Updated Jan 12, 2023
Updated Jan 12, 2023
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Budgeting for a DIY or professional roof replacement or installation is an important part of your home renovation. As a homeowner, setting total cost expectations for any project is important before proceeding further. We’ve done in-depth research and broken down your metal roofing costs to ensure your next project goes as smoothly as possible. Read on to learn more about:
Metal roofs are a popular choice for several reasons. Their long lifespan relative to roofs made of other materials, longer warranties, and more provide homeowners with plenty of motivation to opt for a metal roof. Below, we’ve outlined a few more compelling reasons to choose a metal roof.
Despite the many positive aspects of installing a metal roof, you’ll also run into a few drawbacks with this roofing material. Here are a few noteworthy negatives to consider.
Despite the difficulty of installing them, metal roofs are fairly low-maintenance once they’re in place. Whether you opt for corrugated or standing-seam panels, you can expect your metal roof to last far longer than most other roofing options. In short, you’ll be paying for quality. Here, we’ve broken down what you’ll be paying for.
Here are some factors that will affect the cost of metal roofing:
Here are the most commonly used metal roofing materials with their associated per-square-foot costs. Without labor, the costs below, plus the cost of other needed materials like underlayments, should reflect your DIY roof installation cost.
Metal trim will seal the edges between roofing panels at the peak of your roof, around your gables, roof-to-outer-wall seams, and under your gutters at the eaves. Here, we’ve listed the average cost per linear foot for each flashing and trim type. These costs should be consistent for most metal roofing types.
Underlayment costs will depend on the material you choose. We recommend asphalt felt for its increased noise protection, but the materials below are commonly used for many metal roofing applications. Each is sold in rolls that cover a fair amount of square footage (usually between 100 and 200 square feet per roll), so buying in bulk is easy.
We’ve laid out your total installation cost, from stainless steel to zinc roofing. Labor costs will mostly depend on your metal roof type—corrugated and standing-seam roofs will have a bit of variance due to the relative skill required.
Material | Material Cost (per square foot) | Cost for 1,500–2,000 Square Feet of Material | Labor Cost | Total Cost* |
Aluminum Sheets | $3.75–$4.25 | $5,625–$8,500 | $6,750–$18,000 | $12,375–$26,500 |
Aluminum Shingles | $4.50–$4.75 | $6,750–$9,500 | $6,750–$18,000 | $13,500–$27,500 |
Copper | $20–$25 | $30,000–$50,000 | $6,750–$18,000 | $36,750–$68,000 |
Galvalume | $1.50–$2.00 | $2,250–$4,000 | $6,750–$18,000 | $9,000–$22,000 |
Galvanized Steel | $3.25–$3.75 | $4,875–$7,500 | $6,750–$18,000 | $11,625–$25,500 |
Standing Seam Aluminum | $5.00–$7.00 | $7,500–$14,000 | $9,000–$22,000 | $16,500–$36,000 |
Standing Seam Steel | $4.00–$4.50 | $6,000–$9,000 | $9,000–$22,000 | $15,000–$31,000 |
Tin | $3.50–$12.00 | $5,250–$24,000 | $6,750–$18,000 | $12,000–$42,000 |
Zinc | $6.00–$8.00 | $9,000–$16,000 | $6,750–$18,000 | $15,750–$34,000 |
The national average cost for metal roofing repair—metal shingles or corrugated paneling—is between $500 and $2,500. For most roofing repairs, you should budget around $1,500. That said, getting a quote from a local roofing contractor will be necessary to gauge the exact cost.
Here are a few common issues with metal roofing and its associated repair costs:
Repair costs for metal roofing—similar to installation costs—are higher than those for most other roof types. Not only do materials cost more, but so does the associated labor due to the more complicated installation techniques. Most metal roof repairs will fall between $500 and $2,500, while total replacement averages between $8,000 and $16,000.
No matter what material you decide on, consider getting itemized quotes from local roofing professionals before installing your roof. Even if you’re ultimately going to handle the job on your own, a qualified roofing contractor will point out difficult aspects or potential problems with your roof installation that an untrained eye would miss.
Get free, local estimates from roofing experts
Metal roofs can cost more than double what asphalt shingles cost to install, but they will ultimately have a far longer lifespan if properly cared for. Traditional shingles typically last around 15 to 20 years, while stainless steel roofing can last upwards of 40. Aluminum roofing will provide at least 50 years of coverage, while copper and zinc will last far longer and significantly add to your home’s resale value. Your budget will be the key determining factor here and is another reason why you owe it to yourself to get professional quotes before installation.
The key consideration when deciding how to install metal roofing is often cost. The most effective way to reduce costs is by opting for a DIY installation. If you decide to go this route, you’ll avoid many of the high-end costs associated with paying for a licensed pro but will forego quality assurances, labor warranties, and peace of mind throughout the installation process.
A DIY installation may be worth considering if you’re fairly handy and have plenty of tools. However, if your roof is a bit tougher to reach or you’re a new homeowner with little home maintenance experience, you should go with a local roofing pro. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry. Exercising care and discretion when working at height is important during roofing or gutter maintenance.
No matter your decision, you should look through this guide to be fully aware of the risks associated with roof installation.
Metal is one of the best available roofing materials for homeowners in any climate. The elevated price points are well worth considering the high quality of many metal roof materials and the relative lack of maintenance that a properly installed metal roof will involve. As with many home renovations, paying for quality up-front will save you time and money in the long run.
When gearing up for a roof replacement or maintenance, consider your options and make a choice that aligns with your budget and safety concerns. Even if you decide that a metal roof isn’t for you, we recommend getting quotes from a professional roofer before deciding between DIY and professional installation.
Installing a new metal roof will be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. Assuming a 2,000-square-foot roof, you will likely have a price range between $4,000 and $8,000 for fully-installed shingles. National average costs for a metal roof fall between $8,000 and $16,000.
Whether or not you can put a metal roof over shingles will entirely depend on the exact condition of your existing roof and substrate. If rot has already set in, you’ll have to remove your old roof. For set fees, most roofing contractors provide old material removal and disposal at a landfill.
Metal roofing materials’ durability varies between metal types, but almost all are hardier options than shingles or tile. With shingles lasting around 15 to 20 years, the minimum 25- to 30-year lifespan offered by most metal roofing systems appeals to many homeowners. The cost of metal roofing is largely justified by its long life.
Metal roofs are louder than their asphalt shingle counterparts but not prohibitively so if properly installed. Using a slightly thicker underlayment material for your roofing project can help. Properly tightening all fasteners will create a flush seal against any underlayment you use and provide better noise reduction.
More Roofing Resources
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