How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A standing seam metal roof costs $19,000 on average, with most homeowners paying between $9,400 and $32,600. In some cases, depending on size, materials, and roof condition, the cost can reach $16,400 or more. 

Standing seam metal roofs are a more expensive choice than other materials, but they’re a worthwhile investment when you consider their exceptional durability and extremely long lifespan. In this guide, we’ll cover the main cost factors of installing a standing seam metal roof, including size, material, and labor costs.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Factors

There are a number of cost factors that impact the final standing seam metal roof installation cost. These cost factors include size, metal quality and gauge, lock type, panel width, and more. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.

Size

Standing seam metal roofs cost between $4 and $30 per square foot (including installation). That means that the larger your roof, the more you’ll need to pay.

Metal Quality

When you select your materials for a standing seam metal roof, you’ll have to consider the quality of the metal. There are four main materials that these roofs are made of—steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Some material options offer a combination of materials for a higher-quality, more durable finish. These higher-quality options will last longer (saving you on future roof repair costs) but will also increase the price of the project.

Metal Gauge

The panels you purchase for a standing seam metal roof come in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of each metal panel is known as the metal gauge. A lower gauge means a thicker metal, which offers improved durability, but also a higher cost.

Lock Type

Another important cost factor is the method by which your standing seam metal roof panels are fastened or locked together. There are two types of locks for metal roofs: snap-lock panels and mechanically fastened panels.

• Snap lock panels: These panels have joints that can be snapped together by hand, as well as clips that attach the panels to your roof deck. They’re quick and easy to install, and require no special equipment, reducing labor costs. However, snap lock panels are less durable than mechanically locked panels.

• Mechanically fastened panels: These durable panels are designed to overlap and be permanently folded together using special tools. The resulting roof is extremely durable, but it requires special expertise to install, raising roof replacement costs.

Panel Width

Another factor to weigh when setting your budget for a standing seam metal roof is the width of your panels. Metal roof panels range in width from 12 inches to 24 inches, with wider panels costing less than narrower ones. However, wider panels tend to show more oil canning imperfections (the wavy, distorted look that can appear on flat metal), so they might not be as suitable if aesthetics are important for the project.

Color

Depending on your needs for a new metal roof, you might prefer a certain color. High-quality finishes and special colors add extra costs, which is important to consider when setting the budget for your new roof. Lighter colors have the added benefit of reflecting more light, which can boost energy efficiency and offset the extra material costs in some projects.

Roof Penetrations

You may need penetrations, or holes, in your roof to accommodate pipes and chimneys. The more penetrations you require, the more labor will be needed to complete your standing seam metal roof installation, increasing the project's cost.

Accessibility

The more difficult your roof is to access, the more expensive the job will be to complete. This is because less accessible roofs require more labor hours to install and require extra safety precautions, increasing the overall project cost.

Removal

When replacing an existing roof, disposal costs range between $100 and $800, depending on the amount of material to be removed.

Replacing Underlayment and Flashing

Beyond replacing the upper layers of the roof, you may also need to replace the lower sections: the felt paper underlayment and thin metal flashing, which help protect the underlying roof deck. Underlayment installation costs between $1,100 and $4,200, depending on your roof's size and the type of underlayment used. Additionally, if an ice and water shield is installed, expect to pay between $125 and $170 per square.

Ongoing Costs

Metal roof repair costs between $630 and $3,200 on average, depending on the nature of the issue. Thankfully, standing seam metal roofs are quite durable, meaning you won’t have to pay for repairs often. However, you will need to get periodic roof inspections to catch any problems before they become major expenses. Roof inspections cost between $130 and $360.

Permits

In most areas, you’ll need to secure a roofing permit before you can begin installing your new metal roof. Roof building permit costs vary but cost between $250 and $500 on average.

Labor

Roofing labor costs between $2 and $6 per square foot. For an entire project, labor expenses may range from $3,400 to $10,200, depending on the roof size and complexity.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Material

As mentioned, there are four main types of roofing material used for standing seam metal roofs: steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Each of these metal roof materials has different advantages and pricing.

• Steel: Steel is a common roof material thanks to its compromise between price and durability. The price will go up for different kinds of steel, such as G-90 galvanized steel (zinc-coated for corrosion resistance) and stainless steel (more expensive and more durable).

• Copper: Copper is less durable than other metal roof materials, but it offers a luxurious, one-of-a-kind look that many people love.

• Zinc: Zinc is an eco-friendly material for standing seam metal roofs, offering added durability due to its self-healing properties.

• Aluminum: Aluminum is softer and more prone to damage than steel, but it offers superior corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for homes near the coast.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement vs. Repair

Standing seam metal roofs are very durable, meaning they need to be repaired far less often than other types of roofs. However, they can fall into disrepair over time without proper maintenance. Common issues with these roofs include:

• Failing sealant

• Failing flashing

• Failing seams

• Failing fasteners

• Incorrect installation

Any of these issues can lead to a leaky roof, damage to the roof deck, and even damage to your home over time. Most metal roof repairs will cost between $300 and $1,500, meaning it’s almost always more cost-effective to repair your roof if possible. If the damage is extremely extensive (especially if the roof deck, underlayment, and flashing have become damaged), you may need to replace the roof entirely, which costs significantly more than a repair.

Does Installing a Standing Seam Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

Because metal roofing is viewed as a premium, low-maintenance upgrade, many homeowners recoup a portion of the cost when they sell. Recent estimates place the return on investment between 61% and 86%, though the exact figure varies by region and current housing trends. Added durability and modest energy savings can also make your property more attractive to buyers looking for long-term value.

Budgeting for a Standing Seam Metal Roof

Installing a standing seam metal roof can be a fairly expensive project, but it’s well worth the investment. Here are a few tips to reduce the cost of this project while still getting the benefits of a durable metal roof:

• Opt for more inexpensive materials, such as galvanized steel or galvalume, over more premium options like zinc, copper, or aluminum. Steel offers excellent durability and most of the same benefits as other materials at a fraction of the price.

• Get three quotes from local metal roof installers to ensure you’re getting a competitive, fair price.

• Reduce the metal gauge if possible to lower costs—thick, 22-gauge metal is often only necessary for commercial projects or in areas with frequent, extreme weather conditions.

• Opt for wider metal panels for sheds, barns, and other outbuildings. Wide panels make very little difference in durability and are only priced lower because of their tendency to show oil canning distortion, which is a purely aesthetic issue.

• Choose standard colors and finishes if possible. Metal roof painting costs can add up quickly, driving the budget for your roof installation much higher than if you were to choose one of the manufacturer’s in-stock finishes.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.