Metal roofs are known for their durability, low maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. They also come at a higher price compared to other roofing materials.
However, certain types of metal roofs, like steel and aluminum roofs, can be installed for a budget-friendly price. Read more to find out all you need to know about the cheapest metal roofing options
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What Is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is a broad term for roofs made from aluminum, copper, zinc, or steel.
These materials are made into slates, tiles, or corrugated shapes. You also have the option of installing standing seam roofs, stamped metal shingle roofs, metal tile roofs, and metal slate roofs.
In the past, metal roofs were only used in industrial roofing, and they were manufactured for factories, warehouses, and barns.
Metal roofs have since become the second most popular type of residential roofs, right after asphalt shingles. Their popularity can be ascribed to many factors.
Metal roofs are the most durable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting roofing solutions you can find on the market.
Did you know? Metal roofs are typically installed on flat surfaces, but they can also be a great addition to slightly pitched roofs.
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Cheap Metal Roofing prices
The average cost of a metal roof varies from $9,400 to $45,600. This price includes materials and the cost of labor.
| Metal Roofing | Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Price | $9,400 to $45,600 |
| Low Prices | $5,000 to $14,000 |
| High Prices | $28,880 to $64,125 |
| Per Square Foot | $1.00 to $29.65 |
| Per Roofing Square | $1,000 to $2,965 |
| Labor | $3,000 to $10,000 |
It’s challenging to determine an accurate price because particular roofing materials are much more expensive than others. For example, aluminum can cost around $3.00 per square foot, while tin and copper are priced at $30.00 per square foot.
The most affordable metal roofs are made from steel and aluminum, so you can expect to pay much less for this installation. The cheapest cost of a new metal roof is around $5,000, while an average price range is around $14,000.
On the other hand, if you opt for a pricier material, like copper or zinc, the total price goes up to anywhere from $28,880 to $64,125 for the whole installation.
Aside from the type of metal used for the roofing, other factors can influence the total cost of this home improvement project. This includes the size and shape of your roof, the pitch of your roof, the location of your home, the roofing contractor you hire, the condition of your current roof, and more.
Cheap Metal Roofing Cost Breakdown
Knowing how many square feet your roof has will help you figure out how much the whole project will cost.
When installing a new roof, contractors usually use the term roofing square (or sometimes just square), which is equivalent to 100 square feet. So, for example, an average roof has 3,000 square feet, which is 300 roofing squares.
When it comes to square footage, metal roofing is estimated at $1.00 to $29.65 per square foot. Therefore, one roofing square can cost from $1,000 to $2,965.
It’s also possible to calculate metal roofing prices per sheet.
For example, one steel sheet can cost $71.25 to $332. On the other hand, one stainless steel sheet can be priced from $380 to $1,140.
We’ll go into more detail about how much each type of metal roof costs shortly.
It’s also important to consider the cost of labor for installing a new roof. By default, the cost of labor takes up about 60% of the total price of the installation.
If you have a simple roof that’s in good condition, labor costs can be estimated at $3,000. Keep in mind that this expense largely depends on the company, as some roofing companies charge over $10,000 just for labor.
What many people don’t know is that metal roofs can be installed on top of existing roofs, which can greatly reduce the total price of the installation.
What Are The Cheapest And Most Expensive Metal Roofing?
Some types of metal roofs are great options for homeowners on a budget, while others are for those who are prepared to make a serious financial investment.
Here are different types of metal roofing from the cheapest to the most expensive:
| Types of Metal Roofs | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Corrugated Steel | $1.00 to $2.37 |
| Aluminum | $2.09 to $6.00 |
| Galvanized Steel | $3.18 to $4.03 |
| Tin | $3.00 to $15.00 |
| Standing Seam | $4.00 to $14.00 |
| Zinc | $6.00 to $10.45 |
| Stainless Steel | $9.50 to $15.20 |
| Copper | $13.39 to $24.13 |
Steel Roofing
There are various types of steel roofs, including corrugated steel, galvanized steel, silicon-coated steel, stone-coated steel, stainless steel, and more.
Galvanized steel is one of the most popular roofing materials, which has a steel core and a zinc coating. One square foot of galvanized steel shingles cost $3.18 to $4.03.
Corrugated steel is much more affordable, coming at $1.00 to $2.37 per square foot.
Stainless steel offers better durability and corrosion resistance, which is why it’s pricier. You can expect to pay $9.50 to $15.20 for one square foot of stainless steel.
The total price of a new steel roof can range from $8,882 to $23,750.
