Metal Roof Cost in 2026
$7 – $16 nationally — most projects land around $11 (installed, per sq ft).
| 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.
Local cost guides
Related guides
Free estimate · No obligation
Get your roofing project priced over the phone
No form to fill in. Describe the job on the phone, ask what it should cost where you live, and get a quote.
☎ (252) 582-9330- Free for you — the contractor pays for the call
- No form, no email address, no follow-up spam
- Ask about your own roof, not an average
Connects you to an independent partner contractor. We are paid for calls. Calls may be recorded.