Installing a metal roof for your home will cost more than the standard asphalt shingle or wood options. But, this investment comes with plenty of advantages worth considering. A metal roof starts from $21 to $55 per square foot, depending on the material type. The most common would be a steel metal roof which costs $36,800 for a 1,800 sq/ft home.
The total cost of your new metal roof will depend on several factors, including the style of your home and the property's location. Let’s discuss everything you need to know in installing metal roofing at home!
Metal Roofing Average Costs
Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $58 per square foot to install a square foot of metal roofing (installation included). This translates to $3,500 to $6,100 per square, covering 100 square feet of roofing.
Given the size of the roof and the metal roofing price per square or sheet, you can then calculate the total estimated costs. Note that this method will only give you a ballpark figure. Factors like architectural details and property modifications may hike the costs further. Always talk to your roofing contractor to be fully aware of the costs of the project.
8 Types of Metal Roofing & their Average Costs
Let’s discuss the most common metal roof types in the market today and their average costs. (Related: 7 Types of Metal Roofs: Which One Is Right For Your Home?)
Aluminum Roof
Aluminum is known to be one of the most long-lasting metal roof materials. In tiles and shingles form, this costs from $15 to $37 per square feet.
This material is known to be fire-resistant and withstand severe weather conditions. The aluminum also contains a reflective pigment to maintain a cool temperature in your home by reflecting the radiant heat. Also, aluminum shingles can last up to 40 years. (Related: Metal Shingle Roof Cost Guide (2022))
Copper Roof
Copper roofs cost from $18 to $58 per square foot. It is considered one of the most durable metal roofs, lasting up to 60 to 80 years given proper maintenance.
We love the beautiful copper color it adds to your roof. However, copper material may oxidize over time and turn green after 20 years. To preserve the material’s natural shine longer, you may want to add a clear lacquer or a clear polyurethane coat during the installation.
Corrugated Metal Roof
Think of repeated wavy patterns or rippled patterns when it comes to corrugated metal sheets. Compared to a standard metal roof, this increases the material’s strength-to-weight ratio to withstand particularly harsh climates.
This metal roofing type starts from $5 to $20 per square foot, making it the least expensive material option. It also comes in different forms: corrugated aluminum, steel, or copper roofs.
Since these roof panels are thin and lightweight, you can install them over existing roofing. This will save you the costs of having to remove your old roofs. But, keep in mind that corrugated metal panels are more susceptible to leaks and rust.
Metal Slate
Metal slate roofs (or stone-coated steel roofs) offer an excellent aesthetic for your home. They provide the advantages of standard metal roofing with the appearance of traditional clay or slate shingles. Moreover, it also comes at a lower cost, from $21 to $47 per square foot. Homeowners particularly love the material’s durability and longevity as well.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam metal roofs are among the most common designs in the country, thanks to their accessibility. It is also known to last longer than non-metal roofing material options. This will cost you between $18 and $25 per square foot– and is available in painted aluminum, galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and copper or zinc metal roof types.
It features vertically designed panels joined by interlocking seams. You can count on this metal roofing material to hold well even in severe weather conditions.
Steel Roofing
If you want a metal roof that is remarkably resistant to cracks, shrinking, and erosion– a steel roof is the best choice! It also has an expected 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance.
Average costs start from $15 to $36 per square foot. This material is also energy-efficient and highly recyclable, making it a crowd-favorite choice among many homeowners in the country.
Tin Roofing
Made from rolled steel with tin coating, tin roofs are chemically bonded to make the material more durable and highly resistant to cracking. This will cost you $16 to $58 per square foot, with a life expectancy of up to 40 years. It’s an excellent option for homeowners looking to make green choices as tin is made from 30 to 60% recycled materials.
Zinc Metal Roofing
Lastly, we have zinc metal roofs which have been around for more than 150 years. This material is easily foldable without compromising the structural integrity, allowing manufacturers to design unique roofs.
Additionally, zinc metal roofs are crack and erosion-resistant. It can also withstand severe weather conditions. Prices start from $22 to $47 per square foot. Zinc roofs may last up to a century, given proper installation and maintenance. Homeowners opt for zinc metal roofs as they are green, easily recyclable, and have low toxicity.
Other Cost Factors in a Metal Roofing Project
The costs of installing a metal roof at home will depend on several factors, including the total size and shape, local labor rates, and the type of your home. Other cost factors to keep an eye on are the metal roof thickness, the roof type, and paint finish quality.
Homeowners can assume a new metal roof starts from $21 to $54 per square foot. For a traditional single-family home (1,500 to 2,000 sq/ft of metal roofing), this may cost you from $30,500 to $41,000.
If you consider cheaper metal roofing materials such as corrugated or ribbed steel, prices may be lower. Ultimately, it’s recommended that you do your proper research to determine the right metal roof type that fits your budget and home style and meets your family’s overall needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is metal roofing?
As the name implies, metal roofing consists of copper, steel, aluminum, zinc, and tin. They come in slate roofs, tile roofs, and corrugated metals. Because of its long lifespan, durability, low maintenance, and excellent investment return, having a metal sheet on your roof is proven as an advantage if you are seeking a long-term investment. This one-time investment can last anywhere between 50 to 80 years, depending on the metal type.
Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?
Metal roofing is considered a premium home product so expect its cost to be double or triple the price of what an asphalt shingle roof costs. A metal roof is comparable to cedar shake roofing or tile roofing in terms of price. If you have an existing slate roof, your metal roof may end up costing less.
Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?
Yes, a metal roof is an excellent choice for your home and the environment. A metal roof is made up of recycled content of steel which is about 28%, and you can recycle it once it reaches the end of its lifespan.
How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?
Decades of abuse and extreme weather like heavy snow, hail storms, high winds, and wildfire can be survived by a metal roof. The wind rating of a metal roof is 140-mph allowing it to withstand wind gusts that go up to 140 miles per hour.