How Much Is A Metal Roof Per Square Foot Installed

What Are The Advantages Of A Metal Roof

Metal roofs have plenty of pros. Metal doesnt peel up, offering increased protection from the elements. Metal is durable, wind-resistant, relatively lightweight, and can often simply be laid over pre-existing asphalt. Homeowners opting for a metal roof could receive tax credits and, finally, they are energy-efficient, saving 10% to 40% on utility bills.

Average Cost Of Metal Roof By Size

The cost of buying and installing a metal roof also varies depending on the size of your roof.

Your home will need many sheets to cover the entire roof if you have a sizable house, for example. The more the materials, the higher the cost.

The installation process will also take longer with a sizable roof. That means the contractors will charge you more for the labor, further driving up the total costs.

The following table shows the average cost of installing metal roofs for different roof sizes.

The data is based on the Standing Seam Steel panel.

Look at the cost corresponding to your specific roof size. If you dont have the measurements on hand, take time to learn how to estimate the size of yokur roof.

Metal Roofing Cost Guide

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Jump To: Benefits of Metal Roofing | Metal Roofing Costs | Is a Metal Roof Worth It? | FAQs

The choice to put a metal roof on your house is a significant financial investment, particularly in comparison to materials like asphalt composite shingles. However, there are a number of valid reasons for making this switch, including the increased durability and value of metal roofing. Youll need to budget carefully, but many homeowners find that metal roofing provides a great return on investment and lasts two to three times longer than a traditional roof.

In this guide, well break down the benefits of a metal roof and the costs of different types of metal roofing materials to help you decide whether a metal roof is right for your house.

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Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Average Cost per sq. ft:

$8 – $14

Standing seam metal roofs will cost you about $8 to $14 per square foot. The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof on the average size home can range from $24,000 to $42,000 in total. They come in painted aluminum, galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and copper or zinc metal roof types. They perform extremely well in harsh weather conditions like heavy snow, hail and fire.

Cost To Install A Metal Roof Over Shingles

If you have an existing shingle roof in good condition, you may be able to roof over it. This means leaving the shingles and installing a new metal roof over them. This cannot be done with all existing roofs or metal roofs. It is most common when installing standing-seam roofs but can be done with some sheets, stone-coated metal tiles, and shingles. It is not available for flat-lock and rolled roofing because these materials need a smooth deck to install on.

Without the tear-off, this installation costs less. Expect to pay between $4 and $35 a sq.ft. total to install a metal roof over shingles. Doing this means the roof deck may not be inspected, and some issues go undetected.

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Metal Roofs Are Energy Efficient

While metal roofing is more expensive compared to asphalt shingles, you can feel good about saving on cooling costs.

Metal is reflective, so it directs the heat of the sun away from your home rather than absorbing it. Most experts estimate that you can save between 20% and 30% on cooling costs in the summer with a metal roof.

Metal Roof Cost By Shape

Just as there are many types and materials for metal roofs, there is also a range of roof shapes they can install on. Your roofs shape can impact the cost of your roof installation. Simple roofs like gables and hipped roofs have lower costs than more complex roofs like dormers and mansards. Not every roofing type can be installed on all roofs. For example, mansards, which curve, require rolled or flat-lock roofing and may be able to handle some shingles but cannot use panels or standing-seam roofs. However, gable and hipped roofs, which are two of the most common types, can use any metal roofing. The more complex your roof, the more material you need. A hipped roof needs more material than a gable roof â even if both are installed on homes of the same size. The complexity in dormer and mansard roofs also increases installation costs. Below are the average costs per square foot you can expect to pay for each roof shape.

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How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost Per Square Foot

The biggest concern for homeowners considering a metal roof is pricing. Which is understandable once you see the price tag.

Unfortunately, its hard to find an honest number for that price tag. And most information regarding pricing goes by per square.

This is confusing for anyone new to roofing or a roof replacement. So, lets save some brain calories and give you cost numbers with a term that most homeowners understand per square foot.

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has believed in providing honest and unbiased roofing information, especially around cost. Because of this, Ill break down how much a metal roof costs per square foot.

This article covers the following:

• A quick overview of the two types of metal roof systems.
• How much both roof systems cost per square foot.
• The factors that impact a metal roofs cost.

How To Estimate The Cost Of Your New Metal Roof

Of course, the cost of a metal roof also depends on the size and shape of your roof, your local market rates, the type of home you have, and any other special conditions such as unique climate or weather factors like wind damage on your roof.

