How Much Does a New Metal Roof Cost?

A new metal roof costs $10,850 on average and ranges between $5,700 and $16,140. There are many types of metals to choose from, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that works within your budget. Although metal roofs can be costlier than asphalt, wood, or slate roofs, many people find they’re worth the investment. Metal roofs have many benefits—like their long lifespans of over 100 years and high levels of durability.

Metal Roof Cost Breakdown

Consider these components of new metal roof installation costs when planning your project.

Materials

That type of metal material you use for your metal roof will greatly impact the final cost of installation. Here’s how much your metals might cost, per square foot:

• Steel: $6–$16

• Stainless Steel: $10–$16

• Galvanized Steel: $7.50–$10

• Tin: $5–$12

• Aluminum: $4–$11

• Copper: $15–$30

• Zinc: $6–$12

• Lead: $10–$15

• Rusted Metal: $9–$15

• Galvalume: $2–$7

Galvanized metal is not used much anymore, because it corrodes prematurely. Instead, most manufacturers offer galvalume, which has a different finish coat. Galvalume is a coating consisting of zinc, aluminum and silicon that is used to protect a metal (primarily steel) from oxidation. 

Roof Size

The average roof is about 1,700 square feet. Some metal roofers charge by the hour, but most charge by square foot, which means even a slightly bigger roof could cost you a couple extra thousand dollars.

Slope and Pitch

The pitch, or slope, of your roof will affect your metal roofing prices. If your roof is steeper than 3/12 pitch, you can expect to pay more than if it is less than 3/12 pitch. This is because steeper roofs mean more materials, take more time to work on, and require additional safety equipment.

The labor costs are even more if you have a curved pitch roof.

Underlayment

Installing underlayment on your metal roof is an important step. The underlayment helps prevent leaks and provides additional insulation. You can choose from synthetic materials or felt.

Felt is the traditional option, but recently, many installers are opting for synthetic materials. Felt underlayment lasts 15 to 20 years and isn't recommended for hot areas.

Synthetic underlayment has a much longer lifespan of 40 years or longer and can withstand high temperatures.

Felt underlayment is $1 to $3 per square foot, while synthetic underlayment costs $4 to $5 per square foot.

Coating

You can choose to get your new metal roof coated during installation, or do it later on. But you should have it done at some point to help prevent your roof from rusting, prevent leaks or cracks, or before painting your metal roof. Expect to pay between $1.50 and $3 per square foot when you get this done, plus the cost of labor. Many manufacturers also sell pre-painted metal roof coils, and that paint has its own warranty—often 40 years.

Style

The style of your new metal roof will also increase or lower the price. Metal roof style options include steel panel, steel shingle, stone-coated steel, and standing seam. 

In some areas, you may be able to find metal Spanish tile or other metal roof designs that mimic an asphalt roof. Expect to pay a price similar to steel panels or shingles for these materials.

Permits

Looking into local permits and requirements before signing a contract for a new metal roof is key.

Make sure you know:

• Whether you need a permit to get a new metal roof.

• Whether your new metal roof can be installed on top of your old roof or if it needs to be ripped out first.

• Any other considerations if you’re planning a DIY project.

Labor

While roofing labor costs vary across the United States, most local roofing contractors charge between $40 and $80 per hour, or between $7 to $14 per square foot. The time of year you book your project also impacts the cost. For instance, the average cost of a new roof will likely rise in the summertime when demand for roofing jobs is high.

Location

Certain states require special permits to build a metal roof, which could drive up the price. In some cases, there may also be specific building codes in your state that increase the price. 

For example, in some states you are not allowed to build a new roof (metal or otherwise) over an existing roof, which means you’ll need to remove the original roof (or pay a roofing professional) before installation. Be sure to look into your state’s guidelines to ensure you’re following safety protocols.

Removing Roof

Removing your old roof costs $1,000 to $1,500, which covers the roof removal and disposal of the old materials. In some areas, permits are required to throw away the materials, so check with your contractor and local offices.

Chimneys, Vents, and Flashes

If you have chimneys, flashings, and vents on your existing roof, you may incur additional labor costs. These features, including skylights and dormer windows, are great for adding extra light and charm to your home, but need to be sealed properly. A roof installer will need to work carefully and get the job done well—otherwise, you'll have to deal with issues like leakage and water damage in the future.

Metal Roof Cost By Material

You've decided to go with a metal roof for your project, but now it's time to figure out what type of metal you'd like to use. There's lots of choices available, so there's a good chance you can find an option that'll fit the home's aesthetic (all while working within your budget).

Aluminum

The most affordable and popular metal roofs are aluminum roofs, which cost $4 to $11 per square foot. Aluminum is energy-efficient, which helps lower your utility bills. They last about 45 years and when you're done with the roof, you can recycle the material. It's a good choice for areas with high winds, like coastal homes.

Copper

The most expensive metal roofing material is copper, at $15 to $30 per square foot. Copper offers an impressive lifespan of over 100 years, it's low-maintenance, and rust-resistant. Over time, the copper roof develops a patina, which you have likely seen on old pennies.

Installers can solder copper pieces together to make a seamless roof, which is appealing for those with modern homes. However, copper is one of the more difficult materials to install, which means a higher labor cost.

Steel

Common types of steel used for roofs include galvalume, galvanized, and stainless. Steel roofs cost $6 to $16 per square foot.

