Typical costs range from $7,081 to $110,150.
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Metal roof costs typically range from $7,081 and $110,150, but many homeowners will pay around $11,000 on average depending on size, type, and where they live. Metal roofs have several benefits, most notably that they last longer than almost any other roof type. Metal roofs are also more durable than asphalt shingles and can withstand high winds and impacts. They can also reduce your energy bills by lowering attic and ceiling temperatures.
These benefits and increased longevity come at a steep cost. These roofs cost more to install than asphalt shingles because the materials are more expensive, and the work carries a higher labor rate. Below, we’ll detail all the factors that can impact the total cost of your metal roof installation.
Note: Cost data averaged for a 2,300-square-foot roof from multiple sources, including Angi and Home Advisor.
Average Metal Roof Cost
Get an idea of how much metal roof installation costs based on the table below.
| Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|
|
$7,081 |
$11,000 |
$110,150 |
Metal Roof Cost Factors
The most significant cost factors for metal roofing are the roof’s material and size, but your home’s roof style and pitch will also determine the total cost. Below, we’ll break down these factors and hidden costs like permitting and underlayment.
Material
There are many metal types to choose from, some of which are more expensive than others. For example, an aluminum roof is far more cost-effective than a copper or steel roof. See our “types of metal roofs” section for a breakdown of each metal roof material and its average cost.
Roof Size
Most roofing contractors price your installation based on your roof’s square footage. The bigger your house, the more expensive a metal roof will be. Even just a few hundred square feet can be a difference of a couple thousand dollars. The following table breaks down the average metal roof installation cost for different roof sizes. The table will assume that the material is aluminum and has a standard pitch of 6:12.
| Home Size | Roof Size | Average Metal Roof Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
1,000 |
1,279 |
$9,593 |
|
1,500 |
1,872 |
$14,040 |
|
2,000 |
2,461 |
$18,458 |
|
2,500 |
3,046 |
$22,845 |
Roof Slope and Pitch
Your roof’s slope and pitch both affect material and labor costs. A roof that is more slanted requires more materials, more installation time, and more safety measures for contractors.
Roof pitches are measured in ratios of X:12, or the number of inches a roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. The general rule is that a pitch steeper than 6:12 is steep enough to warrant extra labor.
How Roof Shape Affects Installation Costs
A roof’s slope or pitch directly affects the cost of the installation. It does this in two ways: by increasing materials costs and raising the difficulty of the project. The steeper the slope of a roof, the larger its total area and the more materials will be needed to build it. Steeper-sloped roofs are much more dangerous to work on. Roofs with non-standard designs and extreme pitches often carry increased labor rates or additional service fees for special equipment.
Style
Metal roofs come in a few styles, including metal shingles, metal panels, corrugated panels, and standing seams. Metal shingles are the smallest and are useful if you have a roof that requires fitting the material around chimneys and unusual shapes. Metal panels are much larger and work best on more straightforward roof designs. Corrugated panels have exposed fasteners and a wavy pattern that makes installation easier. Standing-seam metal roofs have wide, flat, vertical panels with a rib on each end and hidden fasteners underneath to create a sleek, modern appearance.
Other Cost Factors
Beyond these factors, the following expenses can impact the total cost of a metal roof:
- Permitting: You’ll need to check with your county to see if you need a permit to install a new roof. Also, check whether your metal roof can be installed on top of your old roof or if the existing roof must be removed first. Removing your old roofing typically costs $1,000 to $1,500, and you may need a permit just for removing and disposing of the materials.
- Labor: Most professional roofers charge about $11 per square foot, or roughly $60 per hour. Booking a roofing project in the summer will increase installation costs since demand is at its highest. Complicated roof designs also increase the price, as features such as chimneys, vents, and skylights require extra time and labor to work around.
- Underlayment: While it’s not typically required, you should have underlayment installed on a metal roof. This prevents leaks and provides additional insulation. Felt is the most common option at around $2 per square foot with a life span of 15 to 20 years. Synthetic underlayment costs about $5 per square foot but has a life span of 40 or more years. We recommend using synthetic underlayment if you’re in a warmer climate.
- Coating: A metal roof should be coated at some point, so you might as well do it during installation. The earlier you have it done, the more protected your roof is against cracking, leaking, and rusting. Expect to pay around $2 per square foot to have this done, not including the cost of labor.
Permits and Regulations by State/City
The scope of your work and the laws of your county will determine if you need a permit for a roof replacement. States and counties don’t typically specify if metal roofs require permits, but most jobs over a certain price threshold do. The average cost for a roofing permit is between $150 and $500. You can check your area’s permit requirements by visiting your local building authority.
