Metal roofs are becoming more popular due to many factors. There are many benefits, such as lower maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency. However, you may be concerned about the price.
When it comes to pricing for metal roofs, it’s hard to give an exact figure because there are so many factors involved and various colors and material options to choose from. Location and project size can also influence the final cost. Consult this metal roofing cost guide to learn more about pricing and benefits.
Contact 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply to learn more about the costs involved and get a quote for your specific situation.
Why Go Metal?
From the variety available to perks like durability, metal roofing has many benefits you just can’t pass up.
Numerous Panel Options
When it comes to metal roofing, you have many options. Choose from the following types of panels:
- Armour PBR Panel: Low maintenance and easy to install.
- Armour Rib: This is a smaller version of the Armour PBR Panel.
- Armour Loc: Long-lasting design that saves money over time.
- Armour 5-V Crimp: Classic design combined with durability.
- Armour Loc Crimp: Clean elegance combined with quality.
- Distributed: Comes in several designs, such as Standing Seam, Stone Coated Metal, Thru Fastened Panels, and Commercial.
Multiple Trim Options
There are also many types of trim available. You may need many of these, depending on the shape of your roof.
- Eave
- Gable
- Ridge cap
- Valley
- Valley cleat
- Transition
- Sidewall
- Corners
- Fascia
- J-channel
- Z-closure
Longer-Lasting/More Durable
Metal roofs are highly durable, often lasting twice as long as traditional roofs. While an asphalt shingle roof may last 15–30 years, a metal one can last 50 years or longer.
Metal roofs can also withstand more wear and tear. They can get dented, but not very easily, whereas asphalt shingles tear easily.
Easier to Clean
Metal roofs can be cleaned by using a hose or pressure washer. Other types of roofs require more maintenance. They can grow moss or algae, which requires deeper cleaning.
Better for the Environment
Metal roofs are more energy-efficient. They are made of recycled metal, and because they are so durable, they don’t need to be replaced as often, which reduces waste.
Because metal roofs are reflective, they block heat, reducing cooling costs. You can expect to save as much as 30% when cooling your home during the summer.
Weather/Fire Resistance
Metal roofs are very durable and can stand up to hail, storms, high winds, and other severe weather events. Metal is also resistant to fire and smoke, which is helpful if you live in an area prone to wildfires.
What Impacts the Cost of Metal Roofing?
A metal roof can usually cost between $5,000 and $40,000. Why is there such a huge price range? What influences the cost? This metal roofing cost guide outlines some of the factors.
Material
Not all metal is created equal. The biggest factor when it comes to the cost of a metal roof is the material. Depending on the metal’s durability and quality, roofing can cost anywhere from $2–$20 a square foot.
Steel
Steel roofing generally has a similar price to asphalt shingles but provides far more durability, higher energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan than shingles. The steel is typically fed through a roll-forming machine that shapes the metal into various patterns to add strength and durability.
Modern corrugated metal is coated to help prevent rust and leaks, giving it a lifespan of 15–20 years. At that point, it needs maintenance like re-tightening fasteners and re-caulking where necessary.
The biggest advantages of steel roofs are that they are highly energy-efficient, easy to install, and low cost. Steel roofing can cost anywhere from $3.35 to $4.50 per square foot..
Aluminum
Rather than using large metal sheets, aluminum roofing is usually stamped into individual shingles and then coated with primer, paint, and sealant. These aluminum shingles create a traditional staggered appearance similar to asphalt shingles but provide the durability of metal.
Aluminum roofing is incredibly resistant to fire, impact, weather damage, and rot. Additionally, aluminum is recyclable, so it can be reused when it finally reaches the end of its lifespan of around 50 years.
Metal roofing shingles tend to carry high upfront costs, and aluminum is no different. On average, you can expect to pay between $3.25 and $5.75 per square foot before installation. However, the potential long life of metal shingles makes it easy for homeowners to save on roof replacement costs because of their durability.
Zinc
Zinc roofing is a favorite for commercial projects due to its extreme durability and lifespan of 80–100 years. Zinc requires almost no maintenance over its lifespan and has low reflectivity, making it energy-efficient.
While it has great durability, over time zinc starts to look chalky and will patinate into a blue/gray appearance if left unpainted. For some, this helps a home feel more mature and lived in, but some people don’t love the worn-down appearance.
Zinc is not cheap and requires expert installation. A zinc roof can cost between $5.65 and $11 per square foot, not including installation. Additionally, zinc is a soft metal and can be damaged by high winds and hail.
Copper
Copper is an extremely soft metal and is used to create a quiet metal roof. However, because it is a softer metal, copper is not as durable and can be damaged by hail. While some consider this a downside, copper still performs better than harder metals because the harder metals won’t dent, but they can be pierced by heavy hail.
