How much does a tin roof cost in 2024?

Tin is a less popular metal roofing than aluminum and steel, yet it might become an excellent solution for areas with harsh weather conditions or the seaside. With a service life of up to 50 years and low maintenance requirements, tin occupies a special place among metal alloys used for roofing. Besides, this material can be recycled, helping to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. 

As of today, the average cost of a tin roof ranges from $9.000 to $45.000, with most homeowners paying around $23.000 to cover an average-sized roof. Nevertheless, the price may go up to $55.000 for a 2,000 - 2,500-square-foot standing seam tin roof. That is why one should always count on the roof structure and size as well as the type of metal sheets used for roofing to estimate the precise project cost.

The average cost of a tin roof per square foot

You should expect to spend from $10 to $26 per square foot installing a tin roof. The cost of roofing itself goes from $5.50 to $14 per square foot. The installation will take almost 50% of the total price, ranging from $4.50 to $12 per square foot. 

Calculating the ballpark cost of tin roof per square foot, you should consider whether you need the flat lock or standing seam panels and if the underneath roofing material will be steel or stainless steel. Standing seam terne roofing made of stainless steel and covered with tin is the priciest.

Factors affecting the tin roof cost

When estimating the budget for your tin roofing project, it's essential to understand the various factors contributing to the overall cost. These factors might be major, like the type and gauge of panels and size of the roof, or minor, like roof pitch and regional labor rates. By understanding these factors, you can get precise calculations for your tin roofing project.

Here are the primary factors affecting the total tin roof price:

Roof size

The size of the roof and the complexity of its design determine the total cost of the tin roofing project. Larger roofs with multiple slopes, angles, intersecting planes, and unique architectural elements such as dormers, gables, and turrets require more materials and labor, leading to higher costs.

Here is a tin roof cost estimate based on various roof sizes:

Roof shape

Thanks to the diverse design of tin roofing panels, they can be installed on roofs of any style and pitch. For instance, you can see flat-lock tin panels on historical buildings with Dutch, gable, and mansard roofs. Roofs with a moderate slope can be covered with tin roofing of both flat lock and standing seam type, as straight expanses are simple and quick to cover. Generally, the more complicated the roof structure, the greater the cost of covering it with tin panels.

See below to check the average costs of installing tin roofing on roofs of various shapes.

Alloy type

Tin roof pricing may vary based on the type of steel that forms its basis. You may encounter tin roofs made of standard and stainless steel. The latter roofing option, though, is more sought-after as it does not corrode as fast as standard steel and is easier to work with. Better functional specifications of a terne roof with a stainless steel core result in its higher cost per square foot.  

See below to discover how much tin roofs cost by type of alloy.

Roofing type

Tin roofs are not made the same. Searching through the assortment of metal roofs made of this alloy, you will discover at least four variations of tin roofing, including corrugated, standing seam, stamped, and flat ones. Below you will find how these tin roofs differ in terms of their characteristics and cost.

• Standing seam tin roofing. This type of metal roofing is made of long, flat metal panels with overlapping edges and concealed fasteners. The sophisticated design of this roof makes it one of the most durable and aesthetic on the market of tin roofs. Standing seam tin roofing costs from $7 to $12 per square foot to install. 
• Corrugated tin roofing. This type of metal roofing is made of galvanized steel covered with tin. The panels are rolled to create a wavy or rippled pattern that boosts the roof's stability and strength. The cost of a new tin roof with a corrugated design generally ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot.
• Stamped tin roofing. This type of metal roofing is made of stamped steel panels covered by tin alloy and layered to resemble classic shingles like slate or asphalt. Stamped tin roofing costs $8 - $15 per square foot. 
• Flat seam tin roofing. Roofs with flat seams feature wide tin panels that are folded and sealed at the seams, creating a solid surface. Batten seam roofing is adhered to the roof by fixing to wood or metal batten strips with exposed fastenings. This type of metal roofing is more often used for low-pitch roofs. Its cost varies from $5 to $9 per square foot. 

