The average U.S. homeowner spends $1,904 to repair a metal roof. Depending on home location, material, roof size, and type of damage, most people spend between $634 and $3,193.
The average metal roof repair cost is $1,904, though most homeowners spend between $634 and $3,193. Whether your home’s curb appeal screams industrial and modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, your trusty metal roof is here to stay. But an outdated roof in need of repairs can quickly snuff out your home’s curb appeal and lead to costly water damage. Let’s review the cost of repairing a metal roof so that you can budget for this necessary improvement.
You should consider several factors when repairing a metal roof, including the size, materials, labor, prep, and location.
Roof sizes vary from home to home, and with the average cost of a metal roof repair falling between $1 and $5 per square foot, there’s a significant difference in price based on the size. Here’s a breakdown of how much metal roof repairs cost by size.
| House Size in Square Feet | Roof Size in Square Feet | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 1,120 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,680 | $1,500–$7,500 |
| 2,000 | 2,235 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| 2,500 | 2,800 | $2,500–$12,500 |
| 3,000 | 3,355 | $3,000–$15,000 |
The type of repair your metal roof needs can greatly impact the cost, with prices ranging from $200 for small cracks to upwards of $4,000 for widespread damage caused by storms. Leaks, buckling, and corrosion fall somewhere in the middle of the price range, depending on the extent of damage.
You could spend anywhere from $6 to $20 per square foot on metal roof repair costs, depending on the type of materials. This pricing includes labor. Overall, aluminum and tin are the most budget-friendly options, while copper tends to cost the most to repair.
| Metal Roof Material | Cost Range per Square Foot | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $6–$16 | $11 |
| Tin | $6–$16 | $11 |
| Zinc | $7–$17 | $12 |
| Steel | $9–$19 | $14 |
| Copper | $12–$20 | $16 |
Repairing an aluminum roof costs between $6 and $16 per square foot, or $11 per square foot on average. As one of the least expensive metal roof materials that has a long lifespan, aluminum is a popular choice for homeowners looking to make the most out of their investments.
However, aluminum roofing has its pitfalls. This material is susceptible to sudden temperature changes and may crack and leak as a result, requiring more repair costs than other more durable metal roof types.
Tin roof repair costs are similar to aluminum, with prices ranging between $6 and $16 per square foot or around $11 for typical repairs. Like aluminum, tin roofs are another popular metal roof material due to their availability and price tag.
The downside with tin roofs is that this material is prone to corrosion. If your roof has rust, then you could end up paying more to replace corroded sections. Tin is also susceptible to impact damage and may need routine repairs for dents.
Zinc roof repairs cost $12 per square foot on average, or between $7 and $17 per square foot. Falling in the middle of the price range when it comes to metal roof repair costs, zinc is a trusted material that is corrosion-resistant, durable, and low maintenance.
While zinc handles corrosion and wear and tear better than aluminum or tin roofs, rust can still develop over time, and cracks and leaks can naturally occur after extreme weather or impact.
The average cost to repair a steel roof is $14 per square foot, but you could pay anywhere from $9 to $19 per square foot. Steel and galvanized steel roofs are low-maintenance, durable options that last several decades before requiring repairs.
This material is susceptible to expansion and contraction, so you may need to invest in new fasteners and minor repairs like cracks or gaps over time. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating and corrosion-resistant paint, but it can still corrode and rust over time. However, if you have a stainless steel roof, you’re less likely to experience rust or invest in that type of repair.
Copper roofs cost more than other metal roof materials, so it’s no surprise that copper roof repairs have a steeper price tag of $12 to $20 per square foot or $16 per square foot on average. Copper’s extreme durability and stunning appearance make it worth the investment for some homeowners.
This material can develop dents, loose copper fasteners, and other issues down the line that result in repairs. Since copper needs copper fittings and fasteners to avoid corroding other metals, you’ll incur higher costs to repair or replace your roof.
Repairing a metal roof costs anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot in labor on top of the material costs. The pricing charged by a local roofing company depends on the extent of work and type of metal roof.
If old metal roofing needs to be replaced rather than repaired, your contractor will need to prepare the roof before installing the new materials. Roof replacement costs range from $11,700 to $28,700 on average. In addition, other prep work like clearing the area to make it more accessible or trimming trees could add to the project’s cost.
The location of the damaged roof can also play a role in how much it costs to repair a metal roof. For example, roofs with steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas may take longer for a roofing pro to access, hiking up overall labor fees.
