How much does a metal roof cost?

Standing seam: $8-$16/sq ft ($12,000-$24,000 for a typical 1,500 sq ft roof). Metal shingles: $7-$12/sq ft. Corrugated: $4-$8/sq ft. Stone-coated steel: $8-$14/sq ft. Metal roofing costs 2-3x more than asphalt shingles upfront but lasts 2-3x longer (40-70 years vs. 15-30 years). Over the life of a home, metal roofing is often cheaper because you install it once instead of replacing asphalt 2-3 times.

How long does a metal roof last?

Steel (Galvalume): 40-60 years. Aluminum: 50-70 years. Copper: 100+ years. Zinc: 80-100 years. By comparison, asphalt shingles last 15-30 years. Metal roofs require almost no maintenance and retain their performance throughout their lifespan. The Kynar 500 paint finish used on quality metal roofs lasts 30-40 years before needing recoating.

Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?

Modern metal roofs installed over solid decking (plywood) with underlayment are no louder than asphalt shingles during rain. The myth of noisy metal roofs comes from uninsulated barns and sheds where metal is installed directly on open purlins with no insulation or decking. In a properly built residential installation (decking + underlayment + attic insulation), rain noise is negligible.

Can you install a metal roof over existing shingles?

In many cases, yes. This saves on tear-off costs ($1,000-$3,000). Check local building codes (some limit the number of roof layers). Requirements: the existing roof must be in reasonable condition (no moisture damage or rot), the structure must support the additional weight, and only one layer of existing shingles. A full tear-off is recommended if there is any moisture damage or structural concern.

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Siding & Exterior

Metal Roofing Guide: Types, Installation & Costs

Lumberama Editorial Team, Roofing & Exterior Specialists Jun 11, 2026 14 min read

Why Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has grown from 3% to 18%+ of the residential roofing market over the past two decades. Reasons: 40-70 year lifespan (vs. 15-30 years for asphalt shingles). Extremely durable (withstands 140+ mph winds, Class A fire rating). Energy efficient (reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs 10-25%). Low maintenance (no moss, rot, or granule loss). Recyclable (100% recyclable at end of life). Available in styles that mimic shingles, slate, tile, or wood shake.

Types of Metal Roofing

Standing Seam

The premium metal roofing system. Raised seams (ribs) run vertically from ridge to eave. Concealed fasteners (no exposed screws or nails). The most weather-tight metal roof. Clean, modern aesthetic. $8-$16/sq ft installed. Best for: modern homes, low-slope roofs, maximum longevity.

Metal Shingles

Individual panels designed to look like asphalt shingles, slate, or wood shake. Installed like traditional shingles (overlapping pattern). Exposed or concealed fasteners depending on the product. $7-$12/sq ft installed. Best for: homeowners who want metal durability with a traditional look.

Corrugated Metal

Wavy or ribbed panels. The most affordable metal roofing. Exposed fasteners (screws with rubber washers). Common on agricultural buildings, sheds, and modern/industrial style homes. $4-$8/sq ft installed. Best for: outbuildings, sheds, barns, budget-friendly applications.

Stone-Coated Steel

Steel panels coated with stone granules (looks like traditional shingles or tile). Combines metal durability with a traditional aesthetic. Excellent wind and hail resistance. $8-$14/sq ft installed. Brands: Decra, Boral, Gerard.

Metal Types

Steel (galvanized or Galvalume): The most common and affordable. Galvalume (zinc-aluminum coating) provides excellent corrosion resistance. Kynar 500/Hylar 5000 paint finish lasts 30-40 years. $4-$12/sq ft.

Aluminum: Naturally corrosion-resistant (no coating needed). Lighter than steel. Ideal for: coastal areas (salt air), humid climates. Softer (more prone to denting). $6-$16/sq ft.

Copper: Premium material. Develops a natural green patina over time. 100+ year lifespan. No painting or coating needed. Very expensive: $15-$30/sq ft. Used for: accents, small roofs, historic buildings.

Zinc: Self-healing (scratches re-seal naturally). 80-100 year lifespan. Develops a distinctive blue-gray patina. $10-$20/sq ft.

Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles

Cost: Metal: $8-$16/sq ft. Asphalt: $3-$7/sq ft. Metal costs 2-3x more upfront.

Lifespan: Metal: 40-70 years. Asphalt: 15-30 years. Over 50 years, you will replace asphalt shingles 2-3 times.

Lifetime cost: Metal is often cheaper over the life of the home (one roof vs. two or three asphalt roofs).

Energy efficiency: Metal reflects solar heat (10-25% cooling savings). Asphalt absorbs heat.

Maintenance: Metal: almost none. Asphalt: periodic inspection, moss removal, granule monitoring.

Installation

Over existing shingles: Possible in many cases (check local codes). Saves on tear-off costs ($1,000-$3,000). Adds weight (verify structural capacity). Not recommended if: existing roof has moisture damage, more than two layers of shingles, or structural concerns.

Full tear-off: Remove existing roofing. Inspect and repair decking. Install underlayment. Install metal panels from eave to ridge. Flash around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights).