How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

As standing seam metal roofing becomes more popular in residential roofing, homeowners like you need more information. And no other piece of information is as important to the decision-making process as pricing. 

Unfortunately, the roofing industry avoids discussing cost related topics, especially the more expensive materials. But how are you expected to make a decision without having this crucial piece of information?

At Bill Ragan Roofing, we believe in providing every crucial piece of information a homeowner needs to make the right decision for them and their situation. That’s why I have no problems breaking down how much a standing seam metal roof costs. 

This article covers the following topics:

• How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?
• 5 benefits that make a standing seam metal roof worth the investment

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

No two roofs are the same, so the price for your standing seam metal roof isn't going to be the same as your neighbors. Because of this, it’s impossible to give you an exact price without getting on your roof. 

With that in mind, you can expect a 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $15.00 per square foot. While this is a general price, the actual cost of a standing seam metal roof is determined by multiple factors that vary by your roof specifically and the roofing contractor you hire. 

The factors that directly impact the cost of a standing seam metal roof are:

• Standing seam metal panels
• 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

A roofing contractor considers all the factors above when writing up your quote for a new standing seam metal roof. Just know that it’s recommended to talk to two or three roofing contractors about your metal roofing project.

5 benefits that make a standing seam metal roof worth the investment

Now you have an idea of how much a standing seam metal roof costs. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably had some sticker shock. 

But before deciding if it’s not worth the price, you need to know what metal roofing offers you and your roof investment. Let’s break down the 5 benefits that make a standing seam worth the investment.

1. Standing seam metal roofing is a long-lasting roofing material

The first (and biggest) benefit of standing seam metal roofing is that it’s durable and long-lasting. You’ll get 30 years out of standing seam metal roofing as long as it’s installed properly and your attic is adequately ventilated. 

You could even get up to 50 years or more under ideal conditions. But I guarantee your standing seam metal roof will not last this long if the metal panels’ painted finish is scratched or damaged during installation.

Exposure to dew or moisture in the air leads to the metal panels rusting and shortens the lifespan. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a local roofing contractor with a strong history of installing metal roofing to ensure they take all the precautions to protect the painted finish.

2. The painted finish that protects standing seam metal roof panels

After reading the first point, you probably gathered that the painted finish on a standing seam metal roof is important. This painted finish is actually a huge benefit of a standing seam metal roof, specifically steel. 

Kynar 500 is a painted finish all major steel manufacturers apply to the steel panels to protect the metal from the elements and keep the color from fading as it ages. While the protection it provides is a benefit, the warranty is also a huge benefit. 

It comes with a 30-year paint warranty after the standing seam metal roof is installed. The great thing is that even when the warranty expires after 30 years, the painted finish doesn’t necessarily disappear. 

However, I recommend budgeting for a metal roof replacement to ensure you're financially prepared once it reaches the 30-year mark. 

3. Standing seam metal roofing is versatile

The next benefit of standing seam metal roofing is its versatility and ability to be installed in plenty of places on your roof. This versatility is a big reason why standing seam metal roofing is becoming widely popular in residential roofing as an accent to asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. 

This is great for homeowners who like the look of metal but can’t afford a full standing seam metal roof system. However, it’s still expensive enough that it won’t fit a lot of budgets. 

But if you have the budget for standing seam metal roofing accents or a full roof system, it’s well worth the investment for the versatility it offers. 

4. A standing seam metal roof has high curb appeal

Speaking of looks, the next benefit on our list is standing seam metal roofing’s curb appeal. A standing seam metal roof system is proven to have a higher curb appeal than both 3-tab or architectural asphalt shingles. 

(Left: architectural asphalt shingles; Right: standing seam metal)

A full standing seam metal roof system over a home dramatically increases the curb appeal. But because it won’t fit most budgets, this is where homeowners take advantage of its versatility. 

Your home gets a big boost to its curb appeal no matter where you decide to add standing seam metal roofing. Just know that I’ll never recommend stretching your budget just to increase your home’s curb appeal with metal roofing.

5. Standing seam metal roofing is virtually maintenance free

Every roof needs maintenance, but how much and how often is different for every roofing material. The great thing about standing seam metal roofing is that it doesn’t require as much maintenance as other roofing materials.

Standing seam metal roofing is actually virtually maintenance-free, with the only major maintenance needed is around penetrations, like vent pipes, gas pipes, etc. Cleaning is also part of roof maintenance, but that’s a personal choice for every homeowner. 

However, I still recommend getting a standing seam metal roof checked every year or two. This is the best way to catch potential problems before they snowball and clear sitting debris that could cause damage.

What are the disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof?

Now you know the 5 benefits of standing seam metal roofing. With these benefits, a standing seam metal roof is well worth the investment if you have the budget. 

Now the “good” is covered, and I painted a rosy picture. But the truth is, metal roofing has disadvantages that are deal breakers for homeowners. 

The last thing you want is to invest your hard-earned money in a new standing seam metal roof and experience buyer’s remorse, especially considering how expensive it is. That’s why I wrote another article that breaks down all the disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof and metal roofing in general. 

Check out The Disadvantages of a Metal Roof to truly learn if a standing seam metal roof is right for you.