Here is an overview of tin roof installation costs by roof type:

Roofing panels style

Tin roofing may differ not only by alloy and type but also by panel style. Their shape determines the durability and visual appeal of tin roofing. That is why this factor also affects the cost. Read on to find out the difference between tin metal panels and their cost. 

• R-panels. Roofing panels of this type ensure the highest strength and durability while protecting the roof structure from the elements. The cost of tin roofing R-panels averages $5.50 per square foot or $550 per square to install. However, the price may vary from as low as $3 per square foot to as high as $8 per square foot. 
• 5V crimp panels. These lightweight tin panels are suitable for installation over an existing roof. They are cheap and possess unmatched water resistance while giving a roof an aesthetic look. Nevertheless, the shape of 5V crimp tin roof panels makes them vulnerable to high winds and stormy weather. The cost of roofing tin in 5V crimp panels ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot. 
• Corrugated panels. Tin panels of this type are one of the most sought-after due to their weather resistance, durability, and energy efficiency. Corrugated tin roofing is best installed in areas prone to wildfires and storms. You should expect to spend from $4 to $8 per square foot to install this variation of tin roofing.

Here are the tin roof costs based on the panel style: 

Labor cost to replace a tin roof

The process of tin roofing installation often involves removing the old material and installing a new underlayment. This is partly due to the type and age of buildings that have tin roofs. These are most often historical homes. That is why, estimating the cost of tin roofing installation, one should add $2 per square foot for tearing off the old roof. As for the average installation costs without additional services, they range from $4.50 to $12 per square foot, depending on the roof size, shape, and overall project complexity. For instance, standing seam tin panels are more labor-intensive to install than flat seam ones, but they don't require tearing off the existing roofing, which might save a few extra bucks. In their turn, flat-lock tin panels are installed directly on the roof deck, which means you won't be able to skip dismantling the old roofing. 

Here is the cost breakdown for installing tin metal roofing: 

Homeowners who want to get the cost of tin roofing for their project can leave their request through the form below. With MyHomeQuote, getting clear-cut estimates from verified roofing contractors operating in the required region takes no time and money. 

Additional factors affecting the tin roof installation cost

Several additional factors may affect the cost of installing tin roofing. First of all, the condition of the existing roof and any necessary modifications needed to be performed before or during roofing installation can raise the cost. Second, the location where the roofing project takes place can impact the cost due to differences in labor rates, permit fees, and transportation costs. Third, the time of year can influence the cost of tin roofing, as contractors charge higher rates during peak season.

Roofing services aimed at prolonging the service life of a tin roof, like sealing, coating, and insulating, will require additional investment. Plus, the total estimated cost will fluctuate depending on added accessories like roof flashing and gutters.

Here are the additional costs involved in tin roof replacement:

• Getting permits. Building permit fees may vary from location and the specific requirements of the local building department. Generally, it takes from $100 to $550 to get them from the local permit office.
• Coating. Tin roofs can be coated with epoxy or acrylic sealant to enhance their water resistance and prevent the breakage of fasteners. The cost of tin roof coating averages $1 - $5 per square foot, including labor.
• Insulating. It's recommended to insulate the underside of the roof deck before installing tin panels. Insulation will enhance the roof's energy efficiency, preventing heat from transferring from the top to the attic. Depending on the insulation material (rigid foam, spray foam, fiberglass batts), this service will cost you from $2.5 to $8 per square foot. 
• Flashing. Adding flashing around places vulnerable to leakage, like joins and skylights, is the best practice to prolong the roof's service life and save on repair costs. The average price of installing flashing goes from $200 to $500, but it can be higher if your roof has an unusual shape or complex structure.

• Painting. If you want to change the color of your tin roof or cover it with another layer of protection, painting is the choice. Depending on the color and quality of the paint, this additional service may cost you from $1 to $3 per square foot.

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