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A standing seam metal roof is an excellent long-term solution for your roof. But how much does it cost to install one?
There are lots of factors that affect the final price of standing seam roofing - but we can give you some ballpark numbers.
The average cost of a standing seam roof is $17.000. However, this price can vary widely because of all the factors you need to consider.
These factors are the size of your roof, the type of roofing materials, roof accessibility, and labor. Then there are some additions, such as maintenance and removal of the old roof.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's first cover the main factors that affect the price of a standing seam metal roof.
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Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam metal roofs have become quite popular among homeowners in the last couple of years. And for a good reason - this roofing system is incredibly durable, long-lasting, and energy efficient.
As we've said in the intro, the average national cost of standing seam metal roof is $17.000. Emphasis on the word "national". Local costs vary widely and are influenced by factors such as material costs, labor costs, roof size, design, and much more.
Let's break these factors down so you can get a better idea of what to expect when shopping for new metal roofing.
The Size Of The Roof
The size of your roof can significantly impact its final price. The larger the roof, the more expensive it'll be.
In general, a square foot of metal roof can cost anywhere between $5 and $26.
For instance, if you have a 2000-square foot can set you back between $10.000 and $52.000.
So, to get an accurate estimate, you need to know the exact square footage of your roof. Unforunately, this can be quite difficult since it involves a ladder, measuring tape, and a whole afternoon of maths.
But once you get the measurement, you can plug it into one of many roof cost calculators online and get a pretty precise estimate.
The Type Of Metal Roofing Materials
The type of metal you're going to use will also impact the final price.
Thicker, more durable metals such as copper and aluminum tend to cost more than thinner, less durable roofing materials such as steel and zinc.
Here's a nifty little table containing the average price of metal roofing materials per square foot.
Material Price Per Square foot Steel $3 - $4.50; Zinc $4 - $15; Copper $8 - $14; Aluminum $9 - $20.
The Width And The Gauge Of The Metal Panels
The width and the gauge of the metal panels directly influence the roof's final price.
The wider and thicker the panel, the more expensive it gets.
But what does the gauge refer to?
Well, the gauge of a metal panel refers to how thick it is. The lower the gauge, the thinner the panel.
For instance, a 24-gauge steel roof panel is 0.025 inches thick. On the other hand, a 1-guage steel panel is almost 0.25 inches thick.
Higher gauge panels are usually more durable but are more difficult to install since they're much heavier.
The story is pretty much the same for the panel width. Wide metal panels cost more and are more difficult to install. However, narrower panels may require more material to cover the same area, which can increase the final cost.
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The Roof Design
Another critical factor that influences the final price of a standing seam roof is the roof's design.
Generally, the more complex your roof is, the higher the metal roof installation costs.
A simple roof is, well, pretty simple. It consists of a single roof plane with a pretty shallow pitch. Installing a metal roof on of this design is dirt cheap since it doesn't require a lot of materials and labor.
A complex roof, on the other hand, consists of multiple planes at different angles and usually has large slopes. Installing a roof on this type of roof will be more expensive. On top of that, maintenance costs are usually more expensive for these roofs, but that would also be the case with asphalt shingle roofs.
Roof Accessibility
Roof accessibility refers to how easily you can get on the roof. If your roof is difficult to get to (it's steep or it's difficult to access) it will take additional labor time to get all the materials on the roof and install them.
The cost can also increase if the roofing contractors have to use special tools such as scaffolding or cranes.
You can make your roof more accessible by clearing out any trees and shrubs around the house. The contractors would also appreciate it if you dealt with any loos, wires, or other obstructions around the area where they'll be accessing the roof.
Labor Costs
Just like with any construction project, you need to include the labor costs.
The labor costs heavily depend on the complexity of the roof, the experience of the contractors, and the amount of time required to get the job done.
The labor cost of installing standing seam metal roofing varies from $2 to $6 per square foot.
Keep in mind that if your roof is particularly complex, this price can go above $6 per square foot.
Construction Permits
Before you start any work on your roof, you need the required permit. To be more precise, you need a residential construction permit that your local government issues.
The cost of a construction permit for a 2000-square-foot standing seam metal roof will set you back anywhere between $400 and $1000.
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Additional Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs
Although we've covered the main factors that influence the price of standing seam metal roofing, there are quite a few additional costs you need to take into account.
These costs include maintenance costs, removal of debris after installation, roof color, and removal of any old roofing materials.
All these factors add up quickly; if you ignore them, you'll be up for a pretty unpleasant surprise.
Let's have a look at what those additional costs involve.
Snap Lock Panels vs Mechanically Locked Standing Seam Panels
Metal roofing prices vary based on the panel type. Snap lock panels are easy to install, durable, and maintenance-free, but suitable only for roofs with a pitch of 3:12 or steeper.
Mechanical lock panels require specialized tools and knowledge for installation. They come in single-locked and double-locked versions, offering better wind resistance than snap-lock panels.
