Roofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Metal shake roof installation ranges from $4,300 to $90,000 depending on your roof size, material choice, and location.
Roof pitch affects your labor costs because steep or curved roofs require specialized safety equipment and more complex installation work.
You should budget for synthetic underlayment, new gutters, building permits, and old roof removal when planning your metal shake project.
Hiring a local metal roof installing professional prevents leaks and warranty issues while ensuring your panels are secured correctly.
In 2026, the national average cost for a metal shake roof is $24,000, making it an attractive, long-lasting alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. Most homeowners pay between $11,000 and $42,000, with the cost driven by roof size, material choice, and location. Metal shake roofs average between $700 and $3,000 per square.
Roof size is the primary driver of your total cost for a metal shake roof, with prices ranging from $7,200 to $65,000. Labor rates stay relatively consistent regardless of home size, with only modest material savings at smaller scales. The table below shows how costs vary by square footage for the two most popular metal shake materials, aluminum and steel:
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Average Cost for Aluminum Shake in 2026 | Average Cost for Steel Shake in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $7,200–$12,800 | $9,600–$20,800 |
| 1,000 | $9,000–$16,000 | $12,000–$26,000 |
| 1,400 | $12,600–$22,400 | $16,800–$36,400 |
| 1,800 | $16,200–$28,800 | $21,600–$46,800 |
| 2,000 | $18,000–$32,000 | $24,000–$52,000 |
| 2,500 | $22,500–$40,000 | $30,000–$65,000 |
Labor costs for a metal shake roof typically run $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the project, and account for an average of 45% to 65% of your total installation cost. Because metal roofing requires specialized handling, get quotes from several local metal roof installers to ensure you're working with someone experienced in the material.
Where you live has a meaningful impact on what you'll pay for a metal shake roof, with higher costs in major cities, high-cost-of-living areas, and remote locations where materials are harder to source or pros must travel farther. Suburban and rural areas tend to offer lower prices, though costs can rise again if few local contractors install types of metal roofs like metal shake, limiting your ability to compare bids.
Metal roofing is great for snow prone homes because metal conducts heat really well, meaning it can warm up faster and melt the snow on top of it more quickly.
Beyond size and location, several additional factors shape the final cost of a metal shake roof, including your choice of material, roof pitch, underlayment, and gutters.
Aluminum and steel are the two most common metal shake materials, with aluminum running $400 to $1,100 per square and steel averaging $600 to $1,600 per square. Steel sits at the higher end of the range and offers added durability, while aluminum is a lighter, corrosion-resistant option that works well in coastal climates.
Synthetic underlayment, one of the most widely used options, costs $0.16 to $0.65 per square foot. Not all metal roofs require underlayment, but installing one is strongly recommended to protect against water damage and extend your roof's lifespan.
A steep roof pitch increases labor costs because it requires specialized safety equipment and more complex installation work. Curved-pitch roofs carry an additional premium, since installers must take extra care to avoid damaging the metal shake material during the process.
Gutter installation costs $4 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the gutter material, gutter type, and roof height. A new metal shake roof may require a new gutter system, adding to your overall project budget.
Roof installation requires a permit from your local building authority, and building permits cost $150 to $800 on average, though the exact amount varies widely by location. Check with your municipality or roofing pro to confirm which permits are required and who is responsible for obtaining them.
Metal shake roof installation isn’t DIY-friendly—panels are heavy, roofs are slippery, and improper fastening or underlayment work can lead to leaks, water damage, or a voided warranty. On top of all that, steep or curved pitches also require specialized safety gear. For safe installation, consult a metal roof installer near you.
Installing metal shake roofing takes precision. A roofing contractor will manage the technical work that protects your home and ensures the roof performs for decades.
A roofing contractor will size materials correctly, secure panels to prevent moisture intrusion, and ensure the roof meets local code and permit requirements.
Pros understand how to handle aluminum and steel shake, preventing dents, misalignment, and water-channeling errors.
They work safely on steep or slick metal surfaces using the proper harnesses and fall-protection equipment.
Licensed installers protect your roof’s warranty and handle permits and inspections so the project passes without delays.
Pros correctly install underlayment, flashing, and gutters—key components that prevent long-term leaks and structural damage.
They complete the work faster and with fewer material mistakes.
Metal roof repair costs an average of $1 to $5 per square foot, but for widespread or serious damage or if your roof is more than 50 years old, it may be better to replace the roof entirely. Metal shake is often easier to repair than other styles of metal roof that’s installed in larger sheets, so consult a metal roof repair pro to find out if you should repair or replace your metal shake roof.
Metal shake roofs come with a hefty price tag, and it’s not a project you can save money on by DIYing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can save on metal shake roof costs.
Contact your insurance company to find out if you qualify for any discounts.
Schedule your installation for the roofing off-season. Ask your roofing contractor if they offer discounted rates during slower times.
Find out if there are any applicable tax credits for a metal roof.
Choose a lower-cost metal material if available.
Call roofing supply companies and inquire about overstock.
A metal roof can increase your home’s value, and you’ll likely see a nearly 50% return on your investment. Depending on your area, a properly installed metal roof can be a big enticement for homebuyers since they last longer than other types of roofs and require less maintenance. Many insurance companies also offer discounts for metal roofs, so the initial investment can really pay off over the long run.
Ask your metal shake roof pro whether aluminum or steel shake is best and request a clear cost breakdown.
Confirm what type of underlayment the pro plans to use and how they’ll handle flashing around roof openings.
Discuss how your roof’s pitch affects labor, safety, and overall cost.
Ask if your project requires new gutters and which type works with metal shake.
Verify whether the pros manages permits and inspections and how installation affects your warranties.
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.
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Mitchell and the crew were top tier i am so happy with my new roof
Home Genius ExteriorsD1 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 LLCThis 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...
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 & chimneyI 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 OhioManuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
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 ServiceI'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.
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 EnvironmentalBradley 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.From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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