How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If a new roof is on your horizon, you may wonder how much a metal roof costs. The total cost of installing a new metal residential roof in the U.S. ranges from a budget-friendly $6,001 to a more expensive $76,222, for the average-sized 1,700-square-foot roof. Many homeowners consider a metal roof because it’s low maintenance, holds up in high winds, and lasts a long time. Forty to 100 years long. But there are other benefits to a metal roof, as well.

• Recyclable–asphalt shingles end up in the landfill
• Energy efficient–for lower heating and cooling costs
• Resistant to rot and mildew–for a longer lifespan
• Fire resistant–making metal the preferred choice for homes in wildfire areas
• Withstand extreme climates–unlike asphalt, which will crack under certain weather conditions

Before deciding on your new roof, take a look at various types of metal roofing, metal roofing materials, and some metal roofing prices.

Metal Roof Costs

Factors that contribute to the cost of a metal roof

The range in materials options, the size of the roof, and the location vary greatly from one home to the next. To help you plan for your new metal roof installation, let’s look at all the factors that will affect your budget.

Typically, material cost and installation prices run by the square. A roofing square is 100 square feet. Because your installer may give you a square-foot price, and to keep consistent throughout this guide, all prices will be shown by the square footage.

Material type and style

Most popular roof materials 

The type of metal you choose for your metal roof will influence the project’s final cost. In addition, the gauge of the metal is also a factor. Here’s how much you can expect to pay per square foot for the most popular roof materials. 

• Aluminum roofing comes in several styles ranging in cost from $1.50 to $6.35 per square foot, on average. Aluminum roofing is made from recycled aluminum materials, making it an environmentally friendly option. It reflects sunlight to keep your home cooler, reducing power bills. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to install. It’s also less prone to corrosion and rust than steel and has high wind resistance.
• Copper roofing is a premium material with an average cost range of $30.25 to $42 per square foot. It lasts up to 100 years and doesn’t rust, corrode, or break down. However, oxidation helps it to develop a gorgeous patina, unlike other metals. Copper’s beautiful, eye-catching appearance is like the icing on the cake of a large, multi-faceted roof. 
• Galvalume steel costs $1.54 to $2.40 per square foot, installed. Galvalume is created by dipping steel sheets in an aluminum and zinc alloy that prevents corrosion. Galvalume is available in nearly all styles, including interlocking shingles, panels, and standing seam.
• Stainless steel roofing ranges from $14.75 to $18.75 per square foot. The material is recyclable, requires minimal maintenance, and resists corrosion. 
• Zinc roofing costs, on average, $5.00 to $11.00 per square foot. Durable zinc is a natural element with a self-healing property that forms a protective coating that seals scratches over time. Zinc develops a natural patina that darkens the metal.

Styles of metal roofs

The style you choose for your new metal roof will also impact the overall cost. The style is indicative of how the metal is formed and fastened together. For instance, standing seam roofs have no exposed screws because they’re under the folded-over edge of the seam. Metal roofing panels are screwed down on the flat without a fold to hide the fasteners. 

Metal roofing sheets: $1.50-$6.35

Metal roofing sheets cost between $.99 and $6.90 per square foot, depending on the material. Metal sheets come with a flat, ribbed, and crimped profile. Available in all materials, sheet roofing is installed differently depending on the metal. Corrugated sheets are typically the least expensive and screwed down. The most expensive are formable flat sheets used on domes and curved roofs.

Standing seam metal roof: $14.75-$42

The cost to install a standing-seam roof averages from $14.25 to $30.75 a square foot. Standing-seam roofs are made of pans with standing edges that overlap and fasten on the inside. The overlapping seam makes this style of roof one of the most durable and watertight.

Metal shingles: $4.00-$16.50

Metal shingles come in two types: interlocking and loose. Loose metal shingles are nailed individually to the roof deck and generally cost more than interlocking shingles. They come in copper, zinc, and stone-coated. 

Interlocking metal shingles resemble asphalt shingles from the ground. Some are coated with a stone coating to make them more realistic and waterproof. When secured with nail clips, the shingles ensure stability and resistance to maximum winds. Their wind resistance makes them the metal roof of choice in hurricane and storm-prone areas.

Insulated panels: $7.00-$18.00

Installing insulated roof panels costs between $8 and $15 per square foot, on average. An insulated roof panel has insulating foam with a steel or aluminum cover. The foam adds insulation which increases energy efficiency, thus reducing cooling costs. 

Paint or coating

If you don’t buy a pre-painted or coated metal roof, it makes sense to do it soon after installation to prevent corrosion. A metal roof coating is an acrylic or silicone-based, rubbery coating that protects from the elements. Resembling thick paint, a roof coating, or sealant is applied much as paint but offers more protection and insulating factors. The cost to coat a metal roof runs from $.20 to $.50 per square foot, not counting labor.

Some homeowners paint their metal roofs to change the color. Once painted, however, you can expect to re-finish and paint every ten years or so. Expect to pay between $.07 and $.21 per square foot for the paint to paint your roof. 

Roof style, size, slope, and pitch

The average cost of installing a metal roof ranges from $21.75 per square foot. The larger your home and the more complex the roof, the more materials your new roof will require. However, your roof size and home’s square footage are not necessarily the same. Pitch and shape can dramatically change the roof size.

