Most metal roofs cost $6,045 to $18,341 to install, according to HomeAdvisor's survey of its customers, and $5 to $16 per square foot installed, according to HomeGuide. The type of panel and the metal decide most of the price: exposed-fastener panels in painted steel sit at the bottom of the range, and standing seam in copper or zinc at the top. A repair usually costs a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
To price your own roof by panel type and size, use the metal roof cost calculator.
Two national estimates
| HomeAdvisor, updated June 19, 2026 | HomeGuide, November 21, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical total | $6,045 to $18,341 | $7,500 to $40,000 |
| Average | about $11,700 (the page gives both $11,726 and $11,764) | $23,800 |
| Per square foot installed | $4 to $30 | $5 to $16 |
| Labor | about 60% of the total | $4 to $8 per square foot |
The two sources measure different things. HomeAdvisor says its figures come from surveying its customers about what they paid, which takes in small and simple jobs. HomeGuide says it tracks the estimates homeowners receive from contractors, and its totals assume a roof of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Neither is wrong; they tell you the spread is wide and that the size of your roof, not the national average, is what to price from.
Roofers price metal by the square, 100 square feet of roof surface. Divide any estimate's total by its number of squares so you can compare them. Our guide to roof replacement cost shows how to work out the squares on your own roof from its footprint and pitch.
Cost by panel type
Metal roofs for houses come in three broad kinds. Exposed-fastener panels, often corrugated or ribbed, are screwed down through the face of the metal. Standing seam panels lock together at raised seams over hidden clips. Metal shingles, including stone-coated steel, are stamped to look like asphalt, slate, shake or tile.
| Panel type | HomeAdvisor, per square foot | HomeGuide, installed per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated or exposed-fastener sheet | $3.50 to $15 | $5 to $12 |
| Standing seam | $7 to $30 | $9 to $16 |
| Metal shingles | $7 to $22 | $6 to $14 |
| Stone-coated steel | not given | $7 to $13 |
Both sources put exposed-fastener panels lowest and standing seam higher. HomeGuide prices exposed-fastener roofing at $500 to $1,200 a square and concealed-fastener standing seam at $900 to $1,600. The ranges overlap because the metal, the thickness and the shape of the roof matter as much as the panel. Our guide to standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofs compares the two in detail.
Cost by metal
| Metal | HomeAdvisor, per square foot | HomeGuide, installed per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Steel (galvanized or Galvalume) | $6 to $16 | $5 to $13 |
| Stainless steel | not given separately | $10 to $21 |
| Aluminum | $4 to $11 | $7 to $17 |
| Tin (terne) | $5 to $12 | $6 to $18 |
| Zinc | $6 to $12 | $10 to $20 |
| Copper | $15 to $30 | $13 to $30 |
HomeGuide publishes its metal prices per square; we divided them by 100 to show them per square foot. The two sources disagree most on zinc, which HomeGuide prices well above HomeAdvisor. Both put copper at the top.
- Steel is the most common metal roofing, and usually the most affordable, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance, the metal roofing industry's trade group. All steel roofing carries a metallic coating against rust.
- Aluminum is lighter than steel and resists corrosion better, which the Metal Roofing Alliance says makes it suited to homes near salt water.
- Copper and zinc are left unpainted and weather to a protective patina. HomeGuide notes that few contractors work with zinc, which can make an installer harder to find.
How roofing labor costs differ by state
Metal roofing takes specialist labor, and what roofers earn varies widely by state. Across the United States the median roofer earned $26.65 an hour in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A wage is not a job price, since the panels, trim, underlayment and overhead come on top, but where labor costs more, installation usually does too.
