Estimated total
$19,154–$29,070
Squares
18.45 · Standing seam
Project details
Roof footprint
Section 1
Footprint: 1500 sq ftRoof area: 1677 sq ft
Total roof area1677 sq ft · 16.77 squares
Roofing material
Standing Seam Metal — Premium metal roof. Hidden fasteners, modern look. 50–70 yr lifespan.
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.
Standing Seam Metal · 18.45 squares × $600/sq$9,224 – $12,913
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 × $400–$600/sq$6,708 – $10,062
Total project cost$19,154 – $29,070
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 metal | $18,326 | 45 yr | 2× | $36,653 |
| Standing seamYOUR PICK | $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.
- Standing Seam Metal18.45 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
Premium upfront, cheapest long-term. Standing seam costs 3-5× asphalt upfront ($500-$700/square vs. $100-$150). But it lasts 2-3× longer with no maintenance. 50-year ownership cost is often lower than 2 asphalt replacements.
Specialty installers only. Standing seam requires specialty tools (mechanical or hand seamers) and experience with thermal expansion (metal panels move with temperature). Not every roofer is qualified — ask for portfolio of standing seam work specifically.
Choose the panel profile carefully. Snap-lock (cheaper, simpler) vs. mechanically-seamed (more weatherproof, more expensive). Snap-lock for residential dry climates; mechanical for high-wind, heavy-snow, or coastal environments.
Frequently asked questions
Standing seam vs. corrugated metal?▾
Corrugated has exposed fasteners with rubber gaskets (cheap, gaskets fail at 15-20 years). Standing seam has hidden clips (no penetrations, 50+ year life). Standing seam is the premium, corrugated is budget.
Cost of standing seam metal roof?▾
Materials: $500-$700/square. Labor: $400-$600/square. Total installed: $900-$1,300/square. For a 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares × 1.118 pitch multiplier = ~22 squares): $20K-$30K total.
Can standing seam be installed by DIY?▾
Not realistically. Specialty tools, exact panel layout, custom flashings, mechanical seaming all require expertise. One installation error compounds across the whole roof. Always hire experienced installers.
How long does standing seam last?▾
Painted galvanized steel: 40-60 years. Aluminum: 50-70 years. Painted zinc or copper: 75-100+ years. Realistically last as long as the building.
Related calculators
Asphalt Shingle Calculator
Calculate asphalt shingles for roof replacement. Bundles, squares, underlayment, drip edge, and total project cost.
Metal Roofing Calculator
Calculate metal roofing panels for replacement or new construction. Squares, panels, underlayment, and total project cost including labor.
Clay & Concrete Tile Roof Calculator
Calculate clay or concrete tile roofing for replacement. Squares, tile count, underlayment, flashings, and total project cost.
Slate Roof Calculator
Calculate natural slate roofing for replacement. Lasts 75-200 years. Squares, slate count, copper flashings, and premium cost estimate.
Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material quantities and costs may vary based on site conditions, material availability, and local pricing.