How Much is a New Metal Roof?
Average Cost: $8,000 – $80,000 across America. This price range is large. We’ll dive into why there is such a large range in price of metal roofing across the country. Use Instant Roofer’s calculator to estimate your metal roofing project.
No signup required.
How Much is a New Metal Roof?
Average Cost: $8,000 – $80,000 across America. This price range is large. We’ll dive into why there is such a large range in price of metal roofing across the country. Use Instant Roofer’s calculator to estimate your metal roofing project.
No signup required.
The Fastest Metal Roof Replacement Cost Calculator
A metal roof replacement costs between $8,000 – $80,000 on average as of 2023, with the overall average nationwide being around $19,857.14 as of May 2023. The cost of roof replacement is significantly influenced by the numerous options available for metal roofing materials, as well as factors such as home size, roof slope, regional labor prices, and other considerations outlined below.
When it comes to Metal roofing, it’s not similar to many other types of roofing. You will see many websites claiming the exact price of a new metal roof. However, this is not accurate at all. We reference a large range of pricing for metal roofing because each material is unique and has it’s advantages and disadvantages. In our calculator prices for metal roofing is reflective of what is actually available in your area.
Just because you can get pricing for a copper metal roof, doesn’t mean there is a contractor or distributor in your area that supports installation of copper metal roofs. Our calculator will give you a price for a metal roof that is supported by the contractor in the area. We recommend you work with them directly to determine the metal type and installation type.
Metal Roof Material Types and their Prices
The metal roof market is constantly changing. Many new products are coming to the market each year. We’re going to focus on the main material types and their costs. All of the pricing is based on a 2,000 square foot home with an average slope roof.
| Material | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Galvalume Steel | $8,000 | $18,000 |
| Galvanized Steel | $9,000 | $34,000 |
| Aluminum | $13,000 | $42,000 |
| Stainless Steel | $14,000 | $40,000 |
| Tin (Terne) | $20,000 | $52,000 |
| Zinc | $29,000 | $42,000 |
| Copper | $40,000 | $80,000 |
Galvalume Steel
Galvalume Steel is a specialized type of steel used in metal roofing applications. It is produced by coating steel with a special aluminum-zinc alloy, which typically consists of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicon. This unique composition provides Galvalume Steel with several advantageous properties that make it an excellent choice for metal roofing systems.
Galvalume Steel Advantages:
- Manufacturing process: The coating process for Galvalume Steel involves hot-dipping the steel sheet in a molten aluminum-zinc alloy, followed by a series of cooling and annealing steps. This process results in a strong bond between the steel substrate and the protective coating, ensuring excellent performance and durability.
- Protective coating: The aluminum-zinc alloy coating on Galvalume Steel provides two layers of protection against corrosion. The aluminum component forms a barrier against oxygen and water, while the zinc offers galvanic protection by sacrificing itself to protect the underlying steel.
- Heat reflectivity: Galvalume Steel has a high solar reflectance, which means it reflects a significant amount of the sun’s heat away from the roof. This can help to keep the building cooler during hot summer months, reducing energy consumption for air conditioning and lowering utility bills.
- Aesthetic options: While Galvalume Steel has a distinct, natural appearance characterized by a subtle, spangled pattern, it can also be coated with various paint finishes to match the desired aesthetic. This offers homeowners and building owners the opportunity to customize the appearance of their metal roof to suit their preferences.
- Compatibility with other materials: Galvalume Steel is compatible with most other construction materials, such as wood, brick, and concrete. However, it is essential to avoid direct contact with copper, as this can lead to galvanic corrosion, compromising the roof’s integrity.
- Installation: Professional installation is crucial for Galvalume Steel roofing systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper installation techniques include using appropriate fasteners, flashing, and underlayment materials, as well as adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Cost: Galvalume Steel is generally more affordable than other premium metal roofing materials, such as copper or zinc. However, its cost may be higher than traditional asphalt shingles or basic metal options, such as galvanized steel.
- Weight: Galvalume Steel is its lightweight nature. Galvalume Steel roofing is significantly lighter than traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, tiles, or slate. This reduced weight puts less stress on the supporting structures of a building and makes it easier to transport and install.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized Steel roofing has been coated with a layer of zinc for corrosion protection. The zinc coating helps prevent rust from forming on the steel, extending its lifespan and making it a popular choice for various applications, including roofing and siding. Painting a galvanized steel roof can provide a wide range of color options, allowing homeowners and building owners to customize the look of their roofs to match their preferences or the architectural style of their properties.