One negative aspect of copper is it will expand and contract with the temperature. For this reason, copper can be an unadvisable option in locations that experience extreme hot and cold weather.
Copper is an extremely expensive roofing option, but this is offset by the fact that it can have a lifespan of more than 100 years. A copper roof can cost anywhere from $14 to $2 per square foot, not including installation.
Tin
Tin is an outdated roofing option that hasn’t been seriously considered for over a century. However, because it used to be so popular, tin roofing has become synonymous with metal roofs, even though it’s more common to use other materials like steel.
Tin was initially used by homeowners looking for a cheap and accessible option. They would take tin cans, flatten out the material into a shingle and use it for their roofing when there were no other options available. As other, more durable and cost-effective options came into use, tin has been largely phased out of the market and is rarely used.
If you want this classic roofing option, it can range from $10 to $18.50 per square foot, including installation.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a type of material designed to lay under the metal sheets or shingles of a roof to help insulate your home and dampen the noise of a metal roof. The material and quality of the underlayment can directly affect the cost of your roof.
Felt Underlayment
Also known as felt paper, tar paper, or asphalt-soaked felt, this is the cheapest underlayment material, which makes it also the most commonly used. On average, you can expect to spend somewhere between $0.76 to $0.92 per square foot, plus installation, for felt underlayment.
It is water-resistant, but struggles in high-temperature environments and has a shorter lifespan than other options. For most roofs with felt underlayment, the underlayment needs replacing well before the roof even needs minor maintenance.
Self-Adhering Membrane Underlayment
Self-adhering underlayment is usually a rubberized asphalt adhesive that is attached directly to the roof decking. This underlayment is better for high temperatures but does not perform as well in colder environments. It is more expensive than other underlayment options and can range from $5.90 to $7.55 per square foot.
A major benefit of self-adhering membrane underlayment is that it provides a larger air barrier that acts as insulation for the roof. It also helps protect against ice dams in places like eaves, valleys, and dormers.
Synthetic Sheet Underlayment
Synthetic sheet underlayment is a newer option for underlayment and is growing in popularity. It’s made from either polyethylene or polypropylene and acts as a barrier between the metal roof and the decking. It’s more resistant to tearing, moving, and being damaged, and is tolerant of high temperatures. Additionally, synthetic underlayment has the longest lifespan of any underlayment.
That quality and durability causes synthetic underlayment to be more expensive than the cheapest options. On average, synthetic sheet underlayment can range anywhere from $3.85 to $5.90, including installation.
Order Size
The amount you need to order is a factor, as prices are based on square foot. The larger the roof, the more labor will be required, which will increase the overall roof cost.
Location
Labor and material costs vary from one place to another. A metal roof may cost more or less in certain states, depending on several factors.
Supplier
Roofing companies get their materials from a supplier. Therefore, your cost will vary based on what the supplier is charging. If there is high demand but low stock of a certain product, prices tend to go up. Roofing companies pass on these costs to customers.
Cost Factors to Consider Before Installing a New Roof
This metal roofing cost guide outlines some other factors that will need to be considered before getting a quote for a new roof:
- Size. Size does matter. Smaller roofs are cheaper than larger ones due to the amount of materials and labor involved.
- Slope. Slope affects the cost since a roof with a huge slope is more difficult to work with.
- Complexity. Roofs that are steep and have a lot of hips and valleys are harder to work with. Gutter systems and the climate in the area (such as snow) can also make roofs more complex.
- Accessibility. A roof that is hard to access (such as a house on a hill) may require a crane or other equipment, which can cost more money.
- Existing roof. If the existing roof needs to be removed before installing the metal roof, this will cost more.
- Material type. There are many types of metal roofing material to consider, including copper, tin, aluminum, and steel. These materials can range widely in price and affect your quote by thousands of dollars.
- Underlayment and accessories. Metal roofs require a special self-adhesive high-temperature Class A underlayment, which can be expensive.
- Ventilation. One square foot of ventilation is needed for every 150 square feet of roofing.
- Flashing. Flashing is needed in chimney areas and where your roof ends.
- Labor. Labor costs can significantly affect your price. The more people it takes, or the longer it takes to install your roof, the more you’ll pay.
- Scope of work/project size. Project size is important. The larger the project, the more expensive your roof installation will be.
While getting a metal roof may seem cost-prohibitive, keep in mind that a lot of the cost is upfront. A metal roof can save you money over time, plus there are many other benefits. If you don’t have enough money right now, consider one of our financing options.
Contact Us Today
There are lots of things to consider when getting a new roof. The cost will vary, but hopefully this metal roofing cost guide will give you a good idea of what to expect. Contact 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply today to get a quote on a metal roof for your home. We also have special programs for contractors.
