Metal Roof Cost in 2026

$7 – $16 nationally — most projects land around $11 (installed, per sq ft).

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Low	National average	High
$7	$11	$16
installed, per sq ft

Metal roofing spans two very different products: corrugated or ribbed panels at $7–$11 per square foot installed, and standing seam systems at $10–$16. A metal roof costs roughly double an architectural shingle roof upfront, but lasts 40–70 years versus 20–25.

What drives the price

Panel type: exposed-fastener corrugated is the budget option; standing seam's hidden clips cost more in both material and labor.
Metal and gauge: Galvalume steel is standard; aluminum (coastal) and thicker 24-gauge panels add 10–30%.
Roof complexity: metal hates cut-up roofs — every valley, dormer and penetration means custom flashing work.
Crew availability: in many metros only a minority of roofers install standing seam well, which keeps labor prices firm.

Want a number for your home? Run the free roofing cost calculator — it adjusts for your metro's labor rates.

Frequently asked questions

Is a metal roof worth it over shingles?

If you plan to stay 15+ years, usually yes: double the lifespan, better wind and fire ratings, insurance discounts in hail states, and 1–2% resale value gains typically offset the higher upfront cost.

Can metal be installed over shingles?

Often yes, over a single flat layer with furring or synthetic underlayment — saving $1–$2/sq ft in tear-off. Local code and manufacturer specs decide.

Is a metal roof noisy in rain?

Over a solid deck with underlayment and attic insulation, a metal roof measures within a few decibels of shingles. The barn-roof drumming myth comes from open-frame structures.

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