Aluminum Roof
Aluminum is another budget-friendly metal roofing solution.
The average price of aluminum per square foot is $3.10. It’s also possible to find cheaper variants for as little as $2.09. The most you’ll likely pay for aluminum is $6.00 per square foot.
When you count the labor cost, the whole project can cost from $6,270 to $11,542.
Aluminum is a great option because it’s resistant to fire, and it offers excellent insulation, keeping your home warm in cold weather.
Aluminum comes in tiles and shingles.
One downside of aluminum is that it’s softer compared to other metals, so it dents easily.
Standing Seam Roofing
A standing seam joins two sheets of metal, and it can be made from various materials.
Standing seam roofs are the most popular roof design, and it’s available in galvanized steel, painted aluminum, zinc galvalume steel, copper, etc.
The average price for a standing seam roof varies from $22,800 to $39,900. One square foot is estimated at $6.50 on average, but the prices go from $4.00 to $14.00 per square foot, depending on the material you choose.
Other than no exposed fasteners, some advantages of standing seam metal roofs include low maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, longevity, and a sleek, modern appearance.
However, since they offer high quality, standing seam roofs usually come at a high price.
Pro Tip: If you have a flat roof, you can’t install a standing seam roof. A roof needs to have a pitch above 0.5/12 to be suitable for a standing seam roof.
Tin Roofs
Tin roofs are technically made of rolled steel, which is then covered with a tin alloy coat.
Tin roofing can be as cheap as $3.00 per square foot, but it can also be sold for $15.00 per square foot. Installing a tin roof can cost from $16,150 to $29,877 in total.
A tin roof can last for 40 to 70 years, and it’s highly durable. Not only that, but tin roofs are recyclable and eco-friendly.
Tin roofs tend to have an industrial look, which usually doesn’t appeal to homeowners who live in residential neighborhoods.
Zinc Roofs
Zinc is typically considered an affordable alternative to copper, but it’s more expensive than the previous roofing materials we’ve mentioned.
The price for zinc roofs range from $6.00 to $10.45 per square foot. To install a zinc roof, you’ll need to set aside $15,675 to $45,220 for the entire project.
As expensive as they are, zinc roofs offer a unique appearance and unmatched durability.
Zinc roofs can last for up to 150 years, so you will definitely get a good return on investment.
Zinc roofing also offers great weather resistance, and they stand up against cracks and erosion.
Copper Roofing
Copper roofs are the most expensive types of metal roofs.
This premium roofing material costs $13.39 to $24.13 per square foot. The entire installation can cost between $33,915 and $64,125.
Aside from the incredibly high price, copper roofs have another downside, and that’s oxidization.
Even though copper roofs can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years, they will start to turn green after about 20 years.
Aside from that, this high-end roofing material offers a unique and attractive appearance, extreme durability and weather resistance, and a high return on investment.
Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles
Metal and asphalt shingles are the two most popular types of roofing materials. While both are solid options, they do come with some significant differences.
It’s true that metal roofs can be dented, but it would require a lot of pressure to cause real damage.
In comparison, asphalt shingles are much less durable and impact-resistant, and you would need to replace them as soon as they get damaged.
Considering that asphalt shingles require more maintenance than metal roofs, this is a serious factor to think about.
Asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of 10 to 30 years, while metal roofs can last for 50 to 100 years if they’re maintained properly.
However, asphalt shingles are more affordable than metal roofing, but we’ll get to that later.
Is A Metal Roof Energy Efficient?
One of the most important advantages of metal roofing is energy efficiency.
Most types of metal roofs are made from recycled materials, some are even 100% recyclable. Not to mention that it’s possible to install a metal roof over an existing roof, minimizing installation waste. They also offer excellent insulation, keeping your home cool during summer and warm during winter.
Did you know? If you install a metal roof, you can reduce your utility bills by 40%.
Things To Consider With Metal Roofs
Metal roofs usually have an industrial appearance, which is why some homeowners won’t take them into consideration.
That being said, metal roofs come in a variety of colors and finishes, so it’s possible to make your roof look rustic yet contemporary.
You should know that if you install a metal roof in a neighborhood full of asphalt shingle roofs, it will definitely stand out.
If you have decided to install a metal roof, it’s imperative to hire a professional roofing contractor. Installing a new roof isn’t a DIY project, but a complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive installation. This also applies to repairs.
Finally, installing a metal roof is a long-term investment for which you need an appropriate budget.
What Are The Drawbacks To A Metal Roof?
As durable and tough as metal roofs are, they do come with some drawbacks.
