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While it’s easy to fall in love with the classic look of asphalt shingles and wooden shakes, metal roofing has a long list of hard-to-ignore perks. Metal roofing prices range from $6,492 to $99,689 including both materials and labor for the average-sized roof. Sure, you’ll pay a bit more for metal roofing compared to other roof replacement costs, but with a lifespan of up to 100 years, it could be worth the investment in the long run. Installing Geogrid
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Metal roofing cost an average of $22,917 to install on a 1,700-square-foot roof. It is important to note that more than two-thirds of the price often goes toward materials alone. You’ll pay anywhere from $2.60 to $35.80 per square foot for metal roofing materials plus another $3 to $11.80 per square foot for labor.
Metal roofs are a great choice for durability and resale value.
— Johnathan Brewer II, expert general contractor, Advisory Board Member
It is always important to choose a type of roofing tailored to your local climate. Some types of metal will stand up better against corrosion, heat reflection and damage from impact.
While roofing pros often break the price down by square feet, metal roof materials are often sold in “squares”—or 100 square feet.
Steel roofs are incredibly versatile and cost between $4 and $16 per square foot for labor and materials, or between $400 and $1,600 per roofing square. The wide price range accounts for everything from simple corrugated sheets of steel to galvanized steel that comes in shingles and tiles. Higher-end steel roofing features specialized coatings that alter the look and durability of the metal.
Coming in at $14 to $19 per square foot, stainless steel roofing lives in a category of its own. The unmatched metal can stay strong for up to 100 years against storm damage, rust or corrosion. You may need to update its faded patina over time, but stainless steel is becoming increasingly popular for residential buildings.
Many modern tin roofs are actually a combination of steel saturated with a tin coating. You’ll pay between $6 and $12 per square foot for tin roofing materials including the cost of installation. However, not only is a tin roof not very common anymore, but it is also prone to rust and corrosion, so be sure to consider the long-term cost of roof repairs.
Homeowners looking to make an eco-friendly upgrade will love the recyclable aluminum roofing options. Aluminum is also an expert at reflecting the sun, potentially lowering your AC bills. Including labor, installing aluminum roofs will cost between $8 and $18 per square foot. These roofs also last up to 50 years without major repairs.
Copper roofing materials top the price charts, coming in between $20 and $40 per square foot or $2,000 and $4,000 per roofing square. A 1,700-square-foot roof could cost up to $68,000 between labor and materials. However, copper roofing will last over a century, resist corrosion and maintain its beauty as the patina changes in the sun.
Zinc roofing is an equally fascinating metal that maintains a protective patina and coating against damage. Roofing prices for zinc can range from $9 to $25 per square foot when you include installation. However, you will pay far less on maintenance over the years, even in harsh conditions.
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Installation plays a significant role in metal roofing prices. Let’s break down how labor prices can sway your estimate.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll pay between $3 and $11.80 per square foot for metal roof installation, or between $5,100 and $20,060 for a 1,700-square-foot roof. The cost will depend on several primary factors, including:
The final price tag of your metal roof heavily depends on whether you need new underlayment as well. This synthetic or felt layer sits between the metal sheets or shingles and the roof’s framing, providing essential protection against moisture and adding insulation. Expect to add between $0.068 and $0.88 per square foot for the cost of underlayment materials, with additional installation costs potentially bringing the total to around $0.16 to $1.76 per square foot.
The pitch and shape of your roof will play a role in your professional estimate. Take a moment to think about the slope of your roof and how difficult it may be to access and stand on when installing the metal sheets. Steeper roofs are more difficult and will take longer to cover, increasing your bottom line.
While there’s no set price based on slope alone, the complex shape of some roofs can increase the price. Traditional gable, dutch and hipped roofs typically cost between $4 and $30 per square foot to cover while Mansard and roofs with dormer windows can push up to $40 per square foot.
The cost of installing a metal roof can vary significantly depending on where you live, and understanding these regional differences is key to budgeting effectively. For instance, in California , known for its high cost of living and stringent building codes, roofing expenses can be steep. The state’s frequent wildfires and seismic activity often lead homeowners to opt for more durable, fire-resistant materials like metal, which, while protective, come with a higher price tag. Additionally, labor costs in California are among the highest in the nation, further driving up the overall expense of your roofing project.
In contrast, Texas presents a different financial landscape. While the state also faces harsh weather conditions, including intense heat and powerful storms, the overall cost of living is lower. This translates to more affordable labor rates and potentially lower material costs, especially in more rural areas. However, the need for durable, weather-resistant roofing is just as vital, making metal roofs a popular choice for long-term savings on repairs and energy efficiency.