Galvanized Steel Roofing Advantages:
- Corrosion Resistance: The zinc coating on galvanized steel protects the underlying steel from rust and corrosion, extending the roof’s lifespan and ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Durability: Galvanized steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand various weather conditions, including wind, hail, and heavy snow loads, making it suitable for different climates and regions.
- Cost-Effective: Galvanized steel roofing is generally more affordable than other premium metal roofing materials, such as copper or Galvalume Steel, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners and building owners.
- Low Maintenance: Galvanized steel roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials like wood or asphalt shingles. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Versatility: Galvanized steel roofing is available in various profiles, such as corrugated, standing seam, and ribbed panels, offering a wide range of design options for different architectural styles.
- Easy Installation: Galvanized steel roofing is relatively easy to install due to its lightweight nature and standardized profiles. This can help save time and labor costs during the installation process.
- Recyclability: Galvanized steel is a recyclable material, which can help reduce construction waste and contribute to more sustainable building practices.
- Paintable Surface: Galvanized steel roofing can be painted or coated with various finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance and provide an additional layer of protection against the elements.
Aluminum
Aluminum roofing is a lightweight and durable metal roofing option that offers several advantages for residential and commercial applications. It is known for its corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, and longevity, making it a popular choice for homeowners and building owners seeking a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly roofing solution.
Aluminum roofing advantages:
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer on its surface, providing excellent protection against rust and corrosion. This characteristic makes aluminum roofing particularly suitable for coastal regions or areas with high humidity, where other metal roofing materials may corrode more rapidly.
- Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight material, which can help reduce the stress on a building’s supporting structures. Its lightweight nature also makes it easier to transport and install, potentially lowering labor costs and installation time.
- Energy efficiency: Aluminum roofing has a high solar reflectance, meaning it reflects a significant amount of the sun’s heat away from the building. This can help keep the interior cooler during hot summer months, reducing energy consumption for air conditioning and lowering utility bills.
- Longevity: Aluminum roofs have a long lifespan, often lasting 50 years or more with proper maintenance. This durability can result in long-term cost savings, as the roof may not need to be replaced as frequently as other roofing materials.
- Aesthetic options: Aluminum roofing is available in a variety of styles, including standing seam, shingles, tiles, and corrugated panels. Additionally, aluminum can be painted or coated with various finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance and match the architectural style of the property.
- Environmentally friendly: Aluminum is a recyclable material, which can help reduce construction waste and contribute to more sustainable building practices. Additionally, its energy efficiency can help reduce the overall environmental impact of the building.
- Low maintenance: Aluminum roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Cost: The cost of aluminum roofing can vary depending on factors such as the specific style, thickness, and finish. While it may be more expensive than some other metal roofing options, such as galvanized steel, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can offset the initial investment.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel roofing is a high-quality and durable metal roofing option that offers excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and longevity. It is known for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it an attractive choice for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Stainless steel roofing advantages:
- Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is an alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a thin, invisible, and self-repairing oxide layer on the steel’s surface. This oxide layer provides outstanding protection against rust and corrosion, making stainless steel roofing suitable for various environments, including coastal regions and areas with high humidity or corrosive atmospheres.
- Durability and strength: Stainless steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand a variety of weather conditions, such as wind, hail, and heavy snow loads. Its high tensile strength and resistance to fatigue make it a long-lasting roofing solution, often lasting for several decades with proper maintenance.
- Aesthetic options: Stainless steel roofing is available in various styles, such as standing seam, shingles, tiles, and corrugated panels. It can be finished with a matte or polished surface, depending on the desired appearance. In some cases, stainless steel can also be coated with colored finishes for a more customized look.
- Low maintenance: Stainless steel roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials, as it is resistant to staining, discoloration, and corrosion. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Environmental considerations: Stainless steel is a recyclable material, which can help reduce construction waste and contribute to more sustainable building practices. Moreover, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can minimize the overall environmental impact of the roof.
- Fire resistance: Stainless steel is a non-combustible material, meaning it won’t contribute to the spread of fire. This property can improve the overall fire safety of a building and may be a consideration for specific applications or building codes.
- Cost: Stainless steel roofing tends to be more expensive than other metal roofing options, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, due to its high-quality and long-lasting nature. However, its durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to corrosion can make it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
- Reflectivity: Stainless steel roofing has the advantage of being a reflective material, which means it can help deflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption into the building. This property can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment, particularly during hot summer months, and may lead to lower energy consumption for cooling systems. Reflectivity can also be a consideration in urban areas, where it can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing the overall temperature in densely built environments.
