How Much Does a Metal Roof Replacement Cost in 2023?
Looking to install a metal roof in your home? Here’s the ultimate guide to metal roofing, including cost, pros and cons, and aesthetic options in 2023.
Did you know that every year approximately 7 million new metal roofs are installed? Metal roofs have gained popularity over the past ten years due to their durability and eco-friendliness.
Replacing a roof can be stressful because there are many different types of roofs at different price points. If you need to buy a new roof, a metal roof could be the best option for you!
Because of the increased popularity, durability, and eco-friendliness of a metal roof, they do come at a price but exactly how much does a metal roof cost?
Here’s your ultimate metal roof guide including how much a metal roof costs, the different types of metal roofs, and other details that you will need to consider before buying a new metal roof.
Cost of a Metal Roof
If you are interested in buying a new metal roof, you will first need to know approximately how much you should expect to spend.
A new metal roof will cost anywhere from $6.24-$16 per square foot including the price of installing the roof. The cost will depend on the type of metal that you choose, where you live, and who installs the roof.
Here is what you can expect to pay for a metal roof based on the size of your roof:
- 1200 square feet: $7,200-$19,800
- 1500 square feet: $9,000-$24,550
- 1700 square feet: $10,200-$27,600
- 2000 square feet: $12,000-$32,110
Keep in mind that there could be additional costs involved in installing your new metal roof. For example, your old roof may need removing before your new roof can be installed or your roof may be a unique shape that requires additional work.
The price of a new metal roof can be broken down into two main costs- the cost of materials and the cost of labor.
Cost of Materials
The first thing to consider when estimating the overall price of your new metal roof is the cost of the materials. The type of metal you decide to use will be a major factor in your overall cost.
Metal roofs can range from aluminum to copper to zinc. Each different type of metal roof has its own pros/cons, and they all have different price points.
Here are some of the most common types of metal roofs:
Steel
Cost: $3.22-$5 per square foot
Steel roofs are the most common type of metal roof and for a good reason, they are the most affordable.
Once the steal roofing is installed, it is low maintenance, durable, and resistant to fires. Steel roofs can also withstand high winds and being hit by heavy objects.
The cons are that they have a shorter life span compared to other metal roofs, they are more likely to rust, and they are heavy which makes them more difficult to install.
Aluminum
Cost: $3.24-$6 per square foot
Aluminum roofs are strong, lightweight, and cost-effective! Because they are so lightweight, they are easy to install and may have a lower labor cost than other types of metal roofs.
If you choose to get an aluminum roof, you won’t have to worry much about maintaining it and rust should not be an issue. Even if you live in an area near the ocean with a lot of salt spray, aluminum roofs do not corrode.
The only downsides to aluminum roofs are that they can be easy to dent because they are so lightweight and they may only be available in a limited number of colors.
Standing Seam Metal
Cost: $3.11-$12 per square foot
Standing seam metal roofs are perfect for anyone who is looking for a unique roof design. Standing seam roofs have seam fasteners that are better at preventing moisture from coming in and are stronger than roofs without fasteners.
The biggest cons of a standing seam metal roof are the cost, lack of contractors available to install the roof due to the difficulty, and that they cannot be installed on flat roofs.
Zinc
Cost: $5.20-$12 per square foot
Zinc roofs tend to be good-looking, last anywhere from 80-100 years, and do a great job resisting rust. If you live near the ocean, a zinc roof could be a great option for you because salt does not affect it.
The worst part about zinc roofs is the price. Because the price is so high, many people choose not to use zinc roofing and it is not a widely available material.
Copper
Cost: $14-$22 per square foot
If you are looking for an attractive roof and don’t mind spending money, a copper roof may be the best metal roof option for you. Copper roofs are good-looking, lightweight, resistant to rust, and last longer than any other type of metal roof.
The biggest cons to having a copper roof are that they are the most expensive type of metal roof and they can be difficult to find.
Cost of Labor
In addition to the material cost of the roof, you will also need to consider the labor costs. Installing a metal roof can range anywhere from $5,000 to $48,000 depending on the size of your roof, where you live, the type of material used, and the shape of your roof.
Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof
Purchasing a new roof is a major decision. Before you make that decision, you should consider the pros and the cons of a metal roof so that you can decide if it is the right type of roof for you.
Pros of a Metal Roof
Metal roofs are durable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. Here are the pros to installing a metal roof.
Metal Roof Longevity
On average, a metal roof can last 40-80 years and most metal roofs come with a 30-50 year warranty. Asphalt roofs only last about 10-20 years so there is a huge difference!
In addition to how long metal roofs last, they are also durable. Most metal roofs can resist high winds, storms, and falling debris.
If you choose to get a metal roof, you will have peace of mind that you probably won’t have to replace it.
Eco-friendly
Even though metal roofs are more expensive than traditional asphalt roofs, they will save you money on your electric bill. Metal roofs reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, meaning you will save money on air conditioning costs in the summer.
Metal roofs are recyclable so once they reach the end of their lifespan, you can recycle them. In addition to being recyclable, they are also made up of a percentage of recycled materials.
Traditional asphalt roofs are made up of petroleum products that depend on fossil fuels. Using additional fossil fuels is bad for the environment and because asphalt roofs don’t last as long, they create more waste.
Different Roof Colors
Another pro of metal roofs is that they come in a ton of different colors! You will find metal roofs in a variety of colors including grays, greens, browns, reds, and more. You also can choose different finishes including matte, shiny, and even color-changing roofs.
While metal roofs typically offer 100s of different color options, asphalt roofs offer around 15 different colors. If you want your metal roof to be unique, a metal roof is the best choice.
Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance
Insurance companies tend to like metal roofs because they are more durable than traditional roofs. Because there is a smaller chance that your roof will get damaged, you will be able to save money on your homeowner’s insurance.
Even though metal roofs are more expensive than traditional roofs, this cost savings is an important consideration when making your decision.
Increase Home Value
Paying more for a metal roof will increase the value of your home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, a metal roof could be a great investment.
Cons of a Metal Roof
There are plenty of pros to having a metal roof but there are also cons. Here are some cons to having a metal roof.
Cost
Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional asphalt roofs. Metal roofs cost around $6.10-$16 per square foot while asphalt roofs cost around $2.11-$6.05 per square foot. It also may cost more money to install a metal roof than it does to install an asphalt roof.
At least if you decide to invest in a metal roof you will be able to increase your home value and save money on the homeowner’s insurance.
Noisy
Depending on your preferences, this could be a pro or a con. For some people, falling asleep to the sound of rain hitting the roof will be a pleasant experience. For others, it will be annoying.
In addition to hearing rainfall, you will also hear branches hitting your roof or squirrels running across the roof.
Dents
While metal roofs are mostly durable, they can be dented. This can occur from severe weather, walking on the roof, or a tree falling on the roof. If this is a concern, you should avoid installing an aluminum roof.
Are You Ready to Estimate the Cost of Your Metal Roof?
Even though metal roofs are a more expensive option than traditional roofing, they are a great investment. They will last a lifetime, and they will bring you peace of mind.
If you are ready to estimate the cost of installing your new metal roof today and find a contractor in your area, use our roofing cost estimator to get started!
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