Metal Roofing Calculator

A 1,500-square-foot home is one of the most common sizes in the United States, making it an excellent benchmark for metal roof cost estimates. The total installed cost depends on the metal panel type, your roof's pitch, regional labor rates, and whether you need to tear off an existing roof.

For a 1,500 sq. ft. footprint with a standard 6/12 pitch, the actual roof area is approximately 1,677 sq. ft. (1,500 x 1.118 pitch multiplier). That equals about 17 roofing squares.

Standing Seam Example

Standing seam panels are the premium choice. At $5.00–$7.00 per square foot for materials, your material cost would be $8,385–$11,739. Add labor at $50–$100 per square (17 squares = $850–$1,700), and your total before regional adjustment is $9,235–$13,439. In the Northeast (1.15x multiplier), that becomes $10,620–$15,455. In the Midwest (0.90x), it drops to $8,312–$12,095.

Corrugated Metal Example

Corrugated panels are the budget-friendly option. At $3.50–$5.50 per square foot, materials cost approximately $5,870–$9,224 for the same 1,677 sq. ft. roof. With labor, the total ranges from $6,720–$10,924 before regional adjustments.

With Tear-off

If you're replacing an existing roof, add tear-off costs of $1.00–$2.00 per square foot ($1,677–$3,354) plus disposal at $50–$100 per square ($850–$1,700). This adds roughly $2,527–$5,054 to your project total. For a standing seam roof with tear-off in the Southwest, the complete project would cost approximately $11,762–$18,493.

Choosing between metal and asphalt shingles is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face during a roof replacement. While asphalt remains the most popular residential roofing material due to its lower upfront cost, metal roofing has surged in popularity as homeowners consider long-term value, energy savings, and durability.

One of the advantages of metal roofing is its low maintenance requirements, but repairs are sometimes necessary. Common metal roof repairs include:

• Loose or missing fasteners: $150–$400. Exposed-fastener systems (corrugated) may need periodic re-tightening or replacement as gaskets age. This is a simple, inexpensive fix.
• Panel replacement: $300–$1,000 per panel. Dented or damaged panels from falling branches or severe hail can be replaced individually. Standing seam panels cost more to replace due to the unseaming and reseaming process.
• Sealant and flashing repair: $200–$600. Sealant around vents, chimneys, and transitions can degrade over 15–20 years and needs reapplication. Flashing repair is one of the most common metal roof maintenance items.
• Leak repair: $300–$1,000. Most metal roof leaks occur at penetrations (vents, skylights) or transitions rather than the panels themselves. Finding and fixing the source is the primary cost.
• Rust treatment: $500–$2,000. Older or lower-quality metal roofs may develop surface rust. Treatment involves sanding, priming, and recoating affected areas.

Overall, metal roof repair costs are comparable to asphalt shingle repairs, but they occur far less frequently. Most metal roofs need no significant repairs for the first 20–30 years when properly installed. For a detailed repair estimate, use our roof repair cost calculator.