Metal roofs cost more upfront and less over time. The only fair way to compare them with shingles is to run both on your actual roof size. Here is how.
Types of metal roofing
| Type | How it attaches | Relative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exposed fastener (corrugated, R-panel) | Screws through the panel face | Lowest | Screws and washers need checking over time |
| Standing seam | Hidden clips, raised seams | Highest | Clean look, few exposed fasteners |
| Metal shingles and shakes | Interlocking pieces | Mid to high | Looks like traditional roofing |
| Stone-coated steel | Interlocking panels with granules | Mid to high | Looks like shingles or tile, quieter |
How to estimate metal roof cost
Cost = squares × installed price per square + extras
- Squares: roof area × (1 + waste) ÷ 100. Metal on simple gable roofs often has lower waste than shingles. Hip and valley roofs have more because of angled cuts.
- Installed price per square: from local metal roofing contractors, for the exact panel and gauge.
- Extras: tear-off, high-temp underlayment, trim (eave, rake, ridge, valley), snow guards and pipe boots.
Same house, shingles vs metal
A 40 × 30 ft house, 12 inch overhang, 4/12 pitch, gable roof.
- Roof area: 42 × 32 × 1.054 = 1,417 sq ft
- Squares with 10% waste: 15.58
At example prices (use your own quotes):
| Option | Example price / square | Installed cost | Expected life (example) | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingles | $500 | $7,790 | 25 years | $312 |
| Exposed fastener metal | $750 | $11,685 | 40 years | $292 |
| Standing seam metal | $1,100 | $17,138 | 50 years | $343 |
The point is the method, not these exact numbers. Plug in your real quotes and the expected life the manufacturer and installer stand behind. If you will sell the house in 7 years, the cost-per-year math changes completely.
Run your own roof in the calculator: this example at $1,100 per square. Change the price to compare options.
Things that raise a metal roof quote
- Complex roofs with many hips, valleys and dormers (more trim and cutting)
- Low slopes near the panel’s minimum, which may need standing seam and self-adhered underlayment
- Snow country details like snow guards and heavier gauge panels
- Tear-off of existing shingles and deck repairs
- Color and coating choices, such as premium paint systems
Before you sign
- Confirm panel gauge, coating system and warranty terms.
- Ask which underlayment is included. See does a metal roof need underlayment.
- Check the eave detail and gutter fit in how much should a metal roof overhang.
- Compare with a shingle estimate using roof replacement cost.