Depending on the type of material chosen, metal roof installation costs between $469 and $2,570 per square (100 square feet of roof surface), with most homeowners paying anywhere from $11,250 to $33,750 overall.
While metal roofing seems costlier than asphalt shingles with its upfront expenses, it is a far better roofing option — especially considering its cost-to-value ratio in the long run. Not only is it long-lasting, but depending on the type of metal roofing you choose, you could recoup up to 95% of the cost over time.
To figure out the exact cost of your metal roof installation project, you must consider other factors that influence it, including your location and the metal roofing panels you’ll be using.
Cost by Material
The type of material you’ll be using for your metal roof is the most significant factor affecting the cost of installation.
| Type of Material | Typical Price Range per square (including labor) |
| Aluminum | $469 – $1,030 |
| Copper | $1,465 – $2,570 |
| Steel | $585 – $1,050 |
| Stainless steel | $930 – $1,630 |
| Tin | $597 – $1,613 |
| Zinc | $824 – $1,263 |
| Rusted metal | $1,130 – $1,730 |
For a more detailed breakdown of each metal roofing material and its cost, you can find material-specific pricing guides here:
- Aluminum Roofing Cost Guide
- Copper Roofing Cost Guide
- Steel Roofing Cost Guide
- Tin Roofing Cost Guide
Cost by Location
Where you live in the country is another significant factor that can affect metal roof installation costs. Since materials and labor are more expensive in cities with high costs of living, you should be ready to pay more per square for a roofing project in major cities like New York or San Diego.
On the other hand, metal roof installations in rural areas would typically be less expensive. Furthermore, roofing costs are generally more affordable in areas with warm climates and longer roofing seasons than in areas with harsh climates and shorter roofing seasons.
The table below provides examples of the typical costs for installing a metal roof in a major city or small town in different regions across the country.
| Location by Region | Metal Roof Installation Cost per square (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| New York, NY | $1,040 – $1,850 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $500 – $1,400 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $650 – $1,480 |
| Dothan, AL | $610 – $940 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $790 – $1,660 |
| South Bend, IN | $620 – $1,420 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $820 – $1,630 |
| Corvallis, OR | $850 – $980 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Diego, CA | $890 – $1,420 |
| Roswell, NM | $780 – $1,370 |
Using the cost comparisons for your region, you can now estimate the cost of metal roof installation in your area, taking into account the size of your city.
To get more accurate pricing information, it would be better to compare the free quotes you receive from reputable roofing companies in your area.
Cost by Style of Roof
Standing seam metal roofing is quite common, but it’s not the only style available. You can go with other designs like metal or steel shingles, corrugated, and stone-coated steel. However, remember that your choice can lessen or increase the cost.
| Metal Roof Style | Typical Price Range (including labor) |
| Corrugated metal | $469 – $1,465 per square |
| Standing seam metal | $675 – $1,800 per square |
| Metal or steel shingles | $400 – $1,650 per square |
| Stone-coated steel or Metal Slate | $730 – $1,430 per square |
To learn more about each metal roof style and how much the installation cost is, you can check the corresponding cost guide here:
- Corrugated Metal Roofing Cost Guide
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost Guide
- Metal Shingle Roofing Cost Guide
Cost by Slope or Pitch
The rule of thumb is that the steeper your roof’s pitch or slope is, the more you’ll have to pay for roof installation. If your roof has a 3-inch rise per foot or higher, it will be harder for the roofing contractor to work. The installation will take more time and require more materials and additional safety equipment.
On the other hand, if your roof has a low slope with a rise of less than 3 inches per foot, you won’t have to pay as much for the labor and material cost.
- Steep roofs (3-inch rise per foot or higher): add 5% to 40% of the cost
- Low-slope roofs (less than a 3-inch rise per foot): add 3% of the cost
Cost to Paint or Coat a Metal Roof
Metal roofing can be painted over with almost any color imaginable, which is one of its perks that traditional asphalt shingle roofs can’t beat. You can choose one of the standard colors straight from the factory or use custom colors.