Galvalume is the most affordable type of steel roof. It has a steel core with a coating made from aluminum, zinc, and silicon. The advantages are that it's highly pliable and rust-resistant.

Galvanized steel has a steel core with a zinc coating. Galvanized steel roofs are low-maintenance and last 50 years.

Stainless steel is the most expensive of the three types. It's corrosion- and rust-resistant and highly durable, making it a good bang for the buck if you're willing to spend the extra cash for it. Over time, the stainless steel can dull in appearance, and the paint can also fade. So plan on completing regular maintenance to keep up its appearance.

Tin

Tin roofs cost about $5 to $12 per square foot. Common tin roofing materials are typically made with a steel core with a tin coating. It has a good lifespan of 70 years with proper maintenance. However, you'll need to stay on top of the maintenance schedule, otherwise, the roof can develop rust and corrode over time.

Tin roofs aren't as common as other types of roofs, but renovators sometimes use them during historic property restorations.

Zinc

Zinc, like copper, has an impressive lifespan of 100 years or longer. It costs $6 to $12 per square foot. This material is unique in that as it weathers, it creates a coating that protects it. The self-healing properties of zinc means that nicks and scratches will fix themselves, making this a very low-maintenance option.

Lead

Lead roofing materials typically hcopper with lead coating on the outside. This is another roofing option that can last 100 years or longer. Lead ranges between $10 to $15 per square foot. Lead roofs may not be allowed in certain areas, so check before choosing this for your project.

Rusted

Rusted roofs cost $9 to $15 per square foot. This material has a weathered appearance, and the rust works as a protective layer. These roofs are, however, not well-suited for coastal areas. 

Metal Roof Cost By Style

Different styles of metal roofs offer different aesthetics. Shingles and sheets are the most common, although you can opt for a modern look with a standing seam roof.

Sheet Metal

Sheet panels are the most affordable, and are 24 to 30 gauges thick. They usually have exposed fasteners and come in both painted and unpainted options. These cost $4 to $6.50 per square foot.

Standing Seam

The cost ranges for standing seam roofs runs between $7 to $30 per square foot. Standing seam roofs have a very sleek appearance because installers cut them to size for your roof. The panels are 12 to 30 inches wide and 18 to 28 gauges thick. 

Corrugated

Corrugated roofs have exposed fasteners and cost $3.50 to $15 per square foot. The wavy pattern makes for an easier installation compared to other materials.

Shingles

Metal shingle roofs cost $7 to $22 per square foot and are available in a variety of styles. Some shingles look like asphalt, slate, or wood. There are modular and stamped panels available anywhere between 2-feet-by-1-foot to 5-feet-by-1-foot.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Metal Roof?

The national average cost to install a metal roof is $10,700 with a typical range between $5,700 and $16,140 for a standard-sized home. The upfront investment is substantial, but your metal roof could save you thousands over the next several decades. Factors that go into the cost include the type of metal you use, its thickness, the roofing style you select, and labor costs.

The type of metal you choose could affect the price most drastically. For example, a regular steel metal roof could cost between $9 and $18 per square foot, but the cost of a copper metal roof could be between $14 and $30 per square foot.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Metal Roof By Yourself?

For the highly handy among us, self-installation of a metal roof is possible, saving you thousands in labor costs. By DIYing, you could install several types of low-to-medium grade metals (steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum) by yourself. It’s also possible for a handy homeowner to DIY cut metal roofing sheets. Screw-down metal roofs, which feature exposed fasteners, are an easier DIY project. 

Keep in mind that installing a new metal roof is a serious undertaking. Be sure to look into and obtain all necessary permits and take safety measures prior to beginning your project, especially if you need to rip up your existing roof first. You should purchase a roof harness to use when working and only work on your roof in clear and calm weather.

DIY or Hiring a Professional

Hiring a local metal roofer is the best choice for most people, especially if you’re doing a whole roof replacement. For those taking the DIY approach, you could save $3,000 or more in labor costs.

Metal Roof Advantages 

Metal roofs offer many advantages over traditional asphalt or clay, and most myths about metal roofs (such as being too loud when it rains) are overstated or less-than-truthful.

The major benefit is that they last up to 60 years, and in some cases come with a lifetime guarantee. You’ll pay more up-front but not have to replace or repair it as often as other types of roofs. Metal roofs are also very energy-efficient and can help cut down heating and cooling costs in your home.

"Although they have a higher upfront cost, metal roofs give homeowners the best ROI due to their incredible durability,” says Zach Reece, Expert Review Board member and owner and chief operating officer at Colony Roofers. "Most metal roofs have a Class-A fire rating and are designed to meet the most stringent building codes and wind uplift. Lastly, metal reflects solar radiant heat, thus keeping your home cooler during the summer."

Tax Advantages 

There may be federal tax advantages to installing certain metal roofs, but since these requirements can change annually, it's best to check your eligibility before assuming you'll get a tax credit. Generally speaking, you may be eligible if you use Energy Star-certified roofing products.

Return on Investment

A new metal roof can offer a return on investment of an average of 61% in two years. It helps if your roof has a long-term warranty that you can transfer to a new homeowner. Metal roofs are also more durable than wood or asphalt shingles since they last two to three times longer, so if you're trying to choose between those materials, metal may be the best bet.