Metal tin roofing costs between $8 and $16 per square foot installed, depending on the metal type, your region, and whether you are replacing an existing roof or building new

A typical single-story house roof of 1,500 square feet would run $12,000 to $24,000 installed. Metal roofing — often called tin roofing even when it is steel, aluminum, or copper — costs more upfront than asphalt shingles but lasts 40 to 70 years instead of 15 to 25. The price you pay depends on which metal you choose, local labor rates, roof pitch, and whether your existing roof needs removal first.

Material alone costs $3 to $10 per square foot. Labor adds another $5 to $10 per square foot. A roofer in rural areas may charge less per hour than one in a city; a steep roof costs more to install safely than a flat one; and removing old roofing before installation adds $1 to $3 per square foot.

Key Takeaways

  • Steel costs $3 to $6 per square foot, aluminum $4 to $8, and copper $8 to $12, with labor adding $5 to $10 per square foot on top.
  • A 1,500-square-foot roof typically costs $12,000 to $24,000 installed, but varies by metal type and your location.
  • Metal roofs last 40 to 70 years and require less maintenance than asphalt, though they cost more to install and repair.
  • Removing an old roof before installation adds $1 to $3 per square foot; leaving it in place saves money but reduces the new roof's lifespan.

How metal type affects the price

Steel is the cheapest metal roofing option at $3 to $6 per square foot. It is durable and holds paint well, but it rusts if the protective coating wears through, especially in coastal areas with salt spray. Steel requires regular inspection and touch-up painting to prevent rust from spreading.

Aluminum costs $4 to $8 per square foot and does not rust, making it a better choice for humid or coastal climates. It is lighter than steel, which can reduce structural load, but it dents more easily and costs more to repair. Aluminum is also more expensive to install because it requires different fastening techniques.

Copper costs $8 to $12 per square foot and lasts 100+ years with almost no maintenance. It develops a green patina over time that protects the underlying metal. Copper is the premium choice and is often used on high-end homes, historic buildings, and structures where appearance matters as much as durability.

Galvanized steel and zinc-aluminum alloy fall between steel and aluminum in price ($4 to $7 per square foot) and offer better rust resistance than bare steel without the cost of copper or pure aluminum.

Labor costs and installation factors

Labor typically runs $5 to $10 per square foot, but this varies by region and contractor. Urban areas and regions with high cost of living pay more; rural areas often pay less. A contractor in California or the Northeast will charge more than one in the Midwest or South.

Roof pitch affects labor cost because steep roofs take longer and require more safety equipment. A roof with a 4:12 pitch (moderate slope) costs less to install than a 10:12 pitch (steep). Flat roofs cost the least to labor on but are less common for metal roofing.

Removing an old roof before installation adds $1 to $3 per square foot. Some contractors will install metal roofing over existing asphalt shingles to save money, but this shortens the new roof's lifespan and can void the warranty. Most roofers recommend removal for a full-life installation.

Regional price differences

Metal roofing costs more in regions where it is less common. In the Northeast and Midwest, where metal roofing is standard in rural areas, prices are lower because more contractors offer it and competition is higher. In the South and Southwest, where asphalt dominates, metal roofing contractors are fewer and prices are higher.

Shipping costs also affect price. Metal roofing is heavy and bulky, so it costs more to transport to remote areas. A contractor in a city with a local metal supplier will quote lower than one who must order materials from out of state.

Labor rates vary by state and county. A roofer in New York City charges $15 to $20 per hour; one in rural Kentucky charges $12 to $15. Over a multi-day job, this difference adds up quickly.

Maintenance and long-term costs

Metal roofs require less maintenance than asphalt shingles. You do not need to replace shingles or patch leaks as often. However, metal roofs do require periodic inspection and maintenance to stay in good condition.

Steel roofs need repainting every 10 to 15 years if they show rust spots, which costs $500 to $2,000 depending on roof size. Aluminum and copper need little to no painting. Fasteners can loosen over time and should be checked every 5 to 10 years; tightening costs $200 to $500.

Repairs to metal roofs cost $300 to $1,000 per panel or section, depending on the damage. A dented aluminum panel costs more to repair than a steel one because aluminum is softer. Copper repairs are the most expensive because the material itself is costly and few contractors work with it.

Getting quotes from roofers

When you contact roofers for quotes, provide the roof size in square feet, the pitch, and whether you want the old roof removed. Ask for the cost per square foot broken down by material and labor, not just a total price. This lets you compare apples to apples across contractors.

Request references from at least three contractors and ask to see photos of completed metal roofing jobs. Ask about warranty — most metal roofing comes with a 20 to 50-year warranty on the material, and contractors typically warranty their labor for 5 to 10 years.

Get the quote in writing and ask what is included: removal of old roofing, disposal, flashing, gutters, and any repairs to the roof deck. Some contractors include these; others charge extra. A written quote protects you if the contractor tries to add charges later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is metal roofing worth the upfront cost?

Metal roofing costs two to three times more upfront than asphalt shingles, but lasts two to three times longer. If you plan to stay in the house 20+ years, the per-year cost is lower. If you plan to sell in 10 years, asphalt may be the better choice financially, though metal roofing can increase home resale value.

Can I install metal roofing over my existing asphalt roof?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Installing over existing shingles saves $1 to $3 per square foot in removal costs but shortens the metal roof's lifespan by 10 to 15 years because moisture can trap underneath. Most warranties require removal of the old roof first.

Do metal roofs make noise when it rains?

Not if installed correctly. Metal roofing installed over solid decking with proper underlayment and insulation is no noisier than asphalt. Noise happens when metal is installed over open framing or thin decking, which is rare in residential construction.

What is the difference between tin and metal roofing?

Tin roofing is an older term for metal roofing that originally used tin-coated steel. Modern metal roofing is usually steel, aluminum, or copper. The term "tin roof" is still used colloquially but does not describe the actual material.

How do I find a metal roofing contractor?

Ask for referrals from neighbors or your real estate agent. Search online for "metal roofing contractors" in your area and check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. Contact your local roofing association — many have contractor directories that list members who specialize in metal.