Metal Roofing Cost Guide for 2022

Budgeting for a DIY or professional roof replacement or installation is an important part of your upcoming home renovation. As a homeowner, setting total cost expectations for any project is important before proceeding further. Metal roofing costs range from $1.50 to $25 per square foot, or $9,000 to $63,000 for the whole project depending on the type of material chosen.

Here, we’ve done in-depth research and broken down your metal roofing costs to ensure your next project goes as smoothly as possible.

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Despite the difficulty of installing them, metal roofs are fairly low-maintenance once they’re in place. Metal roofing can cost as little as $1.50 per square foot with more affordable options such as Galvalume, or up to $25 per square foot with more durable metals like Copper.

Whether you opt for corrugated or standing-seam panels, you can expect your metal roof to last far longer than most other roofing options would. In short, you’ll be paying for quality. Here, we’ve broken down what you’ll be paying for and why you should.

Metal Panels Cost Per Square Foot

Here, we’ve listed the most commonly-used metal roofing materials with their associated costs. Without labor, the costs below should reflect what your DIY roof installation cost should be.

• Aluminum sheets: $3.75 – $4.25
• Aluminum shingles: $4.50 – $4.75
• Copper: $20 – $25
• Galvalume: $1.50 – $2
• Galvanized steel: $3.25 – $3.75
• Standing seam aluminum: $5 – $7
• Standing seam steel: $4 – $4.50
• Tin: $3.50 – $12
• Zinc: $6 – $8

Metal Trim 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 costs per linear foot of each type of flashing and trim. These costs should be fairly consistent for most metal roofing types.

• Gable trim: $2 – $4.50
• Eave flashing: $2 – $4.50
• Ridge cap: $4 – $5.50

Metal Roof Underlayment Costs

Underlayment costs will depend on the material you choose. We recommend asphalt felt for the increased noise protection it provides, but these are all commonly used for a number of metal roofing applications. Each are sold in rolls that cover a fair amount of square footage (usually between 100 and 200 per roll), so buying in bulk is fairly easy.

• Asphalt felt underlayment: $0.50 – $0.75 per square foot
• Synthetic sheet underlayment:  $0.70 – $0.85 per square foot
• Butyl-based adhesive sheet: $0.20 – $0.25 per square foot

Factors that Effect Metal Roofing Costs

• Scope of labor: If you hire a roofing contractor, you should expect to pay for any increased labor. Disposing of old roofing, contending with high climbs or overhanging trees near your existing roof, or dealing with odd angles on your roof will all make for a higher price tag.
• Roof size: Regardless of whether your roofing contractor of choice charges by the hour or by the square foot, your roof size will be a key cost factor. Residential roofing makes for smaller projects than do commercial ones, but you should expect costs to increase for steeper or larger roofs.
• Material prices: Different metal roofing materials will each come with different price points, which are outlined below.
• Roofing style: Corrugated vs. standing seam panels each have different pricing due to the different and more involved labor process required for installation. Over the span of a 1,500 to 2,000-square-foot roof, the difference in associated costs can add up.
• Region: Exact region will also come into play when determining your exact roofing cost. Labor and material costs will vary greatly between locales.

Metal Roof Installation Cost

Here, we’ve laid out your total cost of installation, from stainless steel to zinc roofing. Labor costs will be mostly dependent on your roofing type — corrugated and standing-seam roofs will have a bit of variance due to the relative skill required.

Benefits of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a popular choice for several reasons. Their long lifespan relative to other roofing materials, longer warranties, excellent insulation qualities, and more provides homeowners with plenty of motivation to opt for a metal roof. Here, we’ve outlined a few more prominent reasons for using a metal roof.

• Longevity: When properly cared for, a metal roof can last upwards of 30 to 50 years. Zinc or copper roofs can last longer than 70 years with regular maintenance. This greatly increases your curb appeal and the resale value of your home.
• Compatible with most roof pitches: Metal roofs can be installed on roofs with even shallow pitches (down to 1 in 12 in some instances). This is because of how difficult it is for precipitation of all kinds to stick to this material for an extended period.
• Energy efficient: Having a metal roof is ideal for warmer climates, as it can greatly lower your cooling costs month-to-month. Metal roofing reflects far more of the sun’s rays away from your home than do other roofing materials. Additionally, metal roofing cools off far quicker at night than asphalt shingles, meaning that heat conducted to your attic space and home is kept to a minimum. The reflectivity of your roofing can be further enhanced with a Kynar PVDF resin coating. This will decrease heat and energy conductivity in your attic space.
• Mold-proof: A common problem with many roofing materials is susceptibility to mold, mildew, and rot from water damage. Metal roofs are totally resistant to this and are extremely difficult for pests to damage.
• Lightweight: Metal is far thinner and more lightweight than other roofing materials. 22-gauge metal roofing — one of the thickest available gauges — is .0313 inches thick. Metal roofing materials cause minimal strain to existing roof decking as a result.
• Excellent for snowy or wet climates: Metal roofs easily shed water and snow due to their relative slipperiness. Even on low-pitched roofs, standing water and long-term snow accumulation are not a factor for you to worry about.

