Key Takeaways
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Cost Per Square Foot | $9 – $16 |
Average Total Cost | $13,500 – $40,000 |
Material Prices | Vary by type, from $2.50 to $20 per sq. ft. |
Installation Factors | Include labor, old roof removal, and roof size |
Pros and Cons | Durable but high upfront cost |

Cost Per Square Foot Installed
Installing a standing seam metal roof generally costs between $9 and $16 per square foot. This range includes both materials and labor, making it a comprehensive estimate for planning your budget.
Average Total Cost To Install
The total cost to install a standing seam metal roof can vary widely, generally falling between $13,500 and $40,000. This depends on multiple factors including roof size, material choice, and labor costs.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Table
Roof Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost to Install |
---|---|
1,000 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
1,500 | $13,500 – $24,000 |
2,000 | $18,000 – $32,000 |
2,500 | $22,500 – $40,000 |
3,000 | $27,000 – $48,000 |
3,500 | $31,500 – $56,000 |
Average Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Calculator
Average Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost to Install
Factor | Cost |
---|---|
National Average Cost | $22,300 |
Minimum Cost | $9,000 |
Maximum Cost | $56,000 |
Average Range | $13,500 to $40,000 |
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost By Material
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost By Material
Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
---|---|
Aluminum | $4.50 – $9.00 |
Copper | $9.00 – $20.00 |
Galvalume | $2.50 – $4.50 |
Steel | $3.00 – $5.00 |
Zinc | $6.00 – $10.00 |

Standing Seam Steel Roof Cost
Steel is a popular material for standing seam roofs due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. It typically costs between $3.00 and $5.00 per square foot.
Standing Seam Copper Roof Prices
Copper is the most expensive option, ranging from $9.00 to $20.00 per square foot. While costly, it offers unparalleled longevity and aesthetic value.
Galvalume Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost
Galvalume provides a budget-friendly choice at $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot. It combines the benefits of aluminum and zinc coatings to offer good corrosion resistance.
Zinc Standing Seam Roof Cost
Zinc, costing between $6.00 and $10.00 per square foot, is known for its long life and ability to develop a protective patina over time.
Aluminum Standing Seam Roof Prices
Aluminum costs between $4.50 and $9.00 per square foot. It is lightweight, resistant to rust, and a good option for coastal areas.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation Cost Factors
Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation Cost
Factor | Cost Per Square Foot |
---|---|
Old Roof Removal | $1 – $3 |
Seamless Metal Roofing Materials | $4 – $8 |
Installation Labor | $5 – $8 |
Roof Decking | $2 – $5 |
Seamless Metal Roof Cost By Gauge
Gauge | Price Per Square Foot* | Best For |
---|---|---|
22 | $5.00 – $9.00 | Commercial or high-end residential applications |
24 | $3.50 – $8.00 | Residential and commercial roofs in severe-weather-prone climates |
26 | $3.00 – $5.00 | Residential roofs in mild to moderate climates |
29 | $2.25 – $3.50 | Small barns or sheds in mild climates |

Snap Lock Metal Roofing Prices Vs. Mechanical Lock
Snap Lock Metal Roofing Vs. Mechanical Lock
Installation Method | Details |
---|---|
Snap Lock | – Quick and easy installation; reduced labor. – Panels snap together with no special equipment. – Requires roof pitch of 3:12 or greater. – Not as reliable as mechanical lock. |
Nail Strip | – Cheapest snap lock type. – Uses one-inch slots with loose nails. – High potential for premature wear and tear if installed improperly. |
Mechanical Lock / Mechanically Seamed / Field-Locked | – Panels permanently folded and locked with special tools. – Requires expertise to install. – Suitable for low slopes. – More reliable than snap lock. |
Prefabricated Panels Vs. Onsite Roll-Forming For Standing Seam Metal
Installing prefabricated panels is more straightforward but less customizable compared to onsite roll-forming. With roll-forming, metal sheets are custom-sized at the installation site, allowing greater flexibility but potentially higher costs.
Seamless Metal Roof Cost Comparison, Pros, And Cons
Standing Seam Vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Cost
Factor | Standing Seam Roof | Corrugated Metal Roof |
---|---|---|
Average Installed Cost | $13,500 – $40,000 | $6,000 – $22,000 |
Lifespan | 30 – 50+ years | 30 – 45 years |
Pros | – Weather-tight; reduced leak risk. – Attractive. – Solar panel ready. – Thicker metal options. – Lower minimum slope requirements. – Eco-friendly/recyclable. – Reflective/energy efficient. – Fire, mold, and wind resistant. | – Cheaper initial investment. – Wider panels; fewer to install. – Quick and easy installation. – Shows less oil canning. – Eco-friendly/recyclable. – Reflective/energy efficient. – Fire, mold, and wind resistant. |
Cons | – Expensive upfront cost. – More trim required. – Fewer experienced installers. – Repairs may be costly. – May dent in hailstorms. – Oil canning/wavy appearance with incorrect installation. – Some styles are not suitable for flat/low-sloped roofs. | – Exposed fasteners and seams. – Exposed joints and edges. – More leak-prone. – Panels cannot move well with expansion/contraction. – Requires more maintenance. – Requires 3:12 minimum slope. – Thinner metal. |
Standing Seam Roof FAQs
What Is A Standing Seam Or Raised Seam Metal Roof?
A standing seam or raised seam metal roof is a type of metal roofing where the panels are connected with raised seams or vertical legs, allowing the metal to expand and contract without compromising the integrity of the roof.
How Long Do Standing Seam Metal Roofs Last?
Standing seam metal roofs typically last between 30 and 50 years or more, depending on the material used and the quality of the installation.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Standing Seam Roof?
Installation time varies based on roof size, complexity, and weather conditions but generally takes between a few days to a week.
Is A Standing Seam Roof Worth The Cost?
While the upfront cost is higher compared to other roofing materials, the durability, low maintenance, and long lifespan make a standing seam metal roof a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
What Is The Minimum Slope For A Standing Seam Metal Roof?
The minimum recommended slope for a standing seam metal roof is generally 1:12 for mechanically seamed panels and 3:12 for snap lock panels.
Can You Put A Standing Seam Metal Roof Over Shingles?
Yes, installing a standing seam metal roof over existing shingles is possible but comes with pros and cons.

Standing Seam Metal Roof-Over Vs. Tear-Off And Replacement
Installation Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Remove Old Shingles | – Allows thorough deck inspection. – New underlayment. – Best surface for new panels. | – Increases labor costs. – Longer project timeline. – Removal and disposal costs. |
Install Over Old Shingles | – Reduces labor costs. – Shorter project timeline. – No removal or disposal fees. – Eco-friendly; keeps shingles out of landfill. – Added insulating layer. | – Increased oil canning risk. – Trapped moisture risk. – May void new roof warranty. – No chance to inspect decking. – Leaks harder to track. – Shingles may damage metal underside. |
How Much Do Seamless Metal Roof Repairs Cost?
The cost for repairs can vary depending on the extent of the damage but generally costs between $500 and $2,000.
Getting Standing Seam Metal Roof Quotes And Estimates
When seeking quotes and estimates for a standing seam metal roof, consider asking potential contractors the following questions:
Questions To Ask
- What materials do you recommend for my climate?
- Can you provide a detailed estimate breaking down materials and labor?
- How long will the installation process take?
- Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
- What warranties do you offer on materials and labor?
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you receive accurate estimates and hire a qualified contractor for your standing seam metal roof installation.