While exploring roofing materials, you might notice that tin roofs cost 2–3 times more than asphalt shingles. Despite this high price point, a tin roof has a better life span and return on investment, among many other benefits.
This article will help you understand how much a tin roof costs and why you should consider investing in one. We’ll cover different types of metal roofs and multiple cost considerations to simplify your search.
- On average, a tin roof costs between $10–$13 per square foot, or $100–$130 per square (a roofing term used to describe 100 square feet.)
- This durability also gives the material a long life span of 40–70 years, compared to asphalt’s 15–30 years.
- Your initial metal roof investment will undoubtedly be high, but the roof’s durability, energy efficiency, and curb appeal will pay off for decades to come.
What Is the Cost of a Tin Roof?
On average, a tin roof costs between $10–$13 per square foot, or $100–$130 per square (a roofing term used to describe 100 square feet.) The lowest price range for tin roofing is between $4.50–$8.50 per square foot or $450–$850 per square.
Premium-coated metals or complex roof configurations will produce a higher tin roof cost of about $14–$18 per square foot. Such projects will likely exceed $30,000 for standard roof sizes.
Here are some cost approximations for a standard 1,700-square-foot roof:
| Cost Range | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project* |
| Low-end Cost Range | $4.50–$8.50 | $7,650–$14,450 |
| National Average Cost Range | $10–$13 | $17,000–$22,100 |
| High-end Cost Range | $14–$18 | $23,800–$30,600 |
We retrieve cost data from RS Means, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The rough costs listed in this article include bare materials and labor fees.
Learn more about the price of roof shingles and read our article about the pricing of rubber shingles for more information.
How Much Does a Tin Roof Cost by Metal Roofing Type?
Tin roofs aren’t one-size-fits-all; you have multiple styles and types to choose from. Below, we’ve detailed cost ranges for some of the most popular metal roofing types and factors to consider.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Corrugated Metal Roof | $5–$12 |
| Stamped Panel Metal Roof | $8–$15 |
| Standing Seam Metal Roof | $10–$15 |
| Flat Seam Metal Roof | $10–$15 |
Corrugated Metal Roof
Corrugated metal roofing – sometimes called corrugated sheet metal, corrugated steel, or “wriggly tin” – consists of galvanized steel rolled to produce a wavy surface. Corrugated steel is a lower-cost metal roofing option, generally ranging from $5–$12 per square foot.
Stamped Metal Roof Panels
Stamped panel roofing is made of steel panels that are stamped and layered to resemble classic slate or asphalt shingles. Sometimes called metal shingles, stamped panels combine the traditional look of asphalt with the durability and longevity of metal.
This type of tin roofing typically costs between $8–$15 per square foot, which will vary depending on the material and configuration you choose.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam metal roofing consists of long, flat metal panels with interlocking vertical ribs on each end. Standing seam tin roofs are popular because of their durable concealed fastener design, in which each panel’s fasteners are covered from view and exposure to the weather.
Standing seam tin roofs are one of the most expensive metal roofing options, at around $10–$15 per square foot. Metals like steel and aluminum will sit at the lower end of this range, while premium options like zinc and copper can exceed $18 per square foot.
Flat Seam Metal Roof
Flat seam tin roofs consist of metal sheets that are folded and sealed at the seams for a flush, solid surface. This metal roofing style is ideal for low-pitch roofs or those needing seamless accents like domes and arches.
Flat seam roofs have a similar price range to standing seam models, ranging from around $10–$15 per square foot.
Read also: Minimum Slope for Metal Roof
How Much Does a Tin Roof Cost by Square Footage?
While the type of tin roof you buy is important, how much material you need will ultimately determine your overall price point. Your roof’s square footage significantly affects your roofing costs, so you must keep that measurement in mind to retrieve realistic quotes.
This table lists rough cost estimates for various roof sizes:
| Roof Size | Typical Price Range | Average Cost |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $10,000–$13,000 | $11,500 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $15,000–$19,500 | $17,250 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $20,000–$26,000 | $23,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $25,000–$32,500 | $28,750 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $30,000–$39,000 | $34,500 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $35,000–$45,500 | $40,250 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $40,000–$52,000 | $46,000 |
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Which Factors Impact Tin Roof Costs?
