If you are planning on replacing your roof or building a new property, then you’ve likely considered various options available to you.

Depending on the style of your home, your location, and your preferred aesthetic, the costs of your new metal roof – or any other type of roofing – will vary based on a variety of factors that we will detail in this article.

Metal roofing has a lot to offer for homeowners and property owners – it can be both practical and visually appealing, plus it will likely withstand weather issues like snow, ice, rain, and roof hail damage better than many other types of roofing.

Of course, this is all depending on your climate and always ask your roofing contractor.

Metal roofs are also highly resistant to fires and related smoke damage, which can make them an excellent long-term choice even though they tend to be more expensive and might require crews with specialized experience to install.

The cost of a metal roof does tend to pay off in the end.

What’s more, there are a variety of options at different price points even though at first glance metal roof price might seem overly high compared to more common wood or asphalt shingle options, so if you are concerned about the cost of installing a metal roof, chances are that there is a type of metal roof or metal roofing material that fits into your budget.

1. Metal Roofing Cost: What to Expect
2. How to Estimate the Cost of Your New Metal Roof
3. How is Metal Roofing Priced?
4. Average Cost of Materials for a Metal Roof
5. Average Cost of Metal Roof Installation
6. Metal Roofing Costs Vs. Shingles
7. Metal Roof Colors
8. How to Choose a Color for Your Metal Roof
9. Metal Roof Paint Finish Quality
10. Aluminum Shingles & Standing Seams: Metal Roofing Options
11. The Difference Between Metal Shingles & Metal Standing Seam Roofing
12. Copper Roof
13. Zinc Roof
14. Steel Shingles Roof
15. Should You Invest in a Metal Roof?
16. How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Metal Roofing Cost: What to Expect

So how much does a metal roof cost, actually?

As of March 2021, you can most likely expect to pay between $8.50 – $16.00 per square foot of metal roofing including installation, or $850 – $1,600 per square – in roofing terms, a “square” or sheet refers to 100 square feet of roof or a roll that is designed to cover 100 square feet of roof.

So, you can calculate the cost of your potential new metal roof per square foot based on the size of your roof and the price per square or metal roofing price per sheet.

Of course, this sizing is somewhat approximate so you will need to give or take a bit, depending on your property and any architectural details like skylights or unique spots that you need to account for – so always check with your roofing contractor and make sure that the particular type of roofing they are working with is ideal from their perspective and if there might be any additional costs.

The price of a square depends on the type of metal roof that you end up selecting; for example, metal shingles typically cost between $10.50 – $14.00 per square foot including installation, while standing seam metal roof costs tends to be slightly more expensive, costing between $12.00 – $16.00 per square foot on average.

You should also be aware that metal roofing of any kind – whether it is standing seam roofing or shingles – can be around two or three times costlier than asphalt shingles or similar typical roofing materials in most locations, but it might end up being a worthwhile and cost-effective choice in the long term.

Also, be aware that you may need to cover the costs of removing and disposing of your old roof (if applicable).

How to Estimate the Cost of Your New Metal Roof

Of course, the cost of a metal roof also depends on the size and shape of your roof, your local market rates, the type of home you have, and any other special conditions such as unique climate or weather factors like wind damage on your roof.

The thickness of the metal roof, the roof type and quality of the paint finish that you choose, and the unique shape, details, and other factors that make your roofing project unique all play a role in the cost of your roof as well.

All of that said, you can begin to estimate based on the aforementioned costs and start to assume that your new metal roof will cost around $12.00 – $13.00 per square foot, and a typical single-family home requires between 1,500 – 2,000 square feet of metal roofing (note that costs may vary significantly if your home is much smaller or larger than this somewhat standardized size, and some areas in the U.S. may differ), so you can assume that your new roof will cost between $18,000 – $26,000.

There are less expensive or cheaper metal roofing options like corrugated steel or ribbed steel as well.

Read on to learn more about the various types of metal roofing, which range from high-end standing seam metal panels to metal shingles and everything in between.

