Metal Roof Cost

Metal Roof Cost Guide 2021

The durability and beauty of metal roofing make it a popular choice for today's homeowners. Since its introduction in the early 1850s, metal roofing has steadily increased in demand. And with more metal roofing materials than ever available to consumers, you can customize your roof to meet your needs.

It's a good idea to have an idea of pricing and installation costs before investing in a metal roof. With so many metal roofing options and special features available, it's not always easy to estimate roofing costs. The good news is that we are here to help you navigate the exciting world of metal roofing. In this guide, you will learn:

The average cost of metal roofing
The average cost of popular roofing materials like steel, copper, and aluminum
The labor costs for metal roofing
The signs you should get a new metal roof
How you can save money on a metal roof

What Is The Average Cost Of Metal Roofing?

The average cost of a metal roof, including materials and installation, is $16,500 to $18,000. Overall costs can range from $9,500 for corrugated steel roofs to over $40,000 for higher-end copper roofs. Ultimately, the cost of metal roofing depends on the following four factors:

The roof's square footage
The type of metal material you select for your roof
Your preferences regarding removal of your existing roof
Labor costs in your area

Other factors that impact average cost include the application of special sealants or coatings, hidden fasteners, and standing seam panels. You can also expect to pay more if you purchase an extended warranty from your installer or a manufacturer.

What Is The Average Cost Of Roofing Material?

The type of metal you choose for your roof will have a major impact on your total cost. Pricing for most materials is quoted per square foot, per sheet, or per panel. Using these units of measurement, here is a look at the average cost of the most common metal materials used by roof installers:

Steel Roofing

Stainless steel continues to gain traction as a roofing material, showcasing its beauty on structures such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Known for its impressive strength and high resistance to corrosion, stainless steel also offers a combination of value and longevity to homeowners. You can expect to pay $3.50 to $5.00 per square foot for stainless steel shingles or between $5 and $6 for standing seam stainless steel.

Galvanized Roofing

Galvanized roofs have a stainless foundation covered by a zinc coating to prevent rust from developing. Galvanized steel is more affordable than most other metal options, with prices starting at just over $2.50 per square foot.

Galvalume Roofing

Galvalume continues to gain traction because of its versatility and ability to mirror other roofing materials such as slate or cedar shake. It is distributed in steel sheets with a highly protective coating made of zinc and aluminum. The price of Galvalume depends on the grade you choose, with prices ranging from $70 to $700 per 16'X3' section.

Tin Roofing

Installing a new tin roof typically involves the strategic placement of large panels ranging from 8 to 12 feet in size. You can expect to pay an average of $30 per 10 foot panel, which equates to roughly $3 per square foot.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is known for being highly resistant to fire and wind. You can buy aluminum roofing materials in shingles or sheets. Aluminum shingles run between $3 and $5 per square foot. Aluminum sheets cost slightly more, with insulated aluminum panels costing roughly $15 per square foot.

Copper Roofing

Many people in the roofing industry consider copper to be the gold standard in roofing materials. Known for its classic beauty and long-lasting appeal, copper is the most costly of all roofing materials. You can buy copper roofing in shingles or sheets, with shingles averaging $12 to $15 per square foot. Pre-measured sheets or squares run between $8 and $10 per sq. ft when purchasing 10 x 10 foot panels.

Zinc Roofing

Zinc roofs are among the longest-lasting roofing types you can install. You can expect to pay between $5 and $9 per square foot for zinc roofing materials. Pricing tends to be lower for zinc shingles and higher for standing seams.

Lead Roofing

Lead roofs are typically found on commercial buildings and historic properties. Lead roof installers typically purchase lead materials in sheets and rolls. The most popular sheets or square sizes are 30" x 30" and 36" x 36". On average, you can expect to pay between $4 and $6 per square foot. Costs typically increase with the thickness of the lead.

Rusted Metal Roofing

Rusted metal is a popular choice in desert communities and mountainous areas. As the name implies, a roof with a rusted metal has an aged look to it. Top rusted metal material options include Corten and cold-rolled steel. Rusted metal for roofing is typically sold in squares or roof panels that are 36" wide. You can expect to pay an average of $1.00 and $3.50 per square foot.

What Are The Labor Costs For Metal Roofing?

Labor costs often account for more than half of the total cost of roof installation. For an average metal roof installation, you can expect to pay an average of $8,000 to $10,000 in labor costs. This is because installing a metal roof can take a typical group of roofers 3-4 days. The installation process may take longer if any of the following conditions exist:

You plan to have an old roof removed
The square footage is larger than average
Poor weather conditions slow down the process
You choose a standing seam metal roof over shingle roofing

Generally speaking, labor costs will also be higher when a roof has many angles, a steep pitch, or many complexities. You can also expect labor costs to increase during peak seasons or if there is a temporary shortage in skilled labor.

