A metal roof can defend your home against Ohio’s varying weather conditions. Learn how much a metal roof costs in Columbus, OH.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Metal Roof? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,171 - $3,640
The average cost to paint a metal roof is $2,400, with most homeowners spending between $1,171 and $3,640. Key factors include roof size, paint type, and labor rates.
How we get this data
Photo: Nik / Adobe Stock
Photo: Nik / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Painting a metal roof means applying specialized coatings to protect and refresh the surface.
Key cost factors include roof size, slope, paint type, and the amount of prep work required.
Investing in quality paint and professional application can extend your roof’s lifespan and increase your home’s value.
Professional painters charge between $40 and $75 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project.
Expect to pay between $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot for materials and labor, depending on your choices and roof complexity.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The cost to paint a metal roof averages $2,400, with most homeowners paying between $1,171 and $3,640. Prices range from $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot, depending on roof size, paint type, and labor. Understanding these factors helps you budget for your metal roof painting project.
Painting your metal roof protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and can even improve energy efficiency. This guide breaks down the factors that impact cost and ongoing care needs, and provides guidance on making the best choices for your home.
Metal Roof Painting Cost Factors
When planning to paint a metal roof, several factors influence the final price. Let’s explore how roof type, size, materials, labor, prep work, and other considerations affect your project budget.
Types
The type of metal roof you have—standing seam, corrugated, ribbed, or another style—directly impacts painting costs. Standing seam roofs, with their smooth, vertical panels, are often easier to paint and require less labor than corrugated roofs, which have more surface area and grooves. Ribbed and other specialty profiles may require additional prep and careful application.
Residential metal roofs generally cost less to paint than commercial ones due to simpler designs and smaller sizes. Roof pitch and slope also matter; steeper roofs require extra safety equipment and time, raising labor costs.
| Roof Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | $1.20–$2.30 | $1,200–$3,600 |
| Corrugated | $1.40–$2.70 | $1,400–$4,000 |
| Ribbed or panel | $1.30–$2.50 | $1,300–$3,800 |
| Commercial flat | $1.50–$3.00 | $2,000–$7,500 |
Size
Total roof area is one of the biggest factors in determining your overall painting cost. The larger the surface, the less you may pay per square foot, as some fixed costs are spread out over more area.
Larger roofs require more paint and labor, whereas smaller roofs are less expensive, although they still involve setup and minimum charges. Most homes have roofs between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet.
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Total Cost | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $1,200–$2,700 | $1.20–$2.70 |
| 1,500 | $1,800–$3,500 | $1.20–$2.35 |
| 2,500 | $3,000–$4,000 | $1.20–$1.60 |
Materials
Choosing the right paint is crucial for durability and appearance:
Acrylic latex paints are popular for metal roofs due to their flexibility and weather resistance.
Oil-based paints offer extra protection but may cost more and require longer drying times.
Elastomeric coatings provide added waterproofing and energy efficiency, but are the most expensive.
Additional materials like primer and sealant are often necessary to ensure paint adhesion and rust protection. Higher-quality paint brands and specialty finishes will increase your overall material costs.
| Paint Type | Cost per Gallon | Coverage per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic latex | $35–$70 | 250–400 sq. ft. |
| Oil-based | $40–$80 | 200–350 sq. ft. |
| Elastomeric | $60–$120 | 100–200 sq. ft. |
| Primer/sealant | $30–$60 | 300–500 sq. ft. |
Labor
Professional roof painters charge either by the hour, per square foot, or as a flat project fee. Labor rates range from $40 to $75 per hour, but can be higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living. Steep or multi-story roofs require more time and safety measures, increasing labor costs.
Labor is often the largest portion of your total bill, sometimes accounting for 60% or more of the project cost. For example, if painting costs $2.00 per square foot, about $1.20 may go toward labor and $0.80 toward materials.
