Metal Roof Cost: Homeowner Installation Pricing Guide
According to Angi, the typical metal roof cost ranges from $6,043 to $18,340, with a national average of $11,764. Forbes Home outlines an expenditure bracket spanning $6,492 to $99,689 on typical residential dwellings. Angi attributes the spread to the size of the roof, the metal and gauge, and how complex the design is.
Metal roof cost breakdown
Fixr indicates that installation pricing typically spans $3 to $30 per square foot, influenced by material grade and panel profile. Angi adds that the type of material is the primary driver of where a project lands in its $4 to $30 per square foot range. Some prices below are quoted per square, which HomeGuide defines as 100 square feet.
| Material / Profile | Installed Price | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tin roofing | $3 to $15 | per square foot | Fixr |
| Aluminum panels | $4 to $12 | per square foot | Fixr |
| Corrugated sheet panels | $5 to $12 | per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Galvanized or galvalume steel | $5 to $13 | per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Standing seam panels | $9 to $16 | per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Stainless steel | $14 to $19 | per square foot | Forbes Home |
| Galvalume corrugated panels | $500 to $1,000 | per square | HomeGuide |
| Galvalume standing seam (average) | $800 to $1,300 | per square | HomeGuide |
HomeGuide figures show that corrugated metal roofing profiles sit at a lower price bracket than standing seam systems.
Labor vs. materials
This Old House notes that labor represents approximately 60% of total metal roof replacement expenses. Fixr calculates that crew charges represent 50% to 80% of the entire project budget.
On an area basis, HomeGuide states that labor costs run $4 to $8 per square foot. Contractor fees reported by HomeGuide average $400 to $800 per roofing square for installation. For supplies alone, HomeGuide lists metal roofing materials at $100 to $2,000 per square based on material type.
Forbes Home says trim and flashing add roughly 20% to 40% on top of material costs, with the exact share depending on how complex the roof is.
Cost by home size
Forbes Home documents an average investment of $22,917 for installing a metal roof across a 1,700-square-foot roof. For larger properties, This Old House reports an average cost of $57,661 on a 2,000-square-foot home, with materials and scope moving the number.
Per square foot, This Old House puts the average metal roof at $29 per square foot. Fixr gives a much lower average of $11 per square foot, including materials and labor, so the source you read changes the total.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Roof work means working at height on a sloped surface, so this is a job for a licensed roofer rather than a weekend project. Local building rules vary, so check whether your area requires a permit. Ask your contractor who will pull the permits and schedule any inspections.
Ways to save
These choices are tied to the figures above:
- Choose an exposed-fastener profile: HomeGuide lists corrugated sheet panels at $5 to $12 per square foot installed, versus $9 to $16 per square foot for standing seam panels.
- Keep the roofline simple: Forbes Home links trim and flashing to a 20% to 40% increase in material costs, and a more complex roof pushes that share higher.
- Request multiple contractor bids: Collect estimates from several licensed local roofers to compare installation rates and project scopes.
- Compare materials: Tin, aluminum, and corrugated panels sit at the low end of the table, while stainless steel and standing seam sit at the top.
Exploring our broader collection of roofing cost guides cover related exterior projects.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask each roofer for a written estimate that separates labor, materials, tear-off, and permit fees, and that names the metal type, gauge, and panel profile. Since labor can be 50% to 80% of the total, compare the labor line first.
Before signing, confirm the contractor’s license and insurance, and ask how repairs to the roof deck would be priced if damage is found after the old roof comes off.
What changes the price
- Total roof square footage and surface pitch
- Choice of metal material, such as steel, aluminum, or tin
- Panel profile, including standing seam versus corrugated sheets
- Metal gauge thickness and protective paint finish
- Roof complexity and requirements for flashing and trim
- Local labor rates and municipal permit fees
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal roof cost per square foot?
Fixr gives a typical range of $3 to $30 per square foot, which shifts with the metal chosen and the panel style. Forbes Home lists stainless steel at $14 to $19 per square foot, and HomeGuide lists standing seam at $9 to $16.
How much of a metal roof's cost is labor?
This Old House says to expect around 60% of the total to go to labor, while Fixr puts the labor share between 50% and 80%. HomeGuide lists installation labor at $4 to $8 per square foot.
Does a metal roof need a permit?
Requirements differ by location, so confirm with your local building department or ask your roofer. Angi lists permit costs for a metal roof at $250 to $500.
What is the national average cost of a metal roof?
Angi reports a national average of $11,764 based on 4,408 verified projects, with most homeowners paying between $6,043 and $18,340.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.