Metal roofing contractors near you: installers and costs

A metal roof is only as good as the crew that installs it. Panel layout, clips, fasteners, trim and flashing decide whether a metal roof stays quiet, flat and leak-free for decades. Roof Restore Buddy matches you with local roofers who install metal roofs, so you can compare quotes for the same scope side by side, for free.

Metal costs more upfront than asphalt shingles, but the Metal Roofing Alliance, an industry group, puts its lifespan at 40 to 70 years, two to three times longer than a typical asphalt roof. Still choosing a material? Read our metal roof vs shingles comparison. If you already want metal, the sections below cover the two main systems, the problems to plan for, and what to ask a metal roofer before you sign.

How to choose a metal roofing contractor

Fewer roofers install metal than asphalt, and metal is less forgiving of mistakes. Before you hire a metal roofer near you, check:

• Metal experience: ask how many metal roofs the crew installed in the past year, and which systems (standing seam, exposed-fastener, metal shingles).
• A state or local contractor license where your state requires one, plus proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• That panels will be fastened to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, which the International Residential Code requires for metal roof panels.
• A written scope that names the panel profile, metal gauge, paint finish, underlayment, trim and flashing details, and whether the old roof is torn off.
• Who pulls the permit, and what each warranty covers: the paint finish, the panels and the contractor’s workmanship are often separate warranties.

Get at least three quotes for the same scope. Our guide to choosing a roofer covers the questions to ask, and you can find local pros by state on our roofers near me page.

Standing seam vs exposed-fastener metal roofs

The main difference is where the screws go. Standing seam panels have raised vertical seams and are held down by concealed clips, so no fasteners pierce the face of the panel. Exposed-fastener panels (often called corrugated, ribbed or R-panel) are screwed straight through the panel into the roof, with a rubber washer sealing each screw.

• Price: exposed-fastener steel is the budget option at about $7 to $12 per square foot installed. Standing seam usually runs about $10 to $18, more for heavier gauges and premium paint finishes.
• Maintenance: the rubber washers on exposed fasteners break down with sun exposure over the years, so screws need periodic checks and eventual replacement. Standing seam has far fewer holes to maintain.
• Movement: metal expands and contracts with temperature. Standing seam clips are designed to let the panels move; through-fastened panels are pinned in place, which works against the screws over time.
• Slope: under the International Residential Code, standing seam can go on roofs as low as 1/4:12, while lapped exposed-fastener panels need at least 3:12, or 1/2:12 with lap sealant.
• Looks and uses: standing seam gives the clean, modern lines most homeowners picture. Exposed-fastener panels are common on barns, shops, porches and budget builds.

Metal shingles and stone-coated steel are a third option. They are stamped to look like asphalt shingles, shake, slate or tile, for homes where a traditional look matters.

Pricing metal for a warehouse, shop or other business building? See commercial standing seam and other commercial roof systems.

Biggest problems with metal roofs

Metal roofs hold up well, but they have trade-offs you should plan for before you buy:

• Upfront cost: metal costs more to install than asphalt shingles, so it pays off mainly if you stay in the home long enough to use its longer life.
• Noise: over solid decking and underlayment, rain on metal sounds little different from other roofs, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. The loud “tin roof” sound comes from metal fastened over open framing, as on barns.
• Oil canning: visible waviness in the flat areas of panels. The Metal Construction Association describes it as an appearance issue that does not usually affect structural performance. An uneven deck, rough handling, the wrong clips and improper fastening all make it worse.
• Dents: hail, falling branches and wind-blown debris can dent or scratch metal without causing leaks, the Texas Department of Insurance notes, and how well a roof resists them depends on the metal type, panel thickness and coating.
• Expansion and fasteners: on exposed-fastener roofs, daily heating and cooling plus aging washers can loosen screws and open small leaks, so plan on periodic checks.
• Installer skill: fewer contractors are qualified to install standing seam, and trim and flashing mistakes are harder to fix later than on a shingle roof.

If your insurer offers a metal roof discount, read the conditions. Some policies exclude cosmetic hail damage, so dents that do not cause leaks are not covered.

How much does a metal roof cost?

Installed steel roofs usually cost about $7 to $18 per square foot of roof surface: roughly $7 to $12 for exposed-fastener panels and $10 to $18 for standing seam. On a roof with 2,000 square feet of surface, that is about $14,000 to $36,000, depending on the system, gauge, paint finish and tear-off. Copper and zinc cost far more.

For prices by panel type, metal and roof size, see our full metal roof cost guide, or estimate your project with the roof cost calculator. A metal roof can be financed like any other roof; see your roof financing options.