Other Factors That Influence Metal Roof Cost

Additional factors affect your metal roof’s cost, including your location, roof pitch, and additional roofing elements. We’ll explain those factors below.

Labor
Roughly two-thirds of a new metal roof’s cost goes toward labor, according to Roofing Calculator. This includes associated labor costs, such as specialized equipment and scaffolding. Labor costs start around $350–$400 per sheet (roughly 100 square feet).

Location
Areas with a higher cost of living incur higher roof replacement costs. Your local weather and climate also determine the roofing materials you’ll need. For example, if you live in an area that frequently experiences severe weather patterns, such as heavy winds or hail, you may need a more durable material.

Pitch
A roof’s pitch is measured by a ratio that indicates how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. Most homes have roof pitches between 3:12 and 6:12. Any roof that exceeds a 6:12 pitch is considered steep, making it more complicated and hazardous to work on. Homes with steep roof slopes incur higher installation costs because additional safety equipment is needed.

Underlayment
Underlayment is required under your roof’s deck to provide leak protection. Your current roof’s underlayment might not work for a metal roof. If so, a new underlayment will increase your total. According to Roofing Calculator, synthetic underlayment costs between 15 cents and 65 cents per square foot.

Style
Metal roofing comes in two metal panel profiles: corrugated or standing seam panels. Both styles have different benefits and installation costs. We’ll explain each panel option below.

Corrugated Metal Panels
Corrugated metal (or exposed fastener) roofing is one of the least expensive metal roofing panels, but it’s not as durable as standing seam ones. Corrugated metal panels have a wave-like appearance that makes installation more straightforward because the grooves of each wave fit together seamlessly. The panels easily expand and contract under changing temperatures, are lightweight, and can be installed over an existing roof.

Because corrugated metal panels are attached with thousands of fasteners, they may be damaged by overtight or loose fasteners. Improper installation can lead to possible leaks and water damage. Fasteners may also loosen or corrode over time, requiring additional repairs.

Though many types of metal can be made into corrugated sheets, galvanized steel or a less expensive galvalume are most common. These metal panels cost between $7 and $13 per square foot. Based on prices from Roofing Calculator, your total cost with labor will fall between $8,412 and $12,004 for a 1,700-square-foot roof.

Standing Seam Panels
Standing seam roofing panels have a vertical ribbed appearance, with the raised ribs concealing the fastening between the panels. Some panels can be snap-locked together, but others require special metal caps to fasten the pieces in place.

Having no exposed fastened parts means the fasteners aren’t subject to weathering, moisture, wind, or other stresses that can break them down over time. Additionally, the ribs and unique locking mechanisms of standing seam panels allow them to expand and contract as temperatures change.

Typical standing seam materials include aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. The panels cost between $7 and $13 per square foot, depending on your chosen material. Roofing Calculator estimates that with materials and labor, the average cost for standing seam panels is $11,900–$22,100. Aluminum and steel standing seam panels are typically less expensive than copper or zinc panels.

Trim/Flashing
Your estimate should include the necessary metal trim and flashing for your roof. The cost of trim depends on the type of metal roof. Overall, exposed fastener roofing costs less than standing seam systems. Below are the latest 2023 cost estimates from Western States Metal Roofing.

Here are the average costs for metal trim for exposed fastener panels:

Eave trim: $2.50–$4.00 per linear foot
Gable trim: $2.50–$4.00 per linear foot
Ridge cap: $3.50–$5.00 per linear foot
Here are the average costs for metal trim for standing seam (or concealed) fastener panels:

Eave trim: 5.50–$8.00 per linear foot
Gable trim: 5.50–$8.00 per linear foot
Ridge cap: $7.00–$10.00 per linear foot

Finishes
Finishes boost your roof’s paint color and extend its durability. The two main types of metal roof finishes are polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP).

PVDF coating provides the best protection against fading, cracking, and harsh outdoor elements, but its softer composition makes it easier to scratch. SMP coatings are harder, making them more resistant to scratches and chalking, which is when a powder-like substance forms on a surface. However, UV rays make SMP more susceptible to cracking and fading. PVDF coatings cost between 15% and 35% more than SMP options.

Gutters
Depending on your roof layout and existing gutter systems, you may require gutter replacement or repair. Gutter installation costs $1,000–$7,000, or about $10 per linear foot. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards for added protection and performance.

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