How much does metal roofing cost? (2024 pricing)

Pricing

• Metal roofing costs an average of $17,522 to install on a 2,000-square-foot roof.

• Steel and aluminum roofs typically cost between $3 and $12 per square foot.

• Metal roofs often last longer than less-expensive asphalt shingles — usually over 50 years.

Metal roofing costs an average of $17,522 for a 2,000-square-foot roof, with a range of $10,987 to $25,711, according to the RSMeans construction cost database. While asphalt shingles cost considerably less, the cost of a metal roof compares favorably to that of other popular materials, such as cedar, clay tiles and slate, as shown in the table below.

Material	Asphalt	Metal	Wood	Clay	Slate
Average Cost	$8,927	$17,522	$21,769	$29,417	$29,564

The value of a roof comes down to how well it protects your home, how long it lasts and how it makes you feel when you see it. Depending on your taste and budget, metal roofing might be a good fit — but be sure to educate yourself as much as possible before you make your decision.

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How much does a metal roof cost by material?

“Generally, steel roofs can range from $3 to $8 per square foot, copper roofing can run you over $20 per square foot and aluminum roofing will run in the same range as steel,” said Mike Larsen, owner of Larsen Roofing in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Here is a range of metal roofing costs based on our roofing expert interviews and quote requests. We did not include costs for lead because this type of metal roofing is uncommon due to its toxicity. While some roofers may use this type of metal flashing, galvanized steel is more common.

Material	Average Cost	Installation Cost (per 2,300 Square Feet)
Aluminum	$3–$12 per sq. ft.	$8,000–$27,000
Copper	$10–$35 per sq. ft.	$26,000–$70,000
Steel	$3–$12 per sq. ft.	$7,000–$55,000
Tin	$3–$7 per sq. ft.	$9,000–$13,000
Zinc	$16–$25 per sq. ft.	$36,800–$57,500

The total cost of a steel roof will depend on the type of steel used. You’ll pay more if it is galvanized — meaning it’s blended with zinc.

“There are more expensive options, like steel or copper, but these have advantages in terms of longevity and aesthetics,” Larsen said. “Copper roofs are very visually appealing and can increase the curb appeal of your house,” he added.

While steel doesn’t stain or rust, a copper roof will slowly patina to create a weathered green shade over time.

Aluminum: An aluminum roof offers a lightweight, corrosion-resistant option with a silvery-gray appearance that can be painted in various colors. Installing aluminum roofing involves careful handling to avoid denting and precise fastening to accommodate expansion and contraction. Specialized coatings and sealants enhance durability and prevent leaks. A well-maintained aluminum roof can last 50 years or more, providing long-lasting protection.

Copper: A copper roof adds elegance and warmth to any building with its rich, reddish-brown color that develops a green patina over time. Installing copper roofing requires experienced craftsmanship due to its softness and the need for precise seaming and welding to prevent leaks. Although copper is a premium-priced material, a properly installed copper roof can last over 100 years.

Stainless steel: A stainless steel roof offers a modern, sleek appearance with its silver, mirror-like finish that resists corrosion and weathering. Installing stainless steel roofing requires precise cutting, seaming and fastening techniques to ensure a secure, leak-free fit while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction. When properly installed, a stainless steel roof can last 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance.

Tin: A tin roof, often characterized by its distinct, silvery-gray appearance, is typically made from steel coated with tin. Installing a tin roof involves careful seaming and fastening to ensure a weathertight fit while allowing for expansion and contraction. Proper maintenance and recoating every five to 10 years means a tin roof can last between 40 and 70 years.

Zinc: A zinc roof features a sleek, gray-metallic appearance that develops a unique patina. Installing zinc requires skilled craftsmanship to accommodate the metal’s malleability and natural expansion through precise folding, seaming, and the use of expansion clips and ventilation mats. Although initial installation costs may be higher than other materials, a properly installed zinc roof can last 60 to 100 years.

How much does metal roofing cost by roof size?

Roofs typically fall between 1,700 and 2,500 square feet, making 2,300 square feet a reasonable national average for estimating purposes, according to Trevor Underwood, vice president of marketing at DECRA Metal Roofing in Corona, California.

The table below shows the average estimated costs for steel roof installation based on size, according to pricing data from the RSMeans construction cost database.