While your tin roof costs will primarily depend on the type of metal and size you need, several other factors will play into your final price tag. It’s important to remember these factors as you shop to avoid sticker shock when you start getting quotes from roofers. The sections below cover how roof pitch, labor/installation fees, coatings, and more will impact your costs.
Roof Pitch
You can’t use your home’s square footage when determining the size of your roof. Roofs are often sloped and hang past the side of the home, adding more square feet to the measurement. As a rule of thumb, multiply your home’s square footage by 1.25 to determine the rough size of your roof. For example, a homeowner with a 2,000-square-foot home would search for roof estimates based on a 3,000-square-foot roof.
Remember – the pitch of your roof will determine if your number is higher or lower. Generally, metal roof pitches fall between 4:12–6:12, with 3:12 being the minimum slope for adequate water shedding.
| Roof Size | Roof Pitch | Cost of a New Tin Roof |
| 2,269 sq. ft. | 3:12 | $22,690–$29,497 |
| 2,320 sq. ft. | 4:12 | $23,200–$30,160 |
| 2,461 sq. ft. | 6:12 | $24,610–$31,993 |
| 2,645 sq. ft. | 8:12 | $26,450–$34,385 |
Labor Costs
Labor and crew fees will account for a portion of your final tin roof installation cost. According to RSMeans, labor and installation fees for roofing tend to fall around $3 per square foot. If you replace your roof with corrugated metal that costs $8.85 per square foot, labor costs of around $2.35 will increase your price to $11.20 per square foot, or $1,120 per square.
More complex roofing configurations like mansards and gambrels might have installation costs that account for as much as 50% of your total cost. Instead of looking at bare material prices for your project, you should factor in those extra dollars per square foot that will add hundreds of dollars to your bill.
Metal Roof Coatings
Despite their overall durability, tin roofs are prone to expanding and contracting with the temperature, sometimes resulting in broken fasteners and leaks. Adding a metal roof coating to your tin roof with epoxy or acrylic sealant can improve the surface’s water-tightness for longer, thus improving its functionality and performance.
Read also: Metal Roof Installation Guide
If you add metal roof coating to your project, you can expect to pay an additional $1–$5 per square foot for sealant and labor costs. So, if you installed a 2,000-square-foot tin roof for $28,750, you’d likely pay an additional $2,000–$10,000 for coating.
Roof Accessories
Your cost will fluctuate depending on added customizations and accessories. For example, you’ll pay more for a tin metal roofing system with skylight windows, gutters, and custom flashing than a no-frills roof. Here are common price ranges for these add-on examples:
| Item | Price Range |
| Gutters | $1,000–$7,000 |
| Skylights | $900–$2,500 per window |
| Flashing | $10–$27 per linear foot |
Find Roofing Cost Estimates In Your State
What Are the Benefits of Investing in a Tin Roof?
While metal is a higher-cost roofing material, it has many benefits that make the investment worthwhile. Metal roofing materials like tin have greater durability than asphalt shingles, allowing them to withstand high winds and storm conditions.
This durability also gives the material a long life span of 40–70 years, compared to asphalt’s 15–30 years. In this sense, your upfront metal roofing costs will be higher, but the investment will pay off for decades.
Here are some additional benefits of investing in a tin roof:
- Reroofing capabilities: Tin’s lightweight structure enables it to be installed over an existing roof. In addition to saving you time and money on removal and disposal fees, the added roofing layer will improve your home’s insulation.
- Energy efficiency: Metal roofing can save you up to 40% in heating and cooling costs with its reflective and insulative properties. You can choose different coatings to ensure your roof maximizes energy savings in your climate.
- Low maintenance: Tin roofs are resistant to cracking, warping, and eroding, all with minimal upkeep. Read our metal roof cleaning guide to learn about maintaining a tin roof.
