Metal roofing for your home typically costs more than the cost of a new roof using popular materials like asphalt shingles, slate, wood, or clay tile. Our research shows that the cost of a 1,700-square-foot metal roof ranges widely, depending on the type of metal and other factors.
This metal roofing cost guide reveals what you can expect to pay for a metal roof, the factors that determine cost, and how you can save money on a metal roof installation.
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Factors Affecting the Costs of Metal Roofing
As with any major purchase, you should conduct thorough research into the factors that influence the cost of a metal roof. Remember to shop for the best value available—which doesn’t necessarily translate to the lowest price available.
Look for a roofer with a sterling reputation, and make sure you read and understand the fine print in your job description and final contract.
“You basically have to do your due diligence in your local area to find out who the reputable companies are that have been around for a while and that stand behind their service and their work,” says Maciek Rupar, technical services director of the National Roofing Contractors Association. “Before signing that contract, you want to know exactly, potentially, how much you’re on the hook for as a consumer—and not some vague language that leaves it open-ended depending on what the insurance company is going to offer. I would say that’s probably the most important thing.”
Cost by Type of Metal
The type of metal you choose is the most relevant cost factor. Different types of metal vary widely in price, with copper topping the list as the costliest metal roofing material.
The table below shows estimated costs for different types of metal roofs:
| Material | Average Price per Square Foot | Price per Sheet | Price for 1,700 Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $4–$11 | $4,000–$11,000 | $6,800–$18,700 |
| Tin | $5–$12 | $5,000–$12,000 | $8,500–$20,400 |
| Galvanized steel | $7–$12 | $7,000–$12,000 | $1,900–$20,400 |
| Zinc | $6–$12 | $6,000–$12,000 | $10,200–$20,400 |
| Stainless steel | $10–$16 | $10,000–$16,000 | $17,000–$27,200 |
| Copper | $15–$30 | $15,000–$30,000 | $25,500–$51,000 |
Cost by Roof Size
The size of your roof can influence the cost of your project, with metal roof installation ranging from $4–$30 per square foot. We learned from our experience shadowing an Erie Home metal roofing consultation that metal roofing materials come in premeasured sheets, typically about 50–100 square feet. Professional contractors use a “roofing square” equal to 100 square feet to determine materials and costs. The Erie Roofing representative explained that roofers usually order slightly more material than required in case of any issues, which often causes roughly 10% of the material to go to waste.
The table below shows estimated metal roof cost ranges by roof square footage.
| Roof Size (square feet) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $4,000–$30,000 |
| 1,250 | $5,000–$37,500 |
| 1,500 | $6,000–$45,000 |
| 2,000 | $8,000–$60,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000–$75,000 |
Other Factors Affecting Costs
Your location, roof pitch, and additional roofing elements are all additional cost factors that affect your metal roof’s price. We dive into those factors below:
- Labor: This includes associated labor costs such as specialized equipment and scaffolding. Expect to spend around 60% of your total roof cost on labor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Underlayment: Underlayment is required on top of your roof deck to provide leak protection. Your current roof’s underlayment might not work for a metal roof.
- Style: Metal roofing most often comes in two metal panel profiles: corrugated or standing seam panels. Corrugated metal roofing is affordable and easy to install due to its wave-like appearance. Standing seam roofing panels feature concealed fasteners beneath vertical raised ribs, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction.
- 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 roof. Skylights, chimneys and other architectural features can increase the cost related to flashing.
- Finishes: Metal roof finishes provide color and durability. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP) are the main types. PVDF better resists fading and elements but scratches more easily. SMP is harder but more prone to UV cracking and fading.
- Gutters: Depending on your roof layout and existing gutter systems, you may require gutter replacement or repair. Professional gutter installation costs $2,300–$6,000, or about $32 per linear foot. You may want to consider installing gutter guards for added protection and performance.
How Do Different Types of Metal Roofing Compare?
Steel roofing is the best type of metal roofing for most people because of its strength and durability. The best type of metal roofing for you will depend on your location, budget, and aesthetic preference.
The most common types of metal roofing materials include steel, aluminum, tin, and copper, all with unique benefits and costs.
Price Differences of Metal Roofing Compared to Other Roofing Materials
Though there are many factors to consider when choosing a new roof, two of the most important are upfront cost and projected lifespan. Metal roofing is a great upgrade from standard asphalt shingles because of its durability and longevity. Depending on the material you choose, its cost could be among the lowest of all materials. As shown below, shingle roofs are significantly cheaper than metal roofs but only last half as long.
| Material | Total Cost | Cost per Square Foot | Lifespan in Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | $6,800–$51,000 | $4–$30 | 40–100 |
| Asphalt shingles | $1,190–$6,800 | $0.70–$4 | 20–30 |
| Built-up roofing (BUR) | $6,800–$17,000 | $4–$10 | 15–30 |
| Clay tiles | $5,100–$11,900 | $3–$7 | 50–100 |
| Concrete | $3,400–$6,800 | $2–$4 | 50 |
| Green roofing | $17,000–$51,000 | $10–$30 | 40 |
| Slate | $13,600–$30,600 | $8–$18 | 75–200 |
| Solar | $34,000–$44,200 | $20–$26 | 25–30 |
| Wood shingles | $6,800–$10,200 | $4–$6 | 15–30 |
What Are the Advantages of Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing offers better durability and longevity than other roofing materials. These roofs 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.
