Metal Roofing - Roof Replacement Cost Estimates

Standing seam metal roofs are characterized by their durability, watertight design, ease of installation and simple maintenance. This type of roof is also an excellent option if you plan to use solar panels, since racking systems can be clamped directly with no need for penetrating mounts.

Here we will discuss the typical costs you can expect when installing a standing seam metal roof, while providing an overview of their advantages and disadvantages. We will also review the benefits of using cool roof products approved by ENERGY STAR and the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC).

How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

According to the industry data gathered by RoofingCalc.com, you can expect to pay between $12.50 and $21.50 per square foot when installing a standing seam metal roof. Like in any roofing installation, you can expect higher costs per square foot as the complexity of your roof design increases.

The following table summarizes the price range you can expect for several roof sizes, based on the typical costs per square foot:

Roof Area (Square Feet)	Standing Seam Metal Roof Price
1,000 sq. ft.	$12,500 – $21,500
1,500 sq. ft.	$18,750 – $32,250
2,000 sq. ft.	$25,000 – $43,000
2,500 sq. ft.	$31,250 – $53,750
3,000 sq. ft.	$37,500 – $64,500

When installing a standing seam metal roof, the typical cost of materials ranges from $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot. However, you can get prices as low as $4.00 – $5.50 per sq.ft. when purchasing midium or large orders from the right supplier.

Make sure your roof uses at least G-90 26-gauge (minimum acceptable thickness for residential steel panels) or 24-gauge (better) galvanized steel finished with Kynar 500 paint. Thinner G-60 (29-gauge) galvanized steel is not adequate for residential roofing applications.
Galvalume steel offers superior durability if you’re willing to assume a slightly higher upfront cost of materials. Unlike G-90 galvanized steel, which is only coated with zinc, Galvalume steel uses a zinc-aluminum coating combo.
Aluminum and zinc are even better options for standing seam, but the materials will cost more.

The cost of a professional installation typically ranges from $7.50 to $15.00 per square foot, which typically includes a lifetime workmanship warranty.

If you plan to install solar panels along with a new standing seam metal roof, consider that their average price is about $2.86 per watt (according to EnergySage). This means a 5-kW home solar system will add around $14,300 to your project budget, while a larger 8-kW system will have a price of around $22,880.

Based on the above figures, the combined price of a 2,000 sq.ft. standing seam metal roof with a 5-kW home solar system will be in the range of $39,300 – $57,300.

Metal roofs have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, one of the biggest decisions when it comes to metal roofing is choosing the right color.

In this guide, we will go over the factors to consider when picking the right metal roof color, and how to choose a color that will complement your home’s architecture and surrounding environment.

1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture and Style

The first factor to consider when choosing a roof color is your home’s architecture and style. Your roof color should complement the style of your home and its architectural elements. For example, a traditional colonial-style home may look best with a classic dark gray or black roof, while a contemporary-style home may look better with a lighter color such as light gray or beige.

Roof steepness or pitch is another important factor to consider. A roof with a shallow slope will look somewhat more prominent with a darker color, while a steeper roof on single-story home ranch house may look overpowering with a darker-color.

Tip: Make sure you look beyond the color, and consider the style or profile of metal roof itself. For example, metal roofs for homes come in different profiles and styles including standing seam, metal shingles, tiles, and more. For a more traditional look, you will want to go with either metal shingles or tiles, while standing seam will be more suitable for highlighting modern architectural lines of your home and/or for that rugged cabin look.

2. Take into Account Your Home’s Surroundings

Another important factor to consider is your home’s surrounding environment. You want to choose a roof color that will blend in well with the natural surroundings and not clash with the surrounding trees, flowers, and other landscaping elements. For example, if your home is surrounded by a forest, a dark green metal roof color may blend in well, while a bright blue roof may stand out and look out of place.

3. Think About Energy Efficiency

When choosing a metal roof color, it is important to think about energy efficiency as well. Lighter colored roofs reflect more sunlight, which can help to reduce your home’s cooling costs during the summer months. On the other hand, darker colored roofs absorb more heat, which can make your home’s interior feel warmer during the winter months.

Tip: Look for CoolRoof SRI (CRRC solar reflectance index) rating. The higher the score for your group/category of metal roofing products, the more energy-efficient a given color will be, helping keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient.

4. Look at Your Home’s Existing Colors

Another factor to consider when choosing a metal roof color is your home’s existing colors. You want to choose a color that complements your home’s siding, trim, and other exterior features. For example, if your home has a brick exterior, a red metal roof color may complement the brick well, while a yellow metal roof may not look as good.

5. Check Your Homeowner’s Association Guidelines

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, it is important to check their guidelines before choosing a metal roof color. Some homeowner’s associations have strict rules about roof colors, so you want to make sure that your chosen color is allowed before making a final decision.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs: Costs and Pros & Cons