Steel Roof Cost

What to Know About Steel Roofing

Steel roofing is a durable type of metal roofing found on many homes today. A steel roof is resistant to cracking, shrinking, and eroding. It is capable of protecting your home from the elements including snow, hail, and wildfires.

While the initial material and installation cost of a metal roof is higher than asphalt or other standard types of roofs, the longevity is far superior. Steel metal roofs last two to three times longer than a typical non metal roof. Metal roofing is often worth the extra cost since it will increase the resale value of your home. Across the country, homeowners who invest in metal roofing can get an average ROI of 85.9%.

Steel Metal Roofing

Steel is a great material choice for a home roof due to its strong durability and weather resistance

• More durable than standard roof materials

• Energy-efficient and recyclable

• Can improve home resale value

• Lasts 40 to 70 years

Average Cost per sq. ft:

$6 - $12

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Steel Metal Roofing Costs

The average roofing installation price for a steel metal roof costs anywhere between $18,000 to $36,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $6 to $12  per square foot or $600 to $1,200 per square installed on a standard roof. Use our roof installation cost calculator below to get an estimate of your roofing project.

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Factors That Impact Steel Roof Costs

Type of Steel Roofing

One of the major elements that impacts how much your own steel roof will cost is what type you choose. There are three steel roofing types to choose from:

• Corrugated steel panels: This is typically the most affordable option, and it comes with all the benefits you find from metal roofing, like great energy efficiency and resiliency. Our page on corrugated metal roof cost can tell you more.
• Standing seam: This type is more expensive due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. You can read more about standing seam roof cost information by visiting our guide.
• Steel shingles: These typically cost the most but also offer a more traditional roofing look that many homeowners love.

You can also choose a finish to increase durability, which increases costs, as well. Steel roofs with premium coatings like zinc (galvanized steel) or aluminum (Galvalume) are more resistant to corrosion but come at a higher cost.

Roof Size and Slope

No matter what type of roofing material you choose, your roof’s size and steepness will impact your installation cost. The larger the roof, the more material and labor are required, increasing the cost. A steeper sloped roof often requires additional safety measures and specialized installation techniques, which can also increase labor costs.

Roofing Material Thickness

Steel roofing is available in different gauges (thicknesses). Lower gauge numbers represent thicker and more durable steel, which is more expensive. Higher gauges are more affordable but also may show wear and tear more easily or require repairs more frequently.

The gauge you need depends on what types of weather events your area most often sees. If you live somewhere prone to extreme weather like hurricanes, a lower gauge roof may be a better option to help protect your home. Your contractor can tell you more about what’s recommended in your area or if there are building codes that require a certain gauge.

Location

Labor costs and material availability vary by region. In areas with higher living costs, roof installation is typically more expensive.

Roof Complexity

A roof with multiple peaks, valleys, or protrusions like skylights or chimneys will require more cutting, fitting, and customization, increasing labor costs.

Existing Roof Removal

If the old roofing needs to be removed, there will be additional costs for tearing off the existing material and disposing of it. The more layers that need to be removed, the higher the removal costs. Roof removal will likely be included in any quotes you receive, but you should ask your contractor to break it out as a separate line item so you can see how much it adds to your total project cost.

Underlayment and Insulation

A moisture barrier or additional underlayment may be needed for steel roofs, especially in regions prone to rain or snow, adding to the material and labor costs. Additional insulation may also be necessary, particularly in climates with extreme temperatures, which adds to the overall cost.

Repair Cost

The cost of steel roof repairs typically depends on the extent of the damage, the type of steel roof, and labor rates in the area. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

Minor Repairs

• Cost Range: $200 to $600
• What it Includes: Small repairs like patching leaks, sealing seams, or replacing a few damaged panels or shingles. Minor rust removal and re-coating may also fall into this category.

Moderate Repairs

• Cost Range: $600 to $1,500
• What it Includes: Larger sections of steel roofing might need replacement due to significant rust, storm damage, or structural issues. This could also include fixing roof underlayment or flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.

Major Repairs

• Cost Range: $1,500 to $3,000 or more
• What it Includes: Severe damage like large holes, significant rust issues, or widespread panel replacement. If structural repairs are needed or the underlying roof deck is compromised, costs will increase substantially.

Labor and Material Costs for Repairs

• Labor Cost per Hour: $50 to $150. Labor rates depend on location, contractor experience, and the complexity of the repair. High-demand areas or specialized repairs may see higher hourly rates.
• Steel Panel Replacement: $150 to $350 per square (100 square feet), depending on the gauge and type of steel.
• Sealing and Re-coating: Rust protection or repainting may cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on the size of the area needing treatment.

Maintenance

At some point, long term exposure to the elements will deteriorate the protective finish on your steel roof and you will need to recoat. A simple recoat with a polymer coating (Kynar is the most popular) will restore your roof to like-new conditions. You can also repaint as you remodel your home or to accommodate your evolving taste.

To wash the roof, use simple soap and water. A hose or a pressure washer can be used, but avoid abrasive tools like wire brushes or steel wool that can scratch your roof. If you do scratch your roof, the scratched area can be wiped down with mineral spirits and touch up paint can be applied with a paintbrush.

Remember, the long life of your steel roofing can be enhanced with proper maintenance. It may be a good idea to speak to a local steel roofing repair contractor to see what your options are for your roof or doing a installing a new metal roof.

Pros and Cons of Steel Roofs

Because steel roofing is installed with large metal panels, a roof replacement is more difficult if damaged than replacing individual metal shingles.

Additionally, while the sounds of rain and wind are part of the appeal of a metal roof for some homebuyers, if you prefer a quiet home, make sure that your attic is properly insulated (a good idea regardless).

Keep in mind that steel roofing is not dangerous during a lightning storm. While metal does conduct electricity, electricity is not drawn to it. In fact, because metal roofing is fire resistant, if your home is struck by lightening, your risk of fire is actually decreased. So your steel roof may keep you safe, too, on top of all of its other benefits.

Steel Roofing vs Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum roofing is a premium roofing option and is slightly expensive compared to steel roofing. Irrespective of being lightweight (40 lbs./square), aluminum roof has higher strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to rust. Steel roofing on other hand has higher weight (200 lbs./square) comparatively and is not resistant to rust so if you are living around coastal regions steel roofing would not be the right choice.

Another difference that can make homeowners prefer aluminum roofs over steel roofs can be because aluminum roofing can be recycled to up to 95% and has a lifespan of 50-60 years whereas steel roofs can be recycled to up to 35%  with lifespan of 40-50 years. However, aluminum roofing is more prone to bents and dents compared to steel. You can choose the ideal option for your home based on region you live and your budget for your roofing project.