When it comes to starting a home improvement project, let’s face it—price is often the first thing on your mind. Each year, hundreds of homeowners turn to us for help with their metal roof replacement projects, and almost everyone brings up costs within the first few minutes of the conversation.
Listen, we totally get it. A metal roof is a significant investment, and understanding the cost upfront is crucial to making the right decision for your home.
At RoofCrafters, we’ve spent over 30 years helping thousands of homeowners navigate these decisions. Our approach starts with education—walking clients through all the factors that go into selecting the best metal roof for their needs and budget. After all, roofing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Multiple factors can impact the overall cost of a metal roof.
In this article, we’ll cover the three most popular types of metal roofs, how to determine the best option for your budget, and what you can expect to spend on each one. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding and feel confident in choosing the best metal roof for your home. Let’s dive in!
Why Proper Installation Is Key
No matter which type of metal roof you choose, proper installation is non-negotiable. Metal roofs require a higher level of expertise than shingle roofs. Over the years, we’ve seen many inexperienced contractors attempt to install metal roofs, only to run into major issues with flashings and components, because the methods used for shingles simply don’t apply to metal systems.
While it may be tempting to go with the lowest bid, hiring an unskilled or overly cheap contractor could end up costing you far more in repairs down the road. Metal roofs are a major investment, and getting it done right the first time ensures the roof will last as long as it’s meant to.
Which Type of Metal Roof is Right for You?
When deciding which metal roofing to choose for your home or business, start by considering which of these factors are most important for you:
- Longevity
- Durability
- Wind Resistance
- Maintenance
- Tree coverage
- Energy efficiency
- Desired curb appeal
- The resale value of the property
With these priorities in mind, let’s take a closer look at the three most popular metal roofing materials: aluminum, steel, and galvalume.
The 3 Types of Metal Materials Used for Roofing
Economics plays a huge factor in metal roofing. It's a big investment. The 3 metal roof types that have been most popular in the United States over the past 30 years are:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Galvalume
Of the different types of metal roofing available, the 3 metal roof types mentioned are the most economical. Which means they'll be the most cost-effective. They'll provide you with a wide range of curb appeal and different price points. There are other metal roofing materials available at higher price ranges if you are looking for higher-end metal roofing.
Aluminum, steel, and galvalume are available in standing seam panels, a shingle-style profile, or panels with exposed fasteners. (or also called screw-down metal). Standing seam metal roofs require a very high skill set to get a properly installed roof system. If the workmanship is done right, they’ll last you 75+ years.
Shingle-style profiles offer great curb appeal and longevity. They also require a higher skill set to install the components and flashings correctly. A properly installed metal shingle roof can last over 50 years.
An exposed fastener or sometimes it’s referred to as a screw-down metal roof is the least expensive of the metal types that are available. They require the least skill set of the different styles of metal. They'll also require maintenance at around the 5-year range.
Aluminum Metal Roofing Cost
Aluminum is one of the most naturally energy-efficient metal roof materials. It is highly reflective, fire-resistant, and non-corrosive. Because it will not rust, If you live near the ocean or saltwater this is a great choice of metal material.
Aluminum metal comes in different thicknesses. The higher the number the thicker the aluminum will be. Your location and style of roof will determine which thickness of aluminum is the best option for you. Typically for roofing, we use a 032, 040, or 050 thickness.
Aluminum also comes in a mill finish or a painted finish. Mill finish will provide you with a raw metal look and oxidize into a naturally raw metal finish. Aluminum also comes in a wide variety of painted finished colors. Most of the paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty with some manufacturers offering a 45-year paint finish warranty.
The average price for aluminum metal roofing is between $13.50 and $19.50 per square foot.
Steel Metal Roof Cost
Steel roofing is the most popular type of material used for metal roofing. Steel metal is galvanized steel that is hot dipped or coated in a zinc coating. Steel is less costly and can be as effective and efficient as other metal materials. That is if you are not close to saltwater environments.
The steel commonly used for roofing comes in 24 gauge, 26 gauge, and 29 gauge. But don't get fooled, unlike aluminum, the lower the number the thicker the steel roofing will be.
4 of the most widely installed steel roofing profiles installed on homes or businesses:
- Standing seam metal panels (12”-18” wide panels)
- Interlocking steel shingles (slate, tile, or shake look)
- 5-V crimp metal roofing (2-foot wide screw-down panels)
- Maxi-rib or multi-rib panels (3-foot wide screw-down panels)
Because steel is not a non-corrosive metal, these metal roofing materials require a painted finish. Paint finish warranties range from 20 years to 45 years depending on the thickness, type of panel, and the manufacturer of the materials.
Steel metal roofing is very cost-effective. It offers a wider range of prices. Depending on which profile you choose, the thickness of the metal, and the paint warranty the manufacturer offers.
The average price for steel metal roofing is between $10.50 and $19.00 per square foot.
Galvalume Metal Roof Cost
Galvalume metal is also a metal that has a steel core and is coated with aluminum to prevent corrosion. Galvalume is much like steel roofing and comes in the same thicknesses, 24 gauge, 26 gauge, or 29 gauge. It is also available in all 4 of the different panel profiles.
The main difference with galvalume is that it comes as a mill-finished metal product, so it does not get a painted finish. This makes it slightly less expensive. It’s easier to work with as the painted materials can get scratched during installation if not handled carefully. It’s also a great option to use around the ocean or if you live anywhere near saltwater.
The average price for galvalume metal roofing is between $9.00 and $18.00 per square foot.
The Cost to Roof a House With a Screw-Down Metal
A screw-down metal roof is also referred to as an exposed fastener roof, an agricultural panel, a 5-V crimp roof, a maxi-rib, or a multi-rib panel. The screw-down roof is designed to give you the look and feel of a metal roof.
However, exposed fastener roofing requires less labor to install than a standing seam metal roof system. Keep in mind, the exposed screws will require some maintenance somewhere between 5 and 10 years.
A screw-down metal on a house with 2 straight sides. Without chimneys, skylights, or valleys the average cost is $16,500.
A screw-down metal roof on a house with 2 stories. More complex, with a chimney, dormers, and several valleys, the average cost is $31,700.
View: Screw-down metal roof colors and options here.
Why Standing Seam Metal Roofs Are a Premium Option
If you’re looking for top-tier performance, standing seam metal roofs are unmatched. They offer superior wind protection, require minimal maintenance, and can last 75+ years when installed correctly. However, these roofs come at a higher price due to the advanced skill and time required for installation.
• Average cost for a basic installation: $27,500.
• Average cost for a complex installation: $42,300.
Hire an Expert Metal Roof Contractor Near You
Now that you know more about the three most popular metal roofing materials and their associated costs, you’re ready to take the next step: finding the right contractor.
At RoofCrafters, we’ve been providing high-quality roofing solutions in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina for over three decades. Our team of expert estimators is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get a durable, beautiful metal roof tailored to your home.
If you’re in our service area, schedule a roof inspection today, and let us help you make your roofing investment one that lasts a lifetime! Be sure to hit that "Schedule an Inspection" button down below.
