Metal roofs are becoming more popular among homeowners and businesses because they are durable and long-lasting. While the initial cost of a metal roof installation is twice as much as asphalt shingle roofing, the long-term savings outweigh the short-term fees.

*DISCLAIMER: The average costs outlined will provide you with a better understanding of how to budget for metal roof installations and may change based on market value and varying factors. Keep in mind, each property is different, so prices will vary based on your unique specifications.

So How Much Does a Roof Metal Cost?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $6.00 – $8.00 per square foot on their metal roof plus labour fees, the price is depending on the quality of the roof materials.

While the price range is very diverse, there are many factors that affect the average cost of a metal roof installation.

Metal Roofing Installation Cost Factors

The type of roof you have will also affect the metal roofing cost. Flat roofs require different types of sealants, metal shingles, fasteners and labour than steeply-sloped roofs. However, the incline on a sloped roof can increase labour costs because it affects the complexity of the job.

Bigger roofs need more materials and labour to place. This means it will cost more to install a large metal roof than on smaller housetops. Materials and labour are usually charged per square footage so the bigger the area, the higher the cost.

Location has a big influence on metal roofing costs. When referring to location, this means both the province and city you live in, as well as the physical location of your home. Your province and city can alter the costs because of the local climate conditions and cost of living. The physical location can affect the complexity of the project, such as the difference between a house inside or outside a major city.

The gauge of your roof is a big contributor to your metal roofing cost. Gauge refers to the thickness of your metal roofing material. Typically, metal roof gauges range between 22 and 29. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. Light gauge metal roofs are less expensive than a high gauge metal roof because the thicker the roof, the more durable it is. Thicker roofs can also bear heavier loads. This is important to consider in the GTA where heavy snowfall is prominent throughout the winter.

Roof replacements and installations will require both a building and roofing permit, which will influence your overall roofing cost. Permits prices vary depending on the type of permit you’re obtaining, the city you live in, and the difficulty of the project. On average, roofing permits in Ontario cost between $150 and $500. However, building permit costs can differ in each city. For example, in Toronto a building permit typically costs $198.59 before inspection expenses.

Metal Roofing Types and Installation Cost

Different types of metal roofing are priced according to the availability and durability of the material, as well as the complexity of the installation.

Review the following to learn about the cost of metal roofing types:

Steel: Steel roofs can be composed of panels or tiles. You can choose from various kinds of steel, including galvanized and weathering steel. Average installation cost for steel roofs is between $8.75 and $15/sq ft.
Zinc: As a malleable metal, zinc roofs can be customized to nearly any roof shape. These roofs typically start out with dark grey, which naturally develops into a bluey-grey colour over time. Zinc roofs are also available in a multitude of pigmented finishes. Installation costs vary from $8 to $10/sq ft.
Copper: Copper roofs can be installed in sheets or as shingles. The flexibility of the material makes it easier to install on irregularly shaped roofs. Similar to zinc, copper roofs change from their original colour of reddish-brown to a new green patina with age. On average, it costs between $5 and $10/sq ft to install copper roofing.
Aluminum: An aluminum roof may be composed of aluminum sheets, shingles, tiles, or panels. Out of all metal roofing types, aluminum is the most lightweight material. It’s available in multiple colours, including matte black, bronze, and rust. The average price of installation for aluminum roofing ranges from $4 to $8/sq ft.
Tin: Despite their name, modern tin roofs are often made of steel and coated with a thin layer of tin. Following installation, tin roofs appear bright and shiny, though with time they can become dull and weathered if not regularly maintained. Cost of installation for tin roofing varies between $4 and $8/sq ft.

