How much does a corrugated metal roof cost in 2024?

Have you heard multiple favorable reviews about a corrugated metal roof, and they were so persuasive that you decided to switch to this robust material? Congrats on your great pick! We're here to give you the fullest possible information about the price of corrugated metal roofing relevant for this year. Armed with relevant labor and material pricing data, you will be able to budget your project smoothly and quickly.

Corrugated metal roof costs can be as low as $5.400 for economy-grade materials like galvanized steel and corrugated PVC or as high as $34.800 for high-end variations like copper and aluminum. The type of corrugated metal shingles also affects the cost. Thus, the cost of ⅞ panels can range from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, while the cost of ½ panels goes from $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot. 

As of the beginning of 2024, the national average cost of corrugated metal roofing ranges from $9.000 to $17.500, with most homeowners paying around $13.750 for material and labor. Keep in mind that these rough estimates are actual for roofs of standard size that equals 1200 - 1500 square feet.

Average costs to install corrugated metal roofing

The average cost of installing corrugated metal roofing varies across the country and tends to rise over the years. 

However, here are some general estimates for the average corrugated metal roof costs updated for this year:

Corrugated metal roof cost per square foot

Factors like the type and quality of metal used for roofing as well as the region where the installation is performed form the cost per square foot. The cost of corrugated metal roofing ranges from $1.50 to $6 per square foot. It's important to note that this estimate only includes the cost of the materials and not the cost of labor, which can add an additional $4 to $7.60 per square foot. 

To get an up-to-date and accurate price for your roofing project, you should consider a bunch of criteria, like the size and slope of your current roof, the type of corrugated metal roofing you need, and the cost of labor in your area. Besides, if you do a roof replacement or repair before installing corrugated metal panels, you must pay extra for these services.

Factors affecting the cost of corrugated metal roofing

To help you get a better idea of the cost you might be estimating for your new corrugated metal roof, we have reviewed the main cost-formation factors. Make sure to get a closer look at them before deciding on the type of corrugated roof and hiring a local roofing crew for your project.

Corrugated metal roofing cost by size

The key cost-affecting factor we start our overview with is the size of a roof. Generally, the larger the roof, the higher the cost of materials and labor. This is because extensive areas are more labor-intensive to cover with metal shingles. Besides, the job of this kind is for a roofing crew, not an individual contractor, which makes the labor cost to install corrugated metal roofing skyrocket. 

If you have never been doing roofing replacement or reshingling before, you may wonder how to calculate the square footage of your roof. Don't worry, you won't need to climb on the top with a tape measure. All you need is to find the exact square footage of your home and multiply it by 1.5. So, if you have got a price of corrugated metal roofing per square foot for your project, just multiply it by your approximate roof size.

Сorrugated metal roofing price by roof's slope

Roof slope is the second cost-formation factor after its size. Professionals always consider it while estimating the overall cost of a roofing project since they need more materials and time to shingle a steep roof. Besides, working on a pitched roof is life-threatening, which means all roofing crew members should be insured and well-equipped to start on a project.

A combination of these factors affects the cost of installing corrugated metal roofing. For instance, flat roofs and roofs with a pitch of fewer than 3 inches per foot are more affordable to cover with metal panels than hip, gable, and mansard ones. So, please, pay attention to this factor and consult your roofer about the possible cost rise if you have a steep slope roof.

The cost of a corrugated metal roof by material type

Typical materials at the core of corrugated metal roofing include aluminum, steel, and copper. Among less popular but still widely available options are tin and zinc. These materials differ in weather resistance, durability, weight, and cost. Whether you opt for them in the local hardware store or order them directly from a manufacturer or a company that will tackle your roofing project, you should have a general idea of their cost per square foot.