Disadvantages of a Metal Roof

Despite the many positive aspects of having a metal roof installed, you’ll also run into a few drawbacks with this roofing material. Here are a few noteworthy negatives to consider.

• Noise: You may want to think twice if you’re staging a DIY installation and currently live in a region that gets a lot of rainfall. Metal roofing can be incredibly noisy in wet conditions. However, if you use a thick and quality underlayment for your roofing and tighten all of your fasteners well enough, added noise should be minimal.
• Cost: Metal roofing prices are among the highest in the industry. The average cost of a metal roof will depend on the gauge and material you choose but will almost definitely be higher than asphalt shingles or tile roofing.
• Fasteners degrade over time: If you’re installing corrugated panels instead of a standing seam metal roof, you’re going to run into issues with exposed fasteners. No matter how well-sealed your fastening points are, your metal roofing panels are sure to expand and contract with temperature changes over time. This will wear on your fasteners and make corrugated metal roofing a slightly less-desirable choice than standing-seam roofs, even if they are more affordable.
• Color matching can be tough: This is far more true for repairs than new roof installation. Over time, even high-quality, long-lasting roofing materials will fade from sun exposure. If you have to replace a single panel, then your local roofing company may not be able to precisely match your existing roof color.

Metal Roof Repair Costs

The national average cost for roofing repair — whether it be 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 their associated repair costs:

• Leaks: Leaks are a common concern when dealing with roofing of any kind. Even though a high-quality metal roof will last far longer than asphalt shingles, manufacturer error or extreme weather conditions can lead to this. You’ll pay between $500 and $1,000 for most leak fixes from a roofer, although costs can fluctuate due to ease of access to a given leak, metal type, number of leaks or defective panels, and more.
• Rust or corrosion: Even with the highest-quality materials, corrosion can be a factor with metal roofing over long periods of time. You’ll have to pay to replace defective panels or shingles, so per-square-foot rates will apply here. In most cases, you’ll pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for this type of repair, as rust typically occurs on older roofing. Therefore, the full extent of damage or defective panels may be greater than what you initially see.
• Oil canning or denting: Oil-canning — or “elastic buckling” — occurs over time with all metals, from zinc to steel roofing, but is more common in thinner panel gauges. This refers to ripples in flat spaces on metal panels and is best avoided by hiring an experienced roofer for the job. The most common single cause of this is your metal’s expansion and contraction over time with heat. Roofing contractors will know how to space panels and fasteners properly to avoid this.

Cost of Repair vs. Replacement

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 more complicated installation techniques that are employed. Most metal roof repairs will fall between $500 and $2,500, while total replacement averages between $8,000 and $16,000.

Get Quotes

No matter what material you decide on, you should 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.

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Money?

Metal roofs can cost more than double what asphalt shingles would 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 even 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 prior to installation.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Roofing Company for Metal Roofs

The key consideration when deciding how to install metal roofing is often cost. The most effective way for clients to reduce that 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.

If you’re fairly handy and have plenty of your own tools, then a DIY installation may be worth considering. However, if your roof is a bit tougher to reach, and if you’re a new homeowner with fairly little home maintenance experience, you should go with a local roofing pro. According to OSHA, fall injuries are the leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry. Exercising care and discretion when working at height is of key importance during any roofing or gutter maintenance work.

No matter your decision, you should look through this guide to be fully aware of the risks associated with the task you’re about to undertake.

Key Takeaways

Metal roofing is one of the best available options for homeowners in any climate. The somewhat elevated price points are well worth it when you consider the high quality of many metal roof materials and the relative lack of maintenance that a properly installed metal roof will entail. Similar to any home renovation, paying for quality on the front end will save you time and money on the back end.

When gearing up for a roof replacement or roof maintenance, you should 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, then we recommend getting quotes from a professional roofer before deciding between DIY and professional installation.