Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation Cost [2024 Data]
Normal range: $9,400 - $32,600
A standing seam metal roof costs $19,000 on average, but it can cost between $8,400 and $60,400, depending on size, materials, and roof condition.
A standing seam metal roof costs between $9,400 and $32,600 with an average price of $19,000. Standing seam metal roofing costs between $400 and $3,000 per square, or $4 to $30 per square foot. Depending on the materials, design, and size of your roof, you could spend up to $60,400 or more on a standing seam metal roof.
Standing seam metal roofs are soaring in popularity with homeowners compared to other types of roofing because they’re lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. Also known as “raised” or “vertical seam,” it features pleated panels about 12 to 19 inches wide connecting a vertical seam, giving standing seam metal roofing its distinct look.
- Average
- $19,000
- Low end
- $8,400
- high end
- $60,400
Size of the Roof
Roof size will make a significant difference for the cost of your project. The larger the roof, the higher the material, labor, and additional component costs. A 2000-square foot standing seam metal roof averages between $18,000 and $32,000, depending on the material used and complexity of the roof.
| Standing Seam Metal Roof Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost Installed |
|---|---|
| 500 | $3,000–$13,000 |
| 1,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| 1,500 | $15,000–$24,000 |
| 2,000 | $18,000–$32,000 |
| 2,500 | $25,000–$40,000 |
| 3,000 | $30,000–$48,000 |
Roofing Contractor Costs
To replace and install a roof, expect to pay between $2 to $6 per square foot, or $3,400 to $10,200 for labor. The contractor you hire can make or break your investment. Do your research to ask your roofing contractor questions like whether they’re insured and have similar experience before booking. It’s also wise to vet at least three different contractors before hiring one.
Cost by Location
As with most roofing projects, installing a standing seam metal roof will cost more within city limits and in remote areas where materials will need to be transported a long distance. Homeowners in suburban and rural areas will pay less for a metal roof, and expect to pay a premium in areas with a high cost of living.
Additional Cost Factors
There are various other cost factors that affect how much your standing seam metal roof costs to install.
Materials
The four most common materials used in standing seam metal roofing are copper, zinc, aluminum, and steel. Here’s how they break down by cost.
| Standing Seam Roof Material | Average Cost Installed (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Steel | $10–$16 |
| Aluminum | $11–$18 |
| Zinc | $25–$35 |
| Copper | $25–$35 |
Steel
Most affordable
Highly durable (especially with coating)
Fire-resistant
Highly customizable/versatile
Not ideal for low-pitched roofs that could collect standing water
Aluminum
Lightweight and low maintenance
Corrosion-resistant
Energy efficient in certain climates
Less durable than other metals
Sensitive to thermal movement
Zinc
Rust, corrosion, and scratch resistant
Low maintenance
Performs well in extreme temperatures
Lasts up to 100 years
Copper
Performs well in wet climates
Unique patina
Sensitive to thermal movement
Lasts up to 100 years
Highest cost
Panel Width and Gauge
A standing seam metal roof is made from metal panels. These panels come in all different sizes (widths) and gauges (thicknesses). The wider and thicker the panel, the more it’s going to cost.
Lower gauge panels are thicker and more durable than higher gauge panels. You pay for the durability.
| Panel Gauges | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| 22-gauge | $10–$25 |
| 24-gauge (most common) | $3–$8 |
| 26-gauge | $2.60–$7 |
Wider panels cost more because they use more materials and take more labor to install. That said, you’ll need to buy more panels if you choose narrower panels. This can increase your roof costs.
Attachment Mechanism
The installation method is also a significant price factor. There's a big difference between interlocking steel panels and overlapping panels when it comes to cost. Consult a local roofing professional to help you make the right design choice for your project.
Color and Finish
Most metal manufacturers produce pre-painted metal. The roofers might need to touch up nicks and scratches after installation, but they won't have to paint the roof after it's installed—unless you want them to.
Replacing the Underlayment
Your underlayment sits beneath the shingles on top of your sheathing and is typically made of felt or synthetic material. It offers extra protection from the elements such as wind, snow, and rain. Underlayment installation can range between $1,100 and $4,200, depending on the size of your roof and the underlayment material.
