How much does metal roofing cost?

Key points

• Aluminum and steel roofs can cost between $3 and $12 per square foot.
• Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingles but offer long life spans and durability.
• Aluminum, copper, steel and zinc roofing are the most common metal roof materials.

Metal roofs align with the popular modern farmhouse aesthetic, but they are also versatile enough to complement other home styles. Aside from looks, metal roofing has the benefit of a long life span — it can last up to 50 years, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance.

As with most home improvement projects, many factors affect metal roofing costs — more high-end roofing options, such as copper, come at a premium and can cost up to $35 per square foot, our experts reported.

On the other hand, aluminum and steel roofs can cost between $3 and $12 per square foot. Depending on the material you select, a new metal roof can cost between $7,000 and $70,000.

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What factors contribute to metal roofing costs?

Replacing an old roof with a metal roof is not exactly straightforward when it comes to determining the expenditures. To find out how much you might spend on a metal roof, we spoke with roofing experts to break down the various cost components.

Roof size

Home and roof sizes vary. Roofs typically fall between 1,700 and 2,500 square feet, making 2,300 square feet a reasonable national average for estimating purposes, said Trevor Underwood, vice president of marketing at DECRA Metal Roofing in Corona, California.

Larger roofs will require more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost of a metal roof. For instance, a 3,000-square-foot roof will cost about 25% more than a 2,300-square-foot roof, noted Jay Sanders, licensed contractor and the owner of Castle Dream Construction, a home remodeling company in Baltimore.

Consider this: A two-story house has two levels of roofing, but each layer typically has a smaller surface area than the roof on a single-story home. On a ranch home, you have one layer of roofing that covers the entire home. “On average, the roof of a ranch home is about 30% larger than that of a colonial or Cape Cod,” said Mike Larsen, owner of Larsen Roofing in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Skylights and gutters could also impact price. “With skylights, you would use less material, but on a metal roof, you need to have custom plates created in order to fit them around your skylights,” Larsen said. So, what you save in materials ends up being spent on labor for these features.

Material

The cost of your metal roof will depend on the type of metal roofing you select. “There are more expensive options, like steel or copper, but these have advantages in terms of longevity and aesthetics,” Larsen said. 

These two types of metal are more durable. While steel doesn’t stain or rust, a copper roof will slowly patina to create a weathered green shade over time. “Copper roofs are very visually appealing and can increase the curb appeal of your house,” Larsen said. 

The cost of a steel roof will vary depending on the type of steel used. If it is galvanized — meaning it’s blended with zinc — you’ll pay more. 

The price per square foot of material will vary depending on the location of your home, the availability of the material and the labor involved in the installation costs. “Generally, steel roofs can range from $3–$8 per square foot, copper roofing can run you over $20 per square foot and aluminum roofing will run in the same range as steel, for the most part,” Larsen said. 

These are high costs compared to the average price of a standard asphalt roof, which can range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on roof size and other factors, Larsen said.

“However, a metal roof is comparable in price to a premium tile or cedar shake roof,” added Brian McLaughlin, director of sales at Drexel Metals. People usually opt for these materials when asphalt shingle roofs are too expensive.

Below is a range of metal roofing costs according to our experts. We did not include costs for lead as it is not very common due to its toxicity. While some roofers may use types of lead flashing, it is typically made of galvanized steel. 

“Lead isn’t a common roofing material, so we aren’t comfortable speaking to that type of roof given the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements for installation and removal and issues around lead poisoning, say rainwater runoff from the roof,” Underwood said.

Below is a range of costs for common metal roofing materials for a 2,300-square-foot roof, according to our experts.

Material	Material Cost	Metal Roof Cost (2,300 sq. ft.)
Aluminum	$3–$12 per sq. ft.	$8,000–$27,500
Copper	$10–$35 per sq. ft.	$26,000–$70,000
Steel	$3–$12 per sq. ft.	$7,000–$55,000
Tin	$3–$7 per sq. ft.	$9,000–$13,000
Zinc	$16–$25 per sq. ft.	$36,800–$57,500

Style

Metal roofs come in various styles, including shingles, panels and standing seams. “The style chosen can affect both the material cost and installation complexity,” Sanders said. 

• Metal shingles: These are expensive due to the cost of the material. Their installation is also more labor-intensive than other types.
• Standing seams: These long, vertical panels typically run the length of a room. The material cost is higher than panels, but installation is easy, so the price is offset by simpler installation.
• Panel: Panels are the cheaper option as the material price is lower and installation is quick and easy. 

Roof slope and pitch

Pitch (a roof’s steepness) and slope impact the price of a metal roof. A steeper roof means more material is needed. What’s more, a steeper metal roof may incur additional costs as a result of safety measures and labor. 

For instance, a normal roof could take 20 hours to put up, Sanders said, but a steeper roof may need 20% more time, which translates into four extra hours. If the crew is charging $75 per hour, that’s $300 extra per person.

Additionally, difficult access could require more insurance and liability coverage, said Larsen, noting that these factors could increase the costs by 15% to 20%. “However, roofers that are licensed and insured will often pay for additional coverage for roofs that are uniquely situated with a greater pitch or slope,” he added.