Metal Roofing Prices Per Square Foot

The following chart includes the average metal roof cost in Ontario per square foot, per roofing square, and per 1,500 square feet:

Material	Average Cost Per Square Foot	Average Cost Per Roofing Square (100 sq. ft)	Average 1,500 sq ft Metal Roof Cost
Steel	$2 to $6.50	$200 to $650	$3,000 to $9,750
Zinc	$10 to $20	$1,000 to $2,000	$15,000 to $30,000
Copper	$10 to $20	$1,000 to $2,000	$15,000 to $30,000
Aluminum	$6 to $12	$600 to $1,200	$9,000 to $18,000
Tin	$6 to $18	$600 to $1,800	$9,000 to $27,000

Comparing Metal Roofing Cost vs. Other Roofing Materials

When you’re asking, “how much does a metal roof cost?” it can be beneficial to have cost comparisons such as, metal roof vs shingles cost along with their average lifespans. This gives you a better understanding of the cost-effectiveness of each material. Here’s a chart comparing the average cost per square foot and lifespan of metal roofs versus other roofing materials:

Material	Average Cost Per Square Foot	Average Lifespan
Metal	$7 to $25/sq ft	45 to 75 years
Asphalt Shingles	$3 to $11/sq ft	15 to 30 years
Slate	$15 to $35/sq ft	60 to 100 years
Clay Tiles	$15 to $30/sq ft	50 to 100 years
Solar Panel Shingles	$22/sq ft	20 to 35 years
Wood Shingles	$4 to $10/sq ft	20 to 40 years

What Is the Right Metal Roofing Product for My House?

There are a few factors you need to consider before you can choose the best metal roofing product for your home.

The list below provides an explanation of each consideration:

Style: Every metal roofing material has a slightly different appearance. Not every material comes with as many colour and style options as another. It’s important to determine the look you desire and then decide which type of roof aligns best with your vision.
Pitch: Typically, roof pitches range from 3:12 to 6:12. This ratio indicates how many inches a roof rises for every 12 inches of depth. The steeper the roof, the more complex and costly the installation and maintenance become. However, steep roofs effectively shed water and snow, which reduce wear and tear.
Finishes: Finishes add to the durability and appearance of your roof. Each finish comes with its own set of advantages. Deciding which one is right for you will depend on your individual style preferences, the roofing material, and your budget.
Gutters: Gutters are vital to every roofing system. Installing gutters is an additional cost that fluctuates based on the size and type of your metal roofing. There are also extra features you can install, such as gutter guards.

DIY Metal Roofing vs. Hiring a Professional

DIY roofing can be a huge cost saver, but you run the risk of dealing with future complications that aren’t covered by warranty. Metal roofing installations are also often difficult and time-consuming. Without professional assistance, you can endanger yourself and your home. Improper installation can lead to leaks and water damage, including structural problems and mould development. Hiring Dream Roof, a professional roofing company, gives you the protection of a warranty and the assurance of having experienced and certified roofers on the job.

Type of Metal Roof Panels

Metal roof sheets are made of aluminium or steel. They come in interlocking or overlapping designs and have different types of coating applications. The type and style of panels and sealants affect the overall installation price, as well. The types of metal roof panels available are:

Economy Metal Roofs –Economy roofs are the cheapest type of metal roofing material. They are great for agricultural and commercial use. Economy metal sheets contain lower-grade steel alloy and paint finishing. This, in turn, makes regular maintenance for them a necessity. On average, they cost $4.50 – $6.50 per square foot.
Steel Roof Sheets: Steel roofs have interlocking panels. Higher-quality steel is an accepted standard for roofing materials in Canada. The average cost of a steel metal roof ranges from $6.00 – $8.00 per square foot.
Aluminum Roofing Cost per Square Foot: Aluminum Panels Are Fantastic for Residential Use and Are the Most Energy-Efficient. They Are Interlocking and Sealed with Pvdf Coating. They Can Be Applied Over Asphalt Shingles so Tear-Down and Disposal Costs Are Lower. the Average Cost of Aluminum Metal Roof Installation Is Between $9.50 – $12.00 per Square Foot.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation CostThis Type of Roof Is Ideal for Commercial Use only Because It Does Not Expand nor Contract in Hot and Cold Temperatures. Standing Seam Panels Are Made of Aluminum or Steel. the Average Cost to Install This Type of Roof Is $12.00 – $16.00 per Square Foot for Steel Panels and $16.00 – $20.00 per Square Foot for Aluminum Panels. Standing seam roofs can be installed over existing asphalt shingles.

Other factors that affect the metal roof cost per square feet are the thickness of the metal panels, quality of finishing paint, location of the home and underlays. In addition, installing a metal roof requires specialised training. This means you should also factor in the cost of hiring a professional metal roof contractor. Are you a homeowner wanting to install a metal or steel roof for your house? If the answer is “yes,” then you have probably begun to consider all the metal roofing costs.

