How Much Does a Metal Shake Roof Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $11,000 - $42,000
The average U.S. homeowner spends $24,000 on a metal shake roof, but the cost can range anywhere from $4,300 to $90,000.
A metal shake roof costs an average of $24,000 and can be an attractive, long-lasting alternative to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. The total cost for a new metal shake roof can cost between $11,000 and $42,000, depending on the size, material, location, and other factors. Metal shake roofs average between $700 and $3,000 per square.
- Average
- $24,000
- Low end
- $4,300
- high end
- $90,000
Size of Roof
Size is an obvious contributing factor to a project's overall cost, and there really isn't much of an economy of scale when considering labor. Because of this, the calculations used to determine the price of your roof won't change much whether you have a small house or a large one other than slight savings in material costs. We've included average ranges for aluminum and steel as those are the most popular materials used for metal shake.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Average Cost for Aluminum Shake | Average Cost for Steel Shake |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $7,200–$12,800 | $9,600–$20,800 |
| 1,000 | $9,000–$16,000 | $12,000–$26,000 |
| 1,400 | $12,600–$22,400 | $16,800–$36,400 |
| 1,800 | $16,200–$28,800 | $21,600–$46,800 |
| 2,000 | $18,000–$32,000 | $24,000–$52,000 |
| 2,500 | $22,500–$40,000 | $30,000–$65,000 |
Roofing Contractor Costs
Labor costs for roofing contractors can range between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the complexity of the project. Metal roofs should be installed by roofing pros with experience with the material, so get quotes from several different local metal roof installers. Labor costs account for an average of 45% to 65% of the total roof installation cost.
Cost by Location
"Metal roofing is great for snow prone homes because metal conducts heat really well, meaning it can warm up faster and melt the snow on top of it more quickly."
— Korey Gregory - Construction Supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC
Where you live can influence how much you’ll pay for a metal shake roof. Labor and total installation costs will be higher in high-cost-of-living areas, in major cities, and in remote areas where materials may be hard to source, or roofing pros will have to travel outside their usual service area. You’ll often pay less for a metal roof in suburban and rural areas, but your prices can also increase if your area doesn’t have many roofing pros who install different types of metal roofs.
Additional Metal Shake Roof Cost Factors
The cost of a metal shake roof can depend on more than just size and location. Factors like the material used, the pitch of your roof, and the necessary underlayment and gutters for a metal roof can all add to the final price tag.
Materials
Aluminum and steel are the two most common materials for metal shake roofs. Aluminum costs between $400 and $1,100 per square, and steel averages between $600 and $1,600 per square.
Underlayment
While not all metal roofs require an underlayment, we recommend installing one to protect against water damage and help your roof last longer. Synthetic underlayment, which is one of the most commonly used materials, costs between $0.16 and $0.65 per square foot.
Pitch
Roofs with a steep pitch are more difficult to install, require specialized safety equipment, and will cost more in labor expenses, so expect a higher price tag if your roof has a steep pitch. A roof with a curved pitch requires specialized installation to avoid damaging the roofing material, so you’ll pay a premium for a curved-pitch metal roof.
Gutters
A new roof may require a new gutter system, which can add to your total project cost. Gutter installation costs an average of $4 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the gutter material, type of gutter, and roof height.
Permits
Roof installation will require a permit from your local building authority. Building permits cost between $150 and $800 on average, although the cost varies widely depending on location. Check with your municipality or roofing pro to confirm what permits you need and whose responsibility it is to secure them.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Metal Shake Roof
Installing a metal shake roof is a job best left to the pros—it’s a complicated and dangerous process requiring specialized knowledge and safety equipment. Trying to install a metal roof yourself could result in damage to the material or your home, as well as damage, such as water damage, resulting from an improperly installed roof. In many cases, a DIY installation may even void your roof’s warranty.
Even handy homeowners should forgo trying to install a metal roof themselves and hire a roofing pro to ensure the job is done safely and right. This isn’t a project to try to save money on with a DIY installation.
Metal Shake Roof Replacement vs. Repair
Metal roof repair costs an average of $1 to $5 per square foot, but for widespread or serious damage or if your roof is more than 50 years old, it may be better to replace the roof entirely. Metal shake is often easier to repair than other styles of metal roof that’s installed in larger sheets, so consult a metal roof repair pro to find out if you should repair or replace your metal shake roof.
How to Save Money on Metal Shake Roof Costs
Metal shake roofs come with a hefty price tag, and it’s not a project you can save money on by DIYing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can save on metal shake roof costs.
Contact your insurance company to find out if you qualify for any discounts.
Schedule your installation for the roofing off-season. Ask your roofing contractor if they offer discounted rates during slower times.
Find out if there are any applicable tax credits for a metal roof.
Choose a lower-cost metal material if available.
Call roofing supply companies and inquire about overstock.
Does a Metal Shake Roof Increase Home Value?
A metal roof can increase your home’s value, and you’ll likely see a nearly 50% return on your investment. Depending on your area, a properly installed metal roof can be a big enticement for homebuyers since they last longer than other types of roofs and require less maintenance. Many insurance companies also offer discounts for metal roofs, so the initial investment can really pay off over the long run.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metal shake roofs can last 50 to 75 years or more when properly maintained, compared to 20 to 40 years for a traditional asphalt shingle roof. Be sure to promptly repair damage and keep up with gutter maintenance to help extend the life of your metal roof.
Metal roofs are dangerous to walk on, even for professionals. Metal shake does offer some texture to help with grip, but metal itself is extremely slippery, especially at a medium to steep pitch, so call in a pro rather than getting up on the roof yourself. They’ll have the necessary safety equipment and experience to avoid injury.
Low sloped roofs with less than a 3/12 pitch are not generally suitable for a metal shake roof. Metal roofs are best suited to a moderate or steep pitch, due to the slower rate of water drainage of low-pitch roofs, which can lead to water damage and leaks.