| State | Median hourly wage, roofers | Compared with the national median | Roofers employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $37.45 | +41% | 5,300 |
| New Jersey | $36.83 | +38% | 1,860 |
| Minnesota | $35.81 | +34% | 1,890 |
| Massachusetts | $34.98 | +31% | 1,950 |
| Alaska | $32.09 | +20% | 310 |
| New York | $31.74 | +19% | 4,570 |
| California | $30.58 | +15% | 21,190 |
| Connecticut | $29.84 | +12% | 790 |
| District of Columbia | $29.69 | +11% | 100 |
| Rhode Island | $29.63 | +11% | 360 |
| Washington | $29.16 | +9% | 5,890 |
| Maryland | $28.89 | +8% | 2,050 |
| New Hampshire | $28.76 | +8% | 270 |
| North Dakota | $28.72 | +8% | 290 |
| Hawaii | $28.64 | +7% | 1,110 |
| Michigan | $28.62 | +7% | 3,090 |
| Delaware | $28.58 | +7% | 230 |
| Wisconsin | $28.54 | +7% | 2,400 |
| Vermont | $28.39 | +7% | 210 |
| Montana | $28.38 | +6% | 370 |
| Oregon | $28.35 | +6% | 3,430 |
| Indiana | $27.88 | +5% | 2,980 |
| Idaho | $27.78 | +4% | 1,190 |
| Pennsylvania | $26.79 | +1% | 3,830 |
| Colorado | $24.88 | -7% | 3,340 |
| West Virginia | $24.60 | -8% | 440 |
| Nevada | $24.56 | -8% | 2,120 |
| Maine | $24.10 | -10% | 610 |
| Ohio | $23.74 | -11% | 4,610 |
| North Carolina | $23.56 | -12% | 3,060 |
| Louisiana | $23.44 | -12% | 760 |
| Utah | $23.40 | -12% | 2,710 |
| Iowa | $23.39 | -12% | 930 |
| Missouri | $23.35 | -12% | 2,050 |
| Virginia | $23.28 | -13% | 2,070 |
| South Dakota | $22.94 | -14% | 400 |
| Florida | $22.88 | -14% | 23,550 |
| Arkansas | $22.82 | -14% | 950 |
| Arizona | $22.76 | -15% | 3,420 |
| Kansas | $22.69 | -15% | 900 |
| Georgia | $22.57 | -15% | 2,160 |
| Kentucky | $22.57 | -15% | 1,080 |
| Nebraska | $22.34 | -16% | 1,730 |
| Texas | $22.13 | -17% | 5,740 |
| South Carolina | $22.00 | -17% | 850 |
| Tennessee | $21.97 | -18% | 2,110 |
| Alabama | $21.96 | -18% | 1,010 |
| Wyoming | $21.95 | -18% | 330 |
| New Mexico | $21.78 | -18% | 1,160 |
| Mississippi | $21.61 | -19% | 480 |
| Oklahoma | $21.00 | -21% | 1,260 |
| Puerto Rico | $11.59 | -57% | 550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, occupation 47-2181 (Roofers). The comparison column is our own arithmetic: each state's median divided by the national median of $26.65 an hour.
What else goes into the price
- Tear-off. HomeAdvisor puts removal of the old roof at $1,000 to $5,000; HomeGuide at $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Roof pitch and shape. Both sources say roofs steeper than 6 in 12 cost more, and HomeGuide adds that corners, peaks, valleys and penetrations take more material and time.
- Thickness. Metal is sold by gauge, and a lower number is thicker. HomeGuide says most houses use 24- or 26-gauge metal, and that thicker metal costs more.
- Waste. HomeGuide says contractors typically add 10% to 15% to the material for cuts on complex roofs.
- The deck. Replacing damaged roof sheathing costs $2 to $5 per square foot, according to HomeGuide. It is found only once the old roof is off, so ask for a price per sheet in writing; our guide to roof decking and underlayment explains why.
- Color and finish. HomeGuide says custom colors that need special manufacturing raise the price per square foot.
- Permits. HomeAdvisor gives $250 to $500 and HomeGuide $150 to $500. Most estimates include the fee.
Metal roof repair costs
| Source | Typical repair | Average |
|---|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor, updated June 19, 2026 | $640 to $3,199 | $1,919 |
| HomeGuide, February 4, 2026 | $300 to $1,500 | $900 |
| Repair | HomeAdvisor | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|
| Leak | $400 to $1,000 | $200 to $1,000 |
| Splits, cracks or gaps | $200 to $1,000 | not given |
| Replacing loose screws or fasteners | not given | $150 to $1,000 |
| Resealing seams | not given | $250 to $1,100 |
| Rust and corrosion | $500 to $3,000 | not given |
| Buckling or "oil canning" | $500 to $3,000 | not given |
| Storm damage | $700 to $4,000 | not given |
| Replacing panels | not given | $3 to $14 per square foot |
HomeGuide explains that heating and cooling make the metal expand and contract, which loosens screws over time on exposed-fastener roofs; replacing them is one of the most common repairs. HomeAdvisor notes that storm damage may be claimed on homeowners insurance, but that purely cosmetic damage such as dents may be excluded or only partly paid. What your policy covers is set by its wording; this is not insurance advice, and our guide to roof insurance claims covers the process.
HomeAdvisor gives two rough guidelines: consider replacing the roof when repair estimates start to top half the cost of a new one, or when damage covers more than 30% of the roof or the roof is near the end of its life. Ask the roofer to price both.
