Metal Roofing Costs at a Glance

• Average labor costs: $350-$400 per 100 square feet
• Average labor costs, seam roof: $500 per 100 square feet
• Corrugated metal sheets: $180-$250 per 100 square feet
• Aluminum sheets: $325-$575 per 100 square feet
• Copper sheets: $1,400-$2,200 per 100 square feet
• Average total material costs: $4,875-$8,625
• 2,000-square-foot metal roof cost: $8,000-$60,000
• Compare to 2,000-square-foot asphalt roof: $6,000-$7,500

Replacing your roof can be inconvenient and expensive, so it's hardly surprising that durability is one of the most important deciding factors for many homeowners. Metal roofing systems are gaining popularity thanks to their stylish appearance and long lifespans. However, metal is also one of the most expensive roofing options, so it's important to understand the costs involved before replacing your existing roof with a metal one.

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So, how much does a metal roof cost? The information below will help you understand the material and labor costs for metal roof installation and explain how they compare to the cost of installing a regular asphalt shingle roof.

What Is the Labor Cost for Installing a Metal Roof?

Labor costs and other contractor costs (like equipment hire) account for roughly two-thirds of the total price of installing a metal roof. According to data from Roofing Calculator, you should expect to pay between $350 and $400 per square (100 square feet) for installation. A seam roof is more difficult to install and will set you back around $500 for the same area.

There are a couple of factors that could make your metal roof installation costs higher. If you have multiple chimneys or other roof features that make the roof more difficult to build, you should expect to pay more. It’s also more expensive to install a high-pitch metal roof.

What Is the Material Cost for a Metal Roof?

The cost of metal roofing materials varies widely depending on which type of metal and finish you want. At the cheapest end of the scale, corrugated metal roofing sheets cost between $180 and $250 per square, according to Modernize. Premium copper sheets could set you back between $1,400 and $2,200 per square.

A mid-range roof material such as aluminum costs between roughly $325 and $575 per square. For an average-sized roof measuring 1,500 square feet, this adds up to a total average material cost of between $4,875 and $8,625.

How Much Does It Cost to Put a Metal Roof on a 2,000-Square-Foot House?

According to Fixr, a 2,000-square foot metal roof costs between $8,000 and $60,000, including the cost of materials and installation labor. Although this price range is very wide, your project probably won’t come in towards the upper end of that scale unless you select a pricey material like copper.

However, bear in mind that your roof area will be larger than your home’s footprint unless you have a flat roof. The roof’s pitch angle will affect the overall square footage — the higher the pitch, the greater the roof area.

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Is It Cheaper to Install a Metal Roof or Shingle?

Generally, a metal roof costs more than a shingle one. Compared to the figures above, a 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof comes in at about $6,000 to $7,500 installed, according to Homewyse.

One of the primary reasons shingle roofs are cheaper is that the materials are far less expensive, costing around $1 per square foot for mid-range asphalt composition shingle. Shingle roofs are also significantly faster and less specialized to install than metal roofing, so labor costs are lower as well.

How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

While it may seem like a no-brainer to install asphalt shingle to save money, that's not the whole story. While an asphalt shingle roof is certainly cheaper upfront, Bob Vila says you can only expect your roof to last between 12 and 20 years before you need to replace it. Meanwhile, metal roofs have an expected lifespan of up to 70 years and often come with generous manufacturer's warranties spanning decades. So, depending on how long you expect to live in your home, a new metal roof may be the last one you’ll ever need.

Furthermore, metal roofs can withstand rain and adverse weather more robustly than asphalt shingles, making them a good option for homeowners living in more extreme climates who want to avoid leaks or replacing their roofs too often. Metal roofing systems also hold up better in the snow than most other roof types because of the smooth surface that doesn't allow large amounts of snow to accumulate, which can cause the roof to buckle.