You’ve spent the last year clicking through photos of roofs of all different materials and styles. You’re now leaning toward a metal roof for your new home. After weighing the pros and cons of metal roofing, the pros have won. Popular for their versatile styles, metal roofs are energy savers, not to mention durable and long-lasting. And now a new issue has surfaced – determining the cost to expect for your new roof.
The final decision in roofing for many families in this economy boils down to the price tag. So, how much does a metal roof cost, anyway? Answer: That depends! Keep reading, because we’ll cover many factors impacting metal roof cost, from materials and the size of your roof to installation costs and more!
6 Top Factors Influencing Metal Roof Cost
Any professional roofing contractor will tell you multiple factors will impact the cost of a metal roof. Let’s take a close look at six of them.
1. Type of Metal and Style
From steel corrugated sheets to aluminum shingles and copper shakes, metal roofs come in a range of metals and styles. Some come with a higher price tag than others, though – we’ll break down each material by price later.
Here are the different metals and styles you’ll be able to choose from, starting with the most affordable to the most expensive:
Metals
- Galvalume Steel
- Galvanized Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminium
- Tin
- Lead
- Zinc
- Copper
Styles
- Corrugated Sheets
- Shingles
- Standing Seam
- Shakes
- Tiles
2. Size, Shape, & Complexity of Your Roof
The bigger your roof, the more materials you’ll need, meaning a higher price tag. The same goes for the shape and complexity of your roof. Steep slopes, for instance, often require a longer installation time (therefore, higher labor costs), as they’re difficult to navigate safely.
All other factors remaining equal, the metal roofing cost for, let’s say, a 4000-square-foot home with a butterfly roof boasting multiple pitches and gutters will naturally be higher than a 1500-square-foot home with a flat roof.
3. Underlayment Requirements
Keeping the rain from leaking through the roof is a concern for every homeowner, no matter where they live. Of course, while an underlayment isn’t mandatory, we highly recommend it for extra leak-proof protection and insulation.
Set on having underlayment installed? Tack on anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot onto your overall metal roofing cost.
4. Protective Coatings & Colors
Choosing the right color for your roof isn’t just about aesthetics. The color you choose can also boost your energy savings. For example, a light or cool-toned roof will give you higher solar reflectance, potentially saving you upwards of 40% on your energy bills.
Once you settle on the color, it’s time to consider a protective coating (aka, paint system). The last thing you want for your new roof is fading or UV cracking. Using a coating like a silicone-modified polyester (SMP) or the ever-popular and effective (yet more expensive) Polyvinylidene Flouride (PVDF) will help prevent those issues.
On average, SMP, PVDF, or other acrylic coatings will run you about $2 per square foot, not counting labor costs.
5. Location and Local Permits
The cost of a metal roof in Kentucky versus one in coastal (hurricane-prone) North Carolina can differ drastically. The local demand for a sturdy metal roof that can withstand the worst of Mother Nature will be higher, meaning the materials and local labor will be, too.
Or, if you live in a high-cost area, your local labor costs may be higher than the average installation cost of $6 to $15 per square foot. Always research the best metal roofing contractors in your area to understand what installation could cost you.
Do you find yourself replacing your old roof with a metal one? Depending on your state and local jurisdiction, you may have to allocate part of your budget for a building notice or local roofing permit.
Your local building authority or roofing contractor can tell you what you need and the cost. So that you can plan ahead, expect to dish out anywhere from $100 to $500.
6. Installation Costs
Installation is a major line item on the budget sheet for any metal roof. The average cost will vary depending on the roofing material you choose, the complexity of your roof (number of slopes, etc.), local labor costs, and more. Count on installation alone clocking in between $10 and $65 per square foot.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost by Material Type?
The material you choose will directly impact the total cost of your metal roof, especially in the long run. For instance, while a zinc or copper roof will cost you more than a galvanized steel roof, they’re less maintenance and last up to 100 years. Let’s break down the cost and the pros and cons of each type of metal roof according to their material.
