How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost in 2024?

Average Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost

Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Factors

There are a number of cost factors that will impact the final standing seam metal roof installation cost. These cost factors include size, metal quality and gauge, lock type, panel width, and more.

Size

Standing seam metal roofs cost between $8 and $21 per square foot, with an average cost of $14 per square foot (including installation). That means that the larger your roof, the more you’ll need to pay.

Metal Quality

When you select your materials for a standing seam metal roof, you’ll have to consider the quality of the metal. There are four main materials that these roofs are made of—steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Some material options offer a combination of materials for a higher-quality, more durable finish. These higher-quality options will last longer (saving you on future roof repair costs) but will also increase the price of the project.

Metal Gauge

The panels you purchase for a standing seam metal roof come in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of each metal panel is known as the metal gauge. A lower gauge means a thicker metal, which offers improved durability, but also a higher cost.

Lock Type

Another important cost factor is the way your standing seam metal roof panels are fastened, or locked, together. There are two lock types for metal roofs: Snap lock panels and mechanically fastened panels.

• Snap lock panels: These panels have joints that can be snapped together by hand, as well as clips that attach the panels to your roof deck. They’re quick and easy to install, and require no special equipment, reducing labor costs. However, snap lock panels are less durable than mechanically locked panels.

• Mechanically fastened panels: These durable panels are designed to overlap and be permanently folded together using special tools. The resulting roof is extremely durable, but it requires special expertise to install, raising roof replacement costs.

Panel Width

Another factor to weigh when setting your budget for a standing seam metal roof is the width of your panels. Metal roof panels range in width from 12 inches to 24 inches, with wider panels costing less than narrower ones. However, wider panels tend to show more oil canning imperfections (the wavy, distorted look that can appear on flat metal), so they might not be as suitable if aesthetics are important for the project. 

Color

Depending on your needs for a new metal roof, you might prefer a certain color. High-quality finishes and special colors add $1 or more per square foot, which is important to consider when setting the budget for your new roof. Lighter colors have the added benefit of reflecting more light, which can boost energy efficiency and offset the extra material costs in some projects.

Roof Penetrations

You may need penetrations, or holes, in your roof to accommodate pipes and chimneys. The more penetrations you need, the more labor will be required to complete your standing seam metal roof installation, driving the price of the project higher.

Additional Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Factors

Beyond the basics like size and metal gauge, there are a few other key cost factors to consider as you set the budget for a standing seam metal roof installation.

Accessibility

The more difficult your roof is to access, the more expensive the job will be to complete. This is because less accessible roofs take more labor hours to install and usually require extra safety precautions, increasing the overall project cost.

Removal

If you’re replacing an existing roof with a metal one, the removal of your old roof will make up part of the final cost. This cost is usually included in the total price of your new standing seam metal roof—you can expect it to add between $1 and $5 per square foot to the budget.

Replacing Underlayment and Flashing

Beyond replacing the upper layers of the roof, you may also need to replace the lower sections: the felt paper underlayment and thin metal flashing which help protect the underlying roof deck. Your local metal roofing expert will likely charge between $40 and $80 per hour, so extra tasks like this will add to the final cost.

Ongoing Costs

Metal roof repair costs between $300 and $1,500 on average, depending on the nature of the issue. Thankfully, standing seam metal roofs are quite durable, meaning you won’t have to pay for repairs often. However, you will need to get periodic roof inspections to catch any problems before they become major expenses. Roof inspections cost about $100 to $400.

Permits

In most areas, you’ll need to secure a roofing permit before you can begin installing your new metal roof. Roof building permit costs vary but are usually between $150 and $500.

Labor

The labor cost of installing a new metal roof makes up a large portion of the cost. Labor costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. However, roofing labor is usually costed per square, which is a unit of 100 square feet. Roofing labor usually costs $150 to $300 per square.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Material

As mentioned, there are four main types of roofing material used for standing seam metal roofs: steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. There’s also galvalume, which is a combination of steel, zinc, and aluminum. Each of these metal roof materials has different advantages and pricing.

• Steel: Steel is a common roof material thanks to its compromise between price and durability. A standing seam steel roof costs about $3 to $5 per square foot for materials alone, though the price will go up for different kinds of steel, such as G-90 galvanized steel (zinc-coated for corrosion resistance) and stainless steel (more expensive and more durable).

• Copper: Copper is less durable than other metal roof materials, but offers a luxurious, one-of-a-kind look that many people love. Copper standing seam roofs cost between $14 and $22 per square foot for materials alone.

• Galvalume: This special material consists of steel coated in a mixture of zinc, aluminum, and silicone, which gives it better corrosion resistance than galvanized steel. It’s also more lightweight than many other materials. Galvalume roof materials cost $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.

• Zinc: Zinc is an eco-friendly material for standing seam metal roofs, and has added durability thanks to its self-healing properties. Zinc roofs cost about $6 to $10 per square foot for materials alone.

• Aluminum: Aluminum is softer and easier to damage than steel, but it offers superior corrosion resistance, making it especially good for homes near the coast. Aluminum standing seam roofs cost $4.50 to $9 per square foot, not including labor.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement vs. Repair

Standing seam metal roofs are very durable, meaning they need to be repaired far less often than other types of roofs. However, they can fall into disrepair over time without proper maintenance. Common issues with these roofs include:

• Failing sealant

• Failing flashing

• Failing seams

• Failing fasteners

• Incorrect installation

Any of these issues can lead to a leaky roof, damaging the roof deck and even your home over time. Most metal roof repairs will cost between $300 and $1,500, meaning it’s almost always more cost-effective to repair your roof if possible. If the damage is extremely extensive (especially if the roof deck, underlayment, and flashing have become damaged), you may need to replace the roof entirely, which costs significantly more than a repair. 

Does Installing a Standing Seam Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

A standing seam metal roof can significantly raise your home value thanks to its exceptional durability and moderate energy savings. Estimates say that a new metal roof installation can provide between 61% and 86% ROI, which is a significant return.

Budgeting for a Standing Seam Metal Roof

Installing a standing seam metal roof can be a fairly expensive project, but it’s well worth the investment. Here are a few tips to reduce the cost of this project while still getting the benefits of a durable metal roof:

• Opt for more inexpensive materials, such as galvanized steel or galvalume, over more premium options like zinc, copper, or aluminum. Steel offers excellent durability and most of the same benefits as other materials at a fraction of the price.

• Reduce the metal gauge if possible to lower costs—thick, 22-gauge metal is usually only necessary for commercial projects or in areas with frequent, extreme weather conditions.

• Opt for wider metal panels for sheds, barns, and other outbuildings. Wide panels make very little difference in durability and are only priced lower because of their tendency to show oil canning distortion, which is a purely aesthetic issue.

• Choose standard colors and finishes if possible. Metal roof painting costs can add up quickly, driving the budget for your roof installation much higher than if you were to choose one of the manufacturer’s in-stock finishes.

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.