For example, homeowners dislike the loud sound rain makes when it falls on the roof. However, you can prevent this by installing a strong sheathing between the surface and the roof. This practice is common when installing residential metal roofs.
If you live in an area with more severe weather, you may have to deal with hail leaving dents on the roof’s surface.
Some homeowners choose not to install a metal roof because of its appearance.
Although the roof’s appearance shouldn’t be more important than how it performs, the metal look might be a dealbreaker for many people, especially because it has a way of standing out next to asphalt roofs.
Another drawback of metal roofing is the labor-intensive installation. Not only is it challenging to install a metal roof, but it’s also hard to repair it by yourself. You would need to hire a professional contractor should something happen.
And, of course, there’s the price. Compared to asphalt shingles and other roofing materials, metal roofs do not come cheap.
That being said, if you install a metal roof, you can get up to a 90% return on investment.
Does A Metal Roof Affect Cell Phone Reception?
It’s a common misconception that metal roofs affect cell phone reception or your home Wi-Fi network. This simply isn’t the case.
If you have a metal roof and a bad cell phone reception, the culprit can be a number of other things, like a lack of nearby transmission towers or bad weather conditions. The issue can also be the cell phone carrier you’re using.
Is Metal Roofing A Good Option For Protecting Against Hurricanes?
Aside from their other advantages, metal roofs can also withstand strong winds. In fact, a standard metal roof can resist winds of up to 140 miles per hour.
Did you know? Not only are metal roofs resistant to strong winds, but they also have the highest rating for fire protection and hail impact.
Home Depot Metal Roofing
Home Depot offers several types of metal roofing materials.
You can find a wide selection of galvanized and galvalume steel panels, which come in a variety of colors.
Most of the roofing products sold at Home Depot are manufactured by WOREMOR. You can have some of the panels delivered to your address, while for others, you would have to go to the store to pick them up.
Lowe’s Metal Roofing
It’s also possible to find a variety of roofing panels at Lowe’s. However, in terms of metal roofing, they currently only offer corrugated galvanized metal panels and corrugated steel panels.
You can choose a free pickup or schedule a delivery date.
Wholesale Galvanized Metal Roof
If you’re interested in buying a wholesale galvanized metal roof of 100 meters, there are several metal roofing wholesalers to choose from. You just need to figure out which wholesaler meets all of your requirements.
It’s best to talk to a professional roofing contractor before deciding whether to buy a wholesale metal roof.
What Is The Cheapest Tin Roofing?
Tin roofing is more expensive than other types of metal, like aluminum or corrugated steel. However, it’s still more cost-effective than copper and zinc roofs.
The cheapest price for installing a tin roof is $9,000, with about $3.00 per square foot. This would mean that the price per roofing square is $300. Remember about the installation and labor fees, which can cost about $7,000.
How Much Is A Sheet Of Metal For Roof?
As we have discussed, roofing prices can be calculated per sheet.
One sheet of steel can cost from $71.25 to $332.
Aluminum sheets come at a higher price, ranging from $142.50 to $570 per sheet.
Other materials, like tin, stainless steel, copper, and zinc, are on the higher end of the price scale. One tin sheet is estimated between $285 and $1,425, while stainless steel costs $380 to $1,140 per sheet.
As we already know, zinc and copper are the most expensive roofing materials. You can expect to pay between $570 and $950 for one zinc sheet, while one copper sheet can cost $760 to $1,425 on average.
Did you know? Metal sheets are available in various lengths and widths, but they’re usually 24 inches long and 36 inches wide.
Is It Cheaper To Get A Metal Roof Or Shingles?
Installing a metal roof costs more than asphalt shingles.
However, since metal roofs last longer than asphalt shingles, it pays off more in the long run.
In fact, metal roofs have a lifespan that’s three times longer than asphalt shingles.
What Is The Cheapest Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam metal roofs aren’t the most affordable option, but if you choose a cheaper material, it’s possible to reduce the total price.
If you go with aluminum or steel panels, one square foot of standing seam should cost around $4.00. The minimum cost of a standing seam metal roof is $17,000 when you add the cost of labor and necessary materials.
Installing A Metal Roof For A Budget-Friendly Price
While installing a metal roof is a serious financial investment, it’s possible to do it without breaking the bank.
Various types of metal roof materials, like corrugated metal, steel, and aluminum, cost much less than their pricy counterparts, tin, copper, and zinc.
What’s also great about metal roofs is that no matter which material you choose, you’ll end up with a durable, long-lasting roof that can withstand almost anything.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
