How Much Does a Steel Roof Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a steel roof ranges from $16,000 to $28,000, with an average of $19,000 depending on roof size and the type of metal roofing you choose.
Adding a steel roof costs an average of $19,000, with a typical range of $16,000 to $28,000. Your price can range anywhere from $6,000 to $48,000, depending on your roof design, the size of your roof, the type of metal roof you want, and a few other factors.
Size of Steel Roof
The size of your roof is the most significant factor when it comes to pricing out your steel roofing project. You’ll pay an average of $11 per square foot to install a steel roof, with a normal range of $6 to $16.
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Steel Roof Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | $13,200 | $7,200–$19,200 |
| 1,500 | $16,500 | $9,000–$24,000 |
| 2,000 | $22,000 | $12,000–$32,000 |
| 2,500 | $27,500 | $15,000–$40,000 |
| 3,000 | $33,000 | $18,000–$48,000 |
Roofer Cost
Labor costs to install a metal roof will account for 40% to 60% of your total, or between $7,600 and $11,400 for an average roof size. Your price could increase if you have a complex roof design or need repairs to the roof decking before your metal roof pro can begin the installation.
Cost by Location
Location significantly affects 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
Roof size and location are some of the most important cost factors to consider, but there are some other things to think about if you want the most accurate estimate possible.
Cost by Type of Metal Roof
There are a few different types of steel roof you can choose from, and these vary when it comes to material cost and aesthetics. A corrugated steel roof is going to be the most affordable but adds the least curb appeal and home value. A standing seam metal roof is the most expensive option, but it’s the nicest looking type of metal roof.
| Steel Roof Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Corrugated | $6–$10 |
| Metal shingles | $10–$14 |
| Sheet metal | $7–$11 |
| Standing seam | $12–$16 |
Cost by Type of Steel
The type of steel roofing material you choose affects the cost of your project, too. The most common steel choices are galvanized and painted.
| Material Used | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Galvanized | $10–$16 |
| Stamped (Sheet Metal) | $7–$12 |
| Stainless | $10–$16 |
| Painted | $7–$13 |
Demolition and Prep
You’ll need to remove your old roof and underlayment before you can install new materials. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for this portion of the job, including disposal. Many roofers will include this in their initial estimates, but check with the roofer you choose to make sure it’s not extra.
Permits
In almost all cases, you’ll need a permit to replace or install a roof. Roofing permits cost between $250 and $500. 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.
Unexpected Repairs
When your roofer removes your old roof, there’s a chance they’ll uncover hidden damage to the materials below. If the damage is extensive enough, you may need to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot to replace the plywood or OSB.
Steel Roof Repair vs. Replacement
Steel roof repair costs an average of $1,500, with a normal range of $1,000 to $5,000. Unfortunately, repairing a metal roof involves replacing large panels that come with high material and labor costs. The good news is that this is still significantly more affordable than a full replacement, which costs an average of $19,000.
In almost all cases, it’s more adorable to repair your steel roof than replace it, but if the damage is severe and will cost 50% or more of the roof replacement cost, or you’ve had ongoing issues with roof leaks, a full replacement may provide greater value over time.
DIY Steel Roof Install vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s always best to hire a local metal roofer to install a steel roof rather than do the work yourself. It’s possible to install a metal roof yourself, of course, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to roof leaks and major property damage. Ultimately, it’s worth the investment to hire a professional roofer.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing a Steel Roof
The two main cost factors when installing a steel roof are materials and labor. Labor costs are something you can try to negotiate, but not by much. However, there are some other ways you can whittle down the bottom line:
Negotiate with suppliers if available. Look for materials during the off-season to find deals.
Use any discount codes (or sign up for some).
Install your roof when the roofer has a lull in their schedule. Again, off-season work can often save you some serious money.
Use recycled materials.
Gather at least five quotes and compare.
Buy everything in bulk.
Does Adding a Steel Roof Increase Home Value?
Steel roofs improve home value because they significantly increase a home’s ability to withstand bad weather, and they can even help keep your home cool by reflecting sunlight. 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
Steel roofs are noisier than slate or asphalt tiles but less noisy than aluminum and other types of metal roofing. While some find the sound pleasant, others may want a quieter roof. To reduce noise in your living area, you can install thicker underlayment or add insulation or even acoustic tiles 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 more quickly than a steel or metal roof in a dry climate. Zinc-coated steel, called galvanized steel, is excellent at preventing rust from forming.
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, installing a steel roof could be a once-in-a-lifetime expense if you have no plans to move from your current house.
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