Expect to pay around $108 to $285 per square for metal roof painting, which already covers the labor and material prices. For a cost breakdown and to understand all the factors involved, check our metal roof painting pricing guide. Apart from supply and demand, factors like the color application process and the amount of pigment used can impact the actual cost.
After painting your roof, use a high-quality metal roof coating like Kynar 500 coating. While this increases the cost of the material, its benefit usually makes up for it since it protects the color from fading or chalking and also includes a 30-year warranty. Coating a metal roof can cost anywhere from $70 to $488 per square, including labor.
Cost to Seal a Metal Roof
Unless you don’t mind dealing with roof leaks and mold growth, it’s also crucial to seal your metal roof. Apart from preventing water damage, it also can help lower your cooling costs and enhance your roof’s durability and lifespan.
The cost to seal a metal roof ranges from $0.58 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on factors like the type of sealant used. You can choose between acrylic (elastomeric), bitumen, silicone, liquid rubber, polyurethane (polyurea), and EPDM sheets. Learn more about them and other cost factors in our metal roof sealing pricing guide.
Cost to Install Underlayment
Apart from providing additional insulation, roof underlayment also can protect your roof against leaks. You have three types to choose from – rubberized asphalt, synthetic, or felt.
| Type of Underlayment | Typical Cost per Square (including labor and materials) | Typical Cost per Square Foot (including labor and materials) |
| Rubberized asphalt | $70 – $115 | $0.70 – $1.15 |
| Synthetic | $32 – $105 | $0.32 – $1.05 |
| Felt | $20 – $100 | $0.20 – $1.00 |
Rubberized asphalt is your best option since it’s the most durable and moisture-resistant of the three types. It can last up to 50 years, while synthetic has a lifetime of up to 40 years. The least expensive underlayment, felt, only lasts around 15 to 20 years.
Cost of Permits for Roofing
If you are hiring a professional roofing contractor to install your metal roof, ask about the cost of obtaining permits and whether it is already included in their estimate. Some contractors may include the cost of obtaining permits in their overall price, while others may charge it as an additional fee.
Permit fees usually range between $255 and $500, depending on your location, the specific requirements of your local building department, and the size and complexity of your roofing project.
Cost to Remove Old Roof
While you won’t have to worry about roof removal if you’re building a new house, homeowners who are replacing their existing roofs need to be aware that roof replacement can significantly increase the overall cost of their metal roof installation project.
Typically, roofing contractors charge between $100 and $165 per square for removing old roofs, which already includes the cost of disposing of the old roofing materials.
FAQ About Metal Roof Installation
Is It Better To Do a DIY Metal Roof Installation?
No, it’s still better to hire a roofing contractor for the job. Since metal roof installation is a fairly advanced DIY home improvement project, you need the right skills, experience, and crew to help you. Additionally, you risk voiding the warranty if you don’t install the roof in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications.
Working at heights, handling heavy materials, and using power tools all present potential risks, and it’s important to follow all safety guidelines and precautions to minimize the risk of injury.
What Is the Biggest Issue With Metal Roofs?
Water accumulation is the biggest problem with metal roofs. However, this can easily be avoided by choosing high-grade metals with a durable coating. High-quality installation is also important to minimize this issue. If you choose a metal roof type that is not impervious to rust, the accumulated water can cause your roof to rust.
Does a Metal Roof Make a House Warmer or Cooler?
Instead of absorbing light and heat, metal roofs reflect them because of their low thermal mass. As such, it can keep your home warmer during winter and cooler in summer. You can even increase its energy efficiency by painting your metal roof white to make it more reflective.
Hire a Roofing Contractor Near You
Who wouldn’t want a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly roof that lasts for years? If you’re ready to start your metal roof installation project, let Roof Gnome connect you with roofing contractors near you today.
Note: Roof Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo Credit: sirisakboakaew / Adobe Stock / License
