 | $350 to $900 |
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing weighs less than steel and can last longer due to its anti-corrosion properties. Aluminum is a better choice in coastal climates where the salt air can rust steel. It is also more reflective and dissipates heat faster than steel making it a good choice for hot climates. Aluminum roofing costs about 15 to 25% more than steel.
Aluminum roofing is available in .019, .024, .032, and .050 of an inch thick with .032 recommended for standing seam profiles. Which thickness will work best for your roof will also depend on your climate, the roofing profile you choose, and the infrastructure of your roof.
Aluminum standing seam roofing is finished with paint adhered to the surface with heat and is available in many colors.
Aluminum Roofing Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $500 to $850 | $500 to $1000 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $450 to $900 | $550 to $1,200 |
Corrugated Costs | $300 to $550 | $200 to $400 |
Copper Roofing Costs
Copper roofing is one of the most attractive and also one of the most expensive roofing materials available. Copper is usually left natural to age and develop verdigris, a blue green patina, or is sealed to retain its original copper color. Copper is lightweight, soft and easy to work with, and can last over 100 years.
Copper for roofing is measured by the ounce because it's still considered a precious metal. 12oz. copper is .016 inch thick, 16oz. is .022 inch thick, and 20oz. measures .027 inch thick. 16oz. or 20oz. copper is recommended for a standing seam roofing application.
Copper Roofing Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $1200 to $2400 | $800 to $1200 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $800 to $1800 | $500 to $1000 |
Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing has been used in Europe for hundreds of years because it is not affected by coastal climates or harsh winters. Zinc roofing can last well over 100 years, in part, because it forms a self-healing patina.
Zinc roofing is another very expensive, but attractive metal roofing material. Zinc panels are available in .7mm, .8mm, or 1.0mm thick. Thicknesses of .7mm or .8mm are usually adequate for shingles and most standing seam installations. 1.0mm thickness is recommended when very long panels are used or when durability beyond 100 years is desired.
Zinc Roofing Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Costs | $650 to $1200 | $800 to $1200 |
Shingle or Tile Costs | $600 to $850 | $600 to $1000 |
Tin (Terne) Roofing
Tin roofing is sometimes used as a generic term for any metal roof, but real tin roofing was originally made of tin-plated iron, then later made with a tin and lead combination called "terne". Due to environmental concerns, lead was phased out. Terne roofs today are either Terne II or TCS (tin coated steel) and use a zinc-tin alloy over a base of carbon steel.
Terne II or TCS roofing is used in restoration of historical buildings with original tin roofs, but it is uncommon in residential applications because other metals like steel, aluminum, or zinc provide similar qualities and appearance at a lower cost. Here is an interesting video about this historically important roofing material.
Besides restoration, Terne ll and TCS are generally only used in Standing Seam profiles.
Tin/Terne Roofing Costs | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
Standing Seam Tin/Terne Costs | $650 to $1400 | $500 to $1200 |
How Much Metal Roofing Do I Need?
Here's a quick approach to determining how much to order. Your building materials supplier, if you're DIY, will calculate for you. So, will a roofing contractor if you hire one.
But to keep them honest, you'll need to know
- The square footage being roofed. This is the area directly above the top living space. We know you get this, but just to be sure everyone is on the same page, if you have a 2,000 square foot ranch, then 2,000 square feet of space must be roofed. If you have a 2,000 square foot saltbox home with two stories, then 1,000 square feet of living space is roofed.
- The pitch of your roof.
OK, use this chart to determine how much roofing area you have. It is a two-step process:
Step 1: Multiply the square feet to be covered by the multiplier that corresponds to your roof pitch, i.e., the steepness of the roof.
Roof Pitch | Multiplier | 2,000 S.F. Example |
|---|---|---|
4/12 | 1.16 | 2,320 |
5/12 | 1.19 | 2,385 |
6/12 | 1.23 | 2,460 |
7/12 | 1.28 | 2,550 |
8/12 | 1.32 | 2,645 |
9/12 | 1.38 | 2,750 |
10/12 | 1.43 | 2,865 |
12/12 | 1.56 | 3,115 |
Step 2: Multiply it by 1.1 to add your 10% extra!
What about the overhang? Yes, we almost forgot this. Most overhangs are 1 foot. So, measure the linear feet of the house to be roofed. Let's say the footprint is 36 x 60, so two sides of 36 feet and two sides of 60 feet. Add 32 + 32 + 60 + 60 to get 184 linear feet of overhang. Since it is 1-foot wide, that's an additional 184 square feet of roofing material. If the overhang is just 6 inches, or one-half foot, then the total square feet of overhang is half that, or 92 square feet.
Putting it All Together (Cost Example)
Here's the example of a 36' x 56' single-story home with 2,016 square feet of covered area, a 6/12 roof and a 1-foot overhang.
- 2,016 x 1.23 multiplier for a 6/12 roof = 2,480 square feet.
- The overhang is 36 + 36 + 56 + 56 = 184 linear feet/square feet. Adding the overhang, the equation is 2,480 + 184 = 2,664 square feet of roofing
- 2,664 x 1.1 (10% waste) = 2,930 square feet of material is needed. Divided by 100 square feet to get the number of squares, you might be able to get by with 29 squares, though 30 squares would be safer.