Metal roofs are becoming more popular, and it’s not just because they’re stylish. Metal roofs last three times longer than standard asphalt shingle roofs and can increase your home’s value by up to 6%. However, metal roofs are expensive, and you must budget carefully. This guide breaks down all the information you need to know about metal roof costs to ensure you make the most of your investment.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Average life span of 30 to 50 years | Expensive compared to standard roofing |
| Reflective material cuts cooling cost by 20% to 30% in summer | Can be noisy |
| Resistant to extreme weather and fire | Can be dented by heavy debris |
Metal Roof Cost
A new metal roof costs an average of $5,500 to $15,555. Most homeowners pay around $10,425. The cost varies dramatically depending on your home’s square footage and the material and fasteners you choose. Though metal roofs are expensive up-front, they increase your home’s resale value and have a high return on investment.
Metal roofs use standardized metal panel sizes. Metal panels often cover a lot of footage at once, ranging between 45 and 100 square feet. There are also metal shingle products, which replicate the appearance of asphalt shingles and are used for metal slate roofs.
A contractor might provide an estimate based on the number of panels that will be used, but most roofers present estimates using the square footage of how much material will be used to avoid confusion.
Cost by Material
The type of metal used has the biggest impact on roof cost. Learn about popular metal roof materials below, plus how much it costs to install them on a 3,000-square-foot home.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is one of the most long-lasting metal roofing options. Its reflective pigment reflects heat and maintains cool temperatures inside your home. In turn, you’ll use less AC and reduce your cooling costs.
Aluminum roofs cost an average of $8 to $12 per square foot.
Copper Roofing
Not only is copper roofing extraordinarily durable and lightweight, but it’s also one of the most aesthetically attractive options. After about 20 years, the copper oxidizes and turns green, forming what’s known as a patina and adding character to your home. To avoid this, a roofer can apply a clear polyurethane coat or lacquer to preserve the copper’s natural new shine.
Copper roofs cost an average of $16 to $30 per square foot.
Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal roofs have a repeated wavy or rippled pattern. These roofs are strong and have a long life span of 30 to 45 years. They also withstand harsh weather conditions.
Corrugated metal roofs are typically the least expensive type of metal roofing, costing about $4 to $7 per square foot.
Metal Slate Roofing
Metal slate roofs, also called stone-coated steel roofs, are made from beautiful natural stones and are incredibly heavy. You’ll need to check whether your home has the structural capacity to hold the weight. However, their durable stone material helps them withstand extreme weather conditions and makes them fire-resistant.
Metal slate roofing costs an average of $5 to $12 per square foot.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofs last two or three times longer than non-metal roofs, up to 80 years. They’re the most common metal roof, using accessible materials such as aluminum and zinc-coated steel. Installation is simple: A roofer joins vertical panels through interlocking seams.
Standing seam metal roofs cost about $8 to $14 per square foot.
Steel Roofing
Various materials can refer to a steel roof. Galvanized steel, which is corrosion-resistant due to its use of zinc, is a popular middle-ground choice for its strength and durability. A cheaper alternative is Galvalume, which is aluminum-coated steel. Stainless steel is a more high-end option that’s durable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly.
Steel roofs cost $6 to $16 per square foot.
Tin Roofing
A manufacturer chemically bonds tin to steel to create tin roofs. This combination makes tin roofs durable and crack-resistant. Tin roofs can last up to 40 years. They’re also eco-friendly, as tin is made from 30% to 60% recycled materials.
The average cost of a tin roof is $3 to $15 per square foot.
Zinc Metal Roofing
Consider zinc if you want a high-quality metal roof that’s more durable than aluminum and more affordable than copper. A pure zinc roof can last up to 150 years and requires little maintenance, as it features a self-healing coating that covers scratches and scrapes. Additionally, zinc is corrosion-resistant as long as the underside of the shingles or panels is properly sealed.
Zinc roofs cost an average of $6 to $10 per square foot.
Other Factors That Influence the Cost of A Metal Roof
In addition to material costs, a few other factors determine the total price of a metal roof..
Labor
Labor and other associated costs, such as specialized equipment, make up roughly two-thirds of the total price of metal roof installation. According to data from Roofing Calculator, labor costs around $350 to $400 per sheet of metal roofing (one sheet equals roughly 100 square feet).
Location
Areas with a higher cost of living have higher roof replacement costs. Additionally, the weather and climate of your home’s location will determine what roofing materials you need. For example, if you live in an area that experiences severe weather, you may not want aluminum or copper roofing due to heavy debris buildup and potential denting.
Pitch
Steep roofs require special equipment to be safely and correctly installed. Homeowners with steep roofs often pay an extra $1,000 to $3,000. A roof’s pitch, also called a roof’s slope, is calculated in a ratio that indicates how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. Any roof that exceeds a 6:12 pitch is considered more complicated and hazardous to work on. Most homes have roof pitches between 3:12 and 6:12. A 12:12 pitch is a 45-degree angle.
Tax Credits
You can look into tax credits to reduce the cost of metal roof installation. Many states and some federal programs encourage installing environmentally friendly or energy-efficient products by offering tax rebates or credits. Metal roofs are considered eco-friendly due to their energy efficiency, recyclable materials, and low carbon footprint, so you may qualify for a tax reduction.
For example, Energy Star offers a tax credit equal to 10% of your total roof installation cost of up to $500. This applies to Energy Star-certified metal and asphalt roofs with pigmented coatings or cooling granules.
Underlayment
Your old roof’s underlayment might not work for your new metal roof. Installing new underlayment increases your installation costs. For example, a self-adhesive underlayment costs $0.55 to $0.65 per square foot.
Contact a Roofing Professional
Metal roof installation is best left to the professionals. This is an expensive investment, and a professional roofer will ensure your metal roof is properly installed and the right material for your local climate. Additionally, roofing contractors often include a warranty that protects your roof in case of damage or other issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roof Cost
When to Consider a Broader Home Inspection
When purchasing or selling a home, it is critical to complete a thorough inspection to understand the condition of the property. A standard home inspection includes an assessment of a home’s systems and physical structure. After the process, the inspector will provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations.
If you are thinking about buying a home or putting your home on the market, we strongly recommend finding an ASHI home inspector in your area.