Installing a standing seam metal roof has numerous benefits, and although it requires a substantial investment in the short term, the long-term benefits are definitely worth it.
If your current roof is leaking, has notable cracks, or is in a general state of disrepair, it’s probably time to replace it – and a standing seam metal roof is a great option.
The average cost of installing a standing seam metal roof is between $200 and $1,000 per square (equal to 100 square ft). This cost includes through and clip-fastened roofs, but you will also need to consider labor, materials, and overheads. (Related: Roof Replacement Cost & Consumer Guide)
Although there are many variables to consider – including the size of your roof, the cost of local labor and installation, as well as the various other materials used in the installation – most American homeowners will end up spending somewhere between $5,400 - $15,200 to put up a new metal roof.
Let’s dive into these costs in more detail below.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation Costs Overview
It isn’t easy to pin down the exact cost of seamless metal roof installation, as there are so many variables to consider. But one of the things that many homeowners fail to acknowledge is the substantial costs alongside the installation.
Home Advisor recommends budgeting for your metal roof installation in the following way:
While every project is different, it’s important not to consider materials alone, which is a common mistake people make when undertaking a roofing project.
And while labor costs are on average $9,300 per project, various factors influence this cost, as introduced below.
Factors Affecting Seamless Metal Roof Installation Costs
While the national average is a great place to begin your budget, it shouldn’t be considered a perfect estimation. Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of installation:
Labor Costs
The national average for installing a seamless metal roof is $9,300. But every roof is different. For instance, if you’re installing a flat metal roof without slopes or complex features, you can expect labor to be considerably cheaper – perhaps between $1,800 and $3,000.
However, if you’re installing a metal roof on a complex architectural building, these costs will be considerably higher – potentially between $15,000 and $25,000 for the entire project.
When you’re putting together your budget, it’s a good idea to speak to various roofing companies in your area to get a broad idea of the labor costs you can expect to pay.
Materials
The materials for your seamless metal roof will cost between $200 and $1,000 per square. But that’s a pretty broad price range.
Yes, you’ve opted for a standing seam metal roof, but other material considerations are important. You will need to consider the type of metal you wish to use, as well as whether the roof should be galvanized for rust resistance.
Some of the most popular materials you can choose for your metal roof include:
- 1Steel or stainless steel: $400 - $1,200 per square
- 2Tin (terne): $350 - $1,500 per square
- 3Aluminium: $150 - $600 per square
- 4Copper: $800 - $1,500 per square
- 5Zinc: $600 - $1,000 per square
- 6Lead: $1,000+ per square
- 7Rusted (Corten): $200 - $300 per square
The availability of materials in your area will also dictate the price that you need to pay.
Overheads
Don’t fall into the mistake of assuming that you only need to budget for materials and labor. Overheads can account for anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, so it’s essential you think about what you need to budget for.
Although the price varies, consider that overheads can account for up to 1/3 of your budget. Overheads refer to the likes of:
Failing to budget for overheads will lead to a huge shock when your roof installation gets underway, so make sure you’re prepared.
Current Roof Removal
Unless you’re installing a seamless metal roof on a new structure, you will have to factor in the costs of removing your current roof. Again, this price largely depends upon the type of roof you currently have, and the time it takes to remove it.
Roofers typically charge somewhere between $75 - $100 per hour for labor alone, so if the removal of your current roof is a complex undertaking, the costs will quickly add up.
You will also need to factor in transportation and disposal costs for your current roof, which can cost between $500 - $2,500.
Finally, if seals, brickwork, or any other surfaces need to be treated or replaced before the new roof is installed, you will have to factor these costs into your budget.
Additional Costs and Considerations
So far, we’ve covered the core costs that you can expect to comprise the most substantial part of your budget. But there are potentially other considerations that will affect the installation costs, as we explain below.
Hiring a Roofer vs. DIY
It’s always a good idea to hire an experienced roofing firm to install your new metal roof. But naturally, some firms command a higher fee than others.
Depending on the experience of the roofer you hire, your labor costs are likely to be between $5,000 and $12,000.
But if you have the required skills, you might be tempted to install the roof yourself. DIY installation shouldn’t exceed $5,000 but could cost as little as $1,000, depending on the tools you have at your disposal.
But remember – a poorly installed roof will cost you significantly more in the long run. It’s almost certainly better to invest in skilled labor from the outset, as opposed to making initial savings and having to fork out for costly replacements in the long run.
Climate Considerations
Depending on where in the country you live, you might need to add certain features to your metal roof due to the climate. For instance, an ungalvanized metal roof in a region with heavy rain or snowfall will deteriorate more quickly than other roofing materials.
It’s worth paying extra to treat your roof following installation, as you will save yourself money and effort in the long run.
Roof Pitch
Although we’ve touched upon this already, it’s worth mentioning it again. The composition of your roof will influence the cost of installing a new roof. Typically, your roof installation will fall into one of the three following categories:
Existing Repairs
Depending on the structural integrity of your home, you might need to carry out repairs before the new roof can be installed. When a roofer comes out to quote for the job, they will advise on any additional work that needs to be carried out before starting the new project.
But as a rule of thumb, if you’re installing a new standing seam roof on an older property, you should allocate some funds to make any necessary repairs before you undertake the new installation.
Should I Hire an Expert to Install my New Roof?
Undertaking your new roof installation can undoubtedly save you some upfront labor costs, but it’s not necessarily a risk worth taking.
Unless you have the skills and experience to install a metal roof yourself, it’s much better to hire a roofing firm to complete the work on your behalf.
The Verdict
Considering all of the factors that we’ve introduced in this guide, you can expect a new seamless metal roof installation to cost between $3,400 and $17,000.
But it would be best if you only used this figure as a rough estimate, as there are so many variables that will ultimately influence the final price of installation.
However you proceed, just ensure that you have considered the various financial aspects of the project, and don’t forget that your new roof requires more than just the materials and labor that are a given!