Longevity and Durability
A primary benefit of metal roofs is that they last. Metal roofs have a lifespan of 40 years or longer. Traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt, generally last only 15–30 years.
Metal stands up to severe weather events such as hail, high winds, and heavy storms, whereas other roof materials are prone to damage in such conditions. Metal is also fire resistant and resistant to smoke damage—a benefit if you live somewhere prone to wildfires.
Though metal roofs can become dented, it typically takes quite a bit of pressure to accomplish this. For example, golf-ball-sized hail will likely dent a metal roof, but smaller hail will have a minimal effect. It takes much less force to tear or damage asphalt shingles.
Ease of Cleaning
Metal roofs are much easier to clean than other materials. They stand up well to a simple pressure washing, whereas other roof types require specialty cleanings.
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, the New England branch manager of Long Home Products.
Even non-reflective metal can be treated with special paint that blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays. Considering that metal roofs last 50 years or longer, you’ll benefit from long-term savings on heating and cooling costs in the future.
Eco-Friendliness
Metal is highly reusable, 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 metal roofs 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.
Increased Resale Value
A new metal roof can improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment for metal roof replacement is 48.1%. Homeowners can recoup nearly half of their roof replacement expenses when they sell their homes.
Customization and Enhanced Aesthetic
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 in your home. If energy efficiency is your goal, there are plenty of light shades and hues that help with efficiency and boost design appeal.
What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Roofing?
While there are distinct benefits of metal roofing, there are also a few drawbacks.
Cost
Cost may be the largest deterrent in choosing a metal roof. With higher material and installation costs than many other roofing options, some homeowners may opt for a roofing material with a lower upfront cost. However, with its above-average durability and longevity, metal roofing can prove to be a good option for many homeowners.
Difficulty of Installation
The difficulty of metal roof installation and maintenance can be a drawback to many homeowners who are looking to install roofing themselves. Metal roofing isn’t typically a good option for the average DIY homeowner. Installation requires experience and knowledge to do safely and effectively.
How Can You Save Money on a Metal Roof?
One rarely discussed way you can save money on a new roof is to learn as much as you can before you sign a work agreement. Naturally, you’ll want to explore your options for discounts, rebates, tax incentives, and financing specials, but educating yourself about the cost, quality, and longevity of materials and labor can protect you against paying more than you have to.
“You oftentimes don’t know what you don’t know, and unless you ask questions, you may not get the full picture,” says the NRCA’s Rupar. “Because an educated consumer has a much better idea of what’s involved in all this. I would say that reputable roofing companies prefer to deal with educated consumers and won’t mind spending time in providing that information.”
So, it starts with getting smarter about roofing. Once you learn as much as you can about the type of roof you need, the going rate for labor and materials, and everything involved in installing a new roof, it’s time to get granular with your finances.
Here are a few ideas to consider that might help you save money on a new metal roof:
- Is your roofing company offering a seasonal sale, such as a percentage reduction in the cost?
- Are there alternative metal materials that might be less expensive than your first choice?
- Does the roofing company offer no-interest financing?
- If you are replacing your roof because of storm-related damage, will your home insurance policy cover a substantial portion of the cost? If so, what are the limitations of your insurance policy?
- Does the roofing company stand behind its promises with a workmanship warranty?
- Similarly, does the manufacturer offer a warranty for its metal roof products and accessories?
Are Metal Roofs Worth the Cost?
Metal roofs are worth the cost if longevity and durability against the elements are your priorities. Metal roofing is most common for homeowners who live in hotter climates, like the southwest, because of their ability to reflect sunlight and resistance to heat retention, as well as colder climates that require enhanced durability due to their heavy snowfall.
Metal roofs are durable and long-lasting, making them a wise long-term investment for most homeowners, even if they don’t live in extreme climates. Metal roof costs vary based on your selected material, panel style, and other customization options. Though more expensive than other roofing materials, metal roofs can help homeowners save money on future roof repairs and replacements.
FAQs About Metal Roof Cost
Can a metal roof be installed over my old roof?
Yes, in most cases, you can install a metal roof over your old roof. These installations are most common with existing asphalt roofs. You should have a professional roofing contractor check your existing roof for any damage before installing a new roof over it. If your roof is in poor condition, you may need to replace it entirely.
Can I install solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes, you can install solar panels on a metal roof. In fact, metal roofs are the top roofing choice for solar system installations. Metal roofs are strong and durable, allowing them to easily support solar panels, mounting racks, and other necessary equipment.
Can I repaint a metal roof?
Yes, you can repaint a metal roof to give it a fresh look or a new color. It’s important to wash and prime the surface before painting. Your paint choice will depend on your metal roof material. Acrylic latex paint or oil-based alkyd paint are typically the best options.
Does a metal roof interfere with cell phone reception?
No, metal roofs don’t affect cellphone reception. A poor cellphone signal is likely the result of where you live, your home’s distance from a utility tower, harsh weather conditions, and the cell service carrier you use.
Does a metal roof amplify the sound of rain?
Metal roofs are no louder than other types of roofs when it rains. This is a common misconception about metal roofs.