Energy Savings of Different Metal Coatings and Colors
Choosing the right coating can also increase your energy savings. Cool-colored and white roofs have higher solar reflectance, reflecting more UV rays and absorbing less heat. On average, a metal or cool-colored roof will reduce energy costs by 25% to 40% by drastically reducing cooling requirements.
Types of Metal Roofing
One of the biggest choices when installing a new metal roof is the material. There are many types of metal to choose from, and prices vary quite a bit. Some of the most common metal roof shingles and types, as well as their national average cost per square foot, include the following:
- Aluminum ($4 to $11): Aluminum roofs are the most common metal roof type. They’re also the most affordable. Aluminum is energy-efficient, long-lasting (around 45 years), and recyclable. It’s also low-maintenance.
- Copper ($15 to $30): Copper is the most expensive metal roofing material. However, copper roofs have a long life span of over 100 years and are relatively easy to maintain. They’re also rust-resistant and develop a nice colored film, known as a patina, over time.
- Lead ($10 to $15): Lead has long been used for roofing, with a life span of over 100 years. Though lead is restricted in other countries, it’s deemed safe for roofs in the U.S. because homeowners aren’t touching it or breathing in fumes.
- Rusted ($9 to $15): A prerusted roof has a weathered look that acts as a protective layer. We don’t recommend rusted roofs for coastal areas, as the salt spray from the ocean prevents the inner protective oxide layer from forming.
- Steel ($6 to $16): There are three options for steel roofs: galvalume, galvanized, and stainless. Stainless steel is the most expensive, but it’s highly durable and rust-resistant. Galvalume and galvanized steel are more cost-effective and require less maintenance.
- Tin ($5 to $12): Tin roofs are common on older houses. If installed and maintained well, they can last 70 years or more. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Zinc ($6 to $12): Zinc is another metal option that can last more than 100 years if well maintained. Zinc actually has self-healing properties that allow it to fix nicks and scratches itself as well as create a protective coating as it weathers.
The following table further breaks down the cost of each metal roof type.
| Roof Type | Average Cost per Square Foot | Cost for 2,300 Square Foot Roof |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum |
$4 to $11 |
$9,200 to $25,300 |
|
Copper |
$15 to $30 |
$34,500 to $69,000 |
|
Lead |
$10 to $15 |
$23,000 to $34,500 |
|
Rusted |
$9 to $15 |
$20,700 to $34,500 |
|
Steel |
$6 to $16 |
$13,800 to $36,800 |
|
Tin |
$5 to $12 |
$11,500 to $27,600 |
|
Zinc |
$6 to $12 |
$13,800 to $36,800 |
Best Metal Roof Types by Climate
In general, metal roofs are better suited to colder climates. They can withstand the colder temperatures and moisture of heavy winters. Metal roofs can also be effective in warm, sunny areas. These roofs can resist more UV rays and reduce cooling costs. Areas along coastlines should avoid metal roofs. Coastal regions have increased air salinity, known as “sea air.” This effect causes exposed metals to rust and degrade more quickly.
Heavier metal roofs, such as steel, are particularly well suited for areas with high winds and hail. Steel’s increased durability and weight can withstand harsher weather conditions. Homeowners in regions with heavy rainfall are better suited to moisture- and corrosion-resistant metals such as aluminum, zinc, and copper.
Noise Reduction Ratings of Different Metals
One of the major beliefs about metal roofing is that it’s more noisy than traditional asphalt shingles. Technically, this myth is true. However, not by an amount normally detectable during rainfall. The standard noise rating from an asphalt roof is about 46 dBA (decibels), while the noise rating for a metal roof is typically about 52 dBA. This means that metal roofs are louder, but not by much. Furthermore, factors such as insulation can greatly affect your roof’s loudness.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofs
You may have heard that metal roofs are noisy or heat-absorbing, but these claims aren’t true by today’s installation standards. In fact, a metal roof compared to an asphalt roof comes with many valuable benefits, such as:
- Durability during storms
- Eco-friendly
- Federal and local tax incentives for using energy-saving materials
- Fire-resistance
- Life span of over 100 years
- Potential increased home value
- Reduced pest damage
- Sun reflection, which saves on cooling costs
There are also some cons to be aware of before committing to a metal roof:
- Color-matching difficulty if you replace or add a section later
- Higher material and labor costs
- More expensive and time-consuming repairs
- Vulnerability to denting
Durability and Longevity
One of the biggest benefits of metal roofs is their increased durability and longevity. Metal roofs stand up to weathering, impacts, and other forms of damage better than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs will last much longer than asphalt shingles. A standard asphalt roof lasts between 15 and 30 years, while all metal roofs last a minimum of 40. Copper and zinc roofs can last up to 100 years with ideal conditions and proper maintenance.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Metal roofs can help reduce the amount you’ll pay on your energy bills. Metal roofs do this by reflecting more sunlight than asphalt, directing it away from your home and lowering temperatures. Since your home (specifically the attic and ceiling) is less hot, you won’t need to spend as much energy on fans and cooling. The Federal Energy Management Program estimates you can save as much as $1.11 per square foot of roofing with an ENERGY STAR-qualified cool roof in ideal conditions. You can increase the energy efficiency of your metal roof by choosing cool-colored paint, such as white or teal.
