How Much Does a Steel Roof Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $16,000 - $28,000
The cost to install a steel roof ranges from $16,000 to $28,000, with an average of $19,000 depending on roof size.
Adding a steel roof costs an average of $19,000, with a typical range of $16,000 to $28,000. While some may consider a steel roof a luxury addition, there are clear benefits—such as longevity and durability—that make a steel roof a practical choice.
The main price factors are the size and complexity of your roof. High-angle roofs, for example, are significantly more expensive. Learn all the factors of steel roof installation so you can budget for the project.
- Average
- $19,000
- Low end
- $6,000
- high end
- $64,000
Type of Steel Roof Material
The type of steel roofing material you choose impacts the cost of your project. The most common steel choices are galvanized and painted.
| Material Used | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Galvanized | $10–$18 |
| Stamped (Sheet Metal) | $3–$8 |
| Stainless | $10–$20 |
| Painted | $7–$13 |
Galvanized
Galvanized steel is created by coating steel with a layer of zinc. This protects the steel from corrosion and gives it a somewhat powdered appearance. Galvanized steel enhances durability and longevity in most cases but if you live near the coast where the air contains salt from sea spray, galvanized isn’t a good choice as it breaks down in that environment.
Stamped Steel
Stamped metal, often called sheet metal, can be pressed into shapes other than long corrugated rectangles. Stamped metal can even resemble tile and wood roofing. Stamped steel material may cost less, but the added labor required with installation can raise the price.
Stainless
Stainless steel is a popular roofing material despite the high cost. It looks beautiful and is resistant to dents and corrosion. However, stainless steel can look weathered more quickly than galvanized or painted steel, so it’s often the best choice in areas with mild climates.
Painted
Painted metal roofs offer more protection than sheeted steel, but less than stainless or galvanized. However, they add extra protection against UV rays and weathering. The largest benefit to a painted steel roof is that homeowners can choose a color that matches their home and surroundings.
Size of Steel Roof
The size of your roof is also a major cost factor in your steel roofing project.
| Size of Roof in Square Feet | Average Cost for Painted Steel | Average Cost for Stainless |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | $8,400–$15,600 | $12,000–$24,000 |
| 1,500 | $10,500–$19,500 | $15,000–$28,000 |
| 2,000 | $14,000–$25,000 | $20,000–$37,500 |
| 2,500 | $17,500–$31,000 | $25,000-$46,000 |
| 3,000 | $21,000–$38,000 | $30,000–$55,000 |
Roofer Cost
You’ll need to hire a professional roofer to install your steel roof. A local metal roof installer will have the necessary knowledge, licensing, and access to materials to do the job well. Expect to pay a percentage of the total project cost, which often runs between 15% and 35%.
Demolition Pro Cost
If you’re replacing your roof, you can hire a demolition team to remove your old roofing. However, they may not be able to answer any questions you have about your new roof installation. Expect to pay between $40 and $90 per hour for each worker on site. Be aware that disposal fees are often separate.
General Contractor Cost
If you’re adding a steel roof as part of a larger project, you may need to hire a general contractor. A general contractor charges around 30% of the project cost. Alternatively, day rates range from $200 to $500 a day or more.
Cost by Location
Location significantly impacts the cost of steel roofing because labor, material transport, and climates are different across the nation. Costs can be much higher in areas where building is difficult, such as in San Francisco, than in areas with plenty of space to work, such as Phoenix and Buffalo.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $18,000–$36,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $16,000–$36,800 |
| Charlotte, NC | $14,000–$28,600 |
| Buffalo, NY | $11,500–$23,000 |
| Little Rock, AR | $9,800–$19,000 |
| Austin, TX | $13,500–$22,300 |
| Columbus, OH | $12,500–$21,000 |
| New York, NY | $19,000–$39,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $14,500–$25,500 |
| Denver, CO | $16,000–$26,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $14,200–$23,200 |
Additional Cost Factors
Demolition and Prep
You’ll need to remove your old roof and, depending on its state, the underlayment as well. For most roofing jobs, contractors will suggest a new underlayment. Expect to pay around $40 to $90 an hour per worker for demo work, and an additional fee for disposal.
Permits
In almost all cases, you’ll need a permit to replace or install a roof. Roofing permits cost $1,500 on average. Building without a permit can result in heavy penalties, and you may even have to remove the installed roof, so make sure you double-check your permits before starting any work.
Insurance
The initial cost of installation isn’t the only consideration when it comes to pricing. A steel roof protects your home much better than traditional roofing materials. Because of this, you should expect your insurance premiums to go down a bit because of the new roof. However, most home damage comes from inside the house in the form of fire or moisture damage, and this is reflected in your premiums.
Repairs
The need for steel roof repairs is infrequent, but roofers can fix most issues panel-by-panel, saving some costs. There may only be one section that needs repairs, so you’ll only pay for that section of work. This is in contrast to other materials like wood, where if one section is damaged, you’re often forced to consider fixing a much larger piece or, in some cases, the entire roof.
DIY Steel Roof Install vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s always best to hire a professional roofer to install a steel roof, rather than doing the work yourself. There are plenty of DIY jobs you can tackle, but this isn’t one of them. Installing roofs is a dangerous and time-intensive process that can have serious consequences if done incorrectly. The cost of hiring a pro to install your steel roof will always be less than the cost of fixing problems that arise from cutting corners during installation.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing a Steel Roof
The two main cost factors are materials and labor. Labor costs are something you can try and negotiate, but not by much. However, there are some other ways you can whittle down the bottom line:
Negotiate with suppliers if available.
Use any discount codes (or sign up for some).
Install your roof when the roofer has a lull in their schedule.
Use recycled materials.
Gather at least five quotes and compare.
Buy materials in the winter.
Buy everything in bulk.
Does Adding a Steel Roof Increase Home Value?
Steel roofs significantly increase a home’s ability to withstand bad weather and UV rays, and add a touch of luxury to a property that buyers appreciate and desire. Installing a steel roof—especially a stainless one—can result in a return on investment (ROI) of between 55% and 80% of the cost. Whether you’re replacing an old roof or building a new one, installing a steel roof is one of the best projects you can do to increase your home’s value.
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
A standing seam roof is a roof that uses interlocking, vertical metal panels. A standing seam metal roof costs around $17,000 on average. Many steel roofs are standing seam roofs due to the ease of installation and the fact that replacing damaged sections isn’t complicated. These types of roofs are also one of the better choices in wet climates as the overlapping seams are great at preventing leaks.
Steel roofs are noisier than slate or asphalt tiles, but less noisy than aluminum or other types of metal without underlayment. While some find the sound pleasant, others may wish for a quieter solution which comes in the form of a thicker underlayment or added insulation between the roof and the house.
Metal roofs can rust but steel is a material that holds up well to environmental factors, especially if it’s painted or galvanized. One of the main determining factors regarding rust is the environment the roof is in. Harsher environments with a lot of salt in the air will rust much faster than a steel or metal roof in a dry climate. Zinc-coated steel, called galvanized steel, is excellent at preventing rust from forming.
The biggest problem with metal roofs is the cost, especially with steel. The price can seem quite high initially but consider the long life span of a metal roof when compared to other, less expensive options. Not only do you get a roof that stands out, but you’re installing one that can potentially outlast the rest of the house, and seldom needs replacing.
A metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years for conventional metal, like aluminum and painted steel. Copper, stainless steel, and other hardier and more resistant materials can easily last 80 years or more. Considering this, and if you have no plans to move from your current house, installing a steel roof is a once-in-a-lifetime expense for many.