There are many reasons to consider metal roofing, but versatility is one of its top perks. You can shift your roofing price based on the style of material, its thickness and how much of your roof needs repairing.
The shape and style of your roofing material will affect the cost of materials and the price to install it. Think of it this way: securing bundles of shingles will take longer than attaching large corrugated sheets, but you may not get the look you desire.
Here’s what to expect for metal roofing costs by style for both labor and materials:
The gauge, or thickness, of metal roofing material typically ranges between 22 and 29. The lower the number, the thicker the metal roofing material. The thickest gauge of 22 will often cost between $10 and $25 per square foot whereas thinner gauges—more commonly used on sheds and other storage areas—can cost as little as $2 per square foot.
Labor prices for replacing your whole roof jump up to $4 to $16 per square foot. The extra cost factors in the price to remove your room, haul away old materials, secure underlayment and address structural issues they find in the process. You’ll also pay design fees for determining the best roof replacement material.
You could pay up to $1,000 extra for construction permits to repair or replace a roof. The price of permits comes down to where you live and local laws. Your roofing contractor will have experience pulling these permits so you don’t have to worry about researching them yourself.
Trim and flashing are essential for sealing edges, valleys and joints on your roof, preventing leaks and enhancing durability. These components can add approximately 20% to 40% to your overall material costs, depending on the complexity of your roof. Additionally, the type of finish, whether a basic paint or a high-end PVDF coating, affects both the appearance and longevity of your roof, potentially increasing costs but offering better long-term protection.
Gutters play a crucial role in directing water away from your home and should be considered when installing a new metal roof. Upgrading to seamless gutters or those made from durable materials like aluminum or copper can complement your roof and handle increased runoff. Depending on the material and installation complexity, gutters can add to your overall roofing costs, especially if custom systems are needed to match your roof’s design.
Spending a bit more upfront on your roof often means you’ll spend less in the long run. It also provides peace of mind when the next storm hits. Here are some of the top benefits of metal roofing:
When choosing the right roofing material for your home, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each option, including cost, longevity and overall value. Metal roofing often stands out for its durability and long-term savings, despite the higher initial cost. Here’s how metal roofing compares to other common roofing materials:
Whether the cost of metal roofing is truly worth it for you will take a little math. After estimating the cost of your own roof—calculating material, labor and design-specific costs—consider the following cost-saving opportunities:
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You can save thousands of dollars—if not tens of thousands of dollars—by installing metal roofing yourself. However, installing any type of roofing is a highly advanced DIY job and not always advisable even if you’re handy atop a high ladder. All in all, it’s not your best bet.
Some companies will only grant a warranty on their roofing material if you hire a licensed professional. Also, attempting the installation yourself could lead to storm damage, leaks and all the costs that come along with a faulty roof.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, two material providers and six cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.”
While metal roofing itself will heat up in the sun, it will not heat up the inside of your home. In fact, metal roofing is so good at reflecting heat, that it will more likely keep your home cooler than other roofing materials.
Metal roofing will not sound louder in the rain than other materials in most cases. The underlayment materials, framing and insulation dampen the sound on any roof, metal ones included. You are only more likely to experience volume issues in buildings with thin corrugated aluminum roofs without proper insulation.
Compared to other popular roofing materials, such as when it’s put head to head with asphalt shingles, metal roofing does have its drawbacks. Primarily, you’ll pay more for metal roofing installation and it’s not often a DIYable job. Metal roofs are also heavier than asphalt or wood shingles, so it’s important to know the load-bearing capacity of the building.
A metal roof will not have an effect on cell service if the reception is strong in your area. Some users have seen slight issues if they already only had one or two bars in their region. However, most commercial buildings are constructed with steel and often have steel roofs, so it is not a concern in cell service overall.
Christin Perry is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets, including WeddingWire, The Knot, Parents and Verywell Family. When she's not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening and hanging out with her husband and four young kids. She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets.
Ashlyn has been a dedicated content writer for 6 years, with the last 2 years focused on creating content for Forbes Home. Specializing in areas such as home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
Bop Stretched Net Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels and general construction. With over two decades of professional experience, his current business, Brewer Builds, specializes in residential and light commercial renovations and remodels. At the age of 15, Brewer started his journey in construction as a laborer during summer break. This journey would eventually lead to Brewer starting his own general contracting firm, Brewer Builds, in 2008. Brewer also taught building construction for Rising Sun Energy in Berkeley California. In 2009, Brewer began his TV career as an on-air carpenter and has been featured on: HGTV: “Super Scapes," “Curb Appeal the Block," “Elbow Room,” DIY Network: “House Crashers," "This Old House" OWN Network: Emmy award-winning show “Home Made Simple” Professional Memberships: - Member of the National Association of Remodeling Industry