How much does it cost to repair a metal roof?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Metal is a great material for roofs because of its strength and resilience, with steel and aluminum roofs lasting for years. However, your metal roof may get damaged and need to be repaired because of weather and other factors. When issues like leaks, loose shingles, dents, and corrosion occur, metal roof repair specialists must be called to fix the problem.

The national cost average for metal roof repair is $500 to $2,000, with most homeowners paying $1,250 for restoration work on a scratched and dented roof. This project’s low cost is $100 to readjust and tighten a small number of fasteners. The high cost is $20,000 to retrofit a large metal roof.

Cost to Repair Metal Roof

Metal Roof Repair Cost per Square Foot

The average cost of metal roof repairs is between $6 and $20 per sq.ft. The price depends on a range of factors, such as the roofing type, problem, how accessible it is, and how much work is required to fix it. Some repair workers may charge per square foot or by the hour, while others have set prices for jobs like fixing dents or replacing corroded sections.

Cost to Repair a Metal Roof by Material

One of the main factors influencing the cost of your repair is the material. Metal roofs may be made from a wide range of materials, including tin, steel, aluminum, and copper, and certain materials are cheaper and easier to work with than others. The table below shows some examples and average repair costs for each.

Aluminum Roof Repair

Homeowners pay between $6 and $16 per sq.ft. for aluminum roof repairs. Aluminum is one of the most affordable roofing materials to install and repair. However, it is prone to issues like expanding and contracting in changing temperatures, which can lead to cracks, gaps, fastener issues, and leaks.

Tin Roof Repair

The average cost to repair tin roofs is between $6 and $16 per sq.ft. One potential issue you may face with tin roofing is rusted or corroded sections. It is also not uncommon for them to dent and get damaged during storms, so they may need to be patched and restored.

Repair a Galvalume Roof

Expect to spend between $6 and $16 per sq.ft. to repair a galvalume roof. Galvalume can be a very strong and sturdy material, and it is highly resistant to corrosion. However, it can fade and become less attractive, so it may need to be painted, cleaned, and restored. You may also have to deal with gaps and dents in a galvalume roof.

Zinc Roof Repairs

Homeowners pay between $7 and $17 per sq.ft. for zinc roof repairs. Zinc is a great roofing material because it is naturally resistant and maintains and heals from scratches and dents. However, zinc roofing can still need maintenance and repair and may suffer from issues like corrosion, cracks, and leaks.

Galvanized Steel Roof Repair

The average cost to repair galvanized steel roofs is between $8 and $18 per sq.ft. Galvanized steel roofs can last for several decades with the right maintenance, but they must be looked after to protect against corrosion. They can also develop cracks, dents, holes, and gaps that need to be patched and repaired.

Steel Roof Repair

To repair a steel roof, expect to spend between $9 and $19 per sq.ft. One of the issues with steel roofs is that the panels can expand and contract, leading to issues with fasteners and the possibility of cracks or gaps appearing, which could turn into leaks if left unattended.

Stone-Coated Roof Repair

On average, repairing a stone-coated roof costs between $10 and $20 per sq.ft. Stone-coated steel roofs are very durable and long-lasting but can still get damaged from falling debris, hail, and wear. They may need to be cleaned, patched, and restored due to various damages.

Repair a Stainless Steel Roof

Homeowners pay between $10 and $20 per sq.ft. for stainless steel roof repairs. Stainless steel roofs do not require much maintenance and are not at risk of cracking or fading. However, other damages like flashing damage, dents, gaps, and leaks can still occur on stainless steel roofs.

Copper Roof Repair

The average cost to repair copper roofs is between $12 and $20 per sq.ft. Copper naturally develops a patina from sun exposure, so it may need to be cleaned and restored to bring back its former color and shine. Copper roofs can also get dented and damaged and may need patching or replacement parts.

Metal Roof Repair Cost by Type of Repair

Many issues can affect the average roof, including damage to flashing, problems with fasteners, loose screws, and seam damage. Therefore, the cost of your repairs is influenced by the repair type because some jobs are simpler and more affordable than others.

Metal Roof Sheet Replacement

Expect to spend between $4 and $14 per sq.ft. to replace sheets on your metal roof. The total cost depends on the material and how much must be replaced. You may need to get sheets replaced if the existing metal sheets have been extensively damaged with cracks, holes, and dents.

Repair Metal Roof Fasteners

Homeowners pay between $100 and $600 to repair metal roof fasteners. The total cost depends on how many fasteners need fixing and how many hours of labor are needed to complete the job. Damaged fasteners usually need to be replaced. However, a repair worker could tighten and reposition the existing fasteners if they are still in good condition but have become loose.

Metal Roof Screw Replacement

The cost of screw replacement for metal roofs is between $150 and $1,000. The price depends on the number of screws that need replacing. In some cases, only a small section of the roof may need replacement screws. In other situations, the entire structure might need new screws. This can happen due to rust and other damages affecting the screws and raises the risk of loose sheets, gaps, and leaks.

