The biggest concern for homeowners considering a metal roof is pricing. Which is understandable once you see the price tag.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to find an honest number for that price tag. And most information regarding pricing goes by “per square”.
This is confusing for anyone new to roofing or a roof replacement. So, let’s save some brain calories and give you cost numbers with a term that most homeowners understand per square foot.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has believed in providing honest and unbiased roofing information, especially around cost. Because of this, I’ll break down how much a metal roof costs per square foot.
This article covers the following:
- A quick overview of the two types of metal roof systems.
- How much both roof systems cost per square foot.
- The factors that impact a metal roof’s cost.
The two types of metal roof systems
There are 2 types of metal roof systems: a screw down panel metal roof system and a standing seam metal roof system. The one you choose has a big impact on your metal roof’s cost per square foot.
A screw down panel (also called exposed fastener) roof is metal panels fastened down by screwing through the face of the metal. Because it’s installed by screwing through the face of metal, this type of metal roof can’t expand and contract freely.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. The fasteners under the ribs allow the metal panels to glide back and forth thermal expansion occurs.
Both metal roof systems have their place in the roofing industry. However, I recommend each for different situations.
If you’re considering a metal roof over your home or another heated space, I always recommend a standing seam metal roof. This goes back to the expansion capabilities of the two metal roof systems.
On the other hand, I recommend a screw down metal roof for a carport, garage, back screened-in porch, barn, or anywhere that’s not a heated living or workspace. But if you decide to install a screw down metal roof over your home, just know that it’ll be more expensive to maintain and more prone to leaks.
How much does a metal roof cost per square foot?
Before we get to the cost per square foot of a metal roof, there’s something to keep in mind. This is the fact that every roof is different, and a lot of factors determine the cost of a new metal roof (more on that in a minute).
Because of this, I can't give you exact pricing for a metal roof. However, the numbers below give you a good idea of the budget a homeowner needs for metal roofing.
I also include the material warranty and lifespan information of each metal roof system to help you understand the return on investment after your metal roof is installed. Let’s start with the metal roof system I recommend.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost per square foot?
A 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof costs around $15.00 per square foot. This number could be lower or higher depending on roof complexity, including the size, the number of valleys, penetrations, facets, your roof’s pitch, and more.
After installation, you should get at least 30 years out of your new standing seam metal roof as long as it’s installed properly. In perfect conditions, you could even stretch 30 years into 50 years.
A standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint (Kynar 500) warranty on the metal panels themselves. The paint protects the metal panels from the elements and prevents the color you choose from fading.
While the painted finish is under warranty for 30 years, it won’t disappear overnight once it reaches the 30-year mark. But just know that scratching or damaging the paint exposes the fresh steel to dew or moisture in the air, causing rust and shortening a standing seam metal roof’s lifespan.
How much does a screw down metal roof cost per square foot?
A screw down panel metal roof costs around $4.50 per square foot to start. You should get around 20 years out of a screw down panel metal roof as long as it’s properly installed.
With a maintenance program, you could stretch it up to 30 years. Just know you’ll have to change out the screws every 5 or so years to avoid leaks once the washers wallow out.
Unfortunately, I can’t be specific on the material warranty for a screw down metal roof system. The warranty ultimately depends on the painted finish the manufacturer used on the steel or aluminum panels.
What impacts the cost of a new metal roof?
As I said, the type of metal roof system you choose has a big impact on the cost. But there’s much more that impacts the final price of a new metal roof.
To better help you understand what goes into the cost per square foot number above, I've made a list of the factors that directly affect the price.
Below are the main factors that a roofing contractor takes into account when coming up with an estimate for a new metal roof:
- The type of metal roof you choose
- The type of metal (aluminum, steel, copper)
- The rest of the metal roof system’s components
- Labor and time
- Roof accessibility
- The number of penetrations
- The size and complexity of your roof
- The amount of decking that may need to be replaced
- Dump fees
- Operating costs
Keep in mind that every roof is different, and every roofing contractor is different. So, the price not only fluctuates based on your roof but also the roofing contractor you hire.
Want to learn the price of other popular residential roofing materials?
Now you know how much a metal roof costs per square foot, the lifespan, and the material warranty for both types of metal roof systems. After reading this article, you should have a good idea if a metal roof is right for your budget.
If it is, you’re ready to reach out to a roofing contractor to start the process of getting your metal roof.
But what if a metal roof doesn’t fit your budget? Or what if you’re still on the fence or just want to know the pricing of other residential roofing materials?
If you fit into any of the questions above, I have the buyer’s guide you need. The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof includes the cost, lifespan, warranties, and the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of roofing materials to help you make the best decision for your budget and situation.
It also helps you find a great roofing contractor, how to pay for a roof replacement, and so much more. With this buyer’s guide, you’ll have the confidence you're making all the right choices.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality metal roofing and other roofing material replacements to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We take pride in our craftsmanship and offer a lifetime guarantee to back it up.
If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for any of your metal roofing or other roof replacement needs.
Here’s The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof, so you have all the power to make all the right buying decisions for your upcoming roof replacement.
