A standing seam metal roof is one of the most durable roofing options available, with a lifespan of 40 to 70 years. Unlike traditional metal roofs with exposed fasteners, this system uses interlocking panels that create a watertight seal, reducing the risk of leaks and corrosion.
However, this durability comes at a cost. Standing seam metal roofs typically range from $10 to $20 per square foot, making them one of the most expensive roofing options—often costing $20,000 to $40,000 for an average home. So, is it worth the investment?
In this guide, I’ll break down standing seam metal roof costs, explain why they’re so expensive, and share expert tips on how to find the best roofing contractor for your installation.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Is the Cost of a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam metal roofs are among the most expensive roofing options, typically costing $10 to $30+ per square foot. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, that translates to $20,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the materials used.
Material choice is the biggest price factor:
- Steel or aluminum: $10 to $15 per square foot (most common and affordable).
- Copper or zinc: $18 to $30+ per square foot (premium, longer-lasting options).
Labor costs also add up since standing seam roofs require specialized installation. While expensive upfront, these roofs last 40 to 70 years, making them a long-term investment.
Here’s a more detailed cost breakdown of standing seam metal roofs:
| Cost Range | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project |
| Low-end Cost Range | $10–$12 | $20,000–$24,00 |
| National Average Cost Range | $15.50–$18.15 | $31,000–$36,300 |
| High-end Cost Range | $22.75–$34.10 | $45,500–$68,200 |
We get cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The average costs listed in this article include materials and labor fees.
What Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Type?
When hiring a roofing company to install a standing seam roof, you can choose between several different materials. Here is a breakdown of the costs of each material for a standing seam roof, including baseline price, labor, and total project installation costs (for a roof of 2,000 square feet.)
| Material Type | Material Cost Per Square Foot | Labor Cost | Total Project Cost (for a 2,000 Square Foot Roof) |
| Aluminum Panels | $6–$8 | $4.60–$5.15 | $21,200–$26,300 |
| Galvanized or Galvalume Steel panels | $3.75–$7.50 | $4.30–$4.95 | $16,100–$24,900 |
| Zinc Panels | $8.35–$10.35 | $7.15–$7.80 | $31,000–$36,200 |
| Copper Panels | $27.50–$31.00 | $6.60–$7.15 | $68,200–$76,300 |
Aluminum standing seam roofs are one of the most cost-efficient options, making them a popular choice for homeowners. Aluminum is lightweight, easy to install, and highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for metal roofing. Additionally, homeowners can paint aluminum standing seam roofs to match the look and aesthetic of their home. The only major downside of aluminum is that it isn’t as impact resistant as other options, such as steel or copper.
Galvalume, or galvanized steel, combines steel’s sturdy durability with zinc’s long-lasting corrosion resistance. These roofs use a sheet of steel coated with a thin outer layer of zinc for better durability and water resistance. Galvalume is one of the most common types of standing seam metal roofs and is typically the least expensive. While affordable and resistant to impacts, the zinc coating can eventually wear down, leading to rust and other problems.
Zinc is a high-end roofing material that can last up to 100 years. Resistant to both physical damage and corrosion, zinc is one of the most efficient roofing materials on the market. Zinc is also 100% eco-friendly and easily recyclable, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
However, zinc has some downsides. As zinc ages, it develops patina, or fades. The time it takes for zinc to develop patina is often inconsistent. Slight differences in the metal’s composition can affect its color as it ages, so there’s no guarantee it will have the expected look when it does change. Additionally, zinc can be expensive. Due to the metal’s desirable qualities and relative scarcity, it’s one of the pricier options.
As far as roofing materials go, copper is considered the cream of the crop. It’s durable, high-quality, aesthetically beautiful, energy-efficient, low maintenance, and has a long life span. While copper has a lot of benefits, you can’t overlook its high cost — it’s the most expensive metal roofing material available. Priced at a minimum of $30 per square foot, copper often falls outside of many homeowners’ budgets.
What Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Square Footage?
The two biggest factors in your roof’s total cost are material choice and square footage. Larger roofs require more materials and labor, driving up the final price—especially with standing seam systems, which take longer to install than standard metal roofing.