Here is what you need to know about the basic metals for corrugated metal roofing and their costs:

• Steel. Corrugated metal made from steel is a popular roofing material for residential and commercial buildings. It is affordable, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Besides, steel can be coated with various finishes to increase its durability and resistance to weathering. The average cost of steel corrugated metal roofing ranges from $5.85 to $10.50 per square foot.
• Copper. Corrugated metal roofing made from copper is the most expensive type of metal roofing, but many homeowners consider it a worthwhile investment. It is incredibly durable (can last up to 200 years), highly resistant to corrosion, and has a distinctive appearance. The average cost of copper corrugated metal roofing ranges from $14.65 to $25.70 per square foot. 
• Aluminum. Corrugated roofs made from aluminum are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. They are often used in areas with high levels of salt in the air. Aluminum is also cost-efficient as it needs a lower initial investment than most other metal roofs while helping to save on energy costs. The average cost of aluminum corrugated metal roofing ranges from $4.69 to $10.30 per square foot. 
• Galvalume. This is one of the corrugated metal roof types made by coating steel sheets with a layer of zinc and aluminum alloy. The corrugated design of the metal sheets adds strength and rigidity to the roof while providing a distinct aesthetic appeal. The average cost of galvalume corrugated metal roofing ranges from $5.50 to $10.00 per square foot. 
• Tin. Corrugated metal roofing made from tin has been in use for over a century. This material is actually an alloy of galvanized steel or other metals and tin. Tin is durable, eco-friendly, lightweight, and has a classic aesthetic appeal. The average cost of tin corrugated metal roofing ranges from $6.30 to $17.90 per square foot. 
• Zinc. This type of corrugated metal roofing is made from zinc-coated steel. Zinc is added to the steel to provide additional protection against corrosion, making a roof durable and long-lasting. It is also lightweight and easy to install, making it an attractive option for homeowners. The average cost of zinc corrugated metal roofing ranges from $9.80 to $20.50 per square foot. 

Labor cost to install corrugated metal roofing

The labor cost involves removing the old roofing material, preparing the surface for the new roofing, and installing the new metal roofing panels. Any additional services like getting permits or installing underlayment are charged separately. 

The labor cost for corrugated metal roofing varies depending on factors like the roof's size and slope, the project's complexity, and the location where it takes place. Roofing contractors charge from $5 to $8 per square foot or $40 - $75 per hour in addition to the cost of materials. Nevertheless, the rates for complex roofing projects requiring additional services can be higher. Take a look at these services, their nature, and costs to get yourself ready for any associated expenses that might take place within the project.

• Getting permits. When you make amendments to your home, you should strictly follow the local building department requirements. This institution obliges contractors to obtain all necessary permits before starting a roofing project. Building permit fees vary depending on the location and the nature of a reconstruction that is going to take place. The fees for getting building permits might be included in the total roofing replacement estimate or charged separately. You can expect to spend from $255 to $500 to get permits. 
• Roof repairs. Professionals won't start the process of a corrugated roof installation without the initial construction inspection, as even minor issues may wreak havoc on the new roofing. Roofers can quickly patch small leaks and seal gaps or cracks. However, when it comes to more extensive structural damage, the best way out might be to replace the decking or trusses. You should expect to spend around $300 for minor roof fixes and around $650 for repairs of moderate complexity. 
• Roof upgrades. You can consider upgrading your roof in the course of installing metal panels by adding chimneys, flashing, dormers, skylights, vents, decks, etc. All these add-ons will take a roofing team additional time and effort and will be charged extra. Depending on the type and complexity of installation, these add-ons may cost you from $300 to $870 or $60 per hour. 
• Removing the old roof. Whether you're building a roof from scratch or replacing the current roofing material, the pricing of a corrugated metal roof may or may not include roof removal services. The cost of roof removal is determined by its size, structure, and accessibility, as well as the type of roofing material needed to be dismantled. The average cost roofers charge for roof removal and disposal services is $90 - $165 per square foot.
• Installing underlayment. Roofers recommend installing or updating underlayment before mounting corrugated metal panels to ensure proper insulation and extra protection against the elements. Depending on the roof type and the local climate, you can go for felt paper, synthetic, and rubber underlayments. The average felt underlayment costs from $0.20 to $1.00 per square foot. The average price of its synthetic and rubberized asphalt counterparts ranges from $0.32 to $1.05 and $0.70 to $1.15 per square foot, respectively.
• Decking/ sheathing. Roof decking or sheathing refers to the structural layer that sits on top of the roof trusses or rafters and provides a flat surface for the roofing material to be installed on. It ensures the integrity of a roof system, providing a foundation layer of plywood beneath the corrugated metal sheets. The average decking cost is $2 - $5 per square foot, including labor.
• Coating. The coating is a cost-effective solution for extending the lifespan of corrugated roofs and protecting them from the elements. Depending on the metal used for roofing shingles and local weather conditions, you may select from acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane coatings. Depending on the desired coating type, you should expect to pay $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot to coat your roof. 
• Painting. One of the effective ways to protect metal panels is by painting. It creates a barrier between the roof surface and the elements, reducing the possibility of leaks and rust development. Besides, paint can enhance the look of your roof so that it blends in with the overall look of your home. You can paint your roof yourself or entrust it to local professionals, as this job requires certain skills and poses dangers. The average roof painting cost is $1.20 - $2.70 per square foot. 

