Types of Metal Roofs for Your Home (2024)

Understanding the different types of metal roofs is key to ensuring you’re installing the right kind for your home. Each type has pros and cons and costs to consider.

There are many metal roofing options. Here are the most common types you’ll find for residential housing.

Aluminum

Photo Credit: Four-leaf/Shutterstock

Aluminum roofing comes in tiles and shingles and tends to be more resistant to leaks and rust.

Pros:

• Costs less for materials compared to other metal roofing types
• Reflects radiant heat, saving you on utility costs

Cons:

• Not as attractive as other options
• Installation costs can be high

Who it’s best for: Budget-friendly homeowners

Approximate costs: $315 per 100 square feet; installation costs $15,500-$28,000

Steel

Photo Credit: klikkipetra/Shutterstock

Most metal roofing materials are made of steel. Many of the shingle types have a steel shingle base and are coated with other materials.

Pros:

• Can commonly be found nationwide
• Can be installed on most roofs

Cons:

• Costs may be prohibitive

Who it’s best for: Most homeowners

Approximate costs (labor and materials): From $335 per 100 square feet; installation $15,000-$25,000

Copper

Photo Credit: ThomBal/Shutterstock

Copper roofs look aesthetically pleasing and they are fire resistant, but they could oxidize to green within 20 years.

Pros:

• Last more than 60 years
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

• Requires maintenance to prevent oxidizing
• Material costs are much higher

Who it’s best for: Homeowners looking for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing roof.

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $1,400 to $2,200 per 100 square feet; installation $23,000-$48,000

Corrugated metal

Photo Credit: Mehaniq/Shutterstock

These types of roofs have a wavy pattern, much like corrugated cardboard.

Pros:

• Least expensive option
• Can be installed over existing roofing

Cons:

• May require more maintenance
• Vulnerable to leaks and rust

Who it’s best for: Cost-conscious homeowners

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $180 per 100 square feet; installation $10,500-$19,500

Exposed fastener

Photo Credit: stocksolutions/Shutterstock

These types of roofs use fasteners with a sealing washer to secure the panels.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Less labor for installation

Cons:

• Typically requires more maintenance like removing debris
• May be susceptible to leaks

Who it’s best for: Homeowners looking to keep labor costs down

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $200-$700 per 100 square feet (depends on material); installation starting at $4,500

Stone-coated shingles

Photo Credit: brizmaker/Shutterstock

This is a type of steel roof coated with either slate or clay to give the appearance of either shingle type but with the durability of a metal roof.

Pros:

• More lightweight than traditional stone roof
• Long-lasting option, lasting as much as 70 years

Cons:

• Can be more expensive

Who it’s best for: Homeowners who want the look of a stone roof

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $200-$600 per 100 square feet; installation starts from $21,000

Slate inspired

Photo Credit: Sirisak_Baokaew/Shutterstock

This is a type of stone-coated steel roof that appears more traditional with clay or slate shingles.

Pros:

• More lightweight than a traditional slate roof
• Long-lasting option

Cons:

• More expensive

Who it’s best for: Homeowners who want the look of a slate roof

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $500-$1,200 per 100 square feet; installation average $24,000

Standing seam

Photo Credit: Palatinate Stock/Shutterstock

These types of roofs last a long time and are one of the most common metal roof designs, with vertical seams.

Pros:

• Most contractors can install this roof
• Can withstand most types of extreme weather conditions

Cons:

• Can be pricey depending on the type of material used

Who it’s best for: Most homeowners

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $400-$650 per 100 square feet; installation $23,000-$30,000

Tin

Photo Credit: Cheryl Casey/Shutterstock

Tin roofs are made of steel but with a tin coating chemically bonded to the material.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly material
• Resistant to cracking

Cons:

• Installation can get pricey

Who it’s best for: Homeowners wanting to use eco-friendly materials.

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $325-$1,465 per 100 square feet; installation $9,000-$45,000

Zinc

Photo Credit: Palatinate Stock/Shutterstock

This type of roof is usually more flexible, making it a smart choice for those who want more unique roofing designs.

Pros:

• Crack and erosion resistant
• Can withstand most severe weather conditions

Cons:

• Materials can be more costly compared to other materials

Who it’s best for: Homeowners who have unique-shaped roofs

Approximate costs (labor and materials): $565-$1,100 per 100 square feet; installation $8,475-$16,500

Metal roof vs. shingles: Which is best

Aside from the cost (more on this later), the main difference between a metal and shingle roof is the durability.

Even the cheapest metal roofing usually lasts two-to-four times longer compared to shingle roofs. It can also withstand more severe weather conditions.

“Metal roofs can last for 50 to 100 years with warranties of 30 to 50 years,” said Zach Reece, the owner and chief operating officer of Atlanta-based Colony Roofers. “Most metal roofs also have a Class A fire rating and are designed to meet the most stringent building codes and wind uplift.”

Homeowners who value durability and can afford the costs would be best suited to metal roofs, along with those who live in areas with more severe weather. One example would be Florida, where the state is more susceptible to hurricanes.

Both metal and asphalt shingle roofs can be great choices for your home. The major differences lie in the cost and repair.

Shingle roofs tend to cost less If you hire a contractor, putting shingle roofing in will cost around $100-$200 per 100 square feet, compared to metal roofing, which is around $120-$900 per 100 square feet.

However, because a shingle roof doesn’t last as long, you could pay more down the road to repair or replace it. While a shingle roof can be installed within a day or two and often right on top of the existing shingles, the likelihood of needing to call a roofer to maintain the roof is higher compared to a metal roof.

Even though a metal roof may cost more upfront, because of its durability you may save in the long run, assuming there aren’t any issues with your roof. Also, some repairs may be covered under warranty.

Cost of metal roof installation vs. shingle roof installation by state

*pricing for metal roofs based per 100 sq.ft standing, seam, no tear off existing roof**pricing for shingle roofs based on standard quality, overlay of existing roof

Can you install or repair a metal roof yourself?

Installing a metal roof requires expertise and equipment the average homeowner may not have. For these reasons, most homeowners should hire a professional.

The type of metal roof you want to install will also determine whether going the DIY route or working with a contractor is better. For instance, you may install a roof with interlocking metal panels, or ones that mimic shingles, because they’re similar to traditional shingles.

However, if you want to install large panels, or types such as exposed fastener panels, you’re probably better off hiring a professional. Having the help of a professional can ensure the job is done properly, saving you potential headaches down the line. Another consideration: incorrect installation may void any warranty on the product.

When hiring a professional, get a few quotes. Look for someone who is licensed, insured and has favorable reviews from past clients.

Replacing your existing roof with a metal one comes with several benefits, such as having a longer-lasting material, the potential for savings and pleasing aesthetics. Do your research to see which types fit your budget and complement the architecture of your home.