Roof Size	Average Installation Cost
1,000 sq. ft.	$8,761
1,500 sq. ft.	$13,141
2,000 sq. ft.	$17,522
2,500 sq. ft.	$21,902
3,000 sq. ft.	$26,282
3,500 sq. ft.	$30,663

What other factors determine the cost of a metal roof?

“The cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the type of residential roofing materials being used, the project’s duration, the roof’s size and pitch and the geographic location,” said Underwood.

Style

Metal roofs come in various styles:

• Metal shingles: These are expensive due to the cost of the material. Their installation is also more labor-intensive than other types.
• Standing seams: These long, vertical panels typically run the length of a room. The material cost is higher than panels, but its simpler installation offsets the price.
• Metal panels: Panels are cheaper as the material price is lower, and installation is quick and easy.

Architectural design features also can influence the price of your metal roof. For example, additional planning and skills are necessary if you decide to install features such as skylights or dormers — or if your roof is shaped with gables.

“With skylights, you would use less material, but on a metal roof, you need to have custom plates created in order to fit them around your skylights,” Larsen said.

Roof slope and pitch

Pitch (a roof’s steepness) and slope impact metal roof pricing. A steeper roof means more material is needed. Moreover, a steeper metal roof may incur additional costs due to safety measures and labor.

For instance, a normal roof could take 20 hours to put up, but a steeper roof may need 20% more time — four additional hours. If the crew charges $75 per hour, that’s $300 extra per person.

Additionally, difficult access could require more insurance and liability coverage, said Larsen, noting that these factors could increase the costs by 15% to 20%.

Labor costs

Labor costs are a significant component of how much a new metal roof costs. These will be outlined and included in the roofing contractor or builder’s estimate for your roof project.

Permits

The customer typically pays for permits for installing a metal roof. Building permit costs can vary from city to city and depend on your project’s specifics. You may need approval if your house is part of a Homeowners Association. Some locales will even ask for environmental impact permits.

“For a metal roof, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000,” Larsen said of a permit’s cost. “You may also need a zoning permit, especially in urban or suburban areas. These can run an additional $500 to $1,000.”

Most roofing companies handle permitting on behalf of the customer.

What is the value of a metal roof?

Ultimately, the value of any roofing material comes down to the satisfaction you get from knowing that your home is protected by an aesthetically pleasing, durable roof that you can be proud to own.

Consider practicalities, such as upfront and long-term costs, reliability in extreme weather conditions and — if you plan to sell your home — the resale value.

How metal roofs are worth the cost

Choosing roofing material often comes down to two main factors: cost and personal preference. Rarely will someone choose a new metal roof based on extraneous factors, but you should understand every detail before committing to a big purchase such as a new roof.

How a metal roof is worth it

The main advantages of metal roofing include its long life span and durability.

Long life span

Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. 

Durability

Metal roofs are very durable and can usually withstand most issues roofs experience, such as sun, water and snow damage.

Low maintenance needs

A metal roofing system is more resilient and has lower maintenance costs because you don’t have to worry about replacing shingles, according to Brian McLaughlin, director of sales for Drexel Metals’ NY Metro region.

Energy efficiency

A metal roof can save you up to 40% on energy costs, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. “They reflect heat away from buildings and do this better than other roof material on the market,” Underwood said.

Sustainability

Metal roofs are recyclable. “Plus, because they are so lightweight, metal roofs often eliminate the need for a tear-off of the existing roof, which diverts waste from landfills,” Underwood said. “If building codes allow, some metal roofs can be installed directly over asphalt shingles. Make sure you are aware of your options.”

How a metal roof might not be worth it

The primary disadvantage of metal roofs is the higher cost compared to asphalt shingles.

High installation cost

The major drawback of installing a metal roof is its average cost. “Typically, a metal roof cost will end up being double that of an asphalt shingle or three-tab roof,” Larsen said. “This means that if you’re not planning on being in your home forever, then you may be overspending.”

Clashing architectural style

Metal roofs mimic the style of buildings you might find in the countryside, making them a great feature to have atop a modern farmhouse-style home. However, the material might not suit the looks of traditional styles.

Limited customization

Some metal roofs will not allow as much customization in color or style as shingle roofs, Larsen warned.

Potential to dent

Hail can damage a metal roof by creating dents that can accumulate snow and water and, in turn, warp the material over time, Larsen said. Underwood added that metal roofs made from softer metals, such as aluminum or copper, can be especially susceptible to denting from hail or falling debris. Metal roofing materials designed for impact resistance, such as steel, can minimize the risk of denting.

