How Much Does A Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

Many homeowners are ditching traditional asphalt roofing shingles in favor of a more durable and eco-friendly alternative: metal roofing. Quality metal roofing can last a lifetime with little to no maintenance since it’s strong against harsh weather, rust, and temperature fluctuations. As another bonus, the products are often manufactured from recycled materials, and they can be recycled when you remove them from your roof.

However, the high quality of this premium alternative doesn’t come cheap, which can complicate the decision for many homeowners. There are also many different metal roofing types and prices that can further complicate selection. If you’re at a loss for where to start, check out the most common type of metal roofing: standing seam metal roofing. The following breakdown and price guide will help you make the right choice for your home and budget.

What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?

As the name suggests, this type of roofing has distinct vertical seams where the metal panels connect to one another under raised fasteners. The panels are usually 12 to 19 inches wide. The seams are typically the most vulnerable parts of a roof, and since standing seam roofs lack horizontal seams and include protective fasteners over the vertical ones, they are less vulnerable than even metal roofing shingles.

There are a few types of standing seam roof materials, including:

Galvanized steel (G-90 steel): This zinc-coated steel is the most common material used for standing seam roofing. The steel is strong and provides durability, while the zinc coating protects against corrosion.

Painted aluminum: Aluminum is the most affordable standing seam material. It may dent more easily than steel, but it offers quality corrosion resistance and can be painted in a variety of colors, which can allow for a more congruent aesthetic on any type of home.

 Galvalume steel: With a corrosion-resistant coating of zinc aluminum alloy, this type is as tough as steel and as resistant to corrosion as aluminum. It tends to be the most expensive type of standing seam roofing material.

Copper and zinc are also on the table but, due to the premium cost of these materials, they are not as common as steel or aluminum.

How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

You’ll need to consider a few factors in order to determine the cost for a standing seam metal roof, including the following:

Materials: The average cost of standing seam metal roofing is $4.00 to $6.50 per square foot. Call several suppliers in your area to get an idea of the cost of the specific material you’re interested in.

Installation: Most residential standing seam roofs are field-locked systems, which require a special seam locking tool and an experienced professional. Installation costs vary depending on where you live and the number of specialists there are in your area. You may also need to tear off your current roof in order to install a new metal roof, which requires a tear-off and disposal fee. In some cases, you may be able to install a metal roof over an existing asphalt roof and save money. Call installers in your area for quotes, but expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars for labor as a reference.

Roof area: To measure your roof area, you must first calculate the pitch, which is determined by how much the roof rises (vertical) for every foot it runs (horizontal). Use this roofing calculator to establish a ballpark estimate. Your roof area determines the amount of materials you will need and the labor that will be required. But you must also take the character of your roof into consideration. Steep slopes and unique characteristics may require special attention, which will cost you more when it comes to installation.

Total installed metal roofing costs can range from $125 to $1000 or more per square foot, so you will need to consider the factors above before attempting to establish a dependable estimate for your home.

Other Factors to Consider for Standing Seam Roofing

If your home has good insulation and an efficient HVAC system, a metal roof can increase energy efficiency by reflecting the sun’s heat and cutting down cooling costs. Prospective homebuyers are interested in energy efficient features, and the aesthetic of standing seam roofs are also rising in popularity; therefore, installing a metal roof can also increase your home’s value. You may feel that it’s a bold design choice, but it’s certainly a sought-after one.

Metal roofing comes with many pluses, but it is also expensive and requires a highly qualified installer. Make sure to perform in-depth research and consider all advantages and disadvantages before committing to a standing seam metal roof, and leave room in your budget for additional equipment costs.