Snap lock panels have higher costs but lower labor expenses, while mechanical lock panels are cheaper initially but require more time and expertise for installation.
Roof Color
Metal roofing offers the advantage of versatile color options, unlike asphalt shingles that have limited choices. Copper roofs are an exception as they cannot be painted.
Factory colors are generally more cost-effective than custom colors for metal panels, but popular colors may come with a higher price.
Premium roofing panels with Kynar 500 coatings provide excellent protection against color fading and chalking, backed by a 30-year warranty. Although these panels are more expensive, lighter-colored roofs absorb less heat, enhancing energy efficiency.
Do you need to remove the old roof?
If your old roof is still in good condition, then it may be possible to install a new one over it.
However, this is not always the best option since it can impact the roof's longevity and can lead to more serious roofing issues down the line.
Removing the old roof is a multi-step job. First, the contractors have to remove old roofing materials, which includes tearing off flashing, shingles, and felt paper and taking out nails.
Next, the contractors have to inspect the underlying decking for any signs of damage and replace any wood struts that look like they might give way any moment.
Once that's done, the contractors can move on to installing a waterproof underlayment.
Removing the old roof can set you back anywhere between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Roof decking inspection
A roof decking inspection is a visual examination of the roof base material, which is typically wood or metal. The inspection aims to identify any damage, such as rot, mold, or signs of deterioration.
Roof decking repairs can be costly as they involve replacing the existing material and underlying layers, requiring complicated labor and material expenses, permits, inspections, and other related services.
While decking repairs are not always necessary during a metal roof installation, if you have an older roof, you should account for potential decking repair costs when planning your budget.
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Do you need to remove the old roof?
If your old roof is still in good condition, then it may be possible to install a new one over it.
However, this is not always the best option since it can impact the roof's longevity and can lead to more serious roofing issues down the line.
Removing the old roof is a multi-step job. First, the contractors have to remove old roofing materials, which includes tearing off flashing, shingles, and felt paper and taking out nails.
Next, the contractors have to inspect the underlying decking for any signs of damage and replace any wood struts that look like they might give way any moment.
Once that's done, the contractors can move on to installing a waterproof underlayment.
Removing the old roof can set you back anywhere between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Roof decking inspection
A roof decking inspection is a visual examination of the roof base material, which is typically wood or metal. The inspection aims to identify any damage, such as rot, mold, or signs of deterioration.
Roof decking repairs can be costly as they involve replacing the existing material and underlying layers, requiring complicated labor and material expenses, permits, inspections, and other related services.
While decking repairs are not always necessary during a metal roof installation, if you have an older roof, you should account for potential decking repair costs when planning your budget.
Do You Need To Replace The Uderlayment and Flashing
Roof underlayment plays a crucial role in protecting the stuff under the metal panels from the elements.
The installation costs for underlayment range between $40 and $80 per hour, while the materials cost between $100 and $400.
The flashing is used around your HVAC vents and smokestacks to form a seal that will keep the water out. Without proper flashing, you are risking serious structural damage.
Replacing old flashing can set you back between $200 and $500.
Insulating The Trim
Roof trim serves the purpose of covering the junctions between different roofing materials and other roof edges. Typically crafted from metal or plastic, it is designed to seamlessly blend with the existing roof material.
In addition to providing aesthetic appeal, roof trim offers protection against the elements and helps minimize energy expenses by preventing drafts.
While trim installation is generally included in the overall cost of a metal roof installation, you should verify this with your contractor to avoid any unexpected fees.
Getting Rid Of Debris
Ensuring a safe and debris-free area is crucial after a roof installation. Depending on the specific removal or installation process, the cleanup typically involves the following:
- Removal of nails, screws, and other fasteners.
- Sweeping and vacuuming to clear any remaining shingle fragments, tar paper, or debris.
- Proper disposal of all materials.
- A thorough inspection to identify any misplaced or forgotten items.
Post-installation cleanup promotes safety and enhances aesthetic appeal.
While some roofing contractors include disposal and cleanup fees in their standard installation charges, this may not always be the case.
If you are billed separately, you can expect to pay between $100 and $800 for old roof disposal and cleanup. The cost will depend on the quantity of materials requiring disposal.
Maintenance Costs
Maintaining the good condition of metal roofs, despite their low-maintenance nature, requires periodic inspections and minor repairs. While these roofs can endure up to 50 years, regular monitoring is recommended. Homeowners should be aware of the following repairs and maintenance:
- Cleaning: Professional cleaning every few years is advisable to maximize the lifespan of a metal roof. This typically involves a high-pressure wash, costing between $0.20 and $0.70 per square foot.
- Leaks: Although rare, loose metal roof seams or panels can lead to water infiltration. Repairing a leak usually involves sealing the panels together, which is generally affordable. However, if a panel is warped or damaged, replacement becomes necessary, incurring costs for both materials and labor.
- Recoating: Applying a protective sealant to a metal roof safeguards it from the elements. The longevity of roof sealants typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on the coating type and exposure level to weather conditions.