Even with a lower-cost material like steel, a large roof can become a significant investment. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs based on common roof sizes:
| Roof Size | Typical Price Range | Average Cost |
| 1,000 square feet | $15,500–$18,150 | $16,825 |
| 1,500 square feet | $23,250–$36,300 | $29,775 |
| 2,000 square feet | $31,000–$36,300 | $33,650 |
| 2,500 square feet | $38,750–$45,375 | $42,063 |
| 3,000 square feet | $46,500–$54,450 | $50,475 |
| 3,500 square feet | $54,250–$63,525 | $58,888 |
| 4,000 square feet | $62,000–$72,600 | $67,300 |
How Much Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by the Square?
Metal roofing materials are typically sold by the square, which covers 100 square feet. While full roof installations should always be handled by a professional, homeowners may need to buy materials for small repairs or shed roofing projects.
Here’s what you can expect to pay per square for different standing seam materials:
- Steel or aluminum: $1,000 to $1,500 per square
- Copper or zinc: $1,800 to $3,000+ per square
Most suppliers also sell materials in bundles, which cover about one-third of a square. If you’re purchasing materials yourself, check with manufacturers or local suppliers to compare prices.
Here is how much you can expect to pay for raw roofing materials in both squares and bundles:
| Material Type | Price Per Square | Price Per Bundle | Price Per 10 Squares | Price Per 10 Bundles |
| Aluminum | $600–$800 | $200–$267 | $6,000–$8,000 | $2,000–$2,670 |
| Galvalume or Galvanized Steel | $375–$750 | $125–$250 | $3,750–$7,500 | $1,250–$2,500 |
| Zinc | $835–$1,035 | $278–$345 | $8,350–$10,350 | $2,780–$3,450 |
| Copper | $2,750–$3,100 | $916–$1,033 | $27,500–$31,000 | $9,160–$10,330 |
Which Factors Impact How Much a Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs?
Beyond material choice and roof size, several other factors influence the total cost of your standing seam metal roof. These include:
Every standing seam panel uses one of two locking mechanisms: a snap lock or a mechanical lock. As their name suggests, snap lock panels snap together without adhesives or fasteners. They’re cheaper and easier to install but aren’t as long-lasting and can only fit on roofs with a certain pitch.
On the other hand, mechanical locks use a special locking mechanism to hold the panels together. This mechanism creates a stronger bond and seal than snap locks, making them more resistant to extreme weather and other damage. However, they’re also more expensive and require a special tool to install them.
Unless your existing roof is flat, it has one or more slopes incorporated into its design. Each slope in a roof adds to its total size, meaning you can’t use the home’s base square footage to measure the roof.
You’ll need to do some math to find your roof’s true size. Start by understanding just how a roof’s pitch is calculated. A roof pitch is measured by its “rise over run” number, which is how many inches the roof rises for every foot it extends (runs).
For example, a slope that rises by four inches per foot will have a pitch of 4:12. The higher this number (or pitch), the more area (square footage) your roof has and the more expensive the installation will be. Once you have your roof’s pitch number, you can plug your information into a roofing calculator to get your roof’s exact measurements.
Here’s a table that shows how much pitch can affect the total cost of a project:
| Base Square Footage of Home | Roof Pitch | Roof’s True Area in Square Feet | Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation Cost |
| 2,200 | 4:12 | 2,541 | $42,766 |
| 2,200 | 6:12 | 2,695 | $45,357 |
| 2,200 | 8:12 | 2,897 | $48,757 |
| 2,400 | 4:12 | 2,762 | $46,484 |
| 2,400 | 6:12 | 2,929 | $49,295 |
| 2,400 | 8:12 | 3,149 | $52,998 |
| 2,700 | 4:12 | 3,092 | $52,038 |
| 2,700 | 6:12 | 3,279 | $55,186 |
| 2,700 | 8:12 | 3,525 | $59,326 |
For these calculations, I assumed the home had one overhanging eave.
When signing up for a roof installation, many homeowners opt to have additional work done simultaneously. Jobs like adding skylights, installing new gutters and good gutter guards for metal roofs, or replacing damaged roof structures are all common additional requests. Since you’re hiring a roofing contractor for a replacement, you can save time by having them take care of these minor jobs simultaneously instead of hiring another roofer down the line.
Below are some of the most commonly requested additional services and installations, along with the national average price for each:
Permits: Permits for a new roof can cost between $100 to more than $1,000
Repairing or replacing flashing: $10 to $27 per linear foot
Roof sealing: $1.00 to $4.00 per square foot
Gutter repair or replacement: $1,000 to $7,000
Adding a skylight: $900 to $2,500
A roof’s gauge represents its thickness. A metal roof with a lower number (gauge) is thicker; for example, 22-gauge steel is thicker than 24-gauge steel. When selecting standing seam metal panels, thicker metal is more expensive but offers more protection and lasts longer. Less expensive materials, like steel, won’t have a hefty price difference between gauges, but for more expensive materials, like zinc, gauges can significantly impact the price.