Additional Benefits
There are several other notable benefits to opting for metal roofing, such as:
- Mold, algae, and bacterial resistance: Copper is an algaecide and fungicide, allowing it to resist roof and gutter growth.
- Snow resistance: Since metal roofs have less traction than asphalt shingles, they’re better at shedding snow. The heat and light they displace also help melt snow faster but can have some pitfalls, such as heavier water runoff.
- Beautiful patina: Copper and zinc roof systems can develop an aesthetically pleasing patina over time. Copper has an off-green color, and zinc has a muted silver color.
Addressing Common Drawbacks and Misconceptions
The other common beliefs about metal roofs is that they rust and dent easily. Below, we’ll examine these attributes and explain the truth behind them.
Do Metal Roofs Rust?
Aluminum and steel roofs can rust over time. Aluminum typically rusts at the end of its life span or in regions with corrosive conditions. Steel will rust much more quickly when exposed to consistent rainfall, but galvanized or stainless steel has much better corrosion resistance. Copper will never rust, and zinc has a corrosion rate that’s one-twentieth that of steel.
Do Metal Roofs Dent Easily?
Yes, metal roofs can dent, especially when hit by hail. However, the damage they sustain rarely impacts the roof’s functionality. Metal roofs have a strong support system that keeps the internal systems protected and secure even in the event of denting. We recommend opting for a steel roof if you live in an area with extreme hail or intense winds. Steel is much heavier and more impact-resistant than aluminum, copper, and zinc.
What Are the Long-Term Costs and Savings of Metal Roofs?
Metal roofs have multiple long-term cost benefits. Overall, they’re a more sound investment than traditional asphalt shingles. The biggest return-on-investment (ROI) metal roofs provide is their increased longevity. Another cost-saving benefit of metal roofing is the energy savings it offers. Studies have shown that metal roofs can significantly reduce your home’s energy strain by lowering attic and ceiling heat.
Life Expectancy of Metal vs. Asphalt Shingles
Metal roofs last twice to three times as long as shingles, meaning you get more out of your investment in the long run. You’ll also save money on repairs since metal roofs are more durable and less prone to leaks and minor breaks. On average, asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years and most metal roofs last 40 to 70. Higher-end metal roofs, such as copper and zinc, can last up to 100 years in ideal conditions with the right maintenance.
Expected Energy Bill Savings over Time
This scientific study from 2013 tested three metal roofs against a shingle asphalt roof to learn how much energy they saved by deflecting heat and UV rays. The study found that “All three test roofs showed the potential for substantial energy savings compared to the asphalt shingle roof. They were highly effective in reducing the heat flow through the roof and ceiling and in reducing the diurnal attic-temperature fluctuations.”
The money you’ll save depends on several factors, including your choice of metal, paint color, insulation material, location, attic ventilation, etc. However, most sources estimate that investing in a metal roof can save 25% to 40% on energy costs.
Metal Roofs and Home Resale Value
The resale value you’ll see on your roof will vary depending on your area’s current housing market, the condition of the roof, and your roof’s specific material. Estimations from Angi and Remodeling Magazine put the resale value of most metal roofs at around 60%. Other sources estimate that installing a metal roof onto a home increases its sale price by about 6%.
Professional vs. DIY Metal Roofing Installation
We don’t recommend a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation for metal roofs. Though foregoing the cost of labor can save you several thousand dollars, performing roof work is highly dangerous and risks water damage and structural issues to your home if not done properly.
If you feel skilled enough to install a metal roof yourself, thoroughly research the installation process for your selected material and style, use a roofing safety harness, and check that you have the proper permits to perform the job.
