Repairing a metal roof costs an average of $1,908
On average, homeowners spend between $636 and $3,198 on metal roof repair costs, with an average total of $1,908.
Cost factors include metal type, repair type, labor, and maintenance.
The cost-per-square foot for metal roof repairs ranges from $6 to $20.
Regular maintenance helps your metal roof last longer and perform better.
Hiring a professional ensures your repairs are done safely and correctly.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Average metal roof repairs cost between $636 and $3,198, with most homeowners spending an average of $1,908. Your final price depends on factors like location, roof size, and how often repairs crop up.
Corrosion bad enough to require panel replacement lands at the top of the range, while quick patches or resealing fall closer to the bottom. Because a full roof replacement can cost twice as much, handling repairs promptly keeps overall costs in check.
How much you spend on repairing your metal roof depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.
You’ll spend $1 to $5 per square foot to repair a metal roof, not including labor. Here are the average costs associated with fixing various sized roofs.
Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
1,000 | 1,120 | $1,000–$5,000 |
1,500 | 1,680 | $1,500–$7,500 |
2,000 | 2,235 | $2,000–$10,000 |
2,500 | 2,800 | $2,500–$12,500 |
3,000 | 3,355 | $3,000–$15,000 |
Labor for roofers runs $5 to $15 per square foot. Roofers charge more for navigating around obstacles like trees, steep pitches, gables, or complex roof lines. If you're dealing with corrosion and need to replace a section, you'll likely be at the higher end of the price range. Small patches and resealing cost less.
Roof repair costs swing widely based on the metal you have. Budget-friendly choices like aluminum and tin start at $6 per square foot, while premium materials such as copper and steel can reach $20 per square foot, labor included.
Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (All-In) |
---|---|
Aluminum | $6–$16 |
Tin | $6–$16 |
Zinc | $7–$17 |
Steel | $9–$19 |
Copper | $12–$20 |
Aluminum roof repairs cost between $6 and $16 per square foot, or $11 on average. Many homeowners choose aluminum for its solid mix of durability and price. Just keep in mind that rapid temperature swings make the metal expand and contract, which may leave you fixing cracked panels, loose fasteners, or leaks down the road.
Tin roof repairs also average $11 per square foot, with most jobs falling between $6 and $16. Tin is easy to source and budget-friendly, but it can corrode over time, so you’ll probably patch or replace rusty spots at some point. Tin also dents easily during storms, which may have you calling a local metal roofing specialist for help.
Zinc roof repairs average $12 per square foot, with a range of $7 to $17. Zinc sits in the mid-range for price and is prized for being corrosion-resistant, long-lasting, and even able to “heal” minor scratches, so upkeep stays low. Still, it can eventually corrode or develop cracks and leaks that need attention.
Steel roof repairs run $14 per square foot, with most jobs ranging from $9 to $19. Galvanized or not, steel can last for decades with very little upkeep and is one of the strongest roofing choices around. Just note that expansion and contraction can loosen fasteners or open small cracks that need periodic repairs.
Copper roofs are the priciest to repair, averaging $16 per square foot and ranging from $12 to $20. Copper’s extreme durability and evolving blue-green patina make it a standout material. You can always have a pro clean and restore the original shine, but dents and loose fasteners can still crop up over time and require repair.
Metal roofs can run into a variety of problems, and repair prices swing with the size and complexity of the damage. Tightening a few loose fasteners might cost just $100, while widespread hail damage can climb to $4,000.
Splits, cracks, and gaps cost $200 to $1,000 to fix, or $600 on average. A pro will clean the area and apply metal adhesive with a fiber or rubberized membrane; smaller flaws can sometimes be sealed with specialized rubberized tapes.
Most metal-roof leak repairs cost $400 to $1,000, landing at $700 on average. Hidden or stubborn leaks can run higher, sometimes double. Catching a leak early keeps those dollars from adding up.
