A standing seam metal roof is a long-lasting, durable option for your home. Learn how much a standing seam metal roof costs and what can affect the price.
Metal Roofing Gauges Sizes: Compare 22, 24, 26, and 29
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The metal roofing gauge you choose affects impact resistance and curb appeal, with 24-gauge standing up better to hail and debris than 26-gauge.
Metal roofing costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot for 29-gauge to $20 to $30 for 22-gauge, with thicker gauges offering greater durability.
Your climate, tree coverage, and roof structure help determine the best gauge, with extreme weather and falling debris favoring thicker 24-gauge or 22-gauge options.
Hiring a local metal roof installing professional removes guesswork from gauge selection and ensures proper installation for your climate and structural needs.
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Most homeowners gearing up to install a metal roof think long and hard about the style of metal roof they want and what metal suits them best, but the thickness often goes unnoticed. Metal roofing gauges make a big difference when it comes to longevity and up-front cost, so it’s another important factor to consider. Let’s discuss why metal roofing gauges matter and how you can make sure you get the right thickness for your home.
Why Does Metal Roof Gauge Matter?
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Metal roof gauge matters because thicker metal stands up significantly better to impact, which means it dictates how long your roof will last and look like new. Local metal roof installers also price out the materials based, in part, on the thickness, with 22-gauge metal costing twice as much as 29-gauge metal. Not only does the gauge affect long-term curb appeal, but it also plays a crucial role in your up-front metal roof cost.
What’s the Standard Metal Roof Gauge?
There are two standard metal roofing gauges: 24-gauge and 26-gauge. Most homes have 26-gauge metal roofing, which balances durability with cost nicely. Homeowners in areas that see frequent hail storms or tornadoes and hurricanes that can blow debris onto their roofs more often go with 24-gauge metal for greater protection from dents and punctures.
How to Choose the Right Metal Roof Gauge for Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all metal roofing gauge, so you’ll have to take a few things into account to make sure you get the right thickness for your needs before hiring a roofer.
Climate
Climate is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a metal roofing thickness. If you live in a more moderate climate, 26-gauge metal, the thinner of the two standard gauges, should suit you just fine. You can opt for more affordable 29-gauge metal for sheds and outbuildings, where curb appeal isn’t a concern.
For more extreme climates, especially those that see heavy snowfall and hailstorms, a 24-gauge metal roof is the most popular option, as it will stand up to heavy loads and impact better without sustaining damage.
Cost
Thicker metal roofing gauges always cost more per square foot because the materials are more expensive. The table below includes measurements for the different gauges, as well as average costs to help you compare when measuring your roof.
| Metal Gauge | Thickness (In.) | Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 0.0135 | $4–$10 |
| 26 | 0.0179 | $10–$20 |
| 24 | 0.0239 | $15–$25 |
| 22 | 0.0299 | $20–$30 |
Tree Coverage
If you have trees covering all or part of your metal roof, you should consider upgrading to 24-gauge or even 22-gauge metal. Falling tree debris, including acorns and branches, will more easily dent thinner metal and detract from your home’s curb appeal. Going with 22-gauge metal will cost up to twice as much as the standard 26-gauge, but you’ll ensure your roof looks nice for many years to come if you have a lot of tree coverage on your property.
Structural Support
Finally, consider what kind of support your roof will have. Homes will always have roof decking below the roofing material that can easily hold up any of the standard metal gauges. If you’re installing roofing on a structure without roof decking, like a carport or pole barn, upgrade to a thicker gauge to avoid sagging and structural issues over time. Consider upgrading to a thicker gauge if you’re placing furring strips under your metal roof that will leave portions without direct support.
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Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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