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 metal roofing costs to ensure your next project goes as smoothly as possible and to see if metal is the best roofing material option for your home. Read on to learn more about:
- Material and labor costs for different types of metal roofing.
- The benefits of DIY installation vs. hiring a roofing contractor.
- Some common pros and cons of having a metal roof.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
The upfront cost for a metal roof will vary depending on your home’s size, roof type (shingle, panel, sheet, etc.), and material type. However, the national average for a full metal roof replacement is between $8,000 and $16,000. While this cost is slightly higher than asphalt shingles and other roofing materials, metal roofs last far longer and have lower maintenance costs.
| Low | Average | High |
| $8,000 | $10,000 to $12,000 | $20,000+ |
Metal Roofing Cost by Type
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.
- Aluminum sheets: These are some of the lightest weight metal roofs out there. They are corrosion and fire-resistant, and malleable, costing $3.75–$4.25.
- Aluminum shingles: These shingles combine the lightweight and malleable qualities of metal sheets with the classic shingles look. These shingles cost $4.50–$4.75.
- Copper: Copper roofs are beautiful, weather-resistant, and low maintenance. Copper roofs are considered a luxury roofing material and will run $20–$25 per square foot.
- Galvalume: A steel-based roofing material that contains elements of other metals like zinc and aluminum, galvalume is an economical option at $1.50–$2.
- Galvanized steel: A durable, weather-resistant option that can last for decades with the right care. Galvanized steel typically costs between $3.25–$3.75.
- Standing seam aluminum: Standing seam roofs use a hidden fastener with sheets possessing vertical legs and flat “valleys.” They have a sleek industrial look and cost $5–$7.
- Standing seam steel: Heavier and less expensive than aluminum roofs, steel is an equally durable option that only costs $4–$4.50. Read our guide for more standing seam metal roofing cost information.
- Tin: The term “tin roof” is often used interchangeably with any metal roof. Proper tin roofs are durable, long-lasting, and possess a unique look, costing $3.50–$12.
- Zinc: Zinc roofs are a unique option that develops a beautiful patina from oxidation as they age, costing between $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 cost per linear foot for each flashing and trim type. These costs should be consistent for most metal roofing types.
- Eave flashing: This trim goes over the overhang of your roof (called an eave) and protects your facade. This type of trim costs $2–$4.50.
- Gable trim: Also called a rake trim, it runs along the edge of a metal roof where it meets the endwall panel. Gable trims cost $2–$4.50.
- Ridge cap: This kind of trim runs along the roof’s peak where two slopes come together (called a ridge) and cost $4–$5.50.
Metal Roof Underlayment Costs
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.
- Asphalt felt underlayment: This type of underlayment is composed of a felt or fiberglass mat combined with asphalt; it’s the most popular underlayment and costs $0.50–$0.75 per square foot
- Butyl-based adhesive sheet: This is a self-adhering, waterproof, synthetic rubber underlayment that costs $0.20–$0.25 per square foot
- Synthetic sheet underlayment: This is an extremely durable underlayment made from laminated polypropylene or polyethylene that costs $0.70–$0.85 per square foot
Factors That Affect Metal Roofing Costs
Here are some factors that will affect the cost of metal roofing:
- Material prices: Different metal roofing materials come with different price points, as outlined below.
- Region: Where you live will also come into play when determining your roofing cost. Labor and material costs will vary greatly between locales.
- Roof size: Regardless of whether your roofing contractor charges by the hour or square foot, your roof size will be a key cost factor. Residential roofs are smaller projects than commercial ones, but you should expect costs to increase for steeper or larger roofs.
- Roofing style: Corrugated and standing seam panels have different pricing due to the different and more-involved labor processes required for installation. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, the difference in associated costs can add up.
- Scope of labor: If you hire a roofing contractor, you should expect to pay for any associated labor. Disposing of old roofing, contending with high climbs or overhanging trees near your existing roof, or dealing with odd roof angles will make for a higher price tag.
Metal Roof Installation Cost
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 |
Metal Roof Repair Costs
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:
- Corrosion or rust: Even with the highest-quality materials, corrosion can be a factor with metal roofing over long periods. 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 repair, as rust typically occurs on older roofing. The full extent of damage or defective panels may be greater than what you can initially see.
- Leaks: Leaks are a common concern when dealing with any roofing. Even though a high-quality metal roof will last far longer than asphalt shingles, manufacturer error or extreme weather conditions can lead to leaks. 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.
- Oil-canning or denting: Oil-canning (or elastic buckling) occurs over time with all metal roofing from zinc to steel but is more common in thinner panel gauges. It refers to ripples in flat spaces on metal panels and is best minimized by hiring an experienced roofer for your roofing job. The most common cause of oil canning is the metal’s expansion and contraction with heating and cooling over time. Roofing contractors will know how to space panels and fasteners properly to avoid it.
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 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.
Is a Metal Roof Worth the Money?
Metal roofs can cost more than double what asphalt shingles cost to install, but they’ll ultimately have a far longer life span 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.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
A metal roof is a popular choice for several reasons. Its long life span relative to roofs made of other materials and longer warranties 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.
- Compatibility with most roof pitches: Metal roofs can be installed even on roofs with shallow pitches (down to 1:12 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 efficiency: 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 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. It will decrease heat and energy conductivity in your attic space.
- 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.
- Lightweight: Metal is far thinner and more lightweight than other roofing materials. Twenty-two-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.
- 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.
- Mold resistance: A common problem with many roofing materials is susceptibility to mold, mildew, and rot from water damage. Metal roofs are resistant to these attacks and are extremely difficult for pests to damage.
Disadvantages of 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.
- Color matching can be tough: This applies to repairs rather 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 match your existing roof color precisely.
- 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 likely 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’ll 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.
- Noise: You may want to think twice if you’re staging a DIY installation and currently live in a region with a lot of rainfall. Metal roofing can be incredibly noisy in rainy conditions. However, if you use a thick, high-quality underlayment for your roofing and tighten all of your fasteners well enough, added noise should be minimal.
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 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 forgo 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.
Final Thoughts
Metal roofs are a great choice for their low maintenance, durability, unique look, and extremely long life. From durable steel shingles to elegant, high-end copper tiles, there are metal roofing options for homes in every region and budget. While metal roofs cost slightly more than traditional asphalt tiles, their higher quality, longer life, and reduced maintenance make them a great return on investment. While the price of metal roofs can vary depending on several factors, on average, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $16,000. Keep in mind that even elements like region and state regulations can affect the price of a roof. We always recommend obtaining multiple free quotes from local roofing companies to obtain a true estimate for your roof installation cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal roof cheaper than asphalt shingles?
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.
Is it OK to put a metal roof over shingles?
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.
Are metal roofs more durable than other roofing materials?
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.
Are metal roofs loud when raining?
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.