How long a metal roof lasts
| Source | Metal roof life |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI, the home inspectors' association | 40 to 80 years; copper 70 years or more |
| HomeAdvisor | 40 to 70 years |
| HomeGuide | 30 to 80 years or more |
| Metal Roofing Alliance | 30 to 50 years or more |
The figures depend on the metal, the finish, the climate and the care the roof gets. HomeGuide says that in humid climates corrugated metal typically lasts 30 to 50 years, and standing seam longer. InterNACHI says its figures assume normal maintenance and are guidelines, not guarantees. For every roofing material side by side, see how long a roof lasts.
Metal or asphalt shingles
The Metal Roofing Alliance says a metal roof costs roughly two to three times as much as asphalt shingles, and about the same as tile or cedar shake. Whether the longer life pays back the difference depends mostly on how long you will stay in the house. Our guide to whether a metal roof is worth it over shingles works through the cost per year of life, resale value, noise and storm performance.
What a metal roof estimate should name
- The panel type and profile: exposed fastener, standing seam (snap-lock or mechanically seamed) or metal shingle.
- The metal, its gauge and the paint system or other finish, with the finish warranty.
- The number of squares, and how much the estimate allows for waste.
- Tear-off of every existing layer, disposal, and a price per sheet for any deck replacement.
- The underlayment, flashing, ridge and trim, and any snow guards.
- Who pulls the permit, the start date and the payment schedule.
- The manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's own warranty on labor, in writing.
Standing seam and exposed-fastener panels take different skills to install, so ask how many roofs of the exact type the crew has installed. Our guide to questions to ask a roofer has more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal roof cost for a 2,000-square-foot house?
It depends on the roof, which is larger than the floor area once overhangs and pitch are added. HomeGuide prices a 2,000-square-foot roof at $10,000 to $32,000 installed. Measure the roof in squares and compare estimates per square.
What is the cheapest kind of metal roof?
Exposed-fastener panels in painted or coated steel. HomeGuide prices them at $5 to $12 per square foot installed, against $9 to $16 for standing seam. They need more upkeep, because the screws through the panels loosen and have to be checked and replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a metal roof?
HomeAdvisor reports $640 to $3,199, averaging $1,919. HomeGuide reports $300 to $1,500, averaging $900. Replacing loose screws costs $150 to $1,000 and a leak repair $200 to $1,000 in HomeGuide's figures.
Is copper or zinc worth the price?
They are the most expensive metals, at up to $30 per square foot in both sources, and among the longest lasting: InterNACHI lists copper at 70 years or more. They are usually chosen for their look and life rather than for value.
Does a metal roof need a new deck?
Not always. A roofer can only judge the deck once the old roof is off, which is why the price per sheet of new decking belongs in the estimate.
How we got these numbers
HomeAnvil does not yet publish price data of its own. Every figure on this page comes from a published source, read on September 26, 2026:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, roofers (47-2181), state and national files, downloaded September 26, 2026. The comparison column is our own arithmetic.
- HomeAdvisor, metal roof cost, updated June 19, 2026, and metal roof repair cost, updated June 19, 2026. HomeAdvisor says its figures come from surveying its customers about their project costs, combined with other published research. Its metal roof page gives two slightly different averages, $11,726 and $11,764.
- HomeGuide, metal roof cost, November 21, 2025, and metal roof repair cost, February 4, 2026. HomeGuide says it tracks the estimates homeowners receive from contractors.
- Metal Roofing Alliance, the industry's trade group: materials and frequently asked questions.
- InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, life expectancy of home components.
- The per-square-foot metal prices from HomeGuide are its per-square figures divided by 100, calculated for this page.
We will update this page when these sources publish new figures, and the date above will say when.
Related guides
Is a metal roof worth it over asphalt shingles?A standing-seam metal roof costs about 1.6 times as much as asphalt shingles ($51,865 against $31,871) but is rated to last 40 to 80 years instead of 20 to 30.
Standing seam vs exposed-fastener metal roofsStanding seam costs $9 to $16 per square foot installed against $5 to $12 for exposed-fastener panels. It hides its screws, needs less upkeep and lasts longer.
How much does a roof replacement cost?A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How long does a roof last?Architectural shingles last about 30 years, 3-tab about 20, metal 40 to 80, slate 60 to 150. What shortens a roof's life, and why a warranty isn't a lifespan.
How much does a roof repair cost?Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967, about $1,173 on average. Prices by problem: shingles, flashing, leaks, decking, vents, fascia and sagging.
How do you know if hail damaged your roof?Quarter-size (1 inch) hail can start to damage older 3-tab shingles, laminated ones at 1.25 inches. How to spot real damage and when to call your insurer.