How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost? (2023 Guide)

Most metal roofs are more expensive than other options, costing an average of $11,000.* Homeowners pay between $7,081 and $110,150 for a metal roof, depending on its size, type, and where they live. Metal roofs have several benefits, most notably that they last longer than almost any other roof type. To help you understand why this costs more than the average asphalt shingle roof cost of $5,000 to $18,000, we’ll detail which factors affect metal roofing costs and average prices for each metal type.

*Cost data averaged for a 2,300-square-foot roof from multiple sources, including Angi and Home Advisor.

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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

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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. 

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.

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

 

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