Estimated total
$13,787–$22,866
Squares
18.45 · Corrugated metal
Project details
Roof footprint
Section 1
Footprint: 1500 sq ftRoof area: 1677 sq ft
Total roof area1677 sq ft · 16.77 squares
Roofing material
Metal Roofing (Corrugated) — Galvanized or aluminum panels. 40–50 yr lifespan. Energy efficient.
Optional override
Tear-off & decking
Older roofs may have 2-3 layers
$50–$100/sheet (4×8 = 32 sq ft)
Underlayment & flashing
Auto: 80 lf (half perimeter for eaves)
0 if no valleys (simple gable)
Penetrations
$40–$80 each
$200–$500 each
$200–$400 each
Permits & labor
Cost breakdown
Itemized for your selected configuration.
Metal Roofing (Corrugated) · 18.45 squares × $400/sq$5,534 – $9,224
Underlayment · 5 rolls$125 – $300
Ice & water shield · 80 lf$120 – $280
Drip edge · 160 lf$240 – $480
Ridge cap · 50 lf$100 – $250
Ridge vent · 50 lf$400 – $750
Penetrations · 4 vents + 0 skylights + 1 chimney$360 – $720
Tear-off · 16.77 sq × 1 layer$1,677 – $2,516
Building permit$200 – $800
Pro labor · 16.77 sq × $300–$450/sq$5,031 – $7,547
Total project cost$13,787 – $22,866
50-year cost of ownership
Your same roof across all 7 materials, accounting for replacement cycles.
| Material | One install | Lifespan | Re-roofs | 50-yr total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab | $9,950 | 18 yr | 3× | $29,849 |
| ArchitecturalCHEAPEST 50-YR | $10,738 | 28 yr | 2× | $21,476 |
| Corrugated metalYOUR PICK | $18,326 | 45 yr | 2× | $36,653 |
| Standing seam | $24,112 | 60 yr | 1× | $24,112 |
| Tile | $25,957 | 75 yr | 1× | $25,957 |
| Slate | $37,696 | 125 yr | 1× | $37,696 |
| EPDM | $11,392 | 25 yr | 2× | $22,784 |
💡 Asphalt looks cheapest until you factor in 2–3 replacement cycles. Metal and slate often win over 50 years.
Shopping list
Major roofing materials.
- Metal Roofing (Corrugated)18.45 squares
- Synthetic underlayment rolls5
- Ice & water shield80 lf
- Drip edge (10' lengths)16 pieces
- Ridge cap shingles or coil50 lf
- Ridge vent (4' sections)13 pieces
- Pipe & vent flashings4
- Step & counter flashing20 lf
- Roofing nails (1.25" galvanized)74 lbs
- Roofing cement (10 oz tubes)4 tubes
- Roofing shovel & tarps for tear-offSet
- Safety harness, ladder, knee padsSet
- Dumpster rental (10–20 yard)1
Get quotes
Get 3+ itemized quotes from licensed, insured roofing contractors in your area.
Pro tips
Underlayment matters more than asphalt. Metal roofs transmit temperature changes — use synthetic underlayment ($25-$60/roll) over felt for better moisture and thermal performance. Skip cheap felt.
Hidden fasteners > exposed. Corrugated metal with exposed screws costs less but the rubber gaskets fail in 15-20 years (leak risk). Standing seam (hidden fasteners) costs 30% more but lasts 50+ years maintenance-free. Worth it for long-term homes.
Install over a vented air gap. Don't lay metal directly on roof deck. Use 1×4 furring strips (or proprietary clip systems) to create a 3/4 inch air gap. Dramatically improves attic temperature, prevents moisture buildup, extends roof life.
Frequently asked questions
Metal roofing cost per square?▾
Corrugated metal: $300-$500/square. Standing seam: $500-$700/square. Premium standing seam (long-life finishes): $700-$900/square. Install: $300-$600/square (more complex than asphalt).
How long does metal roofing last?▾
Galvanized steel: 40-50 years. Aluminum: 50+ years. Standing seam with high-quality finish: 50-70 years. Compare to asphalt's 25-30 years — metal is 2-3× the lifespan.
Is metal roofing noisy in rain?▾
Not when installed over a solid deck and proper underlayment. Modern residential metal roofs are no louder than asphalt. Metal on bare pole barns (no deck) is loud — but that's not how homes are roofed.
Can metal be installed over asphalt shingles?▾
Yes — metal is one of the few roof types that can go over existing shingles without major issues (saves tear-off cost). You'll need furring strips to create a vented air gap. Verify local code allows it.
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Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material quantities and costs may vary based on site conditions, material availability, and local pricing.