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The average cost of standing seam metal roof installation is $27,000 but can range between $20,000 and $34,000 for a 2,000-square-foot steel or aluminum roof.* While asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for residential homes, metal roofing materials are becoming more fashionable for their durability and sustainability. Standing seam metal panels, which can last for half a century, create a distinctive and attractive appearance.
We’ll explain what goes into the price range and break down this energy-efficient roofing material’s benefits.
*Article cost data sourced from 2023 Cost vs. Value report, Home Advisor, and Western States Metal Roofing.
Understanding Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs are easy to identify at a glance—their key features are the raised seams running vertically from peak to eaves. These seams contain the fasteners that lock the metal roofing panels together, and since the fasteners aren’t exposed, this roofing system is virtually watertight. This means that standing seam metal roofs are especially resistant to extreme weather conditions, mold, mildew, and other forms of water damage. Metal roofing is also fire-resistant and energy efficient.
This combination of factors means that standing seam panels are incredibly durable and low-maintenance. In fact, a high-quality metal roofing system can last 50 years or more. While the initial investment may be higher, the long life span means it’s often a more cost-effective roofing option in the long term. While not all homeowners like the panels’ nontraditional appearance, they create a distinctive, clean, and contemporary look.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Major Cost Factors
The primary determinants of standing seam metal roof costs are the roof size and metal type as well as the labor to install it.
Roof Size
Obviously, the larger the roof, the more materials and labor are necessary to cover it. Generally speaking, the average price of standing seam panels is between $10 and $35 per square foot, or $1,000 to $3,500 per roofing square.
Cost by Roof Size
Here’s how the above cost range applies to roofs of various sizes. Note that your roof’s square footage will be different from that of your home due to roof pitch and overhangs.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
1,000 |
$10,000–$35,000 |
|
1,500 |
$15,000–$52,500 |
|
1,700 |
$17,000–$59,500 |
|
2,000 |
$20,000–$70,000 |
|
2,500 |
$25,000–$87,500 |
|
3,000 |
$30,000–$105,000 |
Metal Type
The type of metal that makes up the panels heavily affects material costs. Each metal comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
- Steel: Steel panels are typically the least expensive option and the easiest to find. They may be made of either galvanized steel (which is coated in zinc) or galvalume steel (which is coated in a combination of zinc and aluminum). Both types of steel roofs are corrosion-resistant, but this may change if the coating wears off.
- Aluminum: An especially lightweight and rust-resistant metal, aluminum is a bit more expensive than steel, and it does well in beachside locations with salty sea air. However, aluminum is also softer and more malleable than other metal roofing materials, so you’ll need a thicker gauge to resist denting.
- Copper: As a roofing material, copper has many of the same pros and cons as zinc. It’s highly durable, but it’s also costly and must often be specially ordered. Over time, a copper roof forms a distinctive blue-green patina that protects against rust and creates a charming old-fashioned aesthetic that many homeowners covet.
- Zinc: Zinc naturally resists corrosion, and the material’s surface has a “self-healing” property that will minimize the appearance of scratches. Zinc is highly durable and can last for 80 to 100 years. Unfortunately, that durability comes at a premium price point, and zinc roofing is much harder to find than steel or aluminum.
Cost by Metal Type
Here’s how these materials compare in price.
| Type of Metal | Material Costs | Materials + Labor |
|---|---|---|
|
Steel |
$3–$5 |
$10–$16 |
|
Aluminum |
$6–$10 |
$11–$17 |
|
Copper |
$15–$25 |
$23–$35 |
|
Zinc |
$15–$25 |
$23–$35 |
Labor
About $3,400 to $10,000, or $2 to $6 per square foot, of the total price goes toward labor costs. Roof installation costs vary by geographic area—in places where cost of living and market value are higher, labor will also be more expensive. Additionally, roofing contractors often charge more in spring and summer when they’re in higher demand.
Professional vs. DIY Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation
Standing seam metal panels are a specialty roofing material and should be installed by licensed professionals.
Professional Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation
Standing seam panels are so specialized that not every roofing company can install them. You’ll need to look for licensed roofers with specific experience with these installations. Not only will you get a more durable and attractive end result, but you’ll preserve the warranty on your new metal roof materials. Experienced pros will have the special tools and knowledge to install the panels, and they’ll ensure that all proper permits and building codes are met.
DIY Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation
If you’re investing in this type of roofing, you should plan to pay for labor as part of the metal roof installation cost. Trying to do this project yourself could leave you with a voided warranty and a roof that’s more likely to be impacted by weather damage. This could risk your home’s curb appeal and resale value, so you’re better off hiring pros and using your DIY skills on other home improvement projects.
Additional Factors Affecting Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
In addition to the factors above, these considerations may also determine the cost of a standing seam panel roof.
Color and Finishing
Most types of metal roofing (except copper) can be manufactured or coated in a color that matches your home’s exterior. If you want a customized color that’s outside the manufacturer’s offerings, you’ll pay more. Alternatively, you can choose a paint that includes Kynar 500 resin, which creates a protective coating to increase the metal’s rust and corrosion resistance.
Lock Type
Most standing seam metal panels fasten by means of a snap-lock system or a mechanical-lock system. Snap-lock panels, which join without the need for special tools or fasteners, are more affordable and easier to install, but they’re also less weathertight. Snap-lock panels are mostly recommended for homes with steep roofs in climates without much extreme weather or precipitation. Mechanical-lock panels are field-locked by roofers with a specialized crimping machine to seal the seams. This is a more expensive installation process, but the results hold up better to extreme weather.
