Metal Roof Cost: Types of Materials

Metal Roof Cost: Types of Materials

The range of materials available for metal roofing is wider than you might think. Each material type and style has a unique look, along with individual benefits and drawbacks. You’ll want to consider the look you’re going for, the style of your home, and in some cases, how long you plan to remain in your home. 

Steel

A basic steel roof can cost as little as $75 to $350 per roofing square. Usually galvanized or coated in Galvalume, steel roofs are efficient, inexpensive, and available in both panels or shingles.

On the other hand, stainless steel is one of the more expensive options—$400 to $1,200 per roofing square—but with good reason. Stainless steel roofing, which comes in both sheets and tiles, resists rust and corrosion and is durable. It is used as the roofing and facing on large office buildings and skyscrapers (including the Chrysler Building in New York City) because it holds up well to weather and remains glossy and attractive.

Galvanized

A zinc-coated steel core results in a low-maintenance, durable roofing material that increases a home’s energy efficiency. Ringing up at $150 to $350 per roofing square, galvanized material resists impact denting (so it’s ideal for areas with frequent hail) and develops a patina over time. It can suffer from corrosion and may require some additional maintenance and recoating.

Galvalume

Galvalume also features a steel core but is covered with a material that is a combination of zinc and aluminum. It’s less expensive than galvanized material at $75 to $200 per square but is more corrosion resistant than plain steel. Galvalume is available in many colors (although without regular resealing, colors can fade) and is quite flexible compared to other materials, so it can be helpful in applications where curves or shaping are necessary.

Tin

Tin used to be a common roofing material, especially in situations where waterproofing was important. Today, most tin products are actually a steel core with a tin and zinc or tin and lead coating called Terne. Extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, Terne develops a gray patina with time and costs around $350 to $1,500 per square.

Aluminum

The cost of an aluminum roof varies heavily depending on whether you select sheets or shingles, running as little as $150 per square for sheets or as much as $600 per square for shingles. Naturally reflective, flexible, and recyclable, aluminum is one of the most naturally energy-efficient materials you can choose for your roof. You may see references to aluminum roof panels when you’re shopping; these products are designed to cover patios or porches and are sheets of aluminum with a foam core. Available in a range of colors and styles, these panels are insulated and come in DIY kits for $3,000 to $5,000.

Copper

Copper has a rich natural beauty, and combined with its long, low-maintenance lifespan and rust-free properties, this material is one of the most expensive roofing materials you can choose. In addition, copper is easily warped or dented during installation (though quite solid after it’s properly in place), so it requires a skilled professional and extra time to install. At $800 to $1,500 per square, it’s a classic, lovely option for many homes and an investment that will last.

Zinc

Zinc is used as a coating for other metal roof materials but can also stand alone as a covering. Zinc forms its own coating as it ages and oxidizes and has the unique quality of healing itself and reseal dents and scratches when they occur. It’s durable and long lasting. Zinc shingles fall at the lower end of the cost range ($600 per square), while standing seam installations can reach or surpass the higher end ($1,000 per square).

Lead

Although you don’t want it in your paint or water, lead makes an outstanding roofing material. While manufacturers have performed studies that show lead is a safe roofing material, it’s a good plan to check with the EPA or your local building department before purchasing to ensure there’s no problem installing it in your area. Most lead roofing features a copper or other metal core and a lead coating to cut down on the weight without losing the insulation value of the material. Lead installs well on flat and highly pitched roofs, resists corrosion, and develops a deep and beautiful patina. It’s available in shingles or panels and has the benefit of being easy to bend or form against unusual shapes, so it’s ideal for curved roofs or tight fits. At $1,000 or more per square, it’s a luxury choice, but one that will stand the test of time.

Rusted Metal

A rusty metal roof probably doesn’t sound appealing at first, but this material isn’t disintegrating or full of holes—it’s made from a type of steel called Corten that is pre-weathered to have a uniform rusted color. The rust layer actually protects the steel core while looking charmingly rustic. It’s available in panels of various textures. This choice is not ideal for coastal areas; while the roof will repel water, snow, hail, and other weather, the blowing saltwater near the ocean will cause the rusted metal to deteriorate quickly.

Sheet Metal

Most of the material types are available in sheet form. Sheet metal comes in different gauges, or thicknesses, for various applications. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal is. Most sheet metal for commercial and residential roofing averages between 24- and 30-gauge. These roofs are installed with exposed fasteners, creating a rustic look. They can be painted or left unpainted. The metal can be pressed into different styles, and ribbed, corrugated, and crimped are common styles. Sheet metal is the least expensive type of roofing because it is generally easy to cut and shape and runs between $75 and $600 per roofing square.

Aluminum or Metal Shingles and Shakes

Metal roofs can be constructed by pressing shingles, shakes, or tiles for a more traditional roof appearance with less maintenance than wood, stone, or asphalt shingles. These can’t be used on flat or low-pitched roofs. The shingle-style strips are called modular press-formed granular or stone-coated and are made from 26-gauge steel and stamped with a texture that looks like a traditional asphalt shingle. Other press forms include metal Spanish tile, which is lighter and less costly than real Spanish tiles, and a metal slate, which has the appearance of real slate but is far lighter, easier to maintain, and less expensive. These options provide a more traditional roof while maintaining the efficiency, cost, and durability of a metal roof. In addition, they can help sidestep some homeowners associations that prohibit vertically striped traditional metal roofs. Slightly more expensive to install than sheet metal roofing, a shingle or shake roof can last as long as 40 years with minimal maintenance and is far more resistant to corrosion and leaks than panels. Depending on the style, metal shingles and shakes cost between $200 and $600 per roofing square.

Standing Seam

This style allows for expansion and contraction of the metal in heat and cold without cracking or stressing the metal. Constructed from galvanized or Galvalume steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, standing seam roofs have a modern farmhouse look. They are available in 18- to 28-gauge metal for commercial applications and 24- to 26-gauge pieces for residential. They can be attached with invisible clip fasteners or exposed fasteners. These panels are constructed by folding the edges of two panels together to hook together, creating a mobile yet watertight seam. Some snap together, while others simply fold, creating an attractive vertical pattern on the roof. These average between $200 and $1,000 per roofing square.