If the cause of the issue isn't apparent or requires more time to fix, you may pay up to double that. Early detection of roof leaks may cut down on repair costs.
Metal roofs may be more vulnerable to leaks along seams and where protrusions occur, like skylights and vents. Leaks sometimes develop in the valleys and along the ridges where different roof planes meet.
In addition, certain installation errors can also lead to roof leaks, such as:
Leaving off required sealants at roof penetrations and joints
Failure to install tape sealant under screw heads
Failure to add an extra sealant strip at the eave connections and where panels meet
Incorrectly applying or failing to apply required sealants along longitudinal seams
Lack of caulking between any extra trim and the underside of panels
Buckling or “oil canning” runs $500 to $3,000 to fix, averaging $1,750. Stress, temperature swings, or lost elasticity warp the panels, and replacing those sheets is the only lasting solution.
Rust and corrosion repairs fall between $500 and $3,000, averaging $1,750. Materials make up half the total. You may notice pitting—an early sign of corrosion—on older roofs. A pro will sand and scrape the area, add a rust-inhibiting primer, then seal it. Severely corroded panels often have to be replaced.
Storm damage runs $700 to $4,000, averaging $2,350. Homeowners' insurance often covers functional damage from hail, high winds, or severe weather, but cosmetic issues may be excluded or reimbursed only partially, sometimes 50% or less. Metal roofs handle hail better than most materials, yet large stones can still distort seams or flashings.
Even the highest-quality metal roof needs occasional upkeep. Plan on cleaning, clearing debris, and trimming back nearby trees to keep the panels in top shape.
Pressure washing: $50–$100 per hour. This includes a complete cleaning and sometimes an inspection for sealant issues, corrosion, and leaks. Regular pressure washing maintains its appearance.
Tree trimming: $275–$1,800. Ensure that trees and bushes aren’t rubbing against the roof's surface. Tree and shrub growth can initiate a cycle of constant friction that may compromise coatings or damage panels.
Annual roof inspections cost $125 to $350, though very steep or complex roofs can hit $900. Aim for an inspection every one to three years, sooner after a severe storm or any signs of water damage.
Certified roof inspectors look for evidence of:
Cracks, holes, and other damage
Deteriorating gaskets
Movement/stress of panels
Ice and snow damage
Storm damage
Compromised surface coatings
Debris clogging drains and gutters
Metal roofs come with numerous advantages that make them worth the investment:
Durability: High-quality metal roofs can last 40 to 80 years or more. Some copper roofs have stood strong since the 1800s.
Lightweight: Metal roofing materials are much lighter than options like tile or slate, putting less strain on your home’s structure.
Energy efficiency: Metal roofs can reduce heating and cooling costs, thanks to their reflective properties.
Wind resistance: Interlocking panels offer superior resistance to high winds compared to traditional shingles.
Versatility in style: Modern metal roofs come in various styles and colors, allowing you to match your aesthetic and budget.
Fire resistance: Metal is one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials available, which could even lower your insurance premiums.
Eco-friendly: Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Full metal roof replacement runs $11,700 to $28,700, depending on roof size, style, and material. Think about replacing the entire roof when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan or repair quotes start topping 50% of replacement cost. Standing-seam roofs cost more upfront but deliver extra durability and simpler future repairs.
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your metal roof repair projects more wallet-friendly:
If your repairs aren’t urgent, schedule your project for the off-season (winter or late spring) when roofing companies may offer lower rates.
Make your roof more accessible by trimming trees and clearing a path on the ground to reduce labor costs.
Get quotes from at least three local metal roofing companies to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY repairs can be tempting, but metal roofing demands specialized tools and know-how. Going it alone can create new leaks or safety hazards. At minimum, bring in a roof inspector to pinpoint the issue. Partnering with a local pro helps ensure the repair is safe, effective, and done right the first time. Schedule a consultation with a local metal roofing pro for fast, reliable repairs.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.