How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
A metal roof costs roughly $8–$16 per square foot installed (US national average, as of June 2026) — about $12,000–$24,000 for a typical 1,500 ft² roof. Exposed-fastener and corrugated steel are cheapest; standing-seam and metal shingles cost the most. That's two to three times the price of an asphalt-shingle roof ($4.50–$8/ft²), but a metal roof lasts 40–70 years.
Metal roofing is priced by the square foot (or by the roofing "square" — 100 ft²) installed. The big swing is the panel system: exposed-fastener panels are the budget option, while standing-seam and stamped metal shingles carry premium material and labor.
Installed cost by panel type
| Metal roof type | Installed cost per ft² | Per square (100 ft²) |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated / exposed-fastener steel | $4–$7 | $400–$700 |
| Ribbed / standing-rib steel | $6–$11 | $600–$1,100 |
| Standing seam (concealed fastener) | $10–$16 | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Aluminum standing seam | $12–$18 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Stone-coated / metal shingles | $10–$15 | $1,000–$1,500 |
Typical total by roof size (standing seam)
| Roof area | Roofing squares | Estimated installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 ft² | 12 squares | $12,000–$19,200 |
| 1,700 ft² | 17 squares | $17,000–$27,200 |
| 2,200 ft² | 22 squares | $22,000–$35,200 |
| 3,000 ft² | 30 squares | $30,000–$48,000 |
Roof area is the sloped surface, not the floor plan — a steeper pitch adds surface and cost. Get the squares from the roofing calculator using your footprint and pitch, then multiply by a per-square figure above.
Metal vs. asphalt
- Upfront cost: metal ($8–$16/ft²) runs 2–3× asphalt ($4.50–$8/ft²).
- Lifespan: metal lasts 40–70 years vs. 15–30 for asphalt shingles.
- Weight & energy: metal is lighter and reflects heat, trimming cooling bills.
- Cost over time: fewer replacements often makes metal cheaper across the life of the home.
What drives the price: panel system, roof pitch and height (steep or multi-story needs staging), complexity (hips, valleys, dormers), tear-off of the old roof, and trim/flashing. Source: US national average installed-cost references; material trend tracks the Producer Price Index for metal roofing via FRED. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
Often yes. A metal roof costs 2–3× an asphalt one upfront but lasts 40–70 years instead of 15–30, needs little maintenance, and can lower cooling costs. Over the life of the house it frequently works out cheaper.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
Roughly $10–$16 per square foot installed ($1,000–$1,600 per square), the priciest common steel system because of the concealed-fastener panels and the labor to seam them.
How much does a metal roof cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000 ft² roof is about 20 squares. At standing-seam pricing that's roughly $20,000–$32,000 installed; budget exposed-fastener panels can be closer to $8,000–$14,000.