Metal Shingle Roof Cost Guide (2022)

Kenneth Wilson

Installing a metal shingle roof starts from $18 to $30 per square foot. You’re looking at $18,500 to $26,000 for a 1,600 sq. ft. home.

Let’s discuss all the critical variables that affect the total cost of a metal shingle roof installation and the advantages and disadvantages.

Important Note: A metal roof is a worthwhile investment if you plan to stay in your home for several years. You can count on this material for its exceptional aesthetics and durability.

Metal Shingle Roof Average Costs


Standard metal shingle roofs cost $550 to $900 per square or $14 to $20 per square foot for materials and labor. A 1,600 sq ft home will cost around $18,500 to $26,000 on average, including the old roof removal and disposal fees. (Related: The Truth About Roofs: Are Metal Shingles Cheaper than Asphalt Shingles?)

Factors Affecting the Cost of Metal Shingle Roof Installation


As you set aside the proper budget for this project, let’s discuss all the cost factors you need to consider.

  • Materials: Metal shingles start from $8 to $12 per sq. ft. In most cases, this estimate already includes the trim. It may vary depending on the profile and supplier, though.
  • Professional labor: Considering the contractor labor rates, the cost will hike up to $18 to $30 per square foot.
  • Location of your property: Total costs will also depend on the local labor rates in your area.
  • Availability of the contractor: If your chosen contractor is always booked and busy, they may charge you higher rates (than small-scale contractors) due to their expertise and demand.
  • Underlayment costs: Metal shingle roofs require an underlayment (breathable layer) as a moisture barrier. This adds $150 to the total material expenses.

Metal Shingle Roof: By Style


Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of styles you can choose from for your metal shingle roof. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Classic Shingle


If you want to go for the traditional shingle appearance, you can consider choices such as the Tamko Astonwood Line. It has up to 10 color choices, depending on where you are located.

Metal Slate Shingles


Homeowners who are big fans of the premium look of slate can check out stunning metal slate shingles from EDCO. In particular, the Arrowline Slate Roofing line has 11 two-tone colors you can consider– which mimics the look of natural slate roofing.

Metal Shake Shingles


Those who love cedar shakes can check out Country Manor Shake’s classic metal roofing line, which is available in 9 breathtaking colors.

Metal Tile


For Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, metal tiles prove to be a crowd-favorite choice! You can consider Matterhorn’s metal tile roofing options with eight distinct colors to choose from.

Advantages of a Metal Shingle Roof


Installing metal roofing shingles in your home allows you to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Cost-effective: In particular, aluminum and steel shingles prove affordable metal roofing choices. They have reduced the use of metal because of their small profile and reinforced construction. Accordingly, their simple installation is also evident in the total costs. Comparing these to standard standing seam, they are 40% cheaper.
  • Enhanced curb appeal: A metal shingle roof enhances any style aesthetic, ranging from contemporary to rustic homes. Even after several years down the line, steel roof shingles will remain looking in their prime. The material is also highly resistant to visible stains and streaks, which look brand new for a long time. You can expect your metal shingled roof to enhance the value of your property.
  • Long service life: Fortunately, steel roof shingles have a generous warranty of 50 years. You can also count on the material to last throughout your entire lifetime. Choose to invest in an experienced roofer to ensure a high-quality installation. This will give you peace of mind knowing you won’t need to do another re-roof down the line.
  • Virtually maintenance-free: Another benefit to consider is that metal is virtually maintenance-free, allowing you to save money on professional routine maintenance. This is also great news for busy homeowners without taking care of their metal shingle roof.
  • Energy bill savings: Since metal shingles offer excellent insulation for your home, you can count on the material to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. Metal also has excellent thermal reflectivity– allowing your home to be warm in the winter months and cool in the summer. This translates to reduced costs in your home’s heating and cooling. Experts estimate average energy savings of up to 25% after installing metal shingle roofs.
  • Environmentally Friendly: If you want to make greener choices, you’ll be pleased to know metal roofs commonly have at least 25% recycled content than other materials like asphalt. Once its service life is over, it can also be recycled not to head its way into landfills. With the many advancements today, you may even choose metal shingle roofing options made from 100% recycled material.

Summary of the Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing


All things considered, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of metal shingle roofs.

Pros:

  • It may be applied to the existing roof
  • Special coating resists dirt and rapid aging brought by environmental factors
  • Available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and shapes
  • Offers excellent ROI
  • 100% recyclable and environment-friendly

Cons:

  • It has a higher installation cost than asphalt shingles
  • May dent in extreme weather conditions
  • Re-coating is a necessary maintenance procedure (after 30 years)
  • Repair of individual shingles can be expensive and difficult

Overall Verdict


Homeowners planning to keep their homes for at least ten years will benefit from investing in a metal roof. However, if you’re thinking of placing your home in the market for the next five years– opting for a cheaper roofing material may be better. This is especially applicable if you are working with a relatively tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Can you walk on a metal shingle roof?

Yes, it is possible to walk on metal shingles as long as your roof is not too steep. Keep in mind that metal shingles tend to be slippery after rain, so it will be best not to walk on them during that time. Unless you have experience, the safest option is to ask a roofing professional to check if there are issues with your metal roof instead of walking on it yourself.

Will metal shingles make my house hotter?

Installing a metal roof will have the opposite effect. It will make your home cooler because metal shingles contain a special coating that can effectively repel the sun's rays and allow your home to become more energy-efficient.

Will my metal roof shingles interfere with cellular service/WiFi signal?

There is no existing evidence or study that can prove that a metal roof can interfere with cellular services and WiFi signals.

How long will metal shingles last?

Be assured that your metal shingles will last for 40 to 50 years, given that it is correctly installed.

Are metal shingles worth it?

Fortunately, any metal roof offers maximum returns of over 85% in terms of ROI. Depending on the climate, the total return of a metal roof can still increase. Take a snowy country as an example where metal roofs offer the best protection against ice dams and snow. It can bring in more than 95% ROI in such places. Most importantly, it can give you decades of service because of its durability while only requiring less maintenance!

Kenneth Wilson
March 13, 2022
Cost Guides, Roofing

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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