Tin (Terne)
Tin (Terne) roofing is a type of metal roofing material that has been coated with a lead-tin alloy, traditionally, or more recently, a zinc-tin alloy or other non-toxic metals. This coating enhances the durability and corrosion resistance of the base metal, making it suitable for a variety of roofing applications. Terne is a specific type of metal roofing material that has been coated with a lead-tin alloy. The term “terne” is derived from the Old French word “terne,” which means “dull” or “tarnished.” This name likely refers to the dull, matte appearance of the terne coating compared to the shiny surface of uncoated metal.
Tin (Terne) roofing advantages:
- Corrosion resistance: The terne coating, whether it’s made from a traditional lead-tin alloy or a modern zinc-tin alloy, protects the underlying metal from rust and corrosion, ensuring a longer-lasting roof.
- Durability: Tin (terne) roofing is known for its durability, capable of withstanding various weather conditions, such as wind, hail, and heavy snow loads. With proper maintenance, terne roofs can last for several decades.
- Aesthetic options: Terne roofing is available in various styles, including standing seam, shingles, and corrugated panels. It can be finished with a matte or polished surface, depending on the desired appearance. In some cases, terne roofing can also be painted or coated with colored finishes for a more customized look.
- Low maintenance: Terne roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Historic appeal: Tin (terne) roofing has been used for centuries in various parts of the world and is often associated with historic buildings and architectural styles. This can make terne roofing an attractive option for those looking to maintain a traditional or historic aesthetic for their property.
- Environmental considerations: Traditional terne roofing, which used a lead-tin alloy, has fallen out of favor due to concerns about lead’s toxicity and environmental impact. However, modern terne coatings made from zinc-tin alloys or other non-toxic metals still offer the benefits of corrosion resistance and durability without the harmful effects associated with lead.
- Cost: Tin (terne) roofing can be more expensive than some other metal roofing options, such as galvanized steel, due to the added cost of the terne coating. However, its durability and low maintenance requirements can make it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
- Thermal Expansion: Tin (terne) roofing has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it does not expand or contract significantly when exposed to temperature fluctuations. This property can help maintain the structural integrity of the roof and reduce the risk of buckling, warping, or other types of deformation over time. As a result, terne roofing can provide a more stable and long-lasting solution in regions with considerable temperature changes throughout the year.
Zinc
Zinc metal roofs are a premium roofing option known for their durability, longevity, and distinct appearance. They are popular in both residential and commercial applications due to their unique properties and benefits such as self-healing.
Zinc roofing advantages:
- Self-healing: Zinc roofing is known for its self-healing properties, as it naturally forms a protective layer called zinc hydroxyl carbonate when exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This layer prevents corrosion and repairs itself if the zinc surface is scratched or damaged, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance roof.
- Longevity: Zinc roofs have an impressive lifespan, often lasting 80 to 100 years or more with proper maintenance. This durability can result in long-term cost savings, as the roof may not need to be replaced as frequently as other roofing materials.
- Corrosion resistance: Zinc is highly resistant to corrosion and is suitable for various environments, including coastal regions and areas with high humidity or pollution. Its natural self-healing properties help maintain its corrosion resistance throughout its lifespan.
- Aesthetic options: Zinc roofing is available in various styles, such as standing seam, shingles, tiles, and panels. Its natural, matte-gray appearance can develop a beautiful patina over time, giving the roof a distinct and ever-evolving look. Additionally, zinc can be pre-weathered or coated with colored finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic.
- Environmentally friendly: Zinc is a recyclable material, which can help reduce construction waste and contribute to more sustainable building practices. Its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can also minimize the overall environmental impact of the roof.
- Lightweight: Zinc is a lightweight material, which can help reduce the stress on a building’s supporting structures. Its lightweight nature also makes it easier to transport and install, potentially lowering labor costs and installation time.
- Low maintenance: Zinc roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Thermal performance: Zinc roofing has good thermal performance and can help regulate indoor temperatures by reflecting solar radiation. This can contribute to a more comfortable interior environment and may lead to lower energy consumption for cooling systems.
Copper
Copper roofs are a premium roofing option known for their exceptional durability, longevity, and striking appearance. They have been used for centuries in various architectural styles and are popular in both residential and commercial applications due to their unique properties and benefits. Another interesting thing about copper roofing is the patina. As your roof ages it will literally change colors from that signature copper color to a weathered green color.
