How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost in 2023?

Cost of Metal Roofing by Type

Metal roofing cost per square foot varies greatly depending on the type of roof, from $4 per square foot for aluminum roofing to $30 per square foot for copper roofing. The table below explores the cost of the roofing material installed.

Note that:

• Roofers calculate material price in squares (100 square feet).

• Material price will include a waste percentage of between 5% and 20%.

• The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median size of a new home built in 2020 was 2,261. We’ve rounded up to 2,300 to represent the median home size.

Aluminum

Installing an aluminum roof costs from $400 to $1,100 per square. For a 2,300-square-foot home, an aluminum roof could cost from $9,200 to $25,300, but a smaller 1,000-square-foot home could cost as low as $4,000 installed.

You can get aluminum in sheet or shingle form. Aluminum roofs can last 45 years and are recyclable and highly pliable. They can keep utility costs down thanks to their high natural reflectivity; in fact, aluminum is among the most energy-efficient roofing materials.

Copper

Copper roofing costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per square. A 3,000-square-foot project with the most expensive copper material in the most expensive labor market could theoretically cost more than $90,000, but a 2,000-square-foot copper roof project costs an average of $42,000.

Copper is difficult to work with and demands professional installation. That said, copper is long-lasting (100+ year lifespan), low-maintenance, and resistant to rust. Over time, it develops a corrosion-resistant patina.

Steel

Depending on the type of steel, a steel roof cost can range from $600 to $1,600 per square. Various steel types include galvalume, galvanized, and stainless steel.

Galvalume

Galvalume steel roofs cost $600 to $900 per square, installed. This rust-resistant, highly pliable roof is the lowest-cost option for steel roofs. You can get galvalume in a variety of colors, but it’s subject to fading. 

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel roofs cost $750 to $1,000 per square, installed. Galvanized steel roofs have a steel core and a zinc coating for rust resistance. This makes them more expensive than galvalume (but less expensive than stainless steel). These roofs are low-maintenance and energy-efficient, but they aren’t as corrosion-resistant.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel roofs cost $1,000 to $1,600 per square, installed. Stainless steel is a durable, corrosion- and rust-resistant alloy with an excellent track record. For example, stainless steel is on the Chrysler Building in New York City.

Tin

Tin roof installation costs $500 to $1,200 per square. To prevent rust and erosion over time, you’ll need to pay for maintenance—but when properly maintained, a tin roof can last up to 70 years.

Today’s popular tin products are known as Terne. Their core material is actually steel and only the coating contains tin in a zinc/tin or lead/tin alloy. It will develop a gray patina over time.

Zinc

Zinc roofing costs $600 to $1,200 per square, installed. The shingle style is lower in cost; you’ll pay more for a standing seam zinc roof.

Zinc is a naturally occurring material that can actually "heal" itself. It forms a coating as it weathers that protects the zinc and reseals if it suffers dings or scratches. If properly maintained, a zinc roof can last 100 years or more.

Lead

Lead roofing costs $1,000 to $1,500 per square, installed. Many of today's lead products have an alternative core, such as copper, and a lead coating. The copper alternative is lighter-weight. When properly maintained, lead roofs can last 100 years or more. It’s highly malleable and resists corrosion.

Manufacturers have conducted studies to show that this material is safe, but check with your installer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and/or your state legislature for restrictions and regulations.

Rusted

A rusted metal roof costs $9 to $15 per square foot, or $900 to $1,500 per square, installed. This roof type is commonly called by the brand name, Corten Steel.

This roofing material is popular for its weathered, rustic look. Although it develops a protective rust layer, it is not recommended for coastal residences.

Metal Roofing Costs by Style

Metal roofs can range in price per square, from $400 to $3,000, but the cost depends on more than just the type of roof.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal panels cost $400 to $650 per square. Sheet metal roofs are typically the most affordable style of metal roof.

Metal panels derive from galvanized or galvalume steel at a 24- to 30-gauge thickness and tend to feature exposed fasteners. These steel panels offer painted and unpainted options to suit diverse aesthetic needs.

Standing Seam

The most expensive metal roof style is standing seam; standing seam metal roofs cost $700 to $3,000 per square. This is an expensive yet highly customizable option for residential and commercial use.

The width ranges from 12 inches to 30 inches per panel and each square is cut to the actual size of your roof. Thickness ranges from 18 to 28 gauge and material types include galvanized steel, galvalume steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. This is a popular roofing style, thanks to its modern aesthetic.

Corrugated

Corrugated roofs are about half the cost of standing seam roofs, or $350 to $1,500 per square. Because of their design, corrugated roofs are easier to install. Their fasteners are exposed, unlike with standing seam.

However, corrugated roofs require more maintenance than standing seam roofs. Those exposed fasteners, for example, will need to be checked and tightened over time.

Shingles

Metal roof shingles range in cost from $700 to $2,200 per square, depending on the type of metal.

