Metal Roofing Costs – Benefits, Myths, and Pros & Cons

Metal is a durable, long-lasting, energy efficient and environmentally-safe alternative to conventional asphalt shingle roofs.

Homeowners love the looks and benefits that metal roofs have to offer, but you may still wonder “how come not everybody has a metal roof on their home?”

Aside from the general lack of awareness and perpetuation of the old myths and untruths like “metal roofs being noisy in the rain”, “they are not that good looking” or “they look like a barn”, and “metal roofs are easily susceptible to corrosion”, it is the fact that on average, a metal roof has a higher initial upfront cost of investment compared to the ubiquitous asphalt shingles.

Generally speaking, metal roofing costs approximately double of what you would normally pay for asphalt shingles installation by a professional contractor in good standing, who has their licenses and insurance coverage in check.

Materials Only Costs – Overview

Metal shingles finished with a premium Kynar 500 paint coating are considered a mid-range metal roofing option for homes (behind only standing seam), costing about 10% to 20% less than standing seam, depending on project requirements.

In terms of material costs, metal shingles cost between $4.00 to $5.50 per square foot for G-90 galvanized steel shingles and metal trim/flashing, while aluminum shingles tend to be more expensive, costing between $4.50 and $6.00 per square foot.

You can also get metal shingles in zinc or copper. Both zinc and copper are premium metals that are more expensive than either aluminum or steel. For zinc shingles, you can expect to pay between $6.00 and $9.00 per square foot including trim. For copper shingles your material costs can range between $12.00 to $16.00 per square foot.

Standing seam Kynar 500 coated sheet metal panels cost between $4.00 and $7.00 per square foot or about $400 to $700 per square (100 sq. ft.) for the materials, plus trim.

Note: If you are planning to take on the installation of a new metal shingle roof by yourself, then be sure you understand the fundamental principles of installing a particular system that you choose.

Professional installation figures provided below are meant as a general guideline only, and will vary depending on your home’s location, contractor, and the overall difficulty of the roof.

Steel Shingles Total Cost Installed: Materials and Professional Installation

On average, steel shingle roofs will cost between $10.50 and $16.00 per square foot installed. This includes the cost of materials, professional installation, and comprehensive warranty from the installer.

Assuming the average installation price of $14.00 per square foot, you can expect a total ticket price of $28,000 for a new metal shingle roof installed on a typical 2,000 square foot roof. The total cost will be higher if there are additional structures like a detached garage.

How Long Will a Metal Shingle Roof Last?

Steel shingle roofs are protected by a layer of zinc (galvanic coating) and Kynar 500 paint finish to prevent peeling and corrosion. When G-90 steel is combined with Kynar 500 paint, you can expect about 50 years of service lifespan from a properly installed metal roof under normal environmental conditions.

Aluminum Shingles Total Cost Installed

If you live near a coastal area where the air contains a higher concentration of salt aka salt spray environment, then you should consider going with aluminum shingles rather than steel. Installing aluminum shingles will cost between $12.50 to $16.50 per square foot installed for materials and professional installation.

Expect to pay between $25,000 and $33,000 for a typical 2,000 square foot residential roof when you choose aluminum shingles.

Standing Seam Total Cost Installed

For homeowners interested in a more premium metal roofing option and those who also want to install solar panels, standing seam offers a good combination of sleek, modern-looking lines, coupled with exceptional durability and longevity. The raised seams make it easy to mount solar arrays without having to drill any holes in the roof.

With a professional installation, you can expect to pay between $12.50 and $18.50 per square foot of standing seam fully installed.

Are Metal Roofs Worth It?

Installing a beautiful metal roof can help accent and enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your home. A metal roof is designed to last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles and cedar shingles.

Superior durability and longevity of metal can help you obtain lower homeowner’s insurance premiums if you happen to live an area that is prone to strong winds, hail, or forest fires.

Metal vs. Asphalt

Wide range of available styles and colors

Metal roofs provide aesthetically pleasing lines, a wide range of colors, and offer a wide variety of styles to choose from.

Energy Savings

CoolRoof rated metal roofs are notorious for their superior energy efficiency, which translates into average energy savings of 20 percent or more on home cooling costs. Some homeowners report having energy savings of up to 40 percent!

Metal is fully-recyclable

Metal is a fully recyclable building material, while asphalt shingle, a petroleum based product, typically pollutes the environment in all three phases of its existence; during its production, its service life, and its ultimate demise — taking up space and decomposing in our landfills because asphalt shingles are usually not recycled due to lack of efficiency and prohibitive recycling costs.

ROI: Curb Appeal and Property Appreciation

Metal roofs tend to deliver good ROI at resale, even after decades of service. A well-maintained metal roof can fetch over 80% of its initial price at resale.

A metal roof can help improve the curb appeal and increase the appraised value of your home. Homes protected by a metal roof typically retain the initial value far longer than other major home remodeling projects. — Retaining a higher appraised home value (property appreciation) while yielding monthly energy savings on home cooling costs, and providing decades of reliable and (mostly) maintenance free protection, can make metal roofing a smart investment in your home.