Asphalt shingles offer a classic and beautiful look when it comes to roofing, but what if you want a more elegant and durable option? Thanks to these qualities, metal roofs are becoming more and more popular.
The perks of this roofing material are difficult to ignore. Metal roofs offer many benefits, such as longer durability and improved performance, beautiful styles to match any property, maximum wind and fire resistance, and enhanced energy efficiency.
However, there’s one thing about metal roofing systems that really worries property owners – their price.
How much does a metal roof cost? How much money do you need to install this roof on your property and enjoy all its perks?
If you’re looking for the answers to those questions, you’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive and up-to-date guide contains all the information about metal roofing prices and related costs. Read on!
How Much Does a Metal Roofing Cost on Average?
Metal roofing prices often range from $8,000 to $70,000, as many factors can influence this. However, the average metal roof costs around $11,500.
Why do these prices vary? – In order to answer that question, it’s important to learn more about metal roofing materials. Fortunately, that’s what you can do here.
What You Should Know About Metal Roofing Materials
As mentioned, the materials used to install a metal roof influence the final cost. They come in premeasured sheets, which are typically between 50 and 100 square feet.
However, professional roofing contractors use another measurement system to determine the quantity of materials they’ll need and their costs.
Instead of using the “square feet” measurement, roofing contractors use a “roofing square,” equivalent to 100 square feet.
In addition to the square feet, contractors must also consider the cost of the material to calculate a final price for a new metal roof.
Here’s more information on these costs, using an average 1,700-square-foot American roof as a reference:
Steel Shingles and Tiles
You’ll find many types and options if you prefer steel roofing systems. However, galvanized steel is one of the most popular. This material is coated with zinc, which offers enhanced protection against corrosion. Also, it’s highly durable and sturdy.
Galvanized steel costs between $4.50 and $17 per square foot. However, this price is for the material alone. You should add installation costs, which bring the overall price to $10 per square foot.
As a result, galvanized steel roofs may cost between $7,500 and $29,000. However, it isn’t the most expensive material. You’ll have to pay even more if you want to install a stainless steel roof. These systems are quite expensive, but they’re rare.
Stainless steel materials cost between $7 and $20 per square foot. Therefore, the cost of a complete 1,700-square-foot roof is approximately $12,000-$34,000.
If you think steel shingles and tiles are the best option for your property, you can find cheaper alternatives, such as galvalume. Essentially, it’s aluminum-coated steel and costs only half the price of galvanized steel.
The average price per installed square foot of galvalume steel is $4-$9, which means you would pay between $400 and $900 per sheet and between $7,000 and $16,000 for a full 1,700-square-foot roof.
Ready to invest in a long-lasting metal roof? Our 2023 Cost Guide provides you with the latest pricing and key considerations. Make your home renovation plans a breeze. 💰https://t.co/6WtFQe5ABx #HomeUpgrade #MetalRoof
— Water Damage and Roofing of Austin (@WDRofAustin) October 23, 2023
Read more: pic.twitter.com/XZQS8QkIqV
Aluminum
This material is also resistant to corrosion but has a unique feature that makes it ideal for those who live near the ocean – it protects the roof against saltwater damage.
Additionally, aluminum is one of the cheapest materials you’ll find if you want to install a new metal roof. It costs between $6.50 and $21 per square foot installed.
Although this price is only for the shingles, aluminum is easy to work with, so installation costs are also low. If you want to install a 1,700-square-foot new roof with this material, you’ll likely have to pay between $11,000 and $36,000.
However, aluminum isn’t the best option for those who prioritize the appearance of their properties. Although it offers excellent protection against corrosion and other types of damage, this material dents easily.
In addition, since this material expands and contracts easily, aluminum doesn’t age well and can wear down roofs under certain conditions, especially if there are temperature changes. As a result, you may hear creaking sounds that can be annoying.
Copper Tiles
There’s no doubt that a copper roof is beautiful and unique! That’s why it’s one of the most attractive options. In addition, this material has many advantages. It’s extremely lightweight, but it’s durable enough to last for up to 100 years.
However, the costs of installing a copper roof are considerably high. This roofing material is one of the most expensive on the market. It costs between $20 and $40 per square foot.
On average, installing a new 1,700-square-foot copper roof costs between $35,000 and $70,000.