- Eco-friendliness: Unlike asphalt shingles, which add billions of pounds of waste to landfills yearly, metal roofing consists of 25% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable post-use. This means it creates much less waste than other roofing materials.
- Fire-resistance: Metal is noncombustible, which means it won’t catch flame or fuel an existing fire. This quality makes the material extremely beneficial for homeowners in areas prone to wildfires and lightning strikes.
In this video, Danny Lipford explains why metal roofing can be an excellent investment for modern homeowners:
Professional Vs. DIY Tin Roof Costs
Most home improvement projects — tin roof installation included — can be completed DIY with the right expertise, materials, and equipment. However, unless you’re a professional roofer by day, we don’t recommend installing your own metal roof.
Although a DIY tin roof installation might help you save money on installation fees, you’d still need to hire a few helpers and rent safety equipment for the project. These costs, along with material costs and disposal fees for old roofing materials, negate any savings you’d make by going DIY.
Installing a Tin Roof Yourself
Your roof is only as good as its installation. All the durability in the world won’t protect your roof from damage if it’s haphazardly installed on your home. An improper installation might also result in more frequent, costly roof repair and replacement needs down the road.
The bottom line: If you opt for a do-it-yourself tin roof, you must handle the process with precision and care to ensure long-term performance and functionality.
This video tutorial from the Metal Roofing Channel demonstrates a standing seam metal roof installation from start to finish:
Hiring a Professional for Tin Roof Installation
How to find a professional roofer for your tin roof project doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these four steps to find the right contractor for the job:
- Search for local experts near you: Find local roofing contractors with positive customer testimonials and high ratings. Local companies are more likely to understand your area’s climate patterns and architectural trends, thus recommending better roofing products for your home.
- Get quotes from multiple companies: Retrieve estimates from at least three local roofers to start vetting your options. Multiple quotes will provide a full picture of your price range and potential project costs.
- Consult each pro about their recommendations: Take time to vet each contractor and discuss the specific details of your project. A particular company may offer the tin roof type or configuration you need for your home. Some companies might also provide coating and sealing options for better long-term performance.
- Consider which option best fits your unique needs: A roof replacement is a huge investment. Take time to sit with your options and consider the ins and outs of each estimate before signing any contracts.
Start your local search by filling out the quick form below:
4.1
Specialized metal shingles
Service area spans dozens of states
Provides first-time roof installation & military discounts
3.9
Thousands of 5-star reviews
Phone, email, & text consultations
Factory-trained installers
3.7
Top-quality shingles
Provides windows & solar system services
Quick, thorough installations
So, Is Investing in a Tin Roof Worth It?
Tin roofs typically cost between $17,000–$22,100. Though most tin roof installations fall in this price range, your specific cost could exceed $50,000 depending on the roof size, metal type, labor needs, and accessories included in your project.
While tin roofs are undeniably expensive compared to other roofing materials, their benefits are hard to ignore. Your initial metal roof investment will undoubtedly be high, but the roof’s durability, energy efficiency, and curb appeal will pay off for decades to come.
FAQs About Tin Roof Costs
Will a Tin Roof Improve My Home’s Resale Value?
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, homes with metal roofing have 6% higher resale values than homes with asphalt shingle roofs. Additionally, homeowners who invest in a metal roof often recoup around 90% of the cost.
Can Tin Roofs Rust?
A notable downfall of tin roofs is that they may corrode without the proper coating. This is more likely if you live in a rainy or humid climate where the material is constantly exposed to moisture. Along with rusting, metal is prone to oxidation, or chemical breakdown, which may leave it with patina – discoloration from weathering and aging. You can seal your metal roof with a high-quality coating to protect the panels, structure, and any exposed fasteners safe from the elements. You can also read our article on the cons of metal roofs.
Is Tin a Cheap Roofing Material?
Tin is an expensive roofing material compared to standard options like asphalt shingles. However, tin is one of the more affordable options among metal roofing materials. Stainless steel, tin, and aluminum typically fall in the $6–$15-per-square-foot price range, while premium metals like copper and zinc can exceed $20–$30 per square foot.
