Metal Roofing Prices Per Linear Foot: Cost Guide and Factors

Metal roofing prices per linear foot vary widely based on material, profile, and labor; this guide breaks down costs, drivers, and ways to estimate total expenses.

Roof Type	Typical Price Per Linear Foot	Notes
Corrugated Steel	$3 – $7	Economical, simple install, higher maintenance in coastal areas
Standing Seam Steel	$7 – $15	Durable, concealed fasteners, premium finish options
Aluminum	$8 – $18	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, preferred for coastal homes
Copper	$30 – $120	High-end, long lifespan, develops patina
Zinc	$25 – $60	Self-healing surface, expensive but long-lasting

How Prices Per Linear Foot Are Calculated

Linear foot pricing typically refers to cost per foot along the eave or ridge and is used for trim, flashing, and some panel pricing methods. This differs from cost per square foot (100 square feet) and from per-panel pricing. Manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors may quote by linear foot for edge materials, ridge caps, and certain panel types where length is the primary variable.

Common Metal Roofing Materials And Typical Linear Foot Costs

Each metal type has distinct cost ranges per linear foot due to raw material prices, weight, and fabrication complexity.

Steel (Galvanized And Galvalume)

Steel is the most common metal roofing material and offers the broadest price range per linear foot. Basic corrugated panels and exposed-fastener profiles will sit at the low end, while premium painted standing seam systems with enhanced coatings fall into the mid-range.

Aluminum

Aluminum costs more per linear foot than basic steel but provides superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for coastal regions. Its light weight also reduces structural reinforcement needs for some homes.

Copper

Copper commands the highest per-linear-foot price among common metals due to material cost and specialized installation techniques. Copper is chosen for aesthetic prestige and exceptional longevity when budget allows.

Zinc

Zinc is priced similarly to copper in many markets and is valued for low maintenance and a self-healing patina that reduces visible surface wear. Installation expertise affects final cost significantly.

Profiles And Their Impact On Linear Foot Pricing

Roof profile affects material usage, labor complexity, and trim length — all of which alter the price per linear foot. Common profiles include corrugated, exposed-fastener rib, snap-lock standing seam, and mechanically seamed standing seam.

• Corrugated/Exposed-Fastener: Lower per-linear-foot costs and faster installs but more prone to leaks at fastener points.
• Snap-Lock Standing Seam: Mid-range price per linear foot with concealed fasteners and easier field connections.
• Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam: Higher per-linear-foot cost due to crimping equipment and labor but superior weather-tightness.

Labor, Complexity, And Regional Price Variations

Labor can represent 40%–60% of total installed cost and strongly influences per-linear-foot pricing when installers charge by length for trims and seams. Regions with higher wages, scarce qualified crews, or challenging permitting will show higher prices. Coastal locations may add premium for corrosion-resistant materials and fastener types.

Additional Cost Drivers That Affect Per Linear Foot Estimates

Several secondary factors commonly raise the effective price per linear foot even if raw panel prices are low.

• Underlayment And Insulation: Synthetic underlayment or ice-and-water shields add cost per linear foot of eave and valley protection.
• Trim, Flashing, And Ridge Caps: These are often priced per linear foot and can vary by gauge and finish.
• Fasteners And Clips: Concealed clip systems for standing seam add cost compared to exposed screw systems.
• Roof Pitch And Complexity: Steep pitches and multiple hips or valleys increase labor, waste, and accessory length — raising the per-linear-foot installed price.

Estimating Total Cost From Linear Foot Prices

To convert linear foot pricing into a practical estimate, assess the roof perimeter, ridge length, and trim runs rather than just surface area. For example, ridge caps and eave trims are measured in linear feet while panels cover area. Combining both metrics yields an accurate installed cost estimate.

Simple Estimation Steps:

1. Measure roof eave length and ridge length for items priced per linear foot.
2. Calculate roof area in square feet for panel pricing (1 square = 100 sq ft).
3. Add accessory linear-foot costs (ridge, eave, gable trims, flashing).
4. Include labor markup, underlayment, and fasteners to reach total installed price.

Sample Cost Scenarios Per Linear Foot

Realistic scenarios help translate per-linear-foot numbers into homeowner expectations for common roof sizes.

Scenario	Material	Estimated Price Per Linear Foot (Installed)	Notes
Small Ranch Roof (40′ Eave)	Corrugated Steel	$6 – $10	Includes edge trim, underlayment, basic flashing
Two-Story Suburban (70′ Perimeter)	Standing Seam Steel	$12 – $22	Concealed clips, premium paint, steeper pitch
Coastal Cottage (60′ Perimeter)	Aluminum	$15 – $28	Corrosion-resistant fasteners and coatings
Historic Home Renovation (50′ Perimeter)	Copper	$40 – $120	Specialty flashing, custom trim, high labor

Ways To Reduce Metal Roofing Costs Per Linear Foot

Strategic choices can lower the effective price per linear foot without sacrificing performance.

• Choose A Simpler Profile: Exposed-fastener systems reduce material and labor costs compared to mechanically seamed standing seam.
• Buy In Bulk: Larger projects or buying panels in longer runs reduces waste and lowers per-linear-foot material cost.
• Compare Local Installers: Get multiple detailed quotes to compare labor rates and accessory pricing per linear foot.
• Consider Overlay Options: Where code and substrate permit, over-roofing may save on tear-off labor but must account for weight limits.

Warranty, Lifespan, And Value Considerations

Higher per-linear-foot investments often correspond to extended warranties and longer lifespans, which can deliver lower lifecycle cost despite higher upfront price. Typical lifespans: painted steel 25–40 years, aluminum 30–50 years, zinc and copper 80+ years. Warranty scopes vary by manufacturer and may be transferable on some systems.

Questions To Ask Contractors When Quoting Per Linear Foot Prices

Homeowners should request transparent line-item quotes that separate material, accessory (linear foot) pricing, labor, and permit costs.

• Are the quoted trims and ridge caps included in the linear-foot price or extra?
• What gauge and coating are specified for panels and trims?
• Are hidden-clip systems or exposed fasteners being used?
• Does the quote include tear-off, disposal, underlayment, and flashing?
• What warranty covers materials and workmanship, and is it prorated?

Maintenance Costs And Long-Term Economics Per Linear Foot

Maintenance needs influence effective per-linear-foot value over time; low-maintenance metals lower lifecycle cost even if initial per-linear-foot pricing is higher. Periodic inspections, seam resealing, and fastener checks are standard. Salt-prone environments may require more frequent maintenance for certain steels unless coated or aluminum is used.

Where To Get Accurate Local Linear Foot Pricing

Local roofing suppliers and reputable contractors provide the most accurate per-linear-foot pricing because labor and material availability are regional. Online national averages are a starting point, but on-site assessments and multiple quotes are essential for budgeting.

Useful Resources: Manufacturer product pages for exact trim and panel pricing, local supplier catalogs, and contractor itemized bids are recommended for final decisions.