A metal roof costs $11,711 on average, and prices typically range between $5,728 and $17,710 depending on the material, roof size, and more.
A new metal roof costs $11,711 on average. Your total could be as low as $1,500 or as high as $34,900, depending on roof size, materials, and other factors. In this guide, we’ll walk through what affects metal roof costs to help you get an accurate estimate.
Your total will be largely dependent on the size of your roof, with metal roof costs sitting between $4 and $30 per square foot. The larger your roof area, the higher your price will be.
Most roofers charge by roofing square, with each square covering 100 square feet. Your roof size depends on your home’s square footage and the roof slope, but you can use the chart below to get an idea of what your total will be based on your home’s footprint. Remember that complex roof designs and steeper roofs will cost more. These prices are based on a simple gable roof with a standard roof pitch.
| Home Square Footage | Metal Roof Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $6,000–$45,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000–$67,500 |
| 2,000 | $12,000–$90,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000–$112,500 |
| 3,000 | $18,000–$135,000 |
In most cases, you can expect around 60% of the total roof cost to go toward labor—an average of around $7,000. Your labor costs depend on the experience of the roofer, the demand in your area, and the warranty coverage the company offers.
Metal roof replacement costs fluctuate by location, often based on the cost of living in the area. Homeowners in major metropolitan areas can expect higher metal roof installation costs than those in rural areas, and states with a higher cost of living often have higher prices for roof projects.
| State | Average Metal Roof Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $16,800 |
| Florida | $12,000 |
| Georgia | $10,600 |
| Illinois | $10,800 |
| Michigan | $10,600 |
| New York | $14,300 |
| North Carolina | $11,400 |
| Ohio | $10,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $11,100 |
| Texas | $10,700 |
There are some additional metal roof cost factors to consider if you want an accurate estimate.
Metal roofs are available in a variety of material options, with the cost of aluminum roofs sitting as low as $4 per square foot and the most expensive option—copper—costing nearly eight times as much at around $30 per square foot. Lead, rusted, steel, tin, and zinc roofs cost somewhere in between.
Metal roof materials all have varying visual appeal, durability, and maintenance requirements, so speak with your roofing pro about which is best for your home before choosing. The prices below include materials, labor, and the proper fasteners and underlayment for your metal roof.
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $4–$11 |
| Copper | $15–$30 |
| Lead | $10–$15 |
| Rusted | $9–$15 |
| Steel | $6–$16 |
| Tin | $5–$12 |
| Zinc | $6–$12 |
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Metal is a versatile material, so you’ll have a few options when it comes to the style you install. Standing seam metal roofs are generally the most expensive, while less visually appealing options like corrugated metal roofs will bring your installation costs down.
| Roof Style | Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Corrugated | $3.50–$15 |
| Metal shingles | $7–$22 |
| Sheet metal | $4–$6.50 |
| Standing seam | $7–$30 |
You’ll also need to consider the design of your roof, as more complicated designs will come with higher labor costs to work around hips, valleys, and additional gables. You’ll want an estimate from a professional roofer for your particular roof. In most cases, simple gable roofs will be the least expensive, while hip roofs and those with bump-outs and dormers will be more expensive.
Unlike with asphalt roofs, you have two options for the types of fasteners on your metal roof.
Exposed fasteners are simpler to install and are often the only option for something like a corrugated metal roof. They cost about half as much in terms of installation labor compared to hidden fasteners, which are more common on standing seam metal roofs and metal shingle roofs. Hidden fasteners take longer to install, but they’re more visually appealing and offer a cleaner look.
Metal roofs come in different gauges, which refer to the thickness of the metal. Standard gauges for metal roofs range from 22 gauge (the thickest option) up to 29 gauge (the thinnest option). Lower-gauge, thicker metal roofing will stand up better to impact and has a lower risk of getting dented from falling tree debris, blown debris, and hail. However, you’ll pay more for the materials and sometimes the labor, as heavier sheets take more time and effort to maneuver into place.
| Metal Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 0.0299 | $20–$30 |
| 24 | 0.0239 | $15–$25 |
| 26 | 0.0179 | $10–$20 |
| 29 | 0.0135 | $4–$10 |
Metal roofs with steeper pitches cost more to install because your professional will have to use additional safety equipment during the installation. Working with roofing harnesses takes longer and pushes up your labor costs.
Additionally, metal roofs are slick, so snow accumulation can easily slide off, potentially damaging vehicles or personal property on the ground and putting you and your family at risk. Steeper metal roofs will more often require the addition of snow guards or snow rails, which can add between $1,000 and $4,000 to your total, on average.