Zinc Panels
Do you want your new metal roof to be highly resistant and last for years, but you’re on a tight budget? Zinc could be one of the best roofing materials in that case.
It’s more durable than aluminum but costs only a fraction of the price of a copper roof. If well-installed, zinc can last 100 years or even more. Additionally, these systems don’t require regular maintenance.
This material has a self-healing coating, which covers scratches. Therefore, it’ll stay in excellent condition for a long time. Plus, zinc can resist corrosion if properly sealed, specifically on the underside of the panels or shingles.
Regarding prices, zinc panels cost between $6 and $10 per square foot. If you install a 1,700-square-foot zinc roof, costs can range from $24,000 to $36,000.
Tin Panels
Pure tin roofs are quite popular in the US. Actually, it was the most widely used material for home roofing across the country a few years ago.
Although it has been slowly replaced by modern roofing materials, this type of roof is still seen in many homes. However, most properties don’t feature systems made of “pure tin” but of “terne,” which is a thin steel sheet coated with a tin alloy.
Actually, terne is considered the new “tin roof.” It isn’t as popular as other materials but offers many benefits, such as high durability and resistance against corrosion.
In addition, tin roofs are versatile. If you use this material and want to give it a unique and beautiful touch, you can paint the panels. However, you can also allow this material to develop its natural matte gray patina over time due to oxidation.
Tin panels usually have different prices, as costs vary depending on the type you choose. However, most cost from $10 to $26. The total price for a 1,700-square-foot roof made of tin can be between $17,000 and $44,500.
Other Factors That Can Influence Metal Roofing Costs
As mentioned, different factors influence how much a metal roof costs. Roofing materials are the main ones, but there are others that you should know in order to calculate how much money you need to install your new system.
Some of the elements that can affect the cost of a metal roof include the following:
Location
More often than not, replacing an existing roof with a metal system or installing a new one is more expensive in cities with a higher cost of living.
Additionally, property owners should choose their roofing materials according to the area’s weather and climate.
Sturdy and durable materials are better options for properties located in areas that experience extreme weather, for example. As mentioned, others are even suitable for homes or buildings near the ocean, as they offer protection against saltwater damage.
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you should install a durable roof. Since sturdy materials are more expensive, you may need a bigger budget. The same is true if the cost of living at your location is high.
Labor Costs
Did you know that more than 50% of the cost of a new metal roof goes toward labor? This means that you’ll have to pay double what the material costs or even more for the entire project.
Labor costs often include the fee you pay for the services offered by the roofing contractor, scaffolding, and equipment.
How much money do you need to cover labor costs? This is also determined by several factors. However, they often start at $400 per sheet, which is around 100 square feet.
Roof Pitch
Another factor that influences the costs of a metal roofing project is the roof’s pitch.
Seasoned contractors often use a ratio that indicates how many inches the structure rises for every 12 inches in depth to measure the pitch. However, most properties have pitches between 3:12 and 6:12.
If the roof exceeds the 6:12 pitch, it’s considered “steep.” Since that means it’s more hazardous and complicated to work on that system, installation or replacement costs on a property with a steep-slope roof are higher.
These increased costs usually include the safety equipment contractors will need to use to work there.
Roof Shape
Since there’s no specific price based on the roof pitch or slope alone, roofing contractors also consider the roof shape to set a price for their work.
If the shape of the roof is complex, installation or replacement will likely cost more. The price for traditional gable and hipped roofing systems often ranges from $4 to $30 per square foot, for example. The same is true for Dutch roofs.
Additionally, mansard roofs and systems with dormer windows could cost up to $40 per square foot, which can add to the final cost.
Underlayment
As another essential element of a roof, the underlayment is installed directly under the deck to protect the structure against leaks.
However, the underlayment on your existing roof might not work for a new metal roof. Therefore, you should consider this additional replacement service to calculate costs.
Synthetic underlayment costs between 15 and 65 cents per square foot, for example, so it can significantly increase the total cost depending on the size of your roof.
Style
There are two metal panel profiles for this type of roof. These are:
Corrugated Metal Panels
Also known as “exposed fastener” roofing, corrugated metal is a cheap metal material with a wave-like appearance. These panels are also lightweight and easy to install over existing roofs.
Although corrugated metal panels make installation more simple, which can help reduce expenses, they aren’t as durable as others.
If temperatures constantly change, these panels can easily expand and contract. Improper installation can also cause extensive damage to roofs with this style.
