Replacing a typical 2,000 sq. ft. roof with metal costs $10,000–$32,000, or $5–$16 per sq. ft. installed. National averages run about $23,800–$26,500 because standing seam is the most popular choice; copper and zinc can top $50,000 (HomeGuide and Fixr data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeGuide + 3 more. National US estimates.
Metal roofing costs two to three times more than asphalt shingles, but it lasts 40–70 years or more, sheds snow and resists wind and fire. Homeowners usually choose it when they plan to stay long-term or live where storms shred shingles every decade.
This guide covers 2026 prices by metal type, panel profile and roof size, plus what tear-off and underlayment add. For a comparison with shingles, tile and slate, see the full roof replacement cost guide.
Average cost
Typical installed totals for replacing an existing roof with metal, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated or exposed-fastener steel, 15–20 squares | $7,500–$24,000 | Lowest-cost metal; common on barns, cabins and simple gables |
| Standing-seam steel, about 20 squares | $18,000–$32,000 | Concealed fasteners; most popular residential choice |
| Premium metals (copper, zinc) or large, complex roofs | $30,000–$75,000 | Copper and zinc run $11–$32 per sq. ft. installed |
Metal roof cost by metal type
| Metal | Installed per square (100 sq. ft.) | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized or Galvalume steel | $500–$1,300 | Up to about 60 years |
| Tin (terne-coated) | $600–$1,800 | Up to about 70 years |
| Aluminum | $700–$1,700 | 40–70 years; best near salt water |
| Stainless steel | $1,000–$2,100 | 60+ years |
| Zinc | $1,000–$2,000 | 80–100 years |
| Copper | $1,300–$3,000 | 100–200 years |
Metal roof cost by panel profile
| Profile | Installed per sq. ft. | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated / exposed-fastener panels | $5–$12 | Cheapest; screws need resealing over time |
| Metal shingles | $6–$14 | Look like shingles, slate or shakes |
| Stone-coated steel | $7–$13 | Textured, quiet; tile or shake look |
| Standing seam | $9–$16 | Hidden fasteners, longest life, solar-friendly |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing a 20-square (2,000 sq. ft.) asphalt roof with steel metal roofing, including tear-off. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Metal panels and trim (materials) | $2,000–$12,000 | From basic corrugated (about $1/sq. ft.) to standing-seam panels ($4–$8/sq. ft.), plus ridge, eave and rake trim |
| Underlayment | $200–$1,800 | Synthetic or high-temperature underlayment, $0.10–$0.90 per sq. ft. |
| Installation labor | $8,000–$16,000 | About $400–$800 per square; higher for standing seam |
| Tear-off and disposal | $2,000–$6,000 | $1–$3 per sq. ft. to remove old shingles |
| Permits & inspections | $100–$500 | Re-roof permit |
| Contingency: decking and flashing | $300–$1,500 | Rotted sheathing, chimney and wall flashing details |
| Estimated total | $12,500–$38,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor is often half or more of a metal roof bill, so crew experience with your panel system matters as much as the material price.
What affects the price
- Metal type (steel, aluminum, copper, zinc). Galvanized steel is the budget choice at about $500–$1,300 per square installed, aluminum runs $700–$1,700, and zinc and copper run $1,000–$3,000 per square. Aluminum resists salt corrosion; copper and zinc are chosen for looks and century-long lifespans.
- Panel profile. Exposed-fastener corrugated panels cost about $5–$12 per sq. ft. installed, metal shingles $6–$14 and standing seam $9–$16. Standing seam costs more because the panels are formed to length and fastened with hidden clips.
- Roof size and complexity. A typical 2,000 sq. ft. roof costs about $10,000–$32,000 in metal. Hips, valleys, dormers and steep pitches add custom trim and slow down panel installation.
- Removal of the old roof. Tearing off the old roof costs about $1–$3 per sq. ft., or $1,000–$7,400 for a whole house depending on size and the weight of the old material. Some codes allow metal over one layer of shingles, which saves removal costs but can hide deck damage.
- Underlayment. Underlayment typically adds $0.10–$0.90 per sq. ft. and is usually included in bids. High-temperature synthetic underlayment is often recommended under metal, especially in hot climates.
- Labor. Installation labor runs about $400–$800 per square ($4–$8 per sq. ft.) and can be 50% or more of the total. Fewer roofers specialize in standing seam, so prices vary more between bids than for shingles.
Ways to save
- Get at least three written quotes from installers who specialize in metal, and make sure each one specifies the same gauge, panel profile, coating (such as Kynar/PVDF) and underlayment.
- Consider exposed-fastener steel panels for garages, porches and simple roofs; they cost roughly half as much as standing seam.
- Ask whether local code allows installing over one existing layer of shingles. It can save $1–$3 per sq. ft. in tear-off, but only if the deck is sound.
- Pick a simpler roofline for additions and porches. Every valley and dormer adds custom trim and labor.
- Ask your insurer about discounts for impact-rated (Class 4) or fire-rated roofing. The federal 25C tax credit for ENERGY STAR metal roofs ended for roofs installed after December 31, 2025, so check state and utility programs instead.
How to get an accurate quote
Request at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed, insured metal roofing contractors. Provide the same information to each:
- Roof size in squares or your home's floor area, number of stories and approximate pitch.
- The panel profile and metal you want (for example, 24-gauge standing-seam steel with PVDF finish) and preferred color.
- Whether the old roof must be torn off and how many layers are on it now.
- Ask what's included: underlayment type, trim and flashing, snow guards, disposal, permits, and both the paint finish and workmanship warranties.
FAQ
How long does a metal roof last?
Most steel and aluminum roofs last 40–70 years, standing seam toward the upper end. Zinc lasts 80–100 years and copper can last 100–200 years, compared with 15–30 years for asphalt shingles.
Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?
Not usually when it's installed over a solid deck with underlayment, as almost all residential metal roofs are. Rain noise is mainly an issue on open-framed barns and sheds.
Is metal roofing worth it compared with shingles?
If you plan to stay 15+ years, often yes: a metal roof can outlast two or three shingle roofs. If you might sell soon, shingles cost less up front; see our shingle roof replacement cost guide to compare.
For the big picture, start with our complete roof replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? (2026) (Nov 21, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Jan 23, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- NerdWallet — Metal Roof Cost in 2026: Is it Worth It? (updated Sep 30, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? (updated Jun 17, 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.