Metal Roof Replacement Cost: Complete 2025 Pricing Guide
2025 Metal Roof Replacement Costs
The national average cost for metal roof replacement ranges from $14,000 to $46,000 for a typical 1,700 square foot home, or $4 to $30 per square foot installed.
💰 Cost Range
$4 – $30 per sq ft installed
⏱️ Lifespan
40-80 years vs 20-25 for asphalt
⚡ ROI
48% average return on investment
Quick Metal Roof Cost Estimator
By Home Size
- 1,000 sq ft: $10,500 – $16,500
- 1,500 sq ft: $14,000 – $25,000
- 2,000 sq ft: $18,500 – $33,500
- 2,500 sq ft: $23,000 – $42,000
By Material Type
- Steel: $4 – $12 per sq ft
- Aluminum: $4 – $11 per sq ft
- Zinc: $6 – $12 per sq ft
- Copper: $15 – $30 per sq ft
💡 Pro Tip: Labor typically accounts for 60-70% of total project cost
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:
- Size of your roof
- Materials
- Forms
- 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 (2025)
Labor Costs
60-70%
of total project cost
Materials
25-35%
of total project cost
Permits & Disposal
5-10%
of total project cost
Additional Cost Factors:
- Roof removal: $1,000-$5,000
- Steep pitch surcharge: 15-25%
- Underlayment upgrade: $1.50-$2.10/sq ft
- Snow guards: $1,000-$4,000
- Flashing replacement: $9-$11/linear ft
- Gutter replacement: $2,300-$6,000
Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: Complete Cost Comparison
🏠 Metal Roofing
$4 – $30 per sq ft
Initial Investment
- Lifespan: 40-80 years
- Warranty: 30-50 years
- Energy Savings: Up to 40%
- Insurance Discounts: 5-35%
- Resale Value: 48% ROI
🏘️ Asphalt Shingles
$3 – $6 per sq ft
Initial Investment
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Warranty: 10-30 years
- Energy Savings: Minimal
- Insurance Discounts: None
- Resale Value: 15% ROI
💡 40-Year Cost Analysis (1,700 sq ft home)
Metal Roof Total:
$30,000
One installation lasts 40+ years
Asphalt Total:
$32,000+
Requires 2 replacements @ $16,000 each
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.