One of the biggest cost factors for metal roof repairs is the type of problem. You’ll find that smaller, localized issues tend to cost the least, while larger, more extensive repairs cost the most. Here’s how much metal roof repairs cost by repair type.
| Repair Type | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Splits, Cracks, and Gaps | $200–$1,000 | $600 |
| Leak Repair | $400–$1,000 | $700 |
| Buckling and Wrinkling | $500–$3,000 | $1,750 |
| Rust and Corrosion | $500–$3,000 | $1,750 |
| Storm Damage | $700–$4,000 | $2,350 |
Cracks, gaps, and splits can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the damage. Smaller sections will fall toward the lower end of the spectrum, while larger sections will cost more. Some cracks and splits may be small enough to use rubberized tape to patch up, while other issues may require metal adhesives and a fiber or rubberized membrane to seal the gaps.
Leaks require more TLC than blemishes that haven’t infiltrated the roof and made their way into your home. The average price range for repairing leaks is $400 to $1,000, but for major leaks, you could spend double that amount. However, the cost to replace screws in metal roofs to stop minor leaks may only cost $15 to $75, not including labor.
Metal roofs are prone to leaks wherever there are seams, skylights, vents, and chimneys, making it important to inspect your roof regularly to catch leaks as soon as they appear.
Buckling or wrinkling typically costs between $500 and $3,000 to repair. The process is also called oil canning: When your metal roof experiences stress, extreme temperature changes, or simply ages and loses elasticity, the metal sheets can wrinkle or buckle. The only solution is to replace the affected sections.
Repairing rust and corrosion can cost between $500 and $3,000 on average. Anticipate spending 50% or more on material costs if the extent of damage is beyond repair. Being proactive about inspecting your roof can help you notice pitting—the first sign of corrosion—as soon as it occurs. For minor repairs, a professional will sand and scrape away pitting, then apply a rust-resistant coating followed by a coat of sealant.
You’ll pay between $700 and $4,000 to repair a storm-damaged roof. Check your homeowners insurance to see if it covers hail damage or damage from other kinds of severe weather. Cosmetic damage is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
On top of your metal roof repairs, you’ll also face ongoing costs worth adding to your budget, such as maintenance work and routine inspections.
The key to a long-lasting roof is proper maintenance. While metal roofs are often prized for their low maintenance costs, you’ll still need to invest in local pressure-washing services ranging from $50 to $100 per hour depending on pressure washer rates in your area.
A home roof inspection costs between $125 and $350 on average. Your best strategy for catching leaks, water damage, and mold is to schedule an inspection every one to three years or after severe storms. Large roofs with higher pitches tend to fall on the higher end of the price range, with very steep, large, or complicated designs costing $900.
Though it’s tempting to save $5 to $15 per square foot on labor costs by DIYing your metal roof repair, it’s not safe to attempt roof repairs unless you’re a trained professional. A metal roofing pro near you can correctly diagnose and repair your metal roof before any problems get out of hand.
If you still want to get your hands dirty on a home improvement project, consider giving your roof a touch-up by learning how to paint a metal roof once your pro has gone in and completed the necessary repairs.
Your metal roof contractor may offer additional services to knock multiple items off your to-do list. Here are some common add-ons:
Chimney replacement cost: $3,100–$15,400
Gutter guards cost: $650–$2,400
Gutter installation cost: $625–$1,700
Roof vent boot replacement cost: $250–$500
Siding replacement cost: $5,600–$17,600
Solar panel installation cost: $18,400–$36,300
Tree trimming cost: $275–$1,800
Repairing your metal roof can quickly add up, making it important to find ways to save on this necessary project. These tips could help you save money:
Hire the best roofing contractor for the job by shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing services to find the lowest, most economical choice for the skills offered.
If possible, choose a date in the off-seasons like spring or late winter, where companies may offer discounted rates.
Ask your pro if they’ll reuse old, usable materials.
Clear the path to make the job easier and faster to complete.
Trim trees yourself to avoid paying extra for tree trimming services.
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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Metal roofs last anywhere from 40 to 80 years, depending on the circumstances. For instance, metal roofs can be more prone to corrosion if you live in a coastal region, which can decrease the lifespan of your roof considerably. Aluminum is more susceptible to denting from extreme weather and may have a shorter lifespan than copper or corrugated steel, which are stronger metal roof materials.
Whether you should repair or replace your roof boils down to the scope of the damage. If you need to replace more than 20% or 30% of your roof, then it’s probably a good idea to just replace the entire roof, as leaving older sections up can leave parts of your roof open to more issues. By replacing your roof, you can have peace of mind that no pesky leaks are sneaking into your home.
How long it takes to replace a roof can vary, but most roof replacements take anywhere from one to 12 days. The crew size, roof size, and complexity can affect the cost of your project, especially if your roofing contractor charges by the hour.
Metal roofs generally take longer than asphalt shingles, wood, slate, concrete, and tile, averaging between seven and 14 days. This is because metal is more difficult to work with than most other materials, excluding slate and other heavy materials.
