How Much Does It Cost to Install a Tin Roof in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a tin roof costs an average of $12,000, ranging between $7,500 and $18,000 for materials and labor on a 500-square-foot house. Factors like the style of tin roof, whether it's painted, and additions such as underlayment, insulation, and penetration flashing affect your total cost. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and safely, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Tin Roof Cost Factors

The cost of installing a tin roof is split fairly evenly between labor and materials. But you'll also need to budget for permits and unforeseen issues.

Size

All in, it costs $5 to $12 per square foot to install a tin roof. The exact price of installing a metal roof depends on a lot of variables, including roof type, pitch, location, and more. The table below shows some typical roof sizes and their associated costs.

Materials

The price of the materials for a tin roof installation is $2 to $7 per square foot, or $200 to $700 per square. A square is a roofing trade measurement that's equal to an area of 100 square feet.

Common types of tin roof styles include R-panel, 5V crimp, and corrugated panels.

• R-panel tin roofs are among the most affordable metal roof types and offer a high level of strength and protection against strong wind and water damage.

• 5V crimp roofs are suitable for installation over an existing roof. Homeowners and pros prize these lightweight roofs for their extreme leak resistance.

• Corrugated tin roofs are fire-, weather-, and water-resistant, and extremely durable. Their extreme durability and fire resistance make them popular choices in areas with hostile, stormy climates and locations prone to wildfires.

Labor

Labor for a tin roof installation is $3 to $5 per square foot. Labor, like materials, is billed per square foot or per square. Expect to pay $300 to $500 in labor fees per square.

Roof Type

There are two types of tin roofs. A traditional flat tin roof costs $5 to $9 per square foot to install, whereas a standing seam pitched roof costs $7 to $12 per square foot to install.

Flat Tin Roof

A flat tin roof costs an average of $7 per square foot to install, ranging from $5 to $9 per square foot. The price of a flat tin roof is $500 to $900 per square, with an average of $700 per square. The materials cost $2 to $4 per square foot and the labor costs $3 to $5 per square foot.

Flat tin roofs, also known as batten seam roofs, consist of wide panels that overlap. They adhere to each other and the roof structure by fixing to wood or metal batten strips with exposed fastenings. While still a common choice for wood or feed stores, they're less popular for roofing homes or porches because of their old-fashioned look.

Standing Seam Tin Roof

Standing seam tin roofs cost an average of $9.50 per square foot to install, but you can pay as little as $7 or as much as $12 per square foot. The price of a standing seam tin roof is $700 to $1,200 per square, averaging $950 per square. Materials alone cost $4 to $7 per square foot, and labor costs $3 to $5 per square foot.

Standing seam roofs are usually high and pointed and have overlapping edges and concealed fasteners. Their appearance is contemporary and clean, and they're a popular choice in high rainfall areas, as they're very effective at channeling water. Plus, because the seams and fastenings are concealed, there's less chance of water seeping inside.

Permits

Permits cost between $250 and $500. Whether you need a permit depends on your location, the structure you're roofing, and if you're replacing, repairing, or installing a new roof. In some states, a permit is only required when adding a new roof over an existing one. In others, any roof patch or repair over a certain size necessitates a permit. Your local roofing contractor will know the permitting requirements specific to your area.

Overage

Set aside an additional 10% to 15% of your project total as a contingency fund. While installations are usually straightforward, your contractor might uncover issues needing immediate attention. For example, when removing an old roof, they might find damaged support beams, water damage, mold, or insect infestations.

Additional Installation Costs

Installing Guttering

Installing gutters costs $5 to $60 per linear foot, including parts and labor. Adding gutters lets you direct water away from your home's foundation or any other potential trouble spots. It also lets you collect rainwater to use in the garden, helping to reduce water consumption and footprints and lower utility costs.

Sealing

Sealing a roof costs $1 to $4 per square foot. While most tin roofs come with a protective coating already in place, you may still want to add extra protection or apply a new coat when the old one gets worn, scratched, or damaged. This helps to minimize the risk of leaks and corrosion and extends the lifespan of your tin roof.