The thickness of the metal roof, the roof type and quality of the paint finish that you choose, and the unique shape, details, and other factors that make your roofing project unique all play a role in the cost of your roof as well.

All of that said, you can begin to estimate based on the aforementioned costs and start to assume that your new metal roof will cost around $12.00 $13.00 per square foot, and a typical single-family home requires between 1,500 2,000 square feet of metal roofing , so you can assume that your new roof will cost between $18,000 $26,000.

There are less expensive or cheaper metal roofing options like corrugated steel or ribbed steel as well.

Read on to learn more about the various types of metal roofing, which range from high-end standing seam metal panels to metal shingles and everything in between.

The most important thing is to find something that fits your budget, style and will provide the best protection as the literal roof over you and your familys heads.

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Metal Roofing Types And Cost

The metal for your roof directly influences the cost, ranging from $4 to $40 per sq.ft. installed Many metal roofing types come in various colors and styles. The chart below highlights the different metal roofing types and their respective costs, followed by subsections explaining each.

Average Cost Of Metal Roof Installation

Once you have the materials, then you need to actually install your roof or more accurately, have it installed by a team of professional roofers.

The costs of installing your metal roof will vary depending on your location, your property, and the type of roof that you are installing, but installation costs are important to account for since they will affect the total price of your new metal roof.

Metal roofing tends to be more expensive to install than asphalt or wood shingles since it is not simply nailed to the top of the roof but rather built on top of a breathable synthetic underlayer, prefabricated trim, fashioning, and requires the installation or customization of pipe boots and roof vents.

This of course increases the overall cost of materials as well as the expertise necessary to do the job roofers in your area or metal roof contractors who can handle metal roofing with the appropriate skill tend to be on the higher end, cost-wise.

Also, keep in mind that smaller orders of metal roofing material tend to cost a bit more per square foot than larger orders.

Ordering through your roofing contractor can be one way to save on your new roof since they likely have the connections to buy at a bulk rate or can get an industry discount.

Plus, metal roofing can often be the most energy-efficient selection, saving you money on heating during the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

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Roofing Cost Per Square Foot Question

My question is this, does the season that you get your roof done have any sort of effect on the price?Daniel – Homeowner – from June, 2017

Site Editor’s Reply

Daniel, excellent question and one that is certainly worth looking at. Typically, the Summer and fall seasons are the driest and therefore the most desirable for most homeowners to reroof their house. It is no coincidence them that the roof cost per square foot is highest during these seasons. This is really a response to demand. Roofing contractors can charge more money to their customers because it’s more desirable to have the work done in the dry season as opposed to the wetter seasons. Conversely, the winter and spring time are more rainy and have more inclement weather. Therefore, they are less desirable to have roof work done, for obvious reasons. Having a tarp over your roof and having moisture potentially get into your home during these cold seasons is not optimal. However, homeowners can have work done on their home during these less desirable seasons with a little planning. This can save definitely you on the per square foot cost of a roof.Bill – Site Editor – from 2017

Cost Factors Of Metal Roofing Panels

Metal roofing has a range of panel types to choose from, each with different coverage and pricing considerations:

Depending on the type of panel you are looking to use, the price can range dramatically. As an example, a 1,500 sq.ft. roof would require a different number of panels, trim and fasteners dependent on the coverage area of the panel. While a hidden fastener standing seam panel might have a coverage width of 12, an exposed fastener Tuff Rib panel has a coverage width of 36, drastically reducing the number of panels needed to cover the surface of that roof.

Another factor to consider when understanding the cost of a metal panel system is the base materials available. It is important to remember that all metals are bought and sold as a commodity around the world, creating an ever-changing base price .

Metal roofing is commonly installed in the following materials, each with a different price based on current market values:

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Cost To Maintain And Repair A Metal Roof

One of the most attractive features of a metal roof is that it requires practically zero maintenance. If you have a corrugated metal roof, you may need to re-tighten the screws about every 10 years.

All other types of metal roofs are truly maintenance free. For most homeowners this is a breath of fresh air, as no one wants to spend their free time taking care of their roof.

When it comes to repairs, its important to note that in most cases a metal roof will not require repairs, because its designed to be a water shedding system.

This means that its impervious to damage from leaks and ice dams, and therefore should not need to be fixed.

However, there are cases when faulty installation can compromise the integrity of a metal roof, and you will start to get problems like leaks, etc. Fixing a metal roof is expensive pros charge at least $500 to fix a metal roof.