Metal Roof Flashing Repair

The average cost of repairing metal roof flashing ranges from $200 to $500. Flashing is the pieces of metal placed in areas around the roofing to divert water. It can commonly be spotted around chimneys but may also be present around walls, valleys, and adjoining sections. It is important to fix damaged flashing because leaks and other problems may occur.

Metal Roof Repair Cost by Problem

Homeowners may encounter a range of problems with their metal roofs. Problems can vary from small holes and dents in the roof’s surface to leaks, loose seams, and corroded sections of metal that need to be replaced. The cost to repair metal roofs vary according to the problem because some issues are easier to fix than others. The table below shows average price ranges for standard-sized roofs of 1,500 sq.ft.

Fastener Backing Out

To repair fasteners backing out on a metal roof, expect to spend $100 to $600. Fasteners may come loose and back out of sections of a metal roof. The fasteners can be reused if they are not damaged, and a repair worker can put them back in their positions, tighten them, and apply a sealant.

Scratched or Scuffed

If your metal roof is scratched or scuffed and needs restoration, prices range from $150 to $750 to have it fixed and cleaned. Metal roofs can get scratched and scuffed as they get worked on or repaired by contractors. Scratches and marks can also appear due to debris blown onto the roof. To deal with this, a repair worker may want to clean the surface, patch deep scratches, paint over marks, and perform other restoration services.

Cracked

The cost of fixing cracked metal roofs is between $200 and $1,000, and the price depends on various factors, such as the crack size and depth and the materials needed to fix it. Minor cracks can be filled and patched simply and cheaply, but the affected sections may need to be replaced for bigger and deeper cracks.

Metal Roof Hole Repair

Expect to spend between $200 and $1,000 to fix holes in your metal roof. Holes may appear in these roofs due to punctures caused by falling objects or corrosion in the metal sheets. To fix them, repair workers usually fill and patch the holes. Larger holes cost more to fix because new materials must be installed to fill the hole, or the damaged sheet or panel may need to be replaced.

Loose Seams

Homeowners spend between $250 and $1,250 on loose seam repairs in metal roofs. The seams between metal roof panels or sheets may become loose, and the most common cause of this is issues with the screws or fasteners. The fasteners may need to be readjusted or replaced with new tape and sealant to fix the problem.

Metal Roof Dent Repair

The average cost of dent repairs is between $300 and $1,200. Metal roofs can get dented due to hail storms or if large items like tree branches fall onto them during storms or high winds. If the dented section is not cracked or too badly damaged, a repair worker may be able to use welding equipment and tools to hammer the dent and restore the damaged section, making it look fresh and straight.

Metal Roof Leak Repair

The average cost of leak repairs ranges from $400 to $1,000. The exact cost depends on a range of factors like the cause of the leak, how much damage has been done by the leak, and how accessible the repair area is. Metal roofs can develop leaks if holes and cracks occur in their surface or gaps appear from shrinking, rust, or corrosion. To repair them, the damaged areas must be patched, fasteners may need tightening or installing, and water-damaged sections may have to be replaced.

Color Fading

If the color of your metal roof is fading, expect to pay between $500 and $2,500 to have it restored. The color of metal roofs naturally fades from age and sun exposure. The best way to resolve this problem is to paint the fading sections. The cost depends on the paint and how much is needed.

Oil Canning

The average cost of dealing with oil canning for a metal roof averages $500 to $3,000. Oil canning, also known as stress wrinkling or elastic buckling, is visible waviness in sheets and sections of a metal roof. There are various potential causes, but the only real fix is removing and replacing the wrinkled sections.

Corroded Metal Roof

If corrosion is affecting parts of your metal roof, expect to spend between $500 and $3,000 to fix it. Corrosion may occur on metal roofs that are not regularly sealed or properly maintained, and not much can be done once corrosion sets in. The corroded sections must be replaced.

Hail Damage

If you have hail damage on your metal roof, repair prices range from $700 to $4,000. Hail storms can do a lot of damage to a roof, depending on the hail size and storm intensity. The structure may be left with dents, holes, cracks, broken shingles, and other issues, so it may need patching, cleaning, and restoring.

Metal Roof Repair Cost by Solution

Depending on the type of damage done to your metal roof, repair workers may use various methods to fix it. For example, patching can be used to fix holes and cracks, sealing can be an effective way to protect against leaks, and painting or cleaning can be a good way to make old and faded roofing look newer and more attractive. Different repair services and solutions have different prices, as shown in the table below. These prices are for a 1,500 sq.ft. standard-sized roof.

Patching

Homeowners pay between $200 and $1,000 to patch part of their metal roof. The total cost of this solution depends on the size of the damage that needs patching. Patching is usually the go-to repair method for dealing with holes and cracks in metal roofs. The hole or crack is usually filled with special material like epoxy and patched.