Metal roofs made of shingles are designed to replicate an asphalt, slate, or wood shingle roof in design but are longer-lasting because of the metal materials. These squares, also known as modular panels or stamped panels, come in various sizes from 2-feet-by-1-foot all the way to 5-feet-by-1-foot and are typically coated to enhance durability.

Metal Roofing Costs by Size

The size of your home will also impact the overall cost of your metal roof installation. A 1,000-square-foot home can get a new metal roof for as little as $4,000, but the owner of a 3,000-square-foot home might spend $90,000 for a copper roof installation.

Expect a roof material waste percentage between 5% and 20%.

*Figures based on average cost per square for a 4/12 pitch

Other Cost Factors

Consider the additional cost factors below when calculating the cost of a metal roof installation.

Metal Gauge

The cost of metal roofing ranges from $1.75 to $9 per square foot, depending on the thickness, otherwise known as the gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the panel or shingle. For example, 24-gauge (sometimes written "24ga") is thicker than 29-gauge.

Exposed vs. Hidden Fasteners

The fastener type affects price and efficiency. Exposed fasteners are less expensive to install than hidden fasteners, at a cost of $3.50 to $15 per square foot for that roof type. As mentioned above, you’ll find exposed fasteners in corrugated roofs, whereas standing seam roofs which cost $7 to $30 per square foot use hidden fasteners. There is an additional maintenance cost with exposed fasteners, though, as they need inspection and tightening due to their exposure to nature’s elements.

Special Coatings

Sealing a metal roof costs $525 to $2,050. The price of the coatings themselves varies between $100 and $250 for a 5-gallon bucket. One gallon of coating covers about 100 square feet.

Coating on the surface not only helps protect it from the elements but also provides color. Most keep the material from "chalking," oxidizing to form a white haze. They are also often fade resistant to a degree. Sealing is a crucial step in the process, and your estimate should include this service.

Roof Pitch

The pitch of your roof plays a major role in the price of your project and the materials you can use.

• A steep pitch (greater than 3/12 pitch) requires more materials, safety equipment, and higher labor rates. Steeper surfaces take more time to work on—especially if they aren't walkable.

• A low pitch (less than 3/12) requires less safety equipment and materials and takes less time. You cannot use metal shingles on slopes flatter than a 3/12 pitch.

• A curved pitch represents the most expensive option. This level of pitch requires more care to apply the panels without damaging them.

Labor Costs

Labor for an average roofing project costs $3,000, assuming the surface is an ordinary shape without steep slopes or complicated features. For higher-end materials and complex structures, labor will be closer to $10,000. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple roofers near you before moving forward with the project.

After you factor in overhead and features like drip edges, gable edges, ridge caps, valleys, fasteners, coatings, and pipe flashings, the total for professional installation can be three to seven times the rate of the shingles or panels alone. However, it's worth having it professionally done because proper installation ensures a long life expectancy and greater efficiency—as well as a valid warranty. DIY installation can void warranty terms.

Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles

Debating between metal roofing and asphalt shingles? The biggest advantage of asphalt shingles is the low cost of installation. Asphalt shingles average just $60 to $90 per square; however, asphalt shingles aren’t a good long-term solution. You may pay to have your home reroofed multiple times over 40 to 50 years if you go with asphalt shingles.

Benefits of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs offer these benefits over asphalt shingles.

• Durability and longevity: Metal roofs can last 100 years or more with little to no maintenance. Asphalt shingles may last just 15 to 20 years.

• Maintenance and cleaning: Metal roofs are easier to clean and require little maintenance; in general, metal roof repair costs from $650 to $2,900. Asphalt shingles commonly grow moss that needs to be washed off and require regular maintenance and repair.

• Weather and fire resistance: Asphalt shingles are prone to damage during heavy winds and hail storms, but metal roofs stand up to the elements. Metal roofs also resist fire and smoke damage.

• Energy efficiency: Because metal roofs are more energy-efficient, it is cheaper to cool and heat your home with a metal roof installed. The energy efficiency of metal roofs can also qualify you for certain tax credits for the tax year in which you install them. Talk to your accountant when you file.

• Resale value: A metal roof is attractive to home buyers because they may never need to pay for a new roof during their ownership. Make sure your listing agent plays up the value of the roof when selling your home.

DIY Metal Roofing vs. Hiring a Pro

A DIY metal roof can cost a fraction of the average installed metal roof cost ($5,000 to $60,000). But most metal roofs are difficult to work with, and the work can be dangerous. You might even void your roof’s warranty by installing it yourself.

Improper application could result in a less efficient structure, leaking problems, and a shorter lifespan. When you work with a professional, they can guarantee the best results and are likely to get better rates on materials than you would independently. Check out these truths about DIY roofing for more information.

“Homeowners who want to install a metal roof on their property should consult with a professional roofing company, as a metal roof’s material can be quite expensive—and if installed incorrectly, can ruin the material itself,” says Eric Gonzalez, Expert Review Board Member and president of Regions Commercial Roofing, with locations in five states. “Investing in a metal roof is investing in a lifetime roof because a metal roof can be maintained or even coated through the years, which extends its original lifespan even more.”