However, depending on the type of system and complexity of the problem, the total price can be a lot higher. For example, if you need to take apart standing seam panels, repairs can cost thousands, because its such a hard job.

Ultimately, you should invest into high quality installation to avoid any costly problems and repairs down the line.

What’s The Average Cost Of Metal Roofing Per Square Foot

While metal roofing is primarily measured by the square, which is one hundred square feet, we are routinely asked for metal roof prices by the square foot. Here’s what you need to know.

When shopping for a metal roof and establishing a budget, there are primarily three elements to include in your calculations – the metal material and profile accessories and underlayment and installation costs.

• Material & Profile

There are literally hundreds of types of metal roofs you could purchase. From the thinnest steel in simple panels to the heavyweight “exotic” metals like copper, zinc, stainless steel and others in shingles, diamonds, tiles and additional patterns, the prices range from cheap to very expensive. In the cheap category are simple, thin, painted steels that range between about $1 and $2 a square foot. Upgrading from there are heavier, better metals and finishes with more sophisticated profiles. This “middle quality” category usually ranges between about $2 and $6 a square foot. At the high end of metal roofing are options like copper and zinc. These premium choices usually range between about $8 and $15 a square foot. There are exceptions and caveats to every one of these price categories, but for budgeting purposes you’ll find these quite useful. Consult a knowledgeable metal roof source for help in narrowing down the many, many options.

• Accessories and Underlayment

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Cost By Type Of Metal

Theres a common misconception that all standing seam metal roofing panels are made of steel or Galvalume, a type of steel that includes a zinc-aluminum alloy coating for corrosion resistance.

But if youre willing to pay a higher price, you can find many copper, zinc, or aluminum standing seam panels. The main benefit of these premium metals is their natural rust resistance. Aluminum and copper wont rust at all, and zinc, though it can rust in some conditions, is far more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Note: All steel, even galvanized steel or corrosion-resistant Galvalume steel, will eventually rust.

Are You Planning On Installing A New Roof If So What Is Your Square Footage

• Asphalt Shingle $12-$20 per square-foot for basic installation

• Metal Tile $20 and up depending on the material.
• Some materials such as terra cotta tile can be very expensive, so make sure you ask about this beforehand!

• Composition shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing materials today.
• They are inexpensive, easy to install and very durable!
• Depending on what material you choose for your new roof, it can cost anywhere from $12-30 per square foot in installation fees.

• Clay Tile $30+ per square foot

• Flat Replacements/No Pitch $15-$20 per square foot

• Solar Panels Inverter technology saves on energy costs and produces up to 50% more power!

• Steel Roofing Tiles $25-$60 depending on the size and material

• Saltillo Tile $50+ per square foot

• Slate or Tile roofing $80+ per square foot

• Metal Roofing $45-$60 depending on the size and material of your roof.
• If you are looking for a metal roof that will last, then choose zinc or copper!
• These two metals actually age to create an attractive patina look rather than rusting away like other types of roofs do over time.
• Since metal roofs are very durable, they can last for decades!

• Wood Shingles $15-$25 per square foot depending on the type of wood.
• Wood shingles are beautiful and require little maintenance to keep them looking great, but they do have a shorter lifespan than most other types of roofing materials.
• Cedar shakes or cypress are two of the most popular types of wood shingles.

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How Do I Calculate Metal Roofing Cost

The basic formula for determining the cost of a metal roof replacement is this:

Materials + Labor + Overhead = Total Cost of Metal Roofing

Materials You need to know the cost of the roofing materials. Always plan to over order by at least 5 percent to account for waste and cuts.

Labor You need to know the average cost of labor in your area. The national average is around $3000, but youre better off to account for labor at about double the cost of materials.

Overhead This may include things like permits, shipping, tools, and insurance.

An additional variable you need is the size of your roof.

To calculate this, take your homes total square footage and multiply it by 1.5.

Then divide this number by 100. Roofers measure things in a roofing square which is 100 square feet.

2000 square foot home x 1.5 = 3,000 square feet / 100 = 30 roof squares.

For example, if you want a standing seam stainless steel metal roof for a 2000-square foot home, the cost equation might look something like this:

Materials = 300 per square x 30 squares = $9,000

Labor = 600 per square x 30 squares = $18,000

Overhead = $1,000

Total Cost = 9,000 + 18,000 + 1,000 = $28,000

Contact Invision to Learn More About the Cost

When it comes to investments in your home, the ROI on a metal roof is one of the best choices you can make. It is well worth the high upfront cost. It can last a lifetime, and it rarely needs maintenance or repairs.