RoofCostMetal Roof Cost Calculator
Metal is not one product. Standing seam typically installs around $12–$20 per sq ft, while corrugated exposed-fastener panels run about $7.50–$12 — this calculator prices the two systems separately, with metal-specific material and labor rates.
The sloped roof surface itself, not the floor plan. Not sure? Switch to “Estimate from home size”.
Ground-floor footprint of the house. We multiply it by the pitch factor below. Add about 10% if your roof has wide overhangs.
Estimated replacement cost
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| Materials | — |
| Labor | — |
| Tear-off & disposal | — |
| Underlayment, flashing & accessories | — |
| Permits & fees | — |
| Total estimate | — |
Planning estimate only — not a quote. It assumes a straightforward roof in average condition. Rotten decking, complex valleys, chimneys and skylights can move a real quote outside this range; always compare written quotes from licensed local roofers.
Why metal costs what it costs
The panel is only part of it. Standing seam is fabricated — often on site — in long interlocking pans with concealed clips, and it is installed by smaller, more specialized crews. Both material and labor rates sit well above shingle work. Corrugated panels arrive pre-cut, go down fast with exposed screws, and land much closer to premium shingle money.
Underlayment matters more. Metal expands, contracts and conducts heat, so high-temperature ice-and-water shield under the panels is standard practice rather than an upgrade, and it is included in the accessories line of the estimate.
Gauge and coating are the quiet variables. Thicker steel (24-gauge vs 29-gauge) and PVDF paint finishes cost more up front and are where cheap metal quotes cut corners. When you compare bids, compare those two specs before you compare totals.
Comparing against shingles? Run the same roof through the roof replacement cost calculator with architectural shingles selected — the gap between the two totals is the real premium you are deciding about.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal roof cost?
Installed, standing seam metal typically runs about $12–$20 per sq ft and corrugated (exposed fastener) panels about $7.50–$12 per sq ft, including a one-layer tear-off at US-average labor rates. On a 2,000 sq ft roof that is roughly $24,000–$39,000 for standing seam and $15,000–$24,000 for corrugated. Pitch, tear-off layers and region move the number — the calculator above adjusts for each.
Standing seam vs corrugated: what is the difference?
Standing seam hides every fastener under interlocking seams, so there are no exposed screws to back out or re-seal — it is the premium, longest-lived metal system. Corrugated and other exposed-fastener panels are screwed through the panel face; they cost substantially less but the fasteners and their washers need inspection and eventual maintenance. Most of the price gap between the two is panel and labor, not the metal itself.
How long does a metal roof last?
Commonly 40–70 years for standing seam with quality coatings, versus 15–30 years for asphalt shingles. That lifespan is the core of the metal value argument: one metal roof often replaces two or three shingle roofs, though the honest comparison depends on how long you plan to keep the house.
Is a metal roof worth it over shingles?
On pure upfront cost, no — metal is roughly two to three times the installed price of architectural shingles. It can pencil out if you plan to stay for decades, your insurer discounts metal in a hail or fire zone, or you are avoiding a second replacement. Run both numbers: this calculator for metal, and the homepage calculator with architectural shingles for the alternative.