Most homeowners pay $500–$2,000 to repair a metal roof. Reported averages range from about $900 (HomeGuide) to $1,900 (Angi), minor fixes can cost $150–$600, and panel replacement runs $5–$15 per sq. ft. (Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr and HomeAdvisor data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 3 more. National US estimates.
Metal roofs last a long time, but they still need repairs: rubber washers on exposed screws break down, seams open up, sealant fails around penetrations, and hail or falling limbs can dent or puncture panels. Rust on older steel roofs is another common reason for a service call.
This guide covers what roofers charge by type of fault and metal, how panel replacement is priced and when repair stops making sense. For shingle, tile and flat roofs, see our main roof repair cost guide.
Average cost
Typical metal roof repair costs, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor: reseal a few spots, replace loose screws, patch a small hole | $150–$600 | Some roofers have a minimum near the low end |
| Moderate: leak repair, reseal seams, replace fasteners on a section | $500–$2,000 | Most common range |
| Major: rust/corrosion, buckled or storm-damaged panels | $2,000–$7,400 | Panels replaced at $5–$15 per sq. ft. |
Metal roof repair cost by type of fault
| Repair | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screws / fasteners | $150–$1,000 | Screws themselves cost $15–$75 |
| Splits, cracks, gaps and holes | $200–$1,000 | Patch or sealant |
| Leak repair | $200–$1,000 | Up to about $3,000 if caused by rust |
| Resealing loose seams | $250–$1,100 | Common on older roofs |
| Rust and corrosion | $300–$3,000 | Depends on how much metal is affected |
| Buckling or wrinkling | $500–$3,000 | Affected sections must be replaced |
| Storm damage | $700–$4,000 | Often an insurance claim |
| Roof coating | $0.50–$4 per sq. ft. | Restores and seals aging panels |
Panel replacement cost by metal type
Installed price per sq. ft. for replacing damaged panels (labor and materials), per HomeGuide:
| Metal | Cost per sq. ft. installed |
|---|---|
| Corrugated metal | $5–$12 |
| Galvalume or galvanized steel | $5–$13 |
| Stone-coated steel | $7–$13 |
| Aluminum | $7–$17 |
| Zinc | $10–$20 |
| Copper | $13–$30 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for fixing a leak on an exposed-fastener steel roof by replacing worn screws and resealing seams on one section. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $50–$300 | Gasketed screws, butyl tape, sealant, patch metal |
| Labor | $400–$1,400 | Removing old screws, cleaning and resealing; $5–$15 per sq. ft. on larger areas |
| Permits | $0–$100 | Rarely required for repairs |
| Contingency | $50–$300 | A panel or flashing piece that can't be resealed |
| Estimated total | $500–$2,100 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor drives most of the cost, so fixing all worn fasteners on a slope at once is usually cheaper than chasing individual leaks.
What affects the price
- Type of fault. Small holes, gaps and loose screws cost $150–$1,000, while rust, buckling or storm damage that requires new panels can reach $3,000–$4,000 or more.
- Fasteners and sealants. Exposed-fastener roofs rely on rubber washers that wear out; replacing screws costs $150–$1,000 depending on how many, and resealing seams runs $250–$1,100. Sealants typically last 10–20 years.
- Panel replacement. When a panel is punctured, rusted through or buckled, it has to be replaced, at about $5–$13 per sq. ft. for steel and up to $30 for copper. Matching an older color or profile can add time.
- Access. Roofs above the first floor, or with obstacles like solar panels and trees, take longer to work on. Angi notes inspections alone can reach $900 for steep or complex roofs, versus $125–$350 for typical ones.
- Roof pitch. Metal is slippery, so steep slopes need extra fall protection and slow the crew down, which increases labor. Low-slope metal roofs are generally quicker to repair.
Ways to save
- Schedule a roof check every 1–2 years; HomeGuide puts routine metal roof maintenance at $75–$1,200, far less than repairing rust or leaks left unchecked.
- Replace all worn fasteners on a slope at once rather than paying for repeat visits for individual leaks.
- Ask about a roof coating ($0.50–$4 per sq. ft.) for an aging but structurally sound roof; it can be cheaper than replacing panels.
- File an insurance claim for hail or wind damage promptly, with photos; storm repairs run $700–$4,000.
- Compare at least three written quotes from roofers who work on metal specifically, and ask whether they can source panels matching your profile and color.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured metal roofing contractors for written quotes after an inspection. Provide:
- Your roof type (exposed-fastener/corrugated or standing seam), the metal (steel, aluminum, copper) and the approximate age.
- Where leaks or rust appear and photos of any dents, holes or lifted panels.
- The roof pitch, number of stories and anything on the roof such as solar panels, skylights or vents.
- Ask whether the price includes fastener replacement on the whole slope, sealants used and their expected life, and the workmanship warranty.
FAQ
When should I replace a metal roof instead of repairing it?
Angi suggests replacement when more than about 20%–30% of the roof needs work. Metal roof replacement costs far more, roughly $11,700–$28,700 according to Angi, so compare it with the metal roof replacement cost before deciding.
How long does a metal roof last?
Typically 30–80 years depending on the metal; aluminum lasts about 20–45 years, steel 30–60 years, and zinc or copper can last 80 to over 100 years, per Angi and HomeGuide.
Why does my metal roof leak around the screws?
The rubber washers on exposed screws harden and crack with sun and temperature swings, and screws can back out as panels expand and contract. Replacing fasteners typically costs $150–$1,000 depending on how many need to be changed.
For the big picture, start with our complete roof replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Metal Roof Repair Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 15, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Metal Roof Repair Cost? (2026) (Feb 4, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — How Much Does Roof Repair Cost in 2026? (updated Jan 21, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Roof Repair Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 19, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.