While it would be nice if it were as simple as using a metal roof cost calculator, there’s a lot more that goes into it than you think. Metal roofing prices are mainly based on the square footage of the steel roofing surface. In Ontario, for instance, the price of metal roofing varies between $6.00 and $20.00 per square foot. And this is just the basic factor that impacts the cost of your metal roof. Keep reading.

Metal Roofing Installation Cost Factors

There are several factors to note with the installation of a new steel roof for your home. The following elements will impact your metal roof cost and determine your budget for the project:

Steel Roofing Designs: The metal roof design you choose is determined by whether you use interlocking steel panels or overlapping panels. Both of these tin roof options have their own pros and cons that affect their cost. A consultation with a steel roof professional will help you make the right choice for your project.
Metal Roof Coating: Also known as “metal roofing finish,” the coating you choose for the product plays a big role in the final cost. For long-lasting you will choose between polyester-based coating or a Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) based formula, as long as you don’t let the scientific name intimidate you! Polyester coatings are at the lower end of the price spectrum, while PVDF over a galvanized metal roof is considered a higher-standard alternative and thus costs more.
Access to the Roof: Before you install a metal roof, ask yourself: “Does my roof have a slant to it or is it flat?” “Does my roof lead to an alleyway that could make it difficult to access?” The layout of your home will impact the steel roof quote you receive from contractors. A house roof that’s not easily accessible will make metal roof installers might think twice before they come to your property.
Steel Roof Paint: This factor is optional, of course, but it’s something to consider with the cost of metal roof installation. In addition to the curb appeal it adds, painting your steel roof will keep it in good condition and protect it from the harsh weather and elements.
Metal Roof Underlayment: The underlayment of your roof is basically added protection. The steel roof underlayment works alongside the coating and paint to protect the roof against moisture and weather elements. This is an added cost in the steel roof installation quote, but we think it’s totally worth it!
Disposal of Your Existing Roof: When contemplating how much it costs to install a metal roof, you will need to consider how you dispose of the materials of your current roof. Depending on the weight of the materials and the provincial bylaws this could potentially have more of an impact on your how much does a metal roof cost than you would like.
Labour Costs: This is not something you want to attempt to cut corners with. Regardless of the previous steel roof costs factors, the contractor you hire can make or break your investment. Doing the proper research to find the right steel roofing contractor will ensure your labor cost to install metal roof is worth every dime. And here’s why.

Metal Roof Advantages

Now that you have an idea of the steel roof costs, you will want to weigh out the advantages of having a metal roof.

Life expectancy. A metal roof has a life expectancy of 50+ years, making it well worth the costs.
Aesthetically pleasing. The sleek design of a metal roof adds a subtle flair to your home.
Climate protection. Steel roofs are well suited for extreme weather conditions that a typical shingle roof often cannot handle. Rain, strong winds, heavy snowfall and sleep can destroy a shingled roof in one storm, whereas a metal roof can withstand harsh Canadian winters like a champ.
Fire resistance. Yet another fantastic safety measure of a metal roof for your home!
Increased home value and ROI: The investment in a steel roof will increase the overall value of your property and home. This will also increase your house’s resale value and consistently has high returns on investment if and when you choose to resell your home.
Energy-efficiency. Save on your summertime cooling costs by installing a metal roof and keeping your home cool.

New metal roof grey colour on yellow brick house

The Price of Metal Roofs vs. the Price of Asphalt Shingles

The metal roofing cost in comparison to the cost of installation of roofing shingles is roughly 2-3 times more.

However, when you factor in the longevity of metal roofs, especially in extreme climates, and the lack of constant repairs, you will save in the long run with a metal roof.

A metal roof is a long term solution and investment toward your roofing needs.

The Bottom Line about Steel Roofing Costs

While the steel roof installation costs may seem overwhelming, it is a worthy investment into your home’s market value. Additionally, the steel roof installation cost pays for itself with a lifespan that will cover decades.

It is certainly more costly than the asphalt shingle option for your roof but the benefits speak for themselves. When evaluating the cost of a metal roof you will want to do your research for the right metal roofing contractor, materials, and labourers.