If you’re interested in professional installation, use our tool below to request quotes from roofing companies near you.
Dangers of Improper DIY Metal Roof Installation
Roofs are your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, other elements, and pests. A DIY, improperly installed roof can lead to a host of problems. For example, water can saturate your walls, ceiling, fascia, and other home systems, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. Pests, like termites and other wood-boring insects, love to target water-saturated wood. Because of this, even a small gap or leak can eventually lead to costly infestations.
How to Select a Qualified Metal Roofing Contractor
Finding a reliable roofing contractor can be difficult, especially for new homebuyers. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about choosing a reliable metal roof installer.
Years of Experience
We recommend checking each company’s business history through sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB will not only tell you how long each provider has been in business but also list all major complaints and violations levied against them. You should aim for a company with a long history of metal roof installations and few major complaints.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
You should then check to ensure each company is properly licensed and insured (bonded.) Each state appoints a governing body to oversee the licensing and regulation of contractors. You can check your company’s license status through your state’s license lookup. You’ll need to ask each company which insurance provider they work with. Most reliable companies have a proof-of-insurance card or policy number you can verify through the carrier’s website.
Portfolio of Completed Metal Roofs
Reliable contractors usually host a gallery of completed works on their website. Be sure to browse through these and look for quality metal roof installations.
Written Cost Estimate and Warranty
Never work for a contractor that requests cash-only payments. Only work with contractors that provide free estimates and reliable warranties. Verbal agreements and cash-only systems are among the most common ways untrustworthy contractors scam homeowners.
Our Recommendation
Metal roofs cost more than many other roof types, but their durability and longevity are worth it for many homeowners. Investing in a metal roof may save you from paying for roof repairs in the future. You’ll also reduce your electricity bills and perhaps even see an increase on your home’s resale value. Some types of metal roofs cost considerably more than others, so weigh the advantages of each to determine which material and price range is best for you.
Best Overall Metal Roof Type for Most Homes
We recommend standing seam aluminum roofs for most homeowners. Aluminum is the most versatile, reliable, and reasonably priced roof material available. It’s corrosion-resistant, lightweight, long-lasting, and readily accessible.
Cost-Effective
White-painted aluminum is the most cost-effective material you can buy. Aluminum is the lowest-cost metal roof material on the market. A white heat-resistant coating will deflect more UV rays and save you money in the long run.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Copper or zinc are the longest-lasting metal roofs. In the right conditions and with proper maintenance, these roofs can last up to 100 years. However, they’re softer than other materials, making them less suitable for weather-intense areas. Steel roofs will be the better choice if you’re looking for pure durability.
Energy Efficient
Any metal roof can be energy efficient depending on its coating. A cool roof with light coloring will be the most energy-efficient choice, regardless of your specific material.
4 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Metal Roof
Keep in mind the following key factors when choosing your next metal roof:
- Budget: metal roofs are a serious home improvement project. Proper budgeting beforehand is essential in selecting the right roof for your home.
- Material: Your roof’s material will determine its overall cost and performance.
- Location: Not all materials suit every climate, and picking the wrong material for your area can lead to problems.
- Company: Like all home service fields, the roofing industry has its share of bad actors and untrustworthy providers. We always recommend thoroughly researching each company before making a final decision. Getting at least three free quotes before picking a company is also a good idea. Shopping for quotes helps you find the most reliable company for a reasonable price.
Metal Roofing Cost FAQ
How much should I budget for a metal roof?
The national average cost for metal roofs is $11,000. However, that price can range from $5,600 on the low end to $16,500 on the high end, depending on your roof size, the cost of labor in your area, and other factors.
Can I put a metal roof over shingles?
Yes, you can install a metal roof over existing shingles. However, it requires a structurally sound roof to support the added weight, a smooth shingle surface for proper installation, and attention to ventilation and moisture concerns. We recommend you consult a professional roofer to assess your specific situation.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
Metal roofs are one of the most expensive roofing options available. They’re also not recommended for all climates, and they expand and contract during temperature changes, which can cause loud popping noises.
Can I install solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes, you can install solar panels on a metal roof. Metal roofs provide a sturdy and compatible surface for solar panel mounting, but it’s important to use appropriate mounting systems that won’t compromise the roof’s integrity. We recommend professional installation by a qualified solar installation company to ensure proper attachment and maintain the roof’s waterproofing.
Are metal roofs worth the extra cost?
Though more expensive than other types, metal roofs have a lot of advantages that can make them worth the extra cost. They’re durable, long-lasting, energy-efficient, fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and eco-friendly.
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