How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Metal Roof in 2025?
Painting a metal roof costs $2,396 on average
The national average cost to paint a metal roof is $2,396.
Costs range from $400 to $6,500, depending on roof size, pitch, and paint type.
Labor accounts for 70% of the total cost.
Proper paint selection and preparation are crucial for protecting your roof.
Hiring a professional avoids safety risks, provides stunning visual results, and reliably protects your roof from damage.
Painting your metal roof is a vital part of maintaining its durability and enhancing your home's curb appeal. On average, homeowners spend $2,396 to paint a metal roof, with costs ranging from $1,168 and $3,634. Prices can be as low as $400 or as high as $6,500, depending on factors like your roof's size, pitch, and the type of paint you choose. Not only does a fresh coat of paint protect your roof from moisture, rust, and environmental damage, but it also extends its lifespan and keeps your home looking its best.
Metal Roof Painting Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of painting your metal roof, including labor, materials, and preparation work. Labor accounts for 70% of the total cost, as skilled professionals ensure the job is done safely and correctly. In addition to labor, you'll need to budget for quality paint, primers, and sealers to protect your roof against the elements and keep it looking great for years to come.
Roof Size and Pitch
Professionals charge an average of $2 per square foot to paint a metal roof. Along with larger roof sizes, roofs steeper than a 6:12 pitch will cost more to paint. This is because the roof is not considered walkable and will require greater labor, staging, and safety protocols to paint. For an accurate price estimate, contact a professional roof painting contractor.
Paint Type, Primers, and Sealers
You have two main types of paint to choose from for painting your metal roof, :
Silicone-modified polyester (SMP): Priced between $50 and $150 per gallon, SMP paint offers excellent scratch resistance but comes in fewer color options.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): Ranging from $70 to $450 per gallon, PVDF paint provides a wider variety of colors and superior resistance to UV damage.
You'll need one gallon of paint for every 100 square feet of roof surface. Keep in mind that costs vary based on the color you select, with premium and metallic shades commanding higher prices.
Don't overlook the importance of primers and sealers. These materials are crucial for protecting your roof against heat, cold, moisture, and snow. Applying a sealant costs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot and helps ensure a long-lasting finish.
Power Washing
Before painting your metal roof, it's essential to thoroughly power wash the entire surface to remove mold, dirt, dust, and old paint. This step ensures the new paint adheres properly for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Hiring a professional to power wash your roof costs $50 to $100 per hour. Roof power washing is more expensive than other power washing jobs due to additional setup time, hard-to-reach areas, and increased labor.
While renting power washing equipment for $35 to $125 per day might seem cost-effective, proceed with caution. Using a power washer on your roof can be dangerous and may result in damage to your home if not done correctly. To ensure safety and achieve the best results, hire a professional.
Warranty
When hiring a professional to paint your metal roof, inquire about the warranty they offer. Most reputable painting companies provide warranties that cover issues like peeling, chipping, fading, and other application defects. A strong warranty not only protects you from premature wear and tear but also gives you peace of mind knowing your investment is secure. Be sure to consider the warranty terms when comparing quotes from different contractors to ensure you're getting the best value.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional to Paint a Metal Roof
While painting your metal roof yourself might seem like a way to save money, it's important to consider the risks and challenges involved. Working on a roof can be dangerous without the proper equipment and experience. Hiring a local roof painting contractor not only ensures your safety but also guarantees a high-quality, long-lasting paint job. Professionals have the expertise to complete the work safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've recently installed a new metal roof, wait at least six months before painting it to allow any residues from manufacturing to wear off. After that, schedule annual professional inspections to monitor your roof's condition. You'll know it's time to repaint when you notice signs like bubbling areas, faded color, cracking or peeling paint, and rust spots. Repainting at the right time helps maintain your roof's appearance and extend its lifespan.
Painting your metal roof is essential for several reasons. It protects your roof from rust, moisture, and environmental damage, preserving its strength and structural integrity. By preventing corrosion, you can avoid costly repairs down the line. Plus, a freshly painted roof enhances your home's curb appeal with a uniform finish that boosts its overall appearance.
Paint on a metal roof lasts an average of 10 years before it needs a fresh coat. The actual lifespan depends on the type of paint used and how well the surface was prepared before painting. To make sure your roof's paint job lasts as long as possible, consider scheduling professional inspections once or twice a year. Proper maintenance helps you catch any issues early and keeps your roof looking its best.
When you have your metal roof painted, you can expect a warranty lasting anywhere from 10 to 40 years, depending on the paint quality and manufacturer standards. These warranties typically cover issues like abrasions, chipping, peeling, fading colors, and cracking. A solid warranty protects your investment, reduces future maintenance costs, and ensures your roof stays in top condition for years to come.
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