Copper roofing advantages:
- Longevity: Copper roofs are renowned for their impressive lifespan, often lasting well over 100 years with proper maintenance. This durability can result in long-term cost savings, as the roof may not need to be replaced as frequently as other roofing materials.
- Patina: One of the most distinctive features of copper roofing is the development of a greenish-blue patina over time due to the natural oxidation process. This patina not only adds an attractive and unique appearance to the roof but also acts as a protective layer, enhancing the roof’s resistance to corrosion and weathering.
- Corrosion resistance: Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and is suitable for various environments, including coastal regions and areas with high humidity or pollution. Its natural patina formation helps maintain its corrosion resistance throughout its lifespan.
- Aesthetic options: Copper roofing is available in various styles, such as standing seam, shingles, tiles, and panels. Its natural color and the eventual development of patina can add a distinctive and elegant look to a building, making it an attractive choice for various architectural styles.
- Lightweight: Copper is a lightweight material, which can help reduce the stress on a building’s supporting structures. Its lightweight nature also makes it easier to transport and install, potentially lowering labor costs and installation time.
- Low maintenance: Copper roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are typically sufficient to keep the roof in good condition.
- Environmentally friendly: Copper is a recyclable material, which can help reduce construction waste and contribute to more sustainable building practices. Its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can also minimize the overall environmental impact of the roof.
- Thermal performance: Copper roofing has good thermal performance and can help regulate indoor temperatures by reflecting solar radiation. This can contribute to a more comfortable interior environment and may lead to lower energy consumption for cooling systems.
Metal Roofing Styles
Standing Seam
Standing seam refers to a metal roofing system that features a series of continuous vertical seams that run from the roof’s ridge to the eaves. These seams are formed by interlocking adjacent metal panels, which are typically made from materials like aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper. The standing seam design provides several advantages over other metal roof types, such as corrugated metal or metal shingles.
Standing seam roofing advantages:
- Design and appearance: Standing seam metal roofs have a distinct, modern appearance characterized by clean, vertical lines. This design can add an architectural appeal to various building styles, both residential and commercial. In contrast, other metal roof types, such as corrugated metal or metal shingles, have different patterns and appearances, making them more suitable for specific architectural styles or preferences.
- Seams and installation: The seams in a standing seam roof are raised above the roof’s surface, reducing the potential for water penetration and leaks. The interlocking design of the panels provides a more watertight and secure connection compared to overlapping or exposed-fastener systems used in corrugated metal or metal shingles. This results in better weather resistance and durability.
- Thermal expansion and contraction: Standing seam metal roofs are designed to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of metal due to temperature fluctuations. The concealed fastening system allows the panels to “float” on the roof structure, reducing the risk of buckling or other types of deformation. This feature can contribute to the roof’s overall longevity and performance.
- Ease of maintenance: Standing seam metal roofs typically have fewer areas where debris, snow, or ice can accumulate, making them easier to maintain and clean compared to corrugated metal or metal shingles. The raised seams also provide better protection against water infiltration and leaks.
Exposed fastener
Exposed fastener metal roofs are often more economical and easier to install than concealed fastener systems, such as standing seam metal roofs. However, they have some disadvantages compared to concealed fastener systems.
Exposed fastener roofing advantages and some disadvantages:
- Cost and installation: Exposed fastener metal roofs are generally less expensive and quicker to install than concealed fastener systems. The installation process is more straightforward, as the panels are secured directly to the roof structure with visible fasteners.
- Aesthetics: Exposed fastener metal roofs have a more industrial or utilitarian appearance due to the visible fasteners. This style may be more suitable for agricultural, commercial, or industrial applications but may not be the preferred choice for residential buildings, depending on the desired aesthetic.
- Maintenance and potential for leaks: One of the main disadvantages of exposed fastener metal roofs is the increased potential for leaks over time. The fasteners penetrate the surface of the metal panels, creating points of vulnerability where water can infiltrate the roof system. Additionally, the fasteners can loosen or corrode over time, increasing the risk of leaks. Regular inspection and maintenance are necessary to ensure the longevity and performance of exposed fastener metal roofs.
- Thermal expansion and contraction: Exposed fastener metal roofs may be more susceptible to issues related to thermal expansion and contraction compared to concealed fastener systems. As the metal panels expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations, the fasteners can become stressed, potentially leading to leaks or other damage. However, proper installation techniques and the use of appropriate fasteners can help minimize these issues.
