Metal roofing prices can widely vary depending on the grade or profile of the product. Prices can range between $2 to $9 and more, per sq ft. The difference in the material used for manufacture contributes greatly to the overall price with tin, steel, terne coated stainless steel, aluminum and copper being used in different grades. This means that at an average, you will have to shell out anywhere from $200 to $900 per square (100 sq. ft.) for a metal roofing system. The price per square is inclusive of all necessary components that include starter/drip edge, gable, ridge cap, clips, fasteners, screws, nails and the rest. However, the synthetic underlayment for the metal roofing system has to be purchased separately and would entail an additional cost of about $20 to $30 per square.

The popular type of metal roofing systems used today are Galvalume, aluminum, terne-coated stainless steel, stone coated steel and copper. Galvalume is the most popular and the least costly metal roofing option costing around $200 per square. Aluminum, terne coated stainless steel and stone coated steel products would start at about $350 including all components. Copper is the costliest and can set you back by approx. $1000 per square.

The installation costs in every case will need to be paid additionally. The cost of installation of a metal roofing system is also higher as compared to other roofs. This is because it cannot be simply nailed to the roof deck. It requires much more sophisticated techniques and accurate and precise measurements for proper installation, failing which there may result a loss of thousands of dollars by way of wastage of materials. The installer also has to receive highly specialized installation training and so is a higher paid individual. A metal roofing system also takes much longer to install. All this makes the overall price of installing a metal roofing system about three times that of installing conventional asphalt shingle roofs.

However, despite the high initial costs a metal roofing system may in fact prove to have the lowest life cycle cost as compared to any other roofing system. It is long lasting and does not require replacement or maintenance for nearly half a century and usually comes with a warranty for forty to fifty years. In fact, these roofs outlast the warranty they come with. Its reflective properties of solar radiation make the building energy efficient leading to substantial savings in energy bills. Additionally, it is a value-adding asset and can help recover most of its cost when the building is sold as it increases the value of the building.

The average residential building has a roofing surface of approx 1700 to 2200 sq ft. or 17 to 22 squares. This would mean that the overall costs involved in getting a metal roofing system installed in a residential building roughly be $12500 to $16500.

Therefore installing a metal roofing system will be a wise move even if it entails a relatively higher initial cost as compared to conventional roofing systems and will prove to be the most economical choice among all the roofing options available today.