What Are the Benefits of Investing in a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam metal roofs cost more upfront than asphalt shingles, but they offer significant long-term benefits:
- Exceptional Lifespan: Lasts 40 to 70 years, compared to 15 to 20 years for asphalt shingles.
- High Return on Investment (ROI): Delivers an 80% to 90% ROI, making it one of the best-value roofing upgrades.
- Superior Durability: Resists heat, cold, corrosion, and extreme weather better than most other materials.
- Fire Resistance: Metal roofs are naturally non-combustible, offering better protection in fire-prone areas.
- Solar Panel Friendly: Standing seam panels make solar panel installation easier and less invasive.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
- Lower Maintenance: Fewer repairs and replacements mean less long-term hassle.
- Potential Insurance Savings: Some insurers offer discounts for impact- and fire-resistant roofing materials.
Read also: Ways to Install Roof Shingles
Professional Vs. DIY Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
Installing a roof yourself is cheaper than hiring a professional, as it bypasses service and labor costs. However, installing a kind of roof is difficult and beyond most homeowners’ skill sets. If a roof isn’t installed properly, it can lead to structural faults, like gaps that allow water or pests inside your home. These small installation problems can eventually damage other home systems, resulting in costly repair work that negates any savings you had with the DIY installation.
You won’t save as much money on DIY installation of standing seam metal roofs as you might assume. Standing seam roofs require specialized tools. Most homeowners don’t possess such tools, meaning you’d have to spend additional money purchasing them.
For example, one tool, a sheet metal brake, is used to make precise bends in sheet metal. Sheet metal brakes are needed to ensure your metal panels fit correctly around roof structures. Brakes cost anywhere from $500 to over $7,000, making them a hefty upfront barrier for DIY roof work.
Hiring a Professional for Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation
Choosing the right roofing contractor is key to getting a high-quality installation. Follow these steps to find a reliable and experienced roofer:
- Search for Local Experts: Look for roofing companies that specialize in standing seam metal roofs.
- Check Credentials & Reviews: Verify licenses, insurance, and customer feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Request at least three estimates to compare pricing, services, and warranties.
- Ask the Right Questions: During consultations, ask about their experience with standing seam metal roofs, potential challenges, and their recommended approach.
- Compare & Choose: Don’t just go for the cheapest bid—evaluate the quality of materials, labor warranties, and customer service.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Read also: What Architectural Shingle Entails
Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Worth It?
For homeowners looking for long-term durability and value, a standing seam metal roof is a smart investment. It lasts three to four times longer than asphalt shingles, requires fewer repairs, and provides an 80% to 90% return on investment if you sell your home.
Yes, the upfront cost is high, but when you factor in lower maintenance, fewer replacements, and potential energy savings, the price gap between asphalt and metal roofing shrinks significantly.
If you can budget for the long-term benefits, a standing seam metal roof is one of the best roofing upgrades you can make. We recommend you read our article to learn roof repair and maintenance tips.
FAQs About Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Corrugated metal roofing is a budget-friendly alternative, costing $5 to $12 per square foot—about half the price of standing seam. However, it has exposed fasteners, requires more maintenance, and lasts 30 to 45 years instead of 40 to 70 years.
If you want a lower-cost metal roof and don’t mind extra upkeep, corrugated panels are a solid option.
Yes—if you’re looking for long-term value. While standing seam metal roofs cost more upfront than asphalt shingles, they last 40 to 70 years (compared to 15–20 years for shingles), require fewer repairs, and offer superior weather resistance. Plus, they provide an 80% to 90% return on investment (ROI) when selling your home.
If you plan to stay in your home long-term or want a low-maintenance, high-durability roofing option, standing seam metal is well worth the investment.
Standing seam metal roofs cost more because of three key factors:
- Complex Installation – Unlike standard roofing, standing seam panels require specialized tools and techniques, increasing labor costs.
- High-Quality Materials – These roofs use thicker, premium metals like aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc, which are more expensive than standard asphalt shingles.
- Longer Lifespan & Durability – The materials and design make standing seam roofs highly resistant to weather, corrosion, and leaks, adding to their overall value.
While the upfront price is higher, these roofs can last 40 to 70 years, requiring far fewer repairs and replacements than cheaper alternatives.