Corrugated metal roofing cost by location

Labor cost makes up the lion's share of metal roofing installation cost, and you should know what to expect when it comes to estimates from local roofing pros. Location can be a determining factor in the material and labor costs of installing corrugated metal roofing. Density-populated cities with high living costs, like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, dictate their own rules on service pricing formation. So you should expect a higher price for corrugated metal roofing in these cities. And, on the contrary, in towns with a lower cost of living, the same roofing services will cost 8 - 15% lower.

Here is a general breakdown of corrugated roofing prices by location in the United States:

What are the pros and cons of corrugated metal roofing?

Corrugated metal tiles have many advantages, from long service life to simple maintenance, impact resistance, and lightweight. However, many homeowners still doubt whether to install this roofing material or go for something more conventional, like asphalt shingles. Here are some pros and cons of corrugated metal roofs that should simplify the selection of the best roofing for your home:

Pros

• Long service life. Thanks to the ridges and grooves, corrugated roofs last longer than their most metal counterparts. They're not susceptible to corrosion like aluminum and can preserve their original look for decades. 
• Simple installation. Corrugated panels are lightweight and do not require structural reinforcement to be installed on the roof. They are fastened to the roof with screws and can be installed by a DIYer. 
• Cost-effectiveness. Сorrugated metal prices are lower than those of slate and copper. Nevertheless, this roofing material is not inferior to their quality and durability.
• Low maintenance. This metal roofing only requires a little time and energy for upkeep. All it takes is to re-tighten the exposed fasteners from time to time to prevent leakage. Besides, you may need to renew the anti-corrosion coating. 
• Good thermoregulation. Corrugated roofs keep a comfortable temperature inside your house all year round. They don't absorb heat in summer and prevent warm air from escaping the room in winter. A roofing system with good thermoregulation properties allows for saving on utility costs. 

Cons

• Not immune to leakage. The downside that makes corrugated roofing not the best bang for your buck is its poor water resistance. Seams between each panel and the exposed fasteners raise the roof's leakage vulnerability. The screws can loosen over time and fall out, resulting in water seeping into the underlayment. 
• Rough appearance. That's the question of taste, but the exposed fasteners on the surface of corrugated metal panels make them look uneven and unsightly. They ruin the sleek look most householders set out for in metal roofing. So if you're about to get corrugated panels, consider if they suit your home's exterior. 
• Noise. Corrugated metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms. However, this can be mitigated by installing insulation or by choosing a thicker gauge metal.
• Dents. Corrugated metal roofs may dent if they are struck by heavy objects, such as falling tree branches or hail. However, this can be mitigated by choosing a thicker gauge metal.
• Condensation. Corrugated metal roofing can be prone to condensation if it is not properly installed with adequate ventilation. This can lead to moisture buildup and mold growth.