Pitch and slope are frequently used interchangeably, but they represent different mathematical equations. However, for our purposes, we only need to know they both indicate the roof’s incline. And, as it is, steeper roofs require more time and safety measures than those without as much rise. Therefore, the installation costs of a roof with a lower pitch will be less because it’s safer to walk on.

Underlayment

Between the plywood roof deck and the metal lies an underlayment that serves as a sound buffer, water barrier, and insulation. The average cost of underlayment for a metal roof ranges from $.08 to $.88, depending on whether it's a synthetic material or felt.

Synthetic underlayment is more expensive than felt but cheaper to install. It lasts longer, some for 40 years, is durable, and withstands higher temperatures. And it's recyclable. The average cost of synthetic underlayment ranges from $.11 to $.88 per square foot.

Felt underlayment is the traditional option. It’s cheaper than synthetic but is more expensive to install because of its weight. It also has about half the lifespan of its synthetic counterpart. The average cost of felt underlayment ranges from $.08 to $.15 per square foot, depending on the thickness.

The cost to replace a metal roof

Overall, installing a metal roof is more costly upfront than asphalt shingles. For the average 1,700-square-foot roof, a shingle roof costs from $5,822 to $10,593. But, since a metal roof lasts longer and is more energy-efficient, the long-term cost is less. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, replacing a roof with metal gives a 48.9 percent return on investment.

Budget-friendly metal roof

The average cost of a budget-friendly metal roof ranges from $3,501 to $9,843. This budget would include a roof for a modest-sized home with minimal pitch and a single ridge. Included in this category, you’ll find the following features and materials.

• Modest-size home, from 1,100 to 1,700 square feet
• A single ridge line with gable ends or a flat roof
• Minimal pitch
• Aluminum, tin, or corrugated steel
• Corrugated or flat panels with exposed fasteners

Mid-range metal roof

The cost of a mid-range metal roof costs from $11,094 to $54,182, on average. This budget would include a roof for a medium-sized home with no steeper than a 3:12 pitch and few hips and valleys. Included in this category, you’ll find the following features and materials.

• Medium-size home, from 1,700 to 2,000 square feet
• Possibly one valley from an L-shaped roof
• Pitch no greater than 3:12
• Steel shingles or standing seam metal with hidden fasteners

Luxury-style metal roof

The average cost of a high-end metal roof costs from $55,422 to $251,520. This budget would include a roof for a large home of up to 4,000 square feet. The roof has multiple planes, hips, valleys, and dormers. And the pitch may be quite steep. Included in this category are the following features and materials.

• Large home, from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet
• A multi-planed roof with hips, valleys, skylights, and dormers.
• A steep pitch 
• Standing seam copper or painted metal

Budgeting for your new roof

Whether you purchased an older home in need of a new roof, are building a new home, or have lived in your home for 20 years or so, a roof purchase is inevitable, at least once. So, it makes sense to start saving for it now. However, if your home is riddled with buckets and bowls catching rainwater, and you don’t have the cash on hand to do something about it, there are other ways.

Many homeowners take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or another type of home equity loan to pay for their new metal roof. Before approaching a lender, though, have a cost estimate prepared by a local roofing contractor. With that estimate in hand, the lender can pre-qualify you for the loan so you can make decisions based on what you can afford.

So you have peace of mind making this investment, know that the National Association of REALTORS 2022 Remodeling Impact Report says that 33 percent of realtors recommend replacing a roof before selling.

Ways to save money on a new roof

• There are many ways to have a stylish, new roof on a budget. Here are some money-saving tips to consider if you need to stick to a tight budget on your metal roof system.
• Ask the roofer if the old asphalt shingles are good enough to roof over.
• During the inspection, ask the contractor if you can buy some time with repairs.
• Choose less costly materials. Aluminum is a fraction of the cost of copper.
• Schedule the work before it’s an emergency. Taking advantage of the roofing company’s slow season could mean savings in your pocket.
• If your roof suffered storm damage, contact your insurance agent to see if repairs or replacement are covered.

Other considerations

A few items that impact the cost of a roofing project you may not have thought of include:

• Geographic region – Roofing costs vary by region of the country. For instance, the cost to install a metal roof in New York will differ from in San Antonio, which is different from Omaha. 
• Building permits — Typically, the roofing contractor will secure any necessary permits and include the cost in his charges. But if you plan to DIY your roof, consult with the local building official for the required steps, inspections, and fees.
• Hidden damage — Sometimes, you’ll remove the old roofing material to find damage to the roof deck, soffit, or fascia that the contractor didn’t notice on inspection. Broken or loose shingles, flashing leaks, or loose gutters could cause water damage that leads to mold or rot. The cost of repairs in these situations will add to your overall budget.
• HOA – If you live in a covenant-restricted subdivision, your homeowners’ association may have strict guidelines regarding roofing materials and colors. Always consult with your HOA before reaching out to a roofing contractor.
• Warranties – Ask your contractor for warranty paperwork for any newly installed materials. Lifetime warranties on the material are not unheard of. Some manufacturers will have a separate warranty on the coating. Also, always ask the contractor for warranties on their work.

Let’s get you covered

Re-roofing your home is a big job. If your roof is aging and showing signs of wear, replacing it will add to its resale value. Choosing to protect your home with a new metal roof is a decision you won’t regret if done right. For what could be a lifetime of security, find a professional specializing in metal roofs.