Steel Roofing Cost
Not all steel roofing is the same price. Their coating will impact the cost. Popular varieties include (from most affordable):l
- Galvalume (steel coated with aluminum and zinc)
- Galvanized (steel coated in zinc)
- Stainless (containing carbon and chromium)
Average Cost Per Square Foot
In general, steel roofing is the most affordable metal on this list. Depending on which variety you choose, it can cost from $4 to $20 per square foot (installed). Stainless steel will likely run you the most (on average), starting at $7 up to $22 per square foot.
Pros
- The most affordable metal material
- It weighs more, so it can withstand severe weather conditions.
Cons
- Steel is more susceptible to rust and corrosion. Galvalume is rust-resistant but will cost more (from $6 to $15 per square foot)
- Higher maintenance compared to zinc or copper
- A shorter lifespan (30 to 50 years) compared to others.
Aluminum Roofing Cost
Aluminum roofing is popular for homes in areas of high humidity and frequent rainfall.
Average Cost Per Square Foot
An aluminum roof will cost between $6.00 and $18 per square foot (on average). Of note, even the slightest increase in global demand for aluminum can make the price climb.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable roofing material.
- Energy-efficient
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Ideal for tropical climates and seaside properties
- Recyclable
Cons
- Average lifespan of 40 to 70 years (compared to over 100 years for copper)
- Prone to denting
Copper and Zinc Roofing Cost
You may experience sticker shock if you see a zinc or copper roofing estimate. Think of the cost as more of a long-term investment, though.
Average Cost Per Square Foot
A zinc roof will cost approximately $12 to $21 per square foot. In contrast, a copper roof will run about $20 to $45 per square foot.
Pros
- Both have a sleek, rustic appearance with a unique patina.
- Both materials have the highest longevity on the list, allowing them to last over 100 years.
- Copper never rusts.
- Zinc roofing can self-heal damage from scratches and more because of natural oxidation.
Cons
- Both cost more upfront (but pay off in the long run due to their longevity).
- There is no guarantee when the patina on zinc roofing will appear or what color it will be.
Metal Roofing Installation Costs
Installing a metal roof can take a lot of time, especially if your roof is expansive and includes steep slopes, a unique shape, and special roofing elements (e.g., a skylight or chimney). The average installation cost for metal roofing (not factoring in the type of metal material) will run $13 per square foot or $65 per hour.
Ultimately, you want a high-quality installation at the best possible price. Take the time to seek multiple quotes from local roofing contractors, or work with Directorii to find pre-vetted, highly reviewed contractors. Choosing the right roofing company from those contractors will give you the best shot at getting the results you’re looking for.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost per Square?
The best way to get an accurate price estimate for your metal roof project is by calculating your roofing squares. A roofing square is the measurement standard contractors use to measure your roof. They use this to ensure they only order the number of metal panels and other materials that you need.
To calculate your roofing squares, you’ll want to measure the length and width of each section of your roof to determine its total area in square feet. Then, you’ll convert that number into roofing squares, which is simple. Every 100 square feet equates to 1 roofing square. Be sure to round up. Also, always add 10 to 15%, ensuring you have plenty of material.
Let’s look at a few examples of how your metal roof cost per square can vary based on different metal materials.
1. Stainless Steel
If your roof is 3500 square feet, that equals 35 roofing squares. For a stainless steel roof with 35 roofing squares at $700 to $900 per square, you’ll likely spend between $24,500 and $31,500 (fully installed) for a stainless steel roof.
2. Copper
For a 1500-square-foot roof with 15 roofing squares, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000, fully installed.
Secure Your Investment: Finding the Right Metal Roofing Contractor with Directorii
Metal roofing is a long-term investment in the value of your home. With so many materials and styles at different price points, seeking guidance from a top-tier roofing expert is an important first step.
But simply Googling contractors will only lead you down a rabbit hole of unvetted (or, worse yet, unqualified contractors) and phishing schemes.
Instead, researching local roofing contractors and obtaining free roofing estimates through Directorii will connect you with vetted and top-rated roofing professionals near you. Why start your roofing project alone? Directorii has you covered, ensuring superior quality installation for your metal roof and the most competitive pricing in your local area.
