Quick Metal Roof Cost Estimator

Metal roof replacement costs vary significantly based on material choice, roof size, and installation complexity. Understanding these cost factors helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

What Affects Metal Roof Replacement Cost?

Metal is a common roof material because it’s strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. It’s environmentally friendly, able to be recycled countless times while remaining strong. They’re attractive and let you express yourself by offering different styles and sheens.

Metal roofs are around two to three times the costs of those made with other materials. On the other hand, by paying a higher upfront cost for a metal roof, you save yourself a lot of time and money down the road. To get a ballpark figure of the total cost, it helps to know the:

1. Size of your roof
2. Materials
3. Forms
4. Price of labor

Let’s look at each one. These must all be considered if you want an accurate quote for your metal roof replacement.

1. Size of Your Roof

The unit of measurement used for roofs is the “square.” One square equals 100 square feet. Your home’s roof replacement will range from around $75 to $1,000 per “square.”

2. Materials

When we compare metal to slate, tile, asphalt, or wood shingles, metal is generally more expensive. But it’s easy to find an option within your roof replacement budget.

Here are the 5 most common metal roof materials:

• Tin was used before WWII (no longer a common choice)
• Steel ($4-$12/sq ft) – Galvanized, Galvalume, or Weathering steel resists saltwater corrosion and can last over 100 years
• Aluminum ($4-$11/sq ft) – resistant to saltwater corrosion and has great longevity
• Zinc ($6-$12/sq ft) – resists corrosion, has the lowest melting temperature and offers extreme longevity
• Copper ($15-$30/sq ft) – has a low melting temperature, offers a unique aesthetic, and offers extreme longevity

Copper is expensive and beautiful, but being a soft metal, it’s prone to hail damage. Also, consider that it will expand and contract with swinging temperature fluctuations.

3. Forms

Now, each form comes in a variety of profiles (aka profile types). Let’s talk about each form more in-depth. They are shingles, standing seam, and sheet roofing.

Shingles

Metal shingles are also referred to as “modular panels” or “stamped”. They’re a lot like metal shakes but have a lower-profile design. They’re longer-lived, more durable than traditional split-wood options.

Price is around $200-$600 per square

Profile types:

• Shake
• Tile
• Asphalt
• Slate

Materials:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Copper (only for slate)

Sizes (Shingles, shakes, and slate)

• 2′ x 1′
• 4′ x 1′
• 5′ x 1′

Sizes Available (Tile):

• 14″ x 16″
• 39 ¾” x 14″
• 3′ x 20′
• 43 ¼” x 23′

Coating options are stone or Kynar coating

Aesthetic is traditional

Pros:

• Rust-proof
• Wind-proof (up to 140 mph)
• Last 60 years longerthan asphalt shingles
• Energy-efficient because they deflect the summer heat

Cons:

• Harder to match colors

Standing Seam

This roofing style is simple because it doesn’t require very much bending of the metal. The 12″-20″ wide panels are cut to the correct sizes for your roof.

Price range is $200-$1,000 per square

Profile Types:

• Through-fastened (short-medium panels)
• Clip-fastened (long panels)

Materials:

• Galvanized steel
• Galvalume steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Zinc

Sizes:

• 18-28 gauge
• 24-26 gauge (residential)

Aesthetic is modern

Pros: They’re easy to install and inexpensive

Cons: They’re not as long-lasting structurally or aesthetically

Standing seam metal roofs used to be confined to very expensive architecture or commercial buildings. Not any more. They’re becoming much more popular for residential structures.

Sheet Roofing

Also known as “R” Panel, “SV” Crimp, Corrugated, and Through-fastened roofing, it’s always made with large sheets of metal that overlap. These sheets will vary in width and length and have exposed fasteners.

Price ranges from $75-$600 per square

Profile Types Available

• “R” Panel
• “SV” Crimp
• Corrugated roofing
• Face-fastened panels
• Through-fastened panels
• Screw-down panels

Materials:

• Galvanized steel
• Galvalume steel

Sizes are available from 20-30 gauge

Options:

• Painted
• Unpainted w/low-cost clear coat

Aesthetic is agriculture

Pros: Easy to install and inexpensive

Cons: Not as long-lasting structurally or aesthetically

The sounds of rain or hail on metal sheet roofing can be annoying to some. Also, consider that temperature changes can cause squeaking as the metal expands and contracts.

4. Metal Roofing Labor Cost

As you probably know, installing a new roof is rather labor-intensive, especially when building with metal. A project of this type requires professionals who have metal roofing experience. Labor costs will run between $350 and $700 per “square,” with higher costs in areas like California, New York, and coastal regions, and lower costs in the Midwest and South.”

Before replacing metal roofs, gather quotes from different roofers so you can get a rough idea of which direction you want to go in. Ask what each roof replacement service charges for labor by mentioning the size of your roof, material, and form you’d like them to use.

Getting a thorough and accurate quote will be even easier if you know those pieces of information, but it’s okay if you don’t. We’ll find out the size for you by checking online. We’ll gladly talk you through material and form options as well.

Complete Metal Roof Cost Breakdown (2026)

Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: Complete Cost Comparison

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Summary

When deciding on metal as your roofing material, think about whether you’ll use it long enough to reap the benefits of its longevity. Its steadfastness is one of the characteristics that set it apart from the crowd.

Get accurate metal roof replacement cost estimates tailored to your specific location, roof size, and material preferences. Our network covers all 50 states with verified local contractors who specialize in metal roofing installations.

Contact us today for a quote. We’ll answer any roof replacement or repair questions you may have.

🏡 Pro Tip

If daylight is visible through your attic roof boards, the roof has already failed structurally. At that stage, repairs are rarely sufficient and full replacement is recommended.
— James O’Neal, Licensed Contractor at Guardian Roof Systems — Nashville, TN

📈 How We Collected Roofing Cost Data in Charlotte

The pricing estimates in this guide are based on a combination of nationally recognized construction cost databases, labor data, and real-world material pricing.

Construction Cost Data:
We used RSMeans data from Gordian™, one of the most trusted construction cost databases in the industry. RSMeans is relied upon by thousands of contractors, estimators, and developers nationwide to accurately price construction projects.
Source: https://www.rsmeans.com/

Labor Costs:
Labor pricing was informed by current roofer wage data, including average salaries reported on Indeed.com, with regional adjustments applied where applicable.
Sources:   https://www.indeed.com/career/roofer/salaries, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Roofer-Salary

Material Costs:
Our research team analyzed roofing material pricing from multiple major suppliers within a 30-mile service radius to reflect realistic contractor costs. This included asphalt shingles and related materials from leading manufacturers and distributors.
Sources:

• https://www.certainteed.com/

• https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Roofing/N-5yc1vZaq7m  
• https://www.lowes.com/pl/roofing/roof-shingles/4294524358

To further validate our estimates, we cross-referenced this information with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and additional industry reports.

If you have questions, feedback, or would like clarification on any part of this guide, please contact our team at info@bestroofingestimates.com.

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✍️ About the Author

My name is Tim Hauser, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Arizona State University. I’ve owned and operated a successful roofing company in Arizona for more than 20 years, specializing in storm damage repairs, full roof replacements, and helping homeowners navigate insurance claims.

As a contributor to Best Roofing Estimates, my goal is to provide homeowners with clear, accurate, and trustworthy information so they can confidently protect one of their most valuable investments—their home.