How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
The cost to install a metal roof typically falls between $10 and $60 per square foot, depending on which type of metal roof you choose to install. This cost range includes materials, demolition, and labor and installation. For a 2,500 square foot roof with a moderate pitch on a 2,000 square foot home, the metal roof cost should range between $25,000 and $150,000 on average.
Lower end metal roof materials, like galvanized steel, should cost between $10 and $20 per square foot including labor, or $25,000 to $50,000 for a 2,500 square foot roof. Higher end roof materials, like copper or zinc, should cost between $30 and $60 per square foot, or $75,000 to $150,000 for a 2,500 square foot roof. The typical homeowner will pay around $50,000 to $65,000 for a new mid-range quality 2,500 square foot metal roof.
Metal Roof Labor and Installation Costs
In addition to the cost for metal roof materials, you will also need to factor in labor and installation costs to your roof project budget. Note that labor and installation costs for a metal roof are typically more than for a standard asphalt roof – as much as 30% to 40% of the total project cost. Labor costs can vary based on the complexity of the roof design, the type of metal used, and regional labor rates.
Additionally, if you are replacing your roof, demolition and removal costs usually account for 10% to 20% of the total roofing project cost.
Overall, when combined, labor (including demolition and installation) can constitute approximately 40% to 60% of the total cost of a metal roofing project.
How Much Should You Budget for a Metal Roof?
When budgeting for a new metal roof, it is important to calculate total project costs, including roof materials, demolition of the old roof, and labor and installation of the new roof. Remember that metal roof materials cost around $14 per square foot on average and demolition costs around $3 per square foot on average. Once totaling materials and demolition based on your roof size, you can calculate expected labor costs, which will be around 35% of this total.
To put these costs into perspective, the total cost to install a 2,500 square foot aluminum roof would typically be as follows:
- Materials cost: $13.75 per square foot, or $34,375
- Demolition of old roof cost: $3 per square foot, or $7,500
- Installation and labor cost: 35% of total project cost, or $22,548
- Total project cost: $64,423
You can use our Roofing Cost Calculator to get a closer estimate based on your specific home and roof:
Metal Roof Prices by Type
There are seven main types of metal roofing that homeowners typically install, each varying in price based on their quality, durability, and installation complexity. For detailed information about metal roof prices, refer to our chart below, which lists the most popular metal roof types alongside their average costs. This chart covers both the average cost per square foot and the total cost for a standard 3,000 square foot roof, including labor.
| Popular Metal Roof Types | Cost per Square Foot | Average Installation Cost (3,000 sq. ft. roof) | Average Cost per Square (100 sq.ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Shingles | $5.25 to $12.50 | $5,000 to $15,000 | $525 to $1,250 |
| Aluminum Roofing | $7 to $17 | $21,000 to $51,000 | $700 to $1,700 |
| Copper Roofing | $20 to $60 | $60,000 to $180,000 | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Corrugated Steel Roofing | $4 to $6.50 | $12,000 to $19,500 | $400 to $650 |
| Standing Seam Metal Roofing | $10 to $16 | $30,000 to $48,000 | $1,000 to $1,600 |
| Steel Shingles | $6 to $21 | $18,000 to $63,000 | $600 to $2,100 |
| Tin Roofing | $10 to $18 | $30,000 to $54,000 | $1,000 to $1,800 |
| Zinc Roofing | $10 to $20 | $30,000 to $60,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
Now, let’s look at metal roof prices per material individually. Below, you will find an overview of each metal roof type, price per square foot, and expected cost for a 3,000 square foot roof.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is one of the most long lasting metal roofing options. The reflective pigment from the aluminum reflects the radiant heat and maintains a cool temperature inside your home. This, in turn, provides reduced usage of AC and reduced power and energy bills.
Aluminum roofing shingles cost $7 to $9 per square foot on average, while aluminum roofing panels cost closer to $7 to $17 per square foot on average.
For a standard 3,000 square foot roof, aluminum shingles would cost anywhere from $21,000 to $27,000, while aluminum roof panels would cost between $21,000 and $51,000. Though metal shingles are not as affordable as corrugated metal roofing panels, panels are a better deal overall.
This type of metal roof is also fire resistant and can withstand harsh climates like hurricanes and other severe weather conditions.
Copper Roofing
Copper is considered a premium metal roofing material, known for its longevity, beauty, and the natural patina is develops over time.
Copper roofs cost between $20 and $60 per square foot on average, and are considered one of the highest quality metal roofing types you can install. For a standard 3,000 square foot roof, you can expect to pay between $60,000 and $180,000.
Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal sheets usually have the shape of a repeated wavy or rippled pattern throughout. A plain metal roof is strong and has a great life expectancy, but a corrugated metal roof increases the strength-to-weight ratios which withhold perfectly in harsh weather conditions.
Corrugated steel panel roofs are the least expensive type of metal roofing, costing about $4 to $6.50 per square foot. This pricing is comparable to the price of asphalt shingle roofing. The average cost to install a 3,000 square foot corrugated steel roof would be from $12,000 to $19,500. You can choose between corrugated aluminum roofs, steel or copper roofs according to your needs.
Metal Slate Roofing
Metal slate roofs, or stone coated steel roofs, can mimic the look of a natural slate roof but has a lower price point and lighter weight. Natural slate roofs are made from natural stones and are very heavy. You first need to check whether your home has the structural capacity to hold the weight.