Old Roof Removal
If your roofing project involves roof replacement, the existing roof materials must be removed and disposed of. Often, removal and disposal are included in the price of a new roof; but if not, it can cost $1 to $5 per square foot to do this properly.
Panel Width and Metal Gauge
Metal panels may vary in width from 12 to 19 inches. Narrower panels will cost less, but you’ll need more of them. Thicker panels, or those with a larger gauge, will cost more, but they’ll also be more durable. Lower numbers indicate thicker gauges, so 22-gauge steel is thicker than 24-gauge. Other common gauges for roofing metal are 26-gauge and 29-gauge. The price difference between different gauges of steel and aluminum is likely to be small, but for high-end metals such as zinc and copper, the difference may be significant.
Roof Design
Simple gable and hip roofs will be quicker, easier, and less of an investment to install. On the other hand, roofs with multiple peaks, dormers, or other features will be more complex and time-consuming and therefore costlier. The more planes, angles, and penetrations, the more the project will cost.
Roof Accessibility
If some or all of your roof is difficult to access, roofers will likely charge more. This includes roofs with very steep pitches and roofs on multilevel homes.
Underlayment and Flashing Replacement
If the surface materials on an old roof need replacing, you’ll usually need new materials for the roof’s lower layers. That means that the felt paper underlayment and the thin metal flashing that protect your roof deck from the elements must be replaced. You may also need to pay any necessary roof repair expenses to ensure the structure is sound before panels are installed.
How to Reduce Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs
Even if you opt for professional roof installation, you can still save money on the total cost with the following tips.
- Choose a more cost-effective metal, such as steel or aluminum.
- Contractors may mark up materials, so if you can source your own metal panels, you can often save on material costs.
- If the climate in your area permits, have your roof replaced during winter or fall when labor costs are likely to be lower.
- More durable materials cost more up-front, but you’ll save in the long run by not needing to replace them as often.
- Opt for the thinnest metal gauge that will protect your home from damage.
Energy Efficiency and Longevity
Two of the biggest benefits of choosing a metal roof over an asphalt shingle roof are metal’s energy efficiency and longevity. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, most standing seam metal panels last at least 50 years and have a warranty of at least 30 years. By contrast, an asphalt roof only lasts 15 to 20 years. Additionally, shingles need regular inspection, sealing, and replacement. While other materials such as tile and slate can be as durable as metal, they often require more maintenance.
A metal roof can also increase your home’s energy efficiency by reflecting more heat than asphalt or other materials. When your roof doesn’t retain as much heat, your home’s HVAC system won’t work as hard to heat or cool your indoor space, saving you on your utility bills. Metal is also a more recyclable and reusable material than asphalt, which is made from petroleum and often ends up in landfills. You can further improve a metal roof’s energy efficiency by choosing a light color to reflect more sunlight.
Warranty Options
Most metal roofing systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 30 to 50 years, and sometimes longer. These warranties are typically broken down into several different kinds of coverage.
- Substrate warranties apply to the material itself, ensuring that it won’t rust or corrode. Galvalume and galvanized steel often come with these warranties, though they may not apply in certain environments, such as homes that are very close to breaking ocean waves.
- Paint warranties apply to the metal’s coloring and finishing. They typically apply to cracking, peeling, chalking, or fading, though the coverage period may be different for each of these problems. For example, a paint may have a 20-year warranty on chalking but a 30-year warranty on fading.
- Weathertight warranties specifically cover leaks. Unlike other warranties that come standard, this type must usually be purchased from the manufacturer. Additionally, they may only apply to specific roof parts, such as the panel seams but not the flashing zones, so make sure you understand the coverage terms.
Purchasing additional warranty coverage will increase overall project cost. Most professional installers will also offer a warranty on workmanship as part of labor costs. Note that if you attempt a DIY installation, you won’t receive a workmanship warranty and you may also void other warranties.
How to Hire a Professional
Since we recommend professional installation, here’s how to go about finding a trusted professional.
- Metal roofing materials require specialty installation, particularly mechanical-lock panels, so look for a contractor who has specific training and experience in the materials you want.
- To bill themselves as professional roofers, contractors must maintain a state-issued roofing license. Ask for proof of up-to-date licensure.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau website, which will show rating and accreditation status as well as how the company handles customer complaints.
- Ask for references from satisfied customers and check reviews on sites such as Trustpilot.
- Make sure you understand the project’s time line and payment schedule.
- Get quotes from at least three local contractors before choosing one. When possible, ask for an itemized estimate.
Our Recommendation
Although a metal roof represents more of an investment than the cost of a shingle roof, it has distinct advantages. Standing seam metal panels in particular provide long-lasting protection from weather, water, and heat, and when properly installed, they can last for 50 years or more. The initial investment of installing a standing seam metal roof can pay off in the long run. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report, a standing seam metal roof has a return on investment of 48.9%. We recommend taking this into consideration when planning for roof replacement.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost FAQ
Is a standing seam metal roof more expensive than traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles?
Yes, a standing seam metal roof is substantially more expensive than asphalt shingles and other traditional materials such as wooden shakes or shingles.
What is the average life span of a standing seam metal roof?
Most standing seam metal panel roofs generally last at least 50 years when properly installed.
Does the square footage of my roof impact the cost of a standing seam metal roof?
Yes. As with all roofing materials, the more square footage you have to cover, the higher the price for materials and labor will be.
Are there any additional costs involved in the installation of a standing seam metal roof?
Depending on your installer, you may pay extra for removal and disposal of old materials. You may also want to invest in an additional weathertight warranty.
Is the cost of a standing seam metal roof worth the investment in terms of long-term savings and durability?
Although a metal roof is substantially more expensive than a shingle roof, it lasts more than twice as long, so you may save money in the long run.