The most important thing is to find something that fits your budget, style and will provide the best protection as the literal roof over you and your family’s heads.

How is Metal Roofing Priced?

Metal roofing and other types of roofing are based on cost per square.

Metal roof pricing for cost per square is calculated per square foot and then that is added up into the cost per square (see above) which is definitely something to pay attention to and understand when you are pricing out or looking for a new metal roof, or perhaps, more importantly, talking to metal roofing contractors or roofing companies about installing a new metal roof.

When you are deciding what type of metal roofing to purchase and install, keep in mind that while there are options at a variety of price points, the cost of metal roofing is a literal investment in the roof over your head as well as the roof over your family or employees’ and customers’ heads.

Average Cost of Materials for a Metal Roof

As described above, the average cost of materials for a metal roof is around $12.00 – $13.00 per square foot, but that can definitely vary based on your area, the exact type of material you choose for your metal roof, and the idiosyncrasies of your property, and other environmental factors that impact the final metal roofing quote.

Installation and labor costs also make up a major component of the cost of your new metal roof, regardless of the type of materials that you choose, so take that into consideration when you are getting started on choosing a metal roof – or any kind of roof – for your home.

That said, knowing the average cost of materials for a new metal roof in the United States is an important starting point!

The national average for a new metal roof is $18,500 (total, including installation), but of course, that varies depending on the type of roofing materials, your location, and your property.

Average Cost of Metal Roof Installation

Once you have the materials, then you need to actually install your roof – or more accurately, have it installed by a team of professional roofers.

The costs of installing your metal roof will vary depending on your location, your property, and the type of roof that you are installing, but installation costs are important to account for since they will affect the total price of your new metal roof.

Metal roofing tends to be more expensive to install than asphalt or wood shingles since it is not simply nailed to the top of the roof but rather built on top of a breathable synthetic underlayer, prefabricated trim, fashioning, and requires the installation or customization of pipe boots and roof vents.

This of course increases the overall cost of materials as well as the expertise necessary to do the job – roofers in your area or metal roof contractors who can handle metal roofing with the appropriate skill tend to be on the higher end, cost-wise.

Also, keep in mind that smaller orders of metal roofing material (or any other roofing material) tend to cost a bit more per square foot than larger orders.

Ordering through your roofing contractor can be one way to save on your new roof since they likely have the connections to buy at a bulk rate or can get an industry discount.

Another important factor to consider when you are pricing out metal roofing is the sustainability aspect; while metal roofing might be initially more expensive than other materials, it may last longer and you might not require many metal roof repairs or be less likely to require a total replacement than other types of roofing materials.

Plus, metal roofing can often be the most energy-efficient selection, saving you money on heating during the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

Metal Roofing Costs Vs. Shingles

The costs of metal roofing versus the costs of asphalt shingles or other types of shingles are somewhat dependent on your location and the type of property that you have, along with your initial starting budget.

Also, you should keep in mind that metal roofing has a much higher resale value than some other types of roofing, so consider that when you are choosing what type of roof you want to install on your home.

If you are choosing between metal roofing and shingles, keep in mind that metal roofing can be a great choice, because it can pay for itself via energy efficiency.

A metal roof can result in decreased home cooling costs, and it also has a great resale value due to its reliability and longevity.

With a metal roof, you will most likely not have as much of a need for maintenance and repairs, and you will probably not need to replace it as quickly since metal roofing tends to be fairly low risk in regard to premature roof failures and the subsequent need for replacement.

Metal roofing also tends to have a positive resale value if you change your mind or want to replace your roof for aesthetic reasons.

The national average for metal roofing costs around $18,500, but the resale value can possibly offset some of the costs of the initial install.

Moreover, metal roofing tends to have the lowest costs if you take its overall life cycle into account because once a metal roof is installed, it tends to require less maintenance and fewer repairs than other roofing options like cedar shakes or shingles, or asphalt shingles.

The lifespan of a metal roof can last from 38 – 60 years.