Flashing

Adding flashing to a roof costs $200 to $500 for a standard home roof. However, you may pay more if you have a large or unusual-shaped roof or one with many joins and valleys. You add flashing at joins or anywhere that water can potentially penetrate, such as around chimneys and skylights, along valleys, and where one section of roof butts up against another.

Painting

Painting a tin roof costs an average of $2 per square foot. While not necessary, painting your tin roof adds another layer of protection and lets you choose a custom color, rather than the standard shades of gray. Just remember that the roof needs a thorough cleaning before you can successfully paint it.

Cost of Installing a Tin Roof by Location

Tin is a versatile and affordable roofing material that goes beyond whole-house installations. You can use tin for the roof, an open-sided firewood cover, hay store, shed, barn, porch, and more.

Store Cover

The cost of a tin roof for a 100-square-foot store cover averages $800, depending on size. If you're only roofing a small, 30-square-foot store, you'll pay as little as $150 to $360. Homeowners use these simple pitched or slanted covers on open-sided firewood storage or to cover a feed store, fuel store, or similar structure.

Shed

To roof a 10-by-12-foot shed costs an average of $1,000. Sheds need flashing and, if you want to collect rainwater, you'll need a rain barrel and guttering, too. Depending on how you use the shed, features like insulation, reflective paint, and ventilation increase the final cost.

Porch

A 16-by-20-foot tin porch roof costs $2,000, installed. Tin porch roofs are a great choice if your home already has a tin roof, helping you achieve a cohesive look. This type of roof is also popular for porches because it's comparatively quick and easy to install and, if the homeowner has the right skills and tools, it's a suitable DIY job.

Mobile Home

An average mobile home roof measures 1,000 square feet and costs $8,700 to install. Tin is a popular roofing option for mobile homes because it is cost efficient, lightweight, and durable. A tin roof can protect a mobile home and help with heating and cooling efficiency without overburdening the structure with excessive weight.

Barn

An average 1,200-square-foot tin barn roof costs $10,200, all in. Tin barn roofing is durable and strong, able to withstand winds of 140 miles per hour. Like other metal roofs, it's cost- and energy-efficient, lightweight, low-maintenance, and easy to install.

House

It costs $12,700 on average to install a tin roof on a 1,500-square-foot house. The price varies from $7,500 to $18,000 for a house of this size, depending on what extras you need, like insulation and flashing, and the roof's pitch.

An increasing number of homeowners are opting for tin roofs because they're cost-efficient, lightweight, more sustainable and environmentally friendly than asphalt, have a lifespan of up to 70 years, and are a solid choice for saving on heating and cooling costs.

Cost of Replacing a Tin Roof

Replacing a tin roof on a 1,500-square-foot home costs an average of $13,500. Tin's lightweight nature often allows for installing the new roof over the existing one without adding excessive weight to your home's structure.

For minor damage or leaks, repairing it might be a more cost-effective option. Roof repairs cost between $400 and $1,930 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. Consider factors like the roof's age, damage extent, and warranty status when deciding between repair and replacement.

While replacing the roof is a larger investment, it can be worthwhile if it's nearing the end of its lifespan or has significant damage. Removing the old roof before installation adds $1 to $5 per square foot for demolition and disposal. For a 1,500-square-foot home, budget $1,500 for roof removal and $12,000 for the new tin roof installation, totaling $13,500.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While installing a tin roof on a small structure like a shed might be feasible for experienced DIY enthusiasts, hiring a professional roofer for your home is often the smarter choice. Pros have the expertise to install the roof correctly, safely, and in compliance with local building codes, preventing costly repairs and hazards down the line. They can also identify underlying issues, such as structural problems or improper drainage, that you might miss.

By hiring a skilled local roofer, you'll have a durable, weather-resistant roof that stands the test of time.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.