Find yourself needing to replace your roof? You may be feeling overwhelmed with options, or you’ve done your research and have discovered the immense benefits a metal roof can offer. But how much does it cost to replace a metal roof in 2024? Let’s find out!
The Average Cost to Install a Metal Roof
The average cost to install a metal roof can range from $9,000 to $60,000. This is because the cost of a metal roof greatly depends on many factors, which we’ll get into, such as:
- Brand
- Color
- Type
- Where you live
- The complexity of your installation/roof
- Availability
But, we have a few average roof replacement costs that are relatively common in the industry and can give a rough estimate of what to expect.
Again, depending on some essential factors, you can typically expect to spend anywhere from $750 to $1,000 per 100 sq ft for metal roofing. You’ll find that corrugated metal is one of the most affordable materials at around $7.50 per square foot. This is because it has exposed fasteners which may be unbecoming for a home but can work reasonably well for a lean-to or shed.
We recommend avoiding these materials because they are susceptible to leaks and require replacement screws every 7-10 years with bigger screws to fill the exposed holes.
You’ll find that metal roofs are prevalent in more rural areas, especially in the midwest. More advanced materials can cost more than the average price if it’s a higher gauge.
If you were to get it with a custom color, the cost could be $1,100 or more per sqft. However, new construction can take off roughly $100 per 100 sq ft because there’s no removal of an old roof.
What Are the Biggest Benefits of a Metal Roof?
If you are upgrading from asphalt shingles to a metal roof, you will find numerous added benefits your new roof will have compared to your old one, such as:
1. Longer Life Expectancy
While asphalt shingles last around 15-20 years, a metal roof can last 30-50 years. As long as you properly maintain your metal roof, it can even last longer than 50 years, depending on where you live and the climate.
2. More Durability and Resistance
Asphalt shingles are relatively durable, but metal is resistant to fire, insects, mold, and rot. This durability is a significant upgrade and is why metal roofs last so much longer than asphalt shingles. Fire resistance alone can be a big enough reason for many homeowners to install these roofs in areas where wildfires are a risk.
3. Snow and Ice Shedding
Metal roofs shed snow, ice, and rain easily. The dark surface absorbs sun rays and melts the snow, allowing it to slough off. This can help fight ice dams and recurrent water leaks from standing snow and ice melt on your roof. This will also prevent sagging in the future, which can happen with asphalt shingles that are 20+ years old.
4. Energy-Efficient
Metal roofs conduct heat. During the summer months, with the reflective surface not absorbing the sun, you don’t have to crank the air conditioning to keep your house cool. However, be sure to properly insulate your attic and roof to keep up the maximum energy savings and efficiency of your new metal roof.
5. Low Maintenance
You won’t have to regularly replace missing or broken shingles. A metal roof is also resistant to staining, so you don’t have to constantly be on the lookout for moss or lichen growth. You may still need to occasionally wash your roof to keep it looking its best. And keeping your roof and gutters free of debris can help prevent clogged gutters which can cause water to back up into your attic.
6. Improved Resale Value (Major ROI)
While the upfront cost of a metal roof is much higher than an asphalt shingle roof, you also won’t need to replace your roof again, and with energy savings and lower maintenance costs, you can get a much greater return on your investment. Note: 2-3 asphalt shingled roofs are installed for every metal roof installed.
7. Eco-Friendly
Metal is a recyclable material, and while asphalt shingles often end up in landfills (2-3 times more often than other roofing materials), metal can be recycled and reused for other things.
Factors That Contribute to a Higher or Lower Cost
The average range of a metal roof is so wide because it truly does depend on the type of roof— probably the most contributing factor. Plus other things like location, installation, etc. Let’s look at just how much those factors can change the cost of your metal roof.
Type of Metal & Design
Metal roofing can come in a variety of materials and designs. Some common metals used, in order from least expensive to most expensive include:
- Corrugated steel: $9,000-$19,000
- Aluminum: $15,000-$28,000
- Galvanized steel: $17,000-$25,000
- Standing seam: $17,000-$30,000
- Zinc: $30,000-$45,000
- Copper: $35,000-$67,000
They also come as shingles, panels, and sheets. The fasteners also majorly affect the material costs—concealed fasteners are ideal and thus more expensive, but exposed fasteners can be installed if one doesn’t care about aesthetics but wants to save a bit of money.
The Durability of the Product
Metal roofs last so much longer than other materials and are incredibly low-maintenance, thus don’t require much, if any, repair or replacement in their lifetimes. So, with fewer installs, it drives the cost up. However, the high cost of the initial installation pays off big time with energy cost savings, low maintenance fees, and increasing the resale value of your home. Metal roofs have one of the most significant ROIs for any roof.
Style and Finish
The more customizations with style, design, layout, and finish will ramp up the costs. Some common colors are used for metal roofs but can cost more if not carried by the manufacturer. People often use charcoal gray, matte black, forest green, brick red, unfinished aluminum, etc.
The pitch of the roof and any eaves, valleys, or other complexities in your roof can up the cost because of custom cuts, sizing, and the complicated manner of the installation.
Contractor Installation Costs
Different contractors will charge different amounts for metal roof installation. There is a high level of skill required to install metal, and often a contractor may not have a large enough team of certified installers for that type of roof.
With a smaller team, they may need to spend money hiring some contractors of their own or take longer on the project. These roadblocks can boost labor costs. Overall, it is also a far more complicated process, and the cost reflects that to ensure proper installation.
How to Get Started Installing Your New Metal Roof
Contact First American Roofing right away if you’re ready to install the best roof you’ll ever have. We use best-in-class materials to give you an incredibly durable roof that will last for decades to come. Contact us for a FREE estimate today.
