Forget about the tin metal roof typically associated with agricultural structures – residential metal roofs are made from durable, low-maintenance materials that look amazing and can last a lifetime.
The price of a metal roof can range from $9,000 – $50,000+! With such a ride range, it’s important to get an idea of exactly how much a metal roof might cost for your home.
The cost of a metal roof depends on a few factors:
- The type of metal roof
- How large your home is
- Labor costs in your area
Read more from our roofing experts below, where they break down the cost of a metal roof, if it’s worth it, and a few of the pros and cons of a metal roof.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
The national average cost for a metal roof is around $10,000, though it can cost over $50,000 depending on a few factors.
The metal roof material you choose and the cost of labor to install it are the two biggest determinants of price:
- Materials are based on the type of metal roof you want, with prices ranging from $4 – $25+ per square foot. On the more affordable side, there are aluminum and standing seam roofs. The most expensive metal roof materials are zinc and copper.
- Labor is determined by the size of your roof, as well as the pitch and slopes. The more complex of a design your roof has — as in multiple steep slopes — the more expensive installation for the labor will be. Large, complicated roofs require hours of skilled labor for the proper installation.
Metal Roof Material
There are many different types of metal you can choose from.
Here’s an example of some of the common roofing materials and their general prices, according to This Old House.
Note: prices vary by location, these are just an average.
- Corrugated steel: $1.00 – $2.50 per square foot
- Aluminum shingles: $3.15 – $6.00 per square foot
- Standing seam roofing: $4.00 – $6.50 per square foot
- Copper: $14 – $25.00 per square foot
Type of Metal Roof
The type of metal roof you want to put on your home is one of the biggest determinants of cost. The cheapest types of metal roofs are tin and steel, though those are primarily used for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Materials are the biggest cost of a metal roof. The individual metal panel or shingle for a metal roof can range from as low as $200 to over $1,000 each.
Here’s how the type of metal roof affects the cost:
- Metal shingle roofs – A metal shingle roof is the most expensive, but for a good reason. It provides the same traditional “shingle” roof look you’re used to, only it lasts 3 times longer! Plus, it requires much less maintenance than an asphalt or tile shingle roof.
- Standing seam metal roof – A standing seam metal roof provides a modern look with extra security. All of the roof’s fasteners are hidden beneath the seams, so there isn’t any hardware exposed to the elements. Price-wise, this is the middle of the road for metal roof costs.
- Imperial ribbed metal roof – A ribbed metal roof is the most affordable option. With a price comparable to asphalt shingles, but a material that lasts twice as long, it’s well worth the investment.
The Size of Your Roof
While you might know the square footage of your home, it’s not a one-to-one translation for the size of your roof. The size of your roof determines how much it will cost to have your metal roof installed.
Labor costs can range from a few thousand dollars to $10,000+ depending on the size, pitch, and slope of your roof.
Pitch & Slope of Your Roof
However, the size of your roof isn’t the only factor that affects labor costs – the slopes and pitch of your roof determine how complicated (and expensive) the metal roof installation will be.
The pitch of a roof refers to how steep it is in certain areas, as well as the expertise required to install metal panels on those sections:
- A low pitch roof has less than 3/12 pitch and is the most affordable roof to install metal panels on.
- A steep pitch roof has more than 3/12 pitch. This installation requires extra safety equipment, materials, and skilled labor.
Geographic Location
Another determining factor of price is where you’re geographically located. In some states, materials and labor are more expensive because of local regulations.
For example, some states require special permits to install a metal roof. Others don’t allow a metal roof to be installed over existing asphalt shingles, making the labor cost much more expensive.
The Cost of a Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles
The debate between metal roofs vs asphalt shingles is a popular one. While we tend to lean towards the metal roof side, there are pros and cons to each.
| Metal Roof | Asphalt Shingles |
| Average Cost: Around $11,000 | Average Cost: Around $9,000 |
| Lifespan: 50+ years | Lifespan: 12-20 years |
| Maintenance: Low | Maintenance: High |
| Return on investment: up to 90% | Return on investment: Minimal |
Are Metal Roofs Worth the Extra Cost?
A metal roof is absolutely worth the extra cost, especially if you plan on staying in your home for a long time.
Depending on the type of metal roof you install and how well it’s maintained, it can easily last your lifetime (and potentially the next owner’s lifetime, too!).
While a metal roof is more expensive than an asphalt roof upfront, it will last 2-3x longer. By the time you pay for three asphalt shingle roofs, the price for one metal roof will have made up for it and then some.
Does a Metal Roof Increase a Home’s Value?
Yes, a metal roof is proven to increase your home’s value by up to 6%. Plus, you’ll likely recoup up to 96% of the cost to install the metal roof depending on the state you live in.
What’s also great for your home’s value is when a roofing company offers a double lifetime warranty. Here at Shield Exteriors, we provide a TRUE, accident-free, double lifetime warranty so you can feel confident with your purchase. We cover anything that might happen to the roof, including weather-related issues, and the warranty transfers to the next owner of your home.
Pros & Cons of a Metal Roof
Wondering if a metal roof is worth the cost? We can assure you that it is, but here are a few pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Pros of a Metal Roof
- Extremely weather-resistant
- Low-maintenance
- Last 50+ years
- Energy efficient, lowers utility bills
- Variety of styles and colors
- Easy to install solar panels
Cons of a Metal Roof
- More expensive upfront
- Higher labor costs compared to asphalt shingles
- It might be a bit noisy during rainstorms
Interested in a Metal Roof for Your Home?
We install metal roofs throughout Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan. We’re dedicated to high-quality work and attention to detail.
Contact us today for a FREE, zero-obligation roof estimate!
Written by Shield Exteriors: Our team of experienced roofers has been in the business for decades. We want to help educate homeowners on everything they need to know about residential roofing, from how long certain types of roofs last to picking the roofing material best for your needs and budget. Learn more about us or contact us today if you’re looking for a roof estimate!