How Much Does A Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

What Is a Standing Seam Roof?

A standing seam metal roof contains a series of panels with upright connections—pleated panels are about 12 to 19 inches wide and connect on a vertical seam. They lock together with hidden fasteners to increase durability. The material is usually thicker than metal shingles, which makes it more expensive and durable.

Cost Factors

There are a variety of cost factors associated with installing a standing seam roof, from materials and customizations to installation and processes.

Roof Size

Installing a standing seam roof costs $10 per square foot on average or $1,000 per 100-foot square. The price range depends mostly on the type of metal you choose; standard options include steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper.

The average 2,500 square-foot home has about 1,700 square feet of roof (or 17 squares). To calculate the size: find the pitch, width, and length of the roof.

Labor

Expect to pay $3,400 to $10,200 for labor. The labor for metal roof installation costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $3,400 to $10,200 for the average home. If you have a complicated roof design, you may pay more. This estimate usually includes removing the existing material, but disposal can cost extra. Your installer typically does the following tasks:

1. Remove current shingles or panels, flashings, and underlayment

2. Inspect decking and make any repairs, if necessary

3. Place new underlayment

4. Install trim

5. Position metal panels

6. Attach panels based on snap lock or mechanical seaming

7. Install flashings

8. Dispose of old material

Installing it can take about three to five days, depending on the weather, size of the crew, and the condition of the existing roof. Given the size and safety risks of the project, it's best to hire a roofing contractor to do the work.

Metal Quality

The metal quality will have a significant impact on the price of this project, as there are four main types of metal to choose from: steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Aluminum tends to be the most expensive, with steel being the least and zinc and copper in between.

Snap Lock vs. Mechanical Lock

A snap lock metal roof costs $17,000 on average, whereas a mechanical lock can cost up to 30% more. You can choose between a snap lock and a mechanical lock system. Snap locks feature a unique shape that snaps together without requiring special tools to install, and are a solid option for homes with a pitch steeper than 3:12. For mechanical locks, pros use a crimper to seal the panels together.

Panel Width

The width of the panels is another factor that many don't consider. These panels can come in various sizes, from about a foot wide to a foot and a half.

Metal Gauge

The gauge refers to the thickness of the panel. A thicker panel is more durable and also more expensive. The gauge indicates a slightly different level of thickness depending on the type of metal, but generally, the lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. A 24-gauge metal roofing panel is a very common size and will be about 0.025 inches thick. A 1-gauge metal panel is more than a quarter of an inch thick (10 times thicker than a 24-gauge panel).

Color Choice

In most cases (copper is a common exception), you can select a color finish for your standing seam metal roof. Many companies create the colors during manufacturing, but your roofer may be able to add it after installation. Ask your installer if colors are included in the price of the material. You may choose virtually any color, from black to a bright white, with matte and glossy finishes. Lighter shades tend to be more energy-efficient, especially in hot climates. A sealant helps protect against peeling or fading.

Accessibility

How difficult it is to access your roof will affect labor costs and, therefore, the overall costs of your project. Workers will have to spend more hours on this project if it is difficult to get onto your roof or more safety precautions have to be taken.

Roof Penetrations

The more complex your roof is, the longer it will take to do the job and the more it will cost. Roof penetrations like pipes, chimneys, and the like will make the job more intricate and raise labor costs.

Removing Old Roof

If you have to remove an old roof, that will be its own separate job and add a significant amount of labor costs to your project. The cost to remove a roof is about $1 to $5 per square foot, with an average overall cost of $1,000 to $1,500.

Replacing Underlayment and Flashing

The underlayment and flashing go underneath the shingles to direct water away from critical areas. If this needs to be replaced, it will add labor hours to your project. Roofing workers’ labor cost averages $40 to $80 per hour, so each hour extra could add a significant amount to your project budget.

Ongoing Maintenance

The cost to repair a metal roof runs about $1,680. Homeowners can pay anywhere $175 to $4,100, depending on the damage. Roofing professionals typically charge $40 to $60 per hour but may set a flat price for certain jobs. You might be able to prevent some repair problems by scheduling routine maintenance every 6 to 18 months. This service includes cleaning and inspection of the roof for damage or leaks. Hotter climates tend to need more frequent upkeep.

Oil Canning

Oil canning—or the waving of metal panels—is an installation fault that may not require repair. It usually doesn't affect the function of the roof. In most cases, waiting two to three years will allow the panels to settle. Here are a few ways installers minimize the likelihood of oil canning:

• Upright handling of materials

• Adequate spacing

• Correct fastener installation

• Proper alignment

Leaks

Repairing a leak runs $175 to $400, including the labor and equipment needed to seal the gap. If leaks are not closed, they can allow moisture to collect under the roofing material or inside the home. Water damage repair costs $1,200 to $5,300 and may be necessary after fixing the leak.

Recoating Panels

Recoating metal panels costs $1,500 to $2,500. During the recoating process, pros use hydro jets or other tools to clean the panels thoroughly. After cleaning, they can apply a fresh coating to extend the lifespan of the metal.

Standing Seam Roof Costs by Material

Roofing material costs about $8 per square foot on average. The price ranges from $3 to $20 per square foot, depending on the metal and quality. Steel and aluminum are the most popular because of their lower prices and color availability. You can also choose zinc or copper, which are more durable.

Steel

Vertical seam steel roofing averages $3 to $4.50 per square foot. Manufacturers set steel prices based on gauge, and the thickness of the metal. A 29-gauge model is thinner and will usually cost less than a 24-gauge. Steel is the most affordable choice and more fire-resistant than other options.

Aluminum

Raised seam aluminum roofing runs $9 to $20 per square foot, depending on the thickness in inches. Most panels are less than one-tenth of an inch thick. This makes aluminum very lightweight. It's popular because it cools quickly and is less likely to rust.

Zinc

Standing seam zinc roofing price ranges from $4 to $15 per square foot. Zinc is ideal for homes because it naturally resists weather and corrosion. It can even heal scratches, which minimizes maintenance.

Copper

The expense of standing seam copper roofing goes between $8 and $14 per square foot. Copper can last up to 50 years and develops a classic green patina over time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Standing Seam Roofer

Most homeowners will be better off hiring a pro to install a standing seam roof to prevent oil canning, leaks, or voiding warranties. Manufacturers may not honor a warranty without professional installation. Before scheduling the work, request an in-person estimate from three contractors. To get started, find a metal roofing company in your area.

FAQs

How long do standing seam metal roofs last?

A vertical seam metal roof can last up to 50 years with good maintenance. Some materials, such as zinc, may hold up longer.

What is the minimum pitch for a standing seam metal roof?

Most standing seam products require a pitch ratio of 3:12. Some pros install mechanical lock panels on a pitch as shallow as 1:12.

What is the best color for a metal roof?

You can choose whichever color the manufacturer offers. Lighter ones may be more efficient because they better reflect sunlight, keeping your attic and home cooler. If you select a darker or deeper color, consider a brand that blocks ultraviolet rays, such as Kynar 500.

Is there a difference between residential and commercial standing seam?

There is no difference in a standing seam roof for residential or commercial buildings. You can use vertical seam metal roofing in your home or business. However, it must meet the minimum pitch requirements.