Galvanized and galvalume steel panels are the most common options for corrugated metal roofs. On average, they cost between $4 and $6 per square foot, totaling $8,500-$12,000 for a 1,700-square-foot roof after adding labor costs.
Standing Seam Panels
With a vertical ribbed appearance and enhanced resistance against moisture, wind, weathering, and other conditions, standing seam roofing panels are an excellent and popular option for those who want to add curb appeal and protection to their properties.
These panels have raised ribs that conceal fastening, meaning that fastened parts aren’t subject to environmental hazards and other stresses that can cause deterioration over time.
Standing seam panels can be snap-locked together. However, depending on the type you choose, you may need metal caps to fasten the components in place.
While these panels can expand and contract with temperature changes, they’re more durable than corrugated metal panels.
Aluminum, zinc, and copper are the most popular roofing materials for this style of roof. Therefore, costs average $7-$13 per square foot but can be higher depending on the option you choose.
After combining material and labor, the average price for standing seam panels is between $12,000 and $23,000. However, costs can be much lower if you choose aluminum.
Trim/Flashing
An estimate for a roof installation or replacement should also include the metal trim and flashing, which depends on the type of material and style you choose for your roof.
Corrugated or exposed fastener panels are usually cheaper than a standing seam metal roof, but prices often vary.
If you prefer an exposed fastener system, the average costs for metal trim are as follows:
- Between $2.50 and $4 per linear foot for eave trim
- Between $2.50 and $4 per linear foot for gable trim
- Between $3.50 and $5 per linear foot for ridge cap
However, if you prefer a standing seam system, these are the average prices for metal trim:
- Between $5.50 and $8 per linear foot for eave trim
- Between $5.50 and $8 per linear foot for gable trim
- Between $7 and $10 per linear foot for ridge cap
Finishes
If you want your property to look beautiful and enhance its durability, you should also consider finishes.
These are the two common types of finishes that a roofing contractor usually uses for a metal roof:
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): This type of finish offers excellent protection against cracking and fading since it’s more resistant to outdoor elements. However, its composition is softer, so it may be easy to scratch.
- Silicone-modified polyester (SMP): These coatings are harder, so they resist scratches and chalking better. This material forms a powder-like substance on the surface to protect against both. However, this type of finish can fade and crack due to exposure to UV rays.
Prices for these types of finishes vary, but PVDF coatings are around 15-30% more expensive than SMP alternatives.
Gutters
Your roof layout can also influence the cost. This also includes your existing gutter system. If it needs repair or replacement, the total price of the roofing project could be higher.
Most contractors charge around $10 per linear foot for gutter installation, which can add $1,000 and $7,000 to the total price.
If you have to install gutter guards for enhanced protection or to improve the roofing system’s performance, you’ll likely need more money.
Final Thoughts — Is A Metal Roof Worth It?
Before calling a roofing contractor and asking for a new metal roof installation, there’s another question you should answer – Are these roofing systems worth it?
As you can see, the costs of installing a metal roof are high. That’s why many people don’t even consider this material for their properties.
However, the truth is that metal roofs offer many benefits. Therefore, they’re an excellent option if you’re looking for the best value for money.
Additionally, not all metal roofing options are too expensive. If you ask your roofing contractor for advice and choose a cheap material, such as aluminum, you can enjoy all the advantages of metal roofs without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Determining how much money you need to install a metal roof depends on many factors, as several elements affect the price of these systems, including the material, roof pitch, style, your property’s location, and more.
However, the average for a 1,700-square-foot metal roof is $11,500, so you need at least that amount to install these types of systems on your property.
If you need more information about prices, don’t hesitate to request an estimate!
Metal roofing systems are usually more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs.
However, since they’re more durable and energy-efficient, metal roofs could help you save much more than asphalt shingle systems.
As mentioned, more than 50% of the cost of the metal roofing project goes toward labor costs. Although this can vary depending on the area where you live, the pitch and shape of your property, and other factors, most roofing contractors charge between $350 and $400 per sheet, which is about 100 square feet.
Metal roofs offer many benefits but also come with a few disadvantages, such as the following:
They’re more expensive than other types of roofs.
Metal roofs can be noisier than other types of materials when it’s raining or there’s a hail storm.
If improperly installed, metal roofs can have performance problems.
Metal roofs and their components can expand or contract if there are temperature changes.