Divide the length of your roof by the width of the metal. In our example, we will use 24-inch standing seam roofing, so we divide 360 inches by 24, which equals 15. This is the number of metal panels needed for one side of the roof.
Is it cheaper to get a metal roof or shingles?
A metal roof will always be more expensive than shingles. For example, an architectural shingle roof (the most commonly used) costs around $4.76 per square foot, while a standing seam metal roof costs around $15.00 per square foot.
How much does it cost to put a metal roof on a 1,700 sq. ft. house?
Metal panels cost between $1–$2.50 per sq. ft. for raw materials, or $5.50–$11.50 including installation. For a 1,700 sq. ft. roof, the total cost ranges from $9,350 to $19,500.
Is a metal roof better than a shingle roof?
Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2–4 times longer than shingles. It outperforms shingles in severe weather and may be the last roof a homeowner installs.
How to Calculate Metal Roof Cost
Here’s how to calculate the metal roof cost manually:
- Roof area (based on measurements):
roof length * roof width = roof area - Roof area (based on footprint):
footprint length * footprint width * roof pitch multiplier - Panel area:
panel length * panel width - Panels needed:
roof area / panel area - Total cost:
cost per panel * number of panels
Average Cost of Metal Roof Installation
Metal roofing installation costs vary by region, property type, and roof style. It’s more expensive than shingles due to complexity, material layering, and the need for specialized labor.
Roofers often use breathable synthetic underlayment, custom flashing, and must account for roof vents and pipe boots. Smaller orders typically cost more per square foot. Ordering through a contractor may offer bulk or industry discounts.
Despite higher upfront costs, metal roofs are more sustainable, energy-efficient, and longer-lasting than other materials, requiring fewer repairs or replacements over time.
How Much Does a New Metal Roof Cost?
| Low Estimate $5 – $8 / sqft |
Average Estimate $12 – $18 / sqft |
High Estimate $15 – $30 / sqft |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Roofing Metal | Corrugated Panels | Shingles / Standing Seam | Stone Coated / Standing Seam |
| Metal Gauge or Thickness | 29 Gauge | 26 – 29 Gauge | 24 – 27 Gauge |
| Surface Coatings | None / Painted | Painted / Coated | Painted / Coated |
| Life Expectancy | 15–20 Years | 25 – 40 Years | 35 – 50 Years or Longer |
| Existing Shingles | Remain | Remain / Remove | Remain / Remove |
| Existing Underlayment | $20 – $150 | $20 – $250 | Included |
| Roof Features and Construction | Simple Roof | Average | Average / Difficult |
| Installed By | DIY / Pro | Pro | Pro |
| Permits and/or Inspection | $0 – $250 | $0 – $250 | $0 – $250 |