What Are The Signs You Should Get A New Metal Roof?

Without a ladder, experience, and a trained eye, it can be difficult to tell when your existing roof may need to be replaced. Fortunately, there are some telling clues that are fairly easy to spot. Here are some signs that it's time to get a new metal roof:

Your old asphalt roof is over two decades old or constantly in need of repair
You notice large sections of missing shingles on your existing roof
Your goal is to make your home as energy-efficient as possible
Your current roof is frequently damaged by heavy winds
Your existing roof has visible signs of hail damage

Should You Just Replace Your Roof?

One of the most challenging decisions to make is deciding whether it's best to repair your existing roof, install new roofing on top of your current roof, or move forward with a full roof removal and replacement. As you evaluate these three options, there are four key factors to consider:

Your current budget. While a full replacement offers excellent long-term value, you can expect to pay higher up-front costs.
The condition of your existing roof. If large sections of your existing roof have been destroyed, a full replacement is best.
Aesthetic appeal. If you're renovating your home's entire exterior, it often makes sense to replace your roof.

The best way to find out whether you should replace your roof is to seek the guidance of a trusted roofing contractor. Most licensed contractors offer complimentary consultations during which they can evaluate the condition of your existing roof and recommend the best course of action.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Roof Made From Metal?

Metal roofs were first introduced in the mid-1800s. Since that time, roofers and consumers alike have discovered the many benefits of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and other types of metal roofing. Below is a look at the pros and cons of a roof made from metal:

Pros

Choosing a roof made of metal is a great way to protect your loved ones, reduce your energy bills, and give your home a fresh new look. At the same time, you will help reduce waste by investing in long-lasting, durable metal materials for your roof. Here are some of the many advantages of metal roofing systems:

Energy efficiency: You can expect your energy bills to decline if you install a metal roof. Your heating and cooling costs will be much lower.
Durability: Metal shingles and panels are more durable than asphalt ones. Mold, mildew, and termites cannot penetrate metal.
Low maintenance: A high-quality metal roof requires little in the way of cleaning, upkeep, or maintenance.
A higher home resale value: You can boost your home's resale value by up to 6 percent with a metal roof.
A longer lifespan: Metal roofs last longer than asphalt ones especially if roofers use proper flashing installation, fasteners, and underlayment.

Check out the video below for more information on proper flashing installation:

Superb wind resistance: FEMA points to metal roofing systems as an effective means of protecting homes and businesses from high winds.
Eco-friendly: Compared to asphalt roofing shingles, metal panels and steel shingles are more sustainable, occupying less space in landfills.

Cons

While metal offers a host of attractive benefits for most roof types, there are some limitations and disadvantages to consider. Before choosing metal for your roof replacement, make sure you are aware of the potential drawbacks below:

Higher up-front costs: The average cost of a metal roof is higher than the average cost of an asphalt shingle roof.
Poor noise absorption: Metal roofs can be noisy, especially if they aren't properly installed with the appropriate underlayment.
Prone to severe hail damage: Severe golf ball-sized hail can be especially damaging to metal roofs, often denting them beyond repair.
A poor choice for flat roofs: Water may pool on a flat metal roof. If this happens, corrosion may occur and weaken the roof.

How To Save Money On Metal Roofing?

For many people, the benefits of metal roofing are too enticing to ignore. But if you're close to overextending your budget, you may wonder if there are any steps you can take to reduce your costs. With a little planning and selection of cost-effective metal roofing panels, you can lower the cost of a metal roof. Here are five tips to help you save money on a metal roof:

1) Choose corrugated steel

Corrugated steel typically costs less than other metal roofing materials. It is also extremely lightweight and you can choose from a variety of colorful options, such as Kynar painted corrugated metal and PVDF coatings. Finally, you can also install a corrugated steel roof over an existing roof, which enables you to save on old roof removal costs.

2) Avoid peak seasons for roof installation

Roofing companies tend to be busiest during the late summer and early fall. There is rarely a shortage of customers during these peak seasons. By booking your new roof install for the spring, roofing companies will be more apt to consider a discount.

3) Pay with cash instead of using a credit card

Average credit card processing fees fall between 1.5 and 3.5 percent, or up to $700 fees for a $20,000 roof. Some roofing companies absorb these fees while others pass the fees along to homeowners. After you receive your quote, ask if you can receive a discount if you pay cash.

4) Ask your roofing contractor about special promotions

Pricing for metal roofing systems can fluctuate greatly with supply and demand. Sometimes roofing companies may offer discounts if they have an excessive amount of product. For example, a roofing company might be willing to reduce their price on an aluminum roof if they have a lot of aluminum shingles leftover from a prior project.

5) Keep your new metal roof simple

You might be tempted to include some optional features like skylights or high-end metal roofing accents on your dormers. But remember these options can cause your total cost to increase. You can lower your overall cost by focusing on the essentials with your roofing contractor.

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