Labor costs

Labor costs are a significant component of how much a new metal roof costs. “The cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the type of residential roofing materials being used, the project’s duration, the roof’s size and pitch and the geographic location,” Underwood said. Labor costs will be outlined and included in the roofing contractor or builder’s estimate for your roof project.

Permits

The customer typically pays for permits for installing a metal roof. The cost of a building permit can vary from city to city and the cost of your specific project. If your house is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may need approval. Some locales will ask for environmental impact permits. 

“For a metal roof, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000,” Larsen said of a permit’s cost. “You may also need a zoning permit, especially in urban or suburban areas. These can run an additional $500 to $1,000.”

He continued: “A good, licensed roofing company will handle the process of obtaining the permits needed.” McLaughlin added that if the contractor or home builder has a preexisting relationship with the local municipality, this permit process may be expedited.

What are the benefits of metal roofing?

There are multiple benefits to having a metal roof that often outweigh the few disadvantages.

• Long life span: Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. “Metal roofs have one of the longest life spans of any roofing material, far exceeding that of traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, which typically last 12 to 20 years,” Underwood said. Thus, roof replacement isn’t usually a consideration. “The bang for your buck is huge,” McLaughlin added.
• Hard to damage: Metal roofs are very durable and can usually withstand the majority of issues roofs experience, such as sun, water and snow damage.
• Low maintenance costs: According to McLaughlin, a metal roofing system is more resilient and has lower maintenance costs because you don’t have to worry about replacing shingles.
• Safer in fire zones: Metal roofs are more fire-resistant and could increase your home value for resale. “If you live in an area where there are a lot of wildfires, like California, then metal roofs can be beneficial as they aren’t combustible,” Larsen said.
• Energy-efficient: “They reflect heat away from buildings and do this better than other roof material on the market,” Underwood said of the energy-efficient material.
• Environmentally conscious: The materials that comprise metal roofs — such as aluminum and copper — are recyclable. “Plus, because they are so lightweight, metal roofs often eliminate the need for a tear-off of the existing roof, which diverts waste from landfills,” Underwood said. “If building codes allow, some metal roofs can be installed directly over asphalt shingles. Make sure you are aware of your options.”
• Insurance discounts: Metal roofs can qualify for insurance discounts. “For example, in Texas, a metal roof can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 35%,” Underwood said.

What are the drawbacks of metal roofing?

The primary disadvantage of metal roofs is their steeper cost, but compared to their extended life span, they may be worth the price.

• Total cost: The major drawback of installing a metal roof is its average cost. “Typically, a metal roof cost will end up being double that of an asphalt shingle or three-tab roof,” Larsen said. “This means that if you’re not planning on being in your home forever, then you may be overspending.”
• Distinct style: Metal roofs mimic the style of buildings you might find in the countryside, making them a great feature to have atop a modern farmhouse-style home. However, the material might not suit the looks of traditional styles.
• Limited customization: Larsen warns that some metal roofs will not allow as much customization in color or style as shingle roofs.
• Dents: Hail can damage a metal roof by creating dents that can accumulate snow and water and, in turn, warp the material over time, Larsen said. Metal roofs made from softer metals, such as aluminum or copper, can be especially susceptible to denting from hail or falling debris, Underwood added. “Selecting metal roofing materials designed for impact resistance, such as steel, can minimize or eliminate the risk of denting.”

What kind of maintenance do metal roofs need?

Metal roofs can have even longer life spans with good maintenance.

• Apply a coating: Coating prevents rust, corrosion and UV damage, but hire an expert to oversee the application. “There are specific coatings for each metal material,” Larsen said. If you don’t want to bother with coating applications, make sure your roof already comes with a finish. Trusted roofing suppliers pair quality metal substrates with high-performance finishes, such as PVDF, a type of resin. “PVDF has a strong chemical bond resisting the damaging effects of long-term sun exposure,” McLaughlin added. Too much sun and your metal will undergo “chalking,” or color fading, that will give the roof a powdery white residue.
• Clear off debris: In other words, keep the roof clean and free of debris. If something falls onto the roof, such as a tree limb, carefully remove it. At the same time, look ahead to other potential debris by making sure to trim any overhanging trees.
• Avoid power washing: Powerwashing can strip the metal of its finish. Never use high-pressure water jets (above 500 psi), as this can do water damage to the metal surface and the protective coatings,” Underwood said.

What’s next?

After you decide a mental roof is right for you, reach out to the experts. “Call at least three local roofing companies and get specific estimates,” Larsen said. Why? Not every roof expert will be able to meet your exact time constraints. Plus, each will have different expectations in terms of the cost of installation and terms of warranty.

Finally, be sure to confirm the roofing companies’ differing qualities of work. “Always look up reviews of the companies you call to see what customers are saying,” Larsen said, “and be sure to ask the companies for references.” The more reputable the roofing company is, the more positive customer reviews they will have or customers themselves willing to speak with you or answer your questions.

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