Stone coated metal roof types allow for aesthetic diversity by offering the benefits of metal roofing with the look of more traditional clay or slate shingles at a fraction of the cost. This type of metal roofing is lightweight, durable and will offer a long lasting roofing option.
Stone coated steel roofing costs can range from $10 to $18 per square foot of roofing material. The total cost for installation on a standard 3,000 square foot roof would average between $30,000 and $54,000.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofs have far superior longevity and last two or three times longer than non-metal roofs. They are the most common metal roof design for homes due to their wide availability across the U.S. to roofing installers. The design features vertical panels that are joined by interlocking seams as seen below.
Standing seam metal roofs will cost you about $10 to $16 per square foot. The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof on the average size home can range from $30,000 to $48,000 in total. They come in painted aluminum, galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and copper or zinc metal roof types. They perform extremely well in harsh weather conditions like heavy snow, hail and fire.
Steel Roofing
A steel roof is more resistant to cracking, shrinking, and erosion. This increases the life of your roof, the expected lifespan of steel roofs is 40 to 70 years. Their energy efficiency and recyclability makes them a favorite choice. Steel roofing costs run from $6 to $21 per square foot. Steel shingle roofing on a standard size home would cost around $18,000 to $63,000 to install.
While the initial material and installation cost of a metal roof is higher, installing a steel roofing system will earn you a discount on your insurance premiums because it is superior to new asphalt roof shingle installations.
Tin Roofing
These roofs are actually rolled steel with a coating of tin. The life expectancy of tin is for up to 40 years and it is eco-friendly as tin is made from 30 to 60 percent recycled materials.
Tin roofing costs run from $10 to $18 per square foot. The average tin roofing installation cost for a 3,000 square foot roof falls between $30,000 to $54,000.
Zinc Metal Roofing
Zinc metal roofs have been around for more than 150 years now. It is an easily foldable material which makes them quite famous for designing unique roofs.
Zinc roofing costs run from $10 to $20 per square foot. The average zinc roofing installation cost for a 3,000 square foot roof falls between $30,000 to $60,000.
Average Metal Roof Cost By Home Size
The cost to install a new metal roof varies by the size and shape of your roof, in addition to what type of metal roofing you choose. The typical roof size is generally larger than the home’s footprint due to factors like overhangs and the roof’s pitch. For a standard roof pitch, the roof area is typically about 1.2 to 1.3 times the size of the home’s footprint.
Explore average metal roof costs by your home size using our chart below. We took a variety of home sizes, assumed a moderate roof pitch, and calculated the average cost to install a mid-tier quality metal roof like aluminum.
| Home Size | Typical Roof Size | Average Metal Roof Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | 1,250 square feet | $18,000 - $39,000 |
| 1,500 square feet | 1,900 square feet | $27,000 - $58,000 |
| 2,000 square feet | 2,500 square feet | $36,000 - $78,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | 3,150 square feet | $45,000 - $97,500 |
| 3,000 square feet | 3,750 square feet | $54,000 - $117,000 |
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
When comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingle types there are a few things you need to take into consideration such as price, durability, roofing style preference, overall maintenance, and lifespan of each roof type.
-
Metal Roof
Average Cost: $33.60 per sq. ft.- Life expectancy of 50 to 80 years
- Can cut energy bills by 40%
- Up to 90% return on investment
- More expensive than asphalt
- Can be noisy during storms
-
Asphalt Roof
Average Cost: $2.41 per sq. ft.- Affordable price point
- Most common roof type in U.S.
- Weather resistant in most climates
- Life expectancy of 10 to 30 years
- Low energy efficiency
Life Expectancy
While the initial material and installation cost of a metal roof type is higher than asphalt shingle roofs, their longevity is far superior lasting 50 to 80 years depending on metal type. Metal roofs last two to three times longer than a typical asphalt shingle roof, which sometimes only lasts 10 to 30 years.
Return on Investment
Metal roofing can also increase the resale value of your home. Homeowners who invest in metal roofing get an average return on investment of 85.9% on their home’s resale value.
Metal roofing can also lower your insurance rates and save you money because of its fire resistance, especially in states like Texas and California that are vulnerable to wildfires. Metal roofs boast a contemporary style, extensive warranties (30 to 50 years), and are very durable even in extreme elements such as heavy snow, hail, and even fire. It is best to find metal roof installers near you to help with any roof installation projects you want to complete. It takes an advanced knowledge to properly install metal roofs and it is best left up to the roofing professionals in your area.
Hiring a Metal Roofing Contractor
Though you may be tempted to save of metal roof costs by hiring less expensive labor, you are going to want nothing but a highly qualified licensed and experienced contractor installing your roof. It is a demanding job that requires a technical knowledge base. Additionally, the old roof may need to be ripped off, which requires extra time and transportation of the used materials.
The Bottom Line
It is possible to save up to 40% in annual cooling costs with reflective metal roofing. You can also raise the resale value of your home. You will very likely see a return on your investment in these ways, but make sure to calculate your unique roofing costs before deciding whether a metal roof is right for your home. Read our guide to benefits and drawbacks of installing metal roofing in your home to make a comfortable decision.
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