If you’re replacing an old metal roof with a new one, you should expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 for the removal of the old material before installation begins. The price you’ll pay depends mostly on the size of your roof and the disposal fees in your area.
You might also want to budget for the cost to replace roof decking underneath your old roof, especially if you’ve had issues with roof leaks in the past. You’ll pay somewhere between $2 and $5 per square foot of moldy or rotted material you need replaced.
There are three types of underlayment that are suitable for metal roofs in different situations: felt paper, synthetic underlayments and high-heat ice and water shields. Felt and synthetic underlayments are more affordable but may not be ideal in extreme climates, where expansion and contraction of the metal can destroy the material.
| Underlayment Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Felt paper | $1.00 |
| High-heat shield | $1.30 |
| Synthetic (adhered) | $1.20 |
| Synthetic (nailed) | $1.15 |
In many areas, you’ll need building permits for roof replacement. Your contractor will often pull the permits and schedule final inspections, but you’ll be responsible for the permit cost. The total will depend on your local building department and its fee schedule for permitting, but the cost will normally sit somewhere between $250 and $500.
Since your roof is the first line of defense against the elements and metal roofs are more expensive than standard asphalt roofs, it’s a good idea to choose an installer and a roof product that both provide solid warranty coverage.
There’s no set cost of a warranty, and most contractors will often just include the warranty in your metal roof cost. However, you can expect to pay a few hundred to $1,000 more for a reliable roofing contractor that stands behind its work with a labor warranty and uses a high-quality product that comes with a lengthy manufacturer’s warranty.
DIYing your metal roof installation could save you an average of around $7,000 on labor costs or anywhere between $3,400 and $10,500, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, while the potential cost savings might be tempting, we strongly recommend leaving the work to a professional.
Installing metal roofing is a complicated process that demands expertise, and it’s easy for even experienced DIYers to make mistakes. Since your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, a DIY installation could lead to expensive roof leaks, water damage, and other related problems that could cost you thousands to repair. Working on any roof is also dangerous, but the risk increases when you’re installing slick metal roofing.
Additionally, most roofing manufacturers will void their warranty coverage if a licensed professional doesn’t complete the installation. This is one home improvement project where it’s best to hire a pro. Call a metal roof installer near you to have a safe and reliable roof replacement done the first time around.
The cost to install a metal roof will almost always be higher than the cost of a partial repair due to lower material and labor costs. If your roof has 15 or more years of useful life in it and just a section is damaged or compromised, a repair could be the better option. Metal roof repair costs around $1,800, about a sixth of the cost of total replacement. Paying for a roof inspection might be a good idea to see if a repair is a feasible option.
A metal roof is a great choice if you live in an area with a lot of winter weather. Metal roofing stands up particularly well against heavy snowfall, hail, ice, and strong winds.
The cost of metal roof replacement can add up quickly, but there are some things you can do to keep the costs down.
Choose your material carefully. The type of metal you choose for your roof will play a large role in your replacement costs. Considering more affordable options like aluminum, tin, or steel over luxurious copper could save you thousands of dollars.
Think about your climate. Metal roof materials vary in their insulative and reflective values. Think about temperatures in your area and choose a more reflective metal or color to reduce cooling costs, or opt to insulate your metal roof to bring down heating costs.
Consider a repair over a full replacement. If just a portion of your existing metal roof is damaged, ask a professional in your area if a repair would be an option. This is almost always a more economical option than a full replacement and can save you thousands.
Replacing an old metal roof will almost always provide a boost to home value. Not only will it improve your home’s curb appeal, but buyers will often pay more for the peace of mind that a new roof and lengthy warranties provide. Generally speaking, you can expect an ROI of around 60% for metal roof replacement or an average of around $7,000.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project 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.
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You can technically install a metal roof over asphalt shingles, but it isn’t a good idea. This is because you’re essentially creating a moisture barrier under the metal, which can easily—and often does—lead to significant mold damage. Removing an asphalt roof isn’t terribly expensive, and some roofing companies might cut you a serious labor and disposal discount if you add it to a new install.
You can install solar panels on a metal roof, but it will require some additional thought and care versus a traditional asphalt shingle roof. That’s because heat dissipates off a metal roof differently than asphalt or wood, so you may need to space the panels further from the roof. However, a pro can help you with the details and provide a safe and effective installation.
When properly insulated and installed, rain on metal roofs and asphalt roofs shouldn’t differ too much. Most modern metal roofs should make the sound of a tiny thud, not the metal panging one might expect. You should note that gaps between the roof and the support may increase the sound of rain, and it will be heard more in the upper floors than in a downstairs living room or kitchen.
