Table of Contents
Introduction
I’ve done a lot of research on roof replacement costs for my clients over the years, and I keep up-to-date with changing material and labor costs for all kinds of roofing, including standing seam metal roofs. I thought keeping an accurate, updated table of standing seam roofing cost estimates online would be a helpful resource for me, my clients, and homeowners in general.
The tables on this page show estimated costs, including labor and materials, for replacing a roof with a standing seam metal roofing system made from various types of metal.
Standing seam is one of the most popular and longest-lasting types of metal roofing systems. Standing seam roofs are distinguished by the use of concealed fasteners and raised vertical panel-to-panel seams. A standing seam roof can be made from sheet steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, or even stainless steel. Each type of metal has its own advantages, limitations, and price range.
Material choice plays a major role in the cost of a standing seam roof. Steel is typically the most affordable, while aluminum is preferred in coastal areas because of its corrosion resistance. Zinc and stainless steel offer premium longevity and performance; while copper can last even longer, it is by far the most expensive, and often chosen for aesthetic or historic reasons.
The cost of a standing seam roof varies depending on roof size, pitch, complexity, local labor rates, and the specific metal and panel profile selected. The estimated prices I provide here are averages intended to give you a ballpark idea of what a standing seam metal roof might cost.
On average, the cost of a standing seam roof in 2025 ranges from around $12.75 per square foot for steel panels with a basic coating to about $34.00 per square foot for copper. Aluminum, zinc, and stainless steel fall somewhere in between.
For an average 1,700-square-foot roof, total installed costs range from approximately $22,000 for steel to about $58,000 for copper. A zinc or stainless steel roof of the same size may cost around $40,000, and aluminum would typically be around $29,000.
What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam metal roofing is a type of metal roof system where long, flat panels run vertically up the roof and connect along raised seams. These seams stand an inch or two above the surface of the panels and are either mechanically seamed or snap-locked into place. Because the seams are raised above the surface of the roof, draining water cannot typically get through the roof at these joints.
One of the most important features of standing seam roofing is that the panels are attached to the roof deck using concealed clips and fasteners that allow the panels to “float”, which solves the issue of thermal expansion and contraction. And because they are completely hidden and protected beneath the seams, the issue of fastener deterioration and/or UV degradation of the washers at the fasteners does not cause problems like it does with exposed fastener systems.
Standing seam roofing isn’t tied to a specific metal. Panels can be made from galvanized steel, Galvalume®, aluminum, copper, zinc, or stainless steel, and the exact system specifications can vary depending on the material and application.
Steel panels are usually 24 or 26 gauge, while aluminum panels tend to be 0.032 and 0.040 inches thick. Sheet copper is designated by weight and roofing copper is typically 16 or 20 ounces per square foot. Zinc panels fall into similar thickness ranges as aluminum. Panel widths usually range from 12 to 24 inches, and seam heights are typically between 1 and 2 inches tall. All of these dimensions can affect both the appearance and structural strength of the roof.
Compared to traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, standing seam metal performs at a much higher level. It holds up better in wind, rain, snow, and sun. Most systems carry a Class A fire rating and can last 50 to 70 years or even longer depending on the metal. Asphalt shingles, by contrast, tend to need replacing every 15 to 30 years and are far more vulnerable to moisture, UV damage, and physical wear.
Standing seam metal roofs also require less upkeep and fewer repairs. You won’t have to deal with curling edges, missing shingles, or granule loss. They resist mold, insects, and cracking, and they hold their appearance better over time. They may cost two or three times what asphalt shingles cost, but in terms of life-cycle cost and added value, they tend to be worth it.
Metals Used for Standing Seam Roofs
The tables below provide estimated costs for standing seam roofs made from different metals. While all standing seam systems share the same basic panel design, the metal you choose will significantly affect the roof’s cost, performance, durability, and suitability for different environments.
Each type of metal has its own strengths and limitations. Some are more resistant to corrosion, some are more affordable, and some are chosen primarily for appearance or architectural value. The short summaries below explain the key characteristics of each metal commonly used in standing seam roofing systems.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and a great choice for coastal areas with corrosive salt exposure or high-moisture environments in general. Unlike steel, aluminum does not require a protective coating to prevent rust, though it’s normally factory-finished with a colored coating.
On the downside, aluminum is softer than steel and more prone to denting, especially in areas that experience hail or other potential storm damage like falling branches. It’s also more expensive than steel, making it less common for large-scale installations where budget is a major concern. A standing seam aluminum roof will typically last 50 to 70 years with minimal maintenance.
Copper
Copper is the most expensive metal used for standing seam roofs, but it offers a very, very long service life and a unique appearance. Over time, copper develops a natural patina that protects the metal and gives it a distinctive greenish hue. It’s extremely durable, corrosion-proof, and essentially maintenance-free. Copper’s high cost can make it an impractical choice for most residential applications, and its color change over time may not suit every homeowner’s taste. A standing seam copper roof can last well over 100 years when properly installed.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments where other metals might degrade. It’s available in a range of finishes, from bare mill to polished to color coated, and it holds up well over time with little maintenance. Stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum and steel and is harder to work with, which can increase installation costs. For projects that demand exceptional durability and performance, it can be a smart long-term investment. A standing seam stainless steel roof can be expected to last 60 to 100 years, depending on the alloy and environment.
Steel
Steel is the most widely used material for standing seam roofs, thanks to its strength, versatility, and relatively low cost. The steel sheet itself must be modified to resist corrosion, usually with a layer of zinc (galvanized) or a zinc-aluminum alloy (Galvalume®). These coatings provide protection against rust, though steel will still require inspections and extra preventative maintenance in more corrosive environments.
Painted finishes like PVDF or SMP coatings are typically applied at the factory to improve durability and appearance. Steel can be a great inexpensive all-purpose material, especially when installed in areas that don’t experience heavy salt or chemical exposure. A standing seam steel roof generally lasts 40 to 60 years, depending on the quality of the coating and the installation.
Zinc
Zinc is a high-end roofing metal known for its ability to self-heal small scratches and develop a protective gray patina over time. It offers excellent corrosion resistance. Zinc also requires very little maintenance. Its drawbacks include a higher material cost, potential for staining during runoff if not installed correctly, and the need for careful detailing at panel edges and transitions. Still, for homeowners looking for a premium, natural-looking metal roof, zinc is an excellent choice. A standing seam zinc roof will typically last 80 to 100 years with proper design and installation.
Things to Keep in Mind
These standing seam roof cost estimates should be fairly accurate; I make an effort to regularly update them using current material prices and labor data.
Keep in mind that the costs listed below are national averages, and actual prices can vary significantly depending on your location. To get a more accurate idea of what a new standing seam metal roof will cost in your area, see “Relative Construction Costs by U.S. State” and apply your local multiplier to the national average cost.
The standing seam roof cost estimates provided here assume installation on roofs with a 6/12 pitch or less and include all standard components (panels, clips, fasteners, underlayment, and basic flashing). Steeper roofs or those with complex geometry can increase costs by as much as 50%. Removing an existing roