Metal Roofing Cost USA 2026: Formula and Savings Breakdown
TL;DR: Metal roofing cost in USA averages $8 to $14 per square foot in 2026. Add $3 to $5 for installation. Total comes to $11 to $19 per square foot. BarrierBoss corrugated sheets start at $32. Use the formula to get your number and see savings over asphalt shingles. Call us for a custom quote—we love chatting roofs.
Current Metal Roofing Cost in USA
Metal roofing cost in USA sits at $8 to $14 per square foot in 2026. Installation adds $3 to $5 per square foot. You end up with $11 to $19 per square foot total. These numbers cover corrugated sheets. Premium finishes bump the price a bit. Regional labor rates change the final bill. California runs higher than Texas.
Break Down Metal Roofing Cost
Materials take 60 percent of metal roofing cost in USA. Corrugated sheets start at $32 for a 38-inch wide panel. Classic rib sheets cost the same. Deep groove sheets offer more strength at $32. Add trim and fasteners for $2 to $4 per square foot. Labor covers 30 percent. DIY lowers this part. Permits add $200 to $500.
| Component | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Materials (Corrugated Sheets) | $8 to $10 |
| Trim and Accessories | $2 to $3 |
| Installation Labor | $3 to $5 |
| Total | $11 to $18 |
Formula for Your Metal Roofing Cost
A detailed calculation involves breaking down the core components.
Total Cost = Material Costs + Labor Costs + Other Project Costs
1. Calculate the Roof Area
Measure the total square footage of the roof. Note that the actual roof area is often larger than the home's footprint due to pitch and overhangs.
- Simple Roofs: Multiply the length by the width of each roof section and add them together.
- Complex Roofs: For pitched roofs, use a roof pitch multiplier to account for the slope: (Footprint Length × Footprint Width) × Roof Pitch Multiplier = Roof Area.
2. Calculate Material Costs
Material costs vary based on the type of metal, gauge, finish, and design.
- Cost of Panels: Divide the total roof area by the area of a single panel, then multiply by the cost per panel.
- Accessories: Add costs for underlayment, trim, drip edges, sealants, fasteners, and supplies (typically an additional 10-40% depending on roof complexity).
3. Calculate Labor Costs
Labor costs depend on local rates, roof complexity, and accessibility. These can be a significant portion of the total cost (around 40%).
- Labor Cost Formula: Man-hours × Rate per hour or generally per square foot (e.g., $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft.).
4. Factor in Other Project Costs
Include miscellaneous expenses for a comprehensive estimate:
- Old Roof Demolition: Removing and disposing of the existing roof (adds about $1–$3 per sq. ft. on average).
- Permits and Inspections: Required by local building codes.
- Equipment: Costs for specialty equipment like scaffolding or roof jacks.
Summary Formula
The most practical estimation method for budgeting purposes is:
Total Estimated Cost = Total Roof Area (in sq. ft.) × Average Cost per Square Foot (including materials and labor)
Pro Tip
BarrierBoss corrugated sheets start at $32 each in Midnight Black, Coastal Gray, Coffee Brown, Silver/Galvalume, Cream, or Corten rust. Call us for a custom quote—we love turning your measurements into exact pricing.
Savings with Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles
Metal roofing cost in USA pays off over time. Asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years. Metal lasts 40 to 70 years. Save $5,000 to $10,000 on replacements. Metal cuts energy bills 20 percent with reflective surfaces. Insurance discounts reach 5 to 20 percent for fire-resistant metal. Total savings hit $3,000 to $5,000 over 30 years. Metal needs no repairs from hail or wind. Asphalt requires fixes every 5 years.
Compare lifetime costs. Metal wins every time.
| Type | Initial Cost Per Square Foot | Lifetime (Years) | Savings Over 30 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $4 to $7 | 15 to 20 | $0 (baseline) |
| Metal Roofing | $8 to $14 | 40 to 70 | $3,000 to $5,000 |
BarrierBoss Metal Roofing Options
BarrierBoss offers corrugated metal roofing sheets in Midnight Black, Coastal Gray, Coffee Brown, Silver/Galvalume, Cream, and Corten rust. Prices start at $32. Deep groove metal roofing provides extra strength. Classic rib metal roofing suits simple designs. Metal cladding roofing adds style. ProLock interlocking roofing panels install fast. These products reduce metal roofing cost in USA with direct shipping.
Choose BarrierBoss for reliable materials that lower long-term expenses.
Did You Know?
BarrierBoss metal roofing reflects heat. You save 20 percent on cooling bills in hot states like Texas or Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect metal roofing cost in USA?
Material type, installation labor, and location drive costs. Corrugated sheets cost $8 to $10 per square foot. Labor adds $3 to $5.
How does metal roofing compare to asphalt shingles in cost?
Metal costs more upfront. It saves over time with longer life and lower energy bills. Metal lasts 40 years. Asphalt lasts 15.
What is the average metal roofing cost per square foot?
$11 to $19 per square foot including installation. BarrierBoss options start at $32 per sheet for affordable choices.
Do metal roofs save money on insurance?
Yes. Fire-resistant metal roofs qualify for 5 to 20 percent discounts in wildfire zones.
How can I calculate my metal roofing cost?
Use our formula. Measure length and width. Multiply for square footage. Divide by 24 for sheets needed. Multiply by $32 for cost.
Final Thoughts
BarrierBoss USA offers value for your money. You get durability and savings. Ready to roof? Call 1-316-400-6454 for a custom quote.
Key Takeaways
- Metal roofing cost in USA averages $11 to $19 per square foot.
- Materials make up 60 percent of the total.
- Metal saves $3,000 to $5,000 over 30 years compared to asphalt.
- BarrierBoss options start at $32 per sheet.
- Use the formula for your custom estimate.
Shop the Look
BarrierBoss metal roofing products.
- Corrugated Roofing Sheets – from $32
- Deep Groove Metal Roofing – from $32
- Classic Rib Metal Roofing – from $32