Prep
Proper preparation ensures a long-lasting paint job. This includes pressure washing the roof, removing rust, patching holes, and fixing seams. Prepping can cost $200 to $600, depending on the roof’s condition and the amount of cleaning needed.
If your roof has significant rust or old, peeling paint, additional scraping, sanding, and priming will add to the cost. Disposal of debris or old paint, if required, may also come with a small fee.
Additional Cost Factors
Several other factors might affect your metal roof painting budget:
Permit requirements: Some cities require permits for exterior painting projects, costing $50 to $200.
Post-project cleanup: If extensive, cleanup may add $50 to $150.
Structural repairs: Addressing rust, corrosion, or damage before painting can add $100 to $1,000, depending on severity.
Insulation or energy-efficient coatings: These upgrades can improve comfort but increase upfront costs.
Decorative add-ons: Custom colors or specialty finishes will cost more than standard paint.
Accessibility: Steep, tall, or complex roofs require extra labor and safety equipment.
Weather delays: Rain or extreme temperatures can extend the project timeline and, occasionally, the cost.
Metal Roof Ongoing Costs
Ongoing costs are important to consider for the long-term care and performance of your painted metal roof.
Maintenance
Routine inspections and minor touch-ups help maintain your roof’s appearance and protection. Cleaning the roof to remove debris, mold, or mildew costs $100 to $300 per visit.
Most metal roofs require repainting every 10 to 15 years, with a complete repaint costing about as much as the initial job. Applying protective coatings every few years can extend the paint’s life and reduce long-term expenses.
Repairs
After painting, common repairs include fixing peeling, blistering, or rust spots. Repairing paint failures or addressing minor roof repairs costs $150 to $500. Severe weather or falling debris may cause dents or scratches that need attention, but regular maintenance can catch these issues early.
DIY Metal Roof Painting vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners consider painting their metal roof themselves to save on labor costs. Here’s what to expect if you take the DIY route:
Materials: Paint, primer, brushes, rollers, or sprayers ($300 to $1,200)
Tools and equipment: Ladders, safety harnesses, pressure washer rental ($100 to $500)
Safety gear: Non-slip shoes, gloves, eye protection, and fall protection ($50 to $200)
Time: Painting a roof can take 2 to 5 days, or longer if prep work is needed
DIY painting can save $1,000 to $2,000 in labor, but requires skill, comfort with heights, and a significant time investment. Mistakes may lead to poor coverage, leaks, or voided warranties. Professional painters deliver consistent results, proper prep, and safe practices.
Choosing DIY can make sense for small, low roofs and those comfortable with heights and safety gear. For most multi-story homes or steep roofs, hiring a professional painter near you is safer and ensures a long-lasting finish.
Risks of DIY include voiding your roof’s warranty, missing signs of damage, or causing leaks if paint is applied improperly.
Cost of Common Metal Roof Painting Add-Ons
Add-ons and upgrades can impact your final bill, but may also bring long-term benefits:
Reflective or energy-efficient coatings: $0.50 to $1.20 per square foot
Premium or specialty paints: Add $20 to $50 per gallon
Rust inhibitors or sealants: $100 to $300 extra
Repairing or replacing flashing/fasteners: $100 to $500
Gutter cleaning or replacement during painting: $100 to $900
Custom color matching or decorative finishes: $200 to $1,000, depending on complexity
Upgrading your paint or adding protective coatings can extend your roof’s life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Tips to Reduce Metal Roof Painting Costs
You can keep your painting project affordable with a few smart choices:
Get multiple quotes from local pros to compare rates and services.
Schedule your project during off-peak seasons for the best pricing.
Prepare the roof yourself by cleaning and making minor repairs before the crew arrives.
Choose standard paint colors to avoid customization fees.
Bundle roof painting with other exterior projects to save on labor and setup.
Maintain your roof regularly to delay the need for full repainting.
These steps can help you control costs while ensuring your roof gets the protection it needs.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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