Taping

If you need your metal roof taped, expect to spend between $250 and $750. The tape does not cost much money, but there can be much labor involved with applying the tape. A special sealing tape needs to be used on metal roofs. It is applied at the seams between metal panels or sheets to protect against water damage. It can also be applied over cracked and damaged areas to prevent leaks.

Sealing

Sealing metal roofs averages $700 to $2,000. The price depends on the material, size, accessibility, and sealant. Various sealant types can be used on metal roofs to help extend its life, protect it against water damage, and offer protection against corrosion and abrasion.

Recoating

The average cost to recoat metal roofs is between $700 and $2,000. Recoating is much like sealing it. It involves applying a coating, such as silicone, to provide extra protection against problems like rust, corrosion, water damage, and leaks. There are different coating types, with some offering more protection but costing more money.

Retrofit

Homeowners spend between $5,000 and $20,000 on retrofitting services for metal roofs. Retrofitting is when a new roof is installed over an old one. The process is designed to save money and time compared to total replacement, but it can still be very expensive due to the amount of materials and labor.

Labor Cost to Repair a Metal Roof

The usual labor cost to repair a metal roof is between $50 and $100 per hour. Some roofers charge by the hour, while others charge based on the project size or have set fees for repairs and replacements. The labor price is also influenced by your location and roofer’s experience, with more experienced workers having higher rates. There is also a possibility that some roofers may offer slight discounts on their hourly rates when working on long projects, which should be negotiated before work begins. You might also need to pay an extra fee if you live in a remote location and the worker has to travel a long distance. Additional fees might also be needed for emergency same-day repairs, such as if you have a bad leak or major damage that threatens your family’s safety or home’s structural integrity.

Metal Roof Maintenance Cost

The average annual cost to maintain a roof ranges from $100 to $750. This should cover an annual inspection and basic maintenance, such as clearing debris and adjusting or replacing a few loose or broken shingles. Homeowners can save money by doing some simple maintenance tasks themselves, such as visually inspecting their roofs to look for signs of damage and using special long-handle brushes to clean dirt and debris from the roof and gutters. You can also examine the inside of your roof by going into your attic space and checking for signs of damage to the roof’s supporting beams and structures.

Repair vs Replace Metal Roof

When it comes to repairing or replacing a roof, it is important to consider several factors. First, you need to consider the price. The cost of replacing ranges from $4 to $14 per sq.ft. So, if you need a standard-sized 1,500 sq.ft. roof replaced, final costs range from $6,000 to $21,000. If you are facing a large repair bill or dealing with recurring repair costs, it may be better to replace it rather than continue paying the repair bills.

It is also important to think about your roof’s age. These roofs last from 40 to 100 years, so they do not need to be replaced often. However, it may be the right time to replace it if it has been around for a long time and regularly seems to be in a state of disrepair. If you are unsure about repair versus replacement, speak with professional roofers for advice.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roof Inspection

The average cost of a professional roof inspection is between $300 and $500. The price depends on several factors, such as the material, size, accessibility, and condition. A professional worker looks around the roof for signs of damage during an inspection and provides you with a full report. It is best to have inspections annually or at least every couple of years.

Metal Gutters

The cost of installing metal gutters ranges from $900 to $5,000 for a standard 1,500 sq.ft. roof. The price depends on the metal and how much guttering you need. Common metals that may be used include copper, aluminum, zinc, and galvanized steel, with zinc gutters being the most expensive and galvanized steel being the cheapest.

Commercial Metal Roof Repair

The average repair prices for commercial metal roofs are between $6 and $25 per sq.ft. Prices for repairs of commercial metal roofs can be higher than repairs on regular home metal roofs because commercial roofs may be higher and harder to access, making it more difficult and dangerous for repair workers to operate.

Metal Roof Painting

Homeowners pay between $1.50 and $2.50 per sq.ft. to paint a metal roof. The cost is affected by various factors, such as the size, steepness, accessibility, paint, and condition. If the area is old and dirty, you need to pay extra to clean or power wash it before painting.

Metal Roof Cleaning

If you need to have a metal roof cleaned, expect to pay between $0.20 and $0.70 per sq.ft. Metal roofs can get dirty with dust, debris, and other forms of dirt building on the surface. Fortunately, metal roofs are easy to clean because they can withstand pressure washing without suffering damage. Therefore, a pressure washer is usually used to blast away dirt, debris, and moss.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Lifespan. Metal roofs can last from 40 to 100 years, so you may find your roof needs more frequent repairs if it is several decades old.
• Permit. Depending on where you live and the roof repair needed, you may need to pull a permit before the work begins. Consult your local building authority for more information.
• Warranty. Some roof installations come with warranties that cover repair costs if anything goes wrong during a certain period. Check the terms of your policy before requesting repair work or replacement parts.
• DIY. There are a few simple roof maintenance tasks you can do, such as cleaning the gutters. But most repairs should be left to professionals because of the potential danger of working so high.
• Insurance. Your homeowners insurance may cover certain roof damages and repairs, such as hail or wind damage. Check your policy to find out more.