Additionally, metal roofing also has a Class A fire rating and isn’t considered to be as much of a fire hazard as other types of roofing, so this may be an important consideration, especially if you live in a location prone to wildfires or other related natural disasters.

Metal Roof Colors

Choosing a color for the metal roof you have installed can be complicated, but it doesn’t really have to be.

If you are replacing an existing roof, sticking with the same color is the obvious option – after all, you probably purchased the house or property because you appreciated its aesthetic value and overall look.

However, if you are planning on changing things up color-wise when you install a new metal roof (which can definitely be the more exciting option), then you will be happy to discover that metal roofing options are available in a wide range of different shades.

This can make it hard to choose, especially if you are installing a new metal roof and not visually or architecturally inclined.

How to Choose a Color for Your Metal Roof

Much of the metal roofing color decision depends on your property’s style, the neighborhood’s overall look, your climate, and your personal preferences.

For instance, if you prefer a more subtle look then you might want to pick a color that echoes your roof’s siding, or is almost the same color for a chic monochrome appearance.

However, going for contrast can make for some great drama and lend your home some serious curbside appeal due to the visual impact of your new metal roof.

The color of your metal roof also plays a role as to how long it looks like new; saturated colors or brighter shades tend to fade more quickly, while more neutral colors (especially lighter neutrals) tend to “weather” in a way that looks more natural and that you might find more visually pleasing.

Our guide on roof shingle colors complete with visuals also applies to metal roofing (mostly) with some caveats.

And naturally, when you are choosing the roofing colors for your home, always check in with your homeowner’s association or any similar governing bodies if applicable.

If you have a historic home and therefore are subject to specific colors or material types, or requirements for color palettes that may be otherwise limited, it is certainly better to know in advance if they’ll have a problem with your new roof.

For instance, some color options for metal roofing include the often-dramatic look of bare metal.

Copper, zinc, stainless steel, aluminum, and other standing seam or metal shingle roofing options make for a bold look that can really set your property apart, will tend to weather well, and might be the most appealing to prospective buyers.

Metal Roof Paint Finish Quality

After you pick the color, then you need to decide on the finish.

The paint finish quality on the metal roof that you choose will help your roof stand up to the elements and look great through major weather events, so making that choice is an important part of the metal roof replacement process.

Accordingly, different types of paint finishes offer varying levels of durability, resale value, initial costs, and subjective aesthetic appeal.

There are two different types of paint finishes typically used on metal roofing: PVDF and polyester.

PVDF or polyvinylidene fluoride is usually referred to commercially as Kynar or Hylar, which are popular due to their ability to resist UV rays and the subsequent fading and associated problems.

Polyester is not rated as well in regard to its ability to withstand the sun’s impact or other weather-related issues, so PVDF is becoming an increasingly popular choice for property owners.

The paint finish quality of your metal roof also affects the longevity of the roof, since paint fading and therefore reducing the efficiency of UV protection of your metal roof can reduce the value.

Keep in mind that it may be possible to repaint or refinish the roof in the future, depending on the base roofing material.

Your roofing contractor will be able to advise as to what colors would work best for your property as well as the finishes and type of paint that should be used for the best results.

Aluminum Shingles & Standing Seams: Metal Roofing Options

There are a variety of options and metal roofing prices, and if you are considering installing a new metal roof, the variety might seem overwhelming, and there are a lot of reasons to consider getting a metal roof versus shingles, or vice versa.

Knowing the difference between shingles and standing seams is perhaps the first thing that you should learn, and there’s more to it than the cost.

After that, you can get into the various types of metal, their appearance, and the available paint finishes, then all of a sudden that are lots of decisions to make.

The Difference Between Metal Shingles & Metal Standing Seam Roofing

Understanding how metal shingles and standing seam roofs are different is fairly simple on a basic level – standing seam metal roofing material comes in continuous lengths and has a built-in mechanism that allows for expansion and contraction during weather changes, and the fasteners for the individual roofing panels are built-in, while with metal shingles they are nailed on.

Metal standing seam roofing is normally more complicated to install and requires more specialized labor, while metal shingles of any kind – steel, aluminum, and other options – can be less complex to install.