In some areas, installing an ice and water shield under a metal roof instead of traditional underlayment adds additional protection against extreme weather. Ice and water shield installation can cost between $125 and $170 per square.
Flashing
Roof flashing, installed around features such as your chimney, vents, and skylights, keeps water away from critical areas in your home. Flashing replacement typically costs between $200 and $500 per project area.
"If you are replacing your roof and are looking for an energy-efficient option, your best choice is likely a metal panel roof. This is because of two main reasons. One, you can add insulation panels under the metal panels at install, adding another layer of insulation against the cool or hot weather. Two, metal panels are available in lighter colors, which are known to reflect the heat from the sun rather than absorb it. These two, in combination, can create a real difference in your home's energy efficiency."
— Niki O'Brien, Operations Manager at Custom Exteriors LLC, Berthoud, CO
Trim
Installing trim is usually included in a contractor’s roof installation price, but be sure to double-check to avoid any surprise costs.
Decking Inspection
If you have an older roof, you may want to work a decking inspection into the cost of your roof replacement. Decking is the base of your roof, and it’s typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). If the wood is rotten or OSB is rotted or deteriorating, you may need new decking, which can add significant costs.
Cleanup and Disposal
Your roofing contractor may include cleanup and disposal in their fees, but not always. On average, old roof disposal costs between $100 and $800, depending on how much material you have.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Standing Seam Metal Roof
Installing a standing seam metal roof is a job you should hire professional roofers to complete. Not only is roofing installation a potentially dangerous undertaking, but installing a metal roof yourself could actually void the warranty or cause problems with your homeowners insurance. Installing a metal roof takes experience, specialized know-how, and safety equipment to ensure it’s done right. A local metal roof installer will properly install your metal roof so it’ll last for decades to come.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement vs. Repair
Standing seam metal roofs can be difficult to repair, and you may need to replace entire panels that have minor damage rather than patching them. Because repairs can be extensive and require specialized equipment, they’re more expensive than repairs on other types of roofs.
If your standing seam metal roof has multiple damaged panels or is more than 30 or 40 years old, a full replacement may be the best course of action.
How to Save Money on Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs
While you shouldn’t try to cut corners on the cost of a standing seam metal roof by installing it yourself, there are still ways you can save on installation costs.
Choose a less expensive metal like steel or aluminum rather than opting for pricier materials like zinc or copper.
Schedule your installation during the off-season. Ask your roofing contractor if they offer discounted rates for slower times of the year.
Choose a thinner gauge metal—but be sure to stay within the gauge range recommended by your roofer. Thinner metal will save you on material costs.
Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Increase Home Value?
Metal roof replacements often see a return of up to 50% on the initial investment. When compared to shingle roofs, metal roofing is long-lasting and considered a premium roofing material, a new standing seam roof can be an attractive benefit when it comes time to sell your home. Metal roofs may also qualify for tax credits or insurance discounts, so look into ways that your new metal roof can help you recoup some of your initial investment.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most standing seam metal roofs last between 50 and 80 years. Certain high-end metals like copper or zinc can last up to 100 years if well-maintained. For the best durability, choose a low-gauge (thick) roof in a metal that works with your climate. Some are susceptible to thermal expansion and aren’t the best choice for all climates.
Whether a metal or shingle roof is better for you depends on your preferences. Standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance, but if you install a screw-down metal roof where the fasteners are exposed, the gaskets on the fasteners will dry rot and need to be replaced. Generally, screw-down metal roofs need to be re-screwed every 15 to 20 years.
Metal roofs are energy-efficient and have extended warranties, while asphalt shingles are less durable than most. They tend to lose color and get damaged over time, and absorb heat from the sun.
Standing seam metal roofs take anywhere from five to 10 days to install, depending on the size of your roof and the weather. Poor weather can cause delays, in which case, the process could take even longer. The timing also depends on the accessibility of your roof. Contractors will need to take extra precautions if you have a particularly high roof.
Overall, installing a standing seam metal roof is more labor-intensive and time-consuming than installing a shingle roof, which most contractors can put up in a day or two.