Metal roof costs vs. other roofing materials

On average, metal roofing materials cost more than asphalt shingles. However, metal roofing’s upfront expenses and longevity compare favorably with other popular roofing materials, as shown in the table below.

Cost information in the table below is from RSMeans. Life span information is from the Metal Roofing Alliance, Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and the National Slate Association.

Roofing Material	Average Installation Cost	Average Life Span
Metal	$8.76 per sq. ft.	50–70 years
Asphalt	$4.46 per sq. ft.	15–30 years
Clay	$14.71 per sq. ft.	50–100 years
Slate	$14.78 per sq. ft.	100+ years
Wood	$10.88 per sq. ft.	30–40 years

How can you pay for a metal roof?

You have multiple options to pay for your new roof, including paying directly in cash or with a credit card.

Most reputable roofing companies offer financing, and some offer special deals such as no interest for a year. Ask your contractor about financing options before you sign your contract.

You might decide to pay most of your new roofing costs by filing a claim with your homeowners insurance carrier. If so, be sure to follow proper procedures — and make sure your contractor is aware that you intend to file a claim.

Using homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof

Many roofing contractors assist homeowners in determining if a roof’s damage warrants filing a homeowners insurance claim. Many home insurance policies cover roof repair or roof replacement in cases of weather damage, vandalism or fire.

However, most home insurance policies don’t cover damage related to the following: 

• Earthquakes
• Flooding
• Wear and tear
• Lack of maintenance

During an initial inspection, if a contractor discovers damage that is explicitly covered by your insurance policy, they will tell you immediately so you can start the claims process. The contractor must provide proof of damage through photos and a written affidavit.

Most contractors have an insurance specialist or an insurance department that works directly with the insurance company. Still, the policyholder remains responsible for keeping communication channels open among all parties.

In most cases, the insurance company will choose its own contractor to conduct a follow-up inspection and confirm the findings of the first inspection. Sometimes, the insurance company will only pay a claim if the original contractor agrees to meet the estimate provided by the contractor associated with the insurance company.

If an insurance company agrees to cover the cost of a new roof, you’ll still be responsible for paying the agreed-upon deductible.

How do you find the right metal roofing contractor?

According to our March 2024 roofing survey of 1,000 homeowners, 43% of respondents began their search for a roofing contractor by asking friends, neighbors and family members for information. The second-most common starting point, with 28%, was a Google search.

Regarding early research, some homeowners make the mistake of merely asking for a company name and whether their neighbor was happy with the outcome. The questions shouldn’t end there.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers sound advice to help consumers avoid scams. 

Consumers should also research their local licensing requirements. These vary from state to state.

What maintenance is required for metal roofing?

Proper maintenance will extend the life span of every roofing material. However, proper maintenance is especially essential for metal roofing materials that tend to corrode under extreme weather conditions.

• One way to limit maintenance costs upfront is to apply a protective coating or sealant to prevent rust, corrosion and UV damage. Just be sure to hire a professional roofer to oversee the application.
• If you don’t want to bother with coating applications, make sure your roof already comes with a finish. Trusted roofing suppliers pair quality metal substrates with high-performance finishes, such as PVDF, a type of resin.
• “PVDF has a strong chemical bond resisting the damaging effects of long-term sun exposure,” McLaughlin said. Too much sun and your metal will undergo “chalking,” or color fading, giving the roof a powdery white residue.
• It’s also important to keep your metal roof clear of debris. If something falls onto the roof, such as a tree limb, carefully remove it. At the same time, look ahead to other potential debris by trimming any overhanging trees.
• While power washing might seem like a good idea to keep a metal roof clean, it can strip the metal of its painted or coated finish. Instead, hire a licensed roofing contractor to gently clean the surface to restore the original shine or remove corrosion.

What’s next?

Once you’ve decided that a metal roof is a good fit, seek the best value by requesting quotes from multiple contractors.

You might need to invest a substantial amount of time early on because most roofing companies won’t tell you how much the job will cost until they’ve conducted an in-person or overhead video inspection. 

Be sure to ask for a quote that itemizes the cost of inspections, materials, labor, haulaway and cleanup.

Finally, don’t let a sales representative pressure you into making a decision quickly. After all, you only buy a new roof once or twice — make sure you choose a metal roof you can love for a lifetime.

Cost information in this article, where noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.

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