Of course, that all depends on your individual property, and the decision process can be made easier with some advice from an expert metal roofing contractor.

You should always consult your metal roofing contractor or roofing company that you are working with for advice as to the ideal type of metal roof for your property, regional climate, and budget.

Copper Roof

A copper roof can have major aesthetic appeal along with other benefits, although they tend to be more costly than other types of metal roofing materials.

Copper metal roofing can pay off in terms of the overall value-add, its energy efficiency, and the sheer aesthetic impact it adds to your property. Never underestimate the intrinsic value of having a home that makes you happy and proud as soon as you pull into the driveway.

Copper is generally around $16.50 – $20.00 (including flashing and underlying materials) per square foot for the materials and installation costs, but things can vary from there depending on the size of your property and its roof, the thickness of the copper panels, the complexity of the work involved (if you have skylights, dormer windows, or other architectural details to maintain, the total costs can be closer to $25.00 per square foot.

Zinc Roof

Zinc roofs or zinc standing seam roofs tend to cost around $12.00 – $14.00 including the necessary underlayers and flashing, which is somewhat cheaper than copper shingles and copper standing seam – but can be equally as beautiful and work as well or better with your property and your desired look.

Zinc standing seam or copper standing seam tend to cost a bit more than other types of metal roofing for good reason – the materials are longer-lasting, often considered more attractive or architecturally desirable, and they weather well, so the appearance doesn’t get as affected by precipitation, storms, or other natural events or acts of God.

Steel Shingles Roof

If you choose not to go with a standing seam roof (and there are a wide variety of options for that decision, including cost and the style of your property), then steel shingles are a popular alternative option, and for good reason.

They are less costly, nearly as protective and efficient, and can be easier to integrate into your home or other property’s existing architecture.

The steel roof cost can make this type of metal roofing a really smart option for many reasons.

Steel metal roof shingles or other types of metal roofing shingles are often less expensive than standing seam roofing, and they can be an excellent choice for your property, especially in the case where you want to install it directly over existing asphalt roofing.

You may also need to go around skylights or other architectural features and steel metal roof shingles allow for more detailed work.

Should You Invest in a Metal Roof?

A metal roof can be a great choice due to its durability, appearance, and resale value. Using a metal roof cost calculator can help you determine what is the best choice regarding the cost of metal roofing versus shingles, the right style for your property, your budget, and your design preferences as well as a potential price on metal roofing that works for your bank account and style.

The metal roof vs shingles cost can be a complex decision, but your roofing company or roofing contractor can help you sort out the price of a metal roof – as well as the different types of metal roofing – and help you make the right choice for your property (although checking out the aforementioned metal roof calculators online wouldn’t be a bad idea in the meantime).

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

That all depends on the type of roofing materials that you choose and the style of property, along with any other individual details that may make installing a metal roof more or less complicated.

The cost of metal roofing per sq. ft. (square foot) or the metal roof cost per square or the cost of a metal roof vs. shingles obviously makes a difference, but there are other factors including the aesthetics of your property, the amount of time you plan to spend there before you resell (if ever), and the energy efficiency of having a metal roof versus asphalt or wooden shingles.

You should also keep in mind that the total cost of a standing seam metal roof or a metal shingle roof also includes the specialized labor required to install the metal roof as well as the raw materials, and this may be the reason why some homeowners choose shingles over metal roofing.

For some properties, the style of the home and the climate of the area it is located in may mean that asphalt shingles or wood shingles are a superior choice.

That said if you choose metal roofing systems of any kind – whether you go with standing seam, copper shingles, zinc shingles, steel shingles, aluminum roofing, or any other kind of metal roofing system, you will likely benefit from their durability and longevity, heating and cooling efficiency, resale value for both the metal roofing materials themselves and your property as a whole, and overall pleasing visual appearance.

All of this makes metal roofing pricing as well as the research, work, and effort involved with installing a metal roof, a worthwhile endeavor that will pay off in the future.