Metal roofing is a popular choice for many homeowners in the United States as it’s an appealing, durable, and energy-efficient option. Although a metal roof may have a higher installation cost than shingles, the long-term benefits make it a more economical, and comfortable option. For a quick and precise estimate, it is best to contact a reliable metal roofing contractor for a quote, but before that, you must understand what goes into the cost.
This article explains all components of metal roof costs, including the national average, material cost, and installation methods. At Excel Renovation, we’ve been helping homeowners learn crucial roofing facts in order to make the right decision for their homes.
Let’s start by learning the average cost of a metal roof installation on a home.
The Average Cost Of Metal Roofs
On average, U.S. homeowners pay around $11,000 to install a metal roof. However, metal roofing costs vary from $6,000 to $35,000. The final cost depends on three primary components of the roof replacement project: roofing materials, design, and labor.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the cost to install a metal roof, including the percentage of your budget you’ll be spending on each roofing component.
Cost Of Roofing Materials: 30%
The roofing materials include your choice of metal, such as copper, steel, or aluminum, and other elements like foam closure strips, flashing, sealants, fasteners, and more.
Metal roofing is commonly known as sheet metal roofing, which involves cutting the metal into sheets of different lengths and sizes. The following metals are the type of materials commonly used for residential roofs, and each metal has different properties, so you must select the one that’s suitable for your local weather conditions.
#1 Galvanized Steel
Galvanization is a process that includes adding a coat of zinc to the steel metal. Since steel can rust due to water and other natural elements, it’s essential to cover steel with a rustproof coating like zinc, copper, aluminum, or paint. Galvanized steel sheets cost about $1.50- $3.50 per square foot. This is the most affordable type of metal that can last up to 40 years with little upkeep.
#2 Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal that’s lightweight, durable, and exceptionally resistant to corrosion. This is one of the best roofing materials for areas near the coast where moisture is more likely to corrode metal. Aluminum panels and shingles range from $3.50- $6.50 per square foot. With minimum maintenance, an aluminum roof can last up to 50 years.
#3 Copper
Copper is a luxurious roof covering that has been used for centuries. Copper panels and shingles stand strong for over 100 years, making them a smart, one-time investment. After several years of protection, a golden-brown copper roof develops a more lustrous green finish. On average, copper roofing material can cost between $13-$25 per square foot.
#4 Installation Materials
Fasteners attach the roofing materials to the underlayment and decking. These are screws, nails, clips, and rubber washers costing around $100 for a pack of 250. Sealants or adhesives close the gaps between metal panels and roofing materials. A standard 10-ounce metal roofing sealant costs around $8.
However, the price of materials like foam closure strips is harder to estimate, since it’s cut by the roofing contractors on site according to the roof’s dimensions. These strips insulate the roof, preventing cold drafts and heat absorption.
Cost Of Metal Sheet Design: 20%
The type of metal you choose decides what kind of look or design you’ll have on your roof. You can choose from an array of patterns, including straight panels, wavy sheets, shake style, or slate-style metal plates.
#1 Corrugated Sheets
The word corrugated means a material or surface that has waves or grooves. These types of corrugated metal sheets have a wavy pattern with a U-shape or S-shape. They are relatively easy to install and cost less than standing seam panels. Corrugated sheets are installed using metal nails and screws that require a waterproofing coat.
#2 Standing Seam Panels
These are straight metal panels with a smooth surface and an interlocking fastening technique that does not involve using screws and nails. Standing seam panels create a clean and contemporary look, ideal for modern homes. This is generally a more leakproof metal roofing design that can withstand harsh weather conditions for a long time.
#3 Metal Shakes
Since natural wood is prone to rot, mold, algae, and pest infestation, metal shakes are a much better alternative. You can get the classic look of a cedar shake roof without the above problems and at a more affordable cost. Metal is also resistant to fire and cuts, which is a benefit that natural wood can’t provide.
#4 Metal Slate Tiles
Slate is a luxurious, and one of the most durable, roofing materials. However, it comes with a high installation and maintenance cost. That’s why many homeowners prefer metal slate tiles for their homes. Metals like aluminum and steel can easily be molded to create the authentic look of a slate roof. These metals are also easier to paint and maintain.
Installation Cost: 50%
On average, the installation cost comprises about 50 percent of the total cost of metal roofs. That’s because installation is the most critical aspect of any roof replacement project. Metal roof installation requires utmost precision and care since it involves complex installation techniques and sealing minor gaps properly. The sheets must also be handled delicately to avoid the chance of dents and discoloration. Finally, the labor cost to install a metal roof is calculated based on the roof pitch, the home’s size, installation technique, and local weather conditions.
#1 Tarping The Yard And Home
Tarping is a protective measure to protect the yard or lawn from old roofing materials, falling objects, and debris. It also protects the rafters, sheathing, and attic from rodents, debris, and damage that can slip through the uncovered parts of a roof that are being repaired or replaced. The cost involves buying materials used to tarp the roof, such as a poly tarp, timber, and fasteners.
#2 Old Roof Tear-Off And Disposal
This is a crucial step in the metal roofing process, as it ensures that your new metal roof will be installed securely and properly. The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the old asphalt shingles, flashing, rubber caulking, and nails. The old items are usually placed on the tarp on the ground. After removing these items, the roofers take care of their disposal by calling a dumpster service or recycling facility.
#3 Roof Cleaning
The third step is cleaning the roof using appropriate tools. Roof cleaning is vital to avoid improper installation. If your new metal panels come with manufacturer warranties, a faulty installation technique can void them. So it’s best to hire a reputable local roofing contractor who will take care of everything from start to finish. During a roof replacement project, the roofers may not use pressure washing as it may compromise the exposed wood. Instead, they use leaf blowers and hand scrubbing, which leaves a clean and even finish for installing new metal panels.
#4 Material And Equipment Transportation
Transportation cost forms only a tiny portion of the overall expense. This includes transporting materials from the supplier or manufacturer to the construction site, and any costs associated with transporting equipment from one location to another. The price depends on the distance traveled, as well as the quantity or size of the material and equipment.
#5 Installation Method
One of the most important factors to consider when installing metal roofing is how it will be installed. Various metal roof panels are available, and each has a different installation method depending on the panel type. There are two primary installation methods: hidden fasteners, and exposed fasteners.
Hidden fastener panels require no visible hardware like nails and screws during certain types of installation, such as with standing seam panels. You can also ask your roofing company to install metal slates or shakes using the hidden faster method. However, corrugated metal sheets are not installed using hidden fasteners or brackets, instead, they’re installed with nails and screws that are visible.
Whether you want a seamless, luxurious, or corrugated look, it all depends on your aesthetic requirements and budget. For instance, the exposed fastening method is more affordable, but if you’re looking for a more seamless finish, you may be willing to spend more money on a hidden fastening installation method.
Many more factors affect the final cost of metal roofs. Below are some of the significant ones:
- Thickness of the metal sheets or panels
- Painting and coatings
- The season
- Current weather conditions
- Availability of a reliable and licensed metal roofing contractor
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Your location, since each borough, town, or city usually has different costs of living, labor, and materials
If you live in Plymouth or the surrounding areas in Minnesota, we can install the most appealing and feasible metal roof for your home.
Learn More About The Cost Of Metal Roofs
If you need a roof replacement service for your home, a metal roof is an excellent choice for many U.S. locations. At Excel Renovation, we’ve been improving residential and commercial properties for years. Our metal roof installation experts can install the most sturdy and durable metal roofs in Minnesota. If you want to know more about metal roofing costs and other roofing materials, call us at (612)-439-5005. We’ll be happy to offer you a free consultation and estimate.
