Metal Roofing Cost Per Square Foot Calculator

| Added in Construction

What is Metal Roofing Cost Per Square Foot and Why Should You Care?

Metal Roofing Cost Per Square Foot is the expense you'll incur for every square foot of metal roofing installed, including materials and labor. Understanding this cost helps you budget effectively, compare contractor quotes, and make informed decisions about roofing materials.

How to Calculate Metal Roofing Cost Per Square Foot

The formula is straightforward:

[\text{Cost Per Square Foot} = \frac{\text{Total Cost (materials + labor)}}{\text{Total Area (ft}^2\text{)}}]

Where:

  • Total Cost includes all materials and labor for the roofing project
  • Total Area is the total square footage of roof to be covered

Calculation Example

If you've been quoted $12,000 for a 1,500 square foot roof:

[\text{Cost Per Square Foot} = \frac{12{,}000}{1{,}500 \text{ ft}^2} = 8.00/\text{ft}^2]

At $8.00 per square foot, this falls within the typical range for metal roofing.

Factors Influencing Cost

  • Type of metal: Steel, aluminum, copper, zinc
  • Roofing style: Standing seam, metal shingle, corrugated
  • Roof complexity: Simple roof vs. multiple valleys and angles
  • Local labor rates: Vary significantly by region
  • Old roof removal: Additional cost if required

Metal Roofing Benefits

Metal roofing offers significant long-term value:

  • Longevity: 40-70 year lifespan
  • Energy efficiency: Reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs
  • Low maintenance: Minimal upkeep required
  • Insurance benefits: Some companies offer discounts
  • Durability: Resistant to fire, wind, and impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal roofing typically costs between $6.50 and $15.00 per square foot installed. Basic steel panels are on the lower end while premium materials like copper or zinc are on the higher end.

Cost is influenced by the type of metal used, roofing style such as standing seam vs shingle, roof complexity, local labor rates, and whether old roofing needs removal.

Yes, metal roofing lasts 40-70 years compared to 15-30 years for asphalt shingles. It also offers energy savings, lower maintenance costs, and some insurance discounts.

Yes, if your project includes removing old roofing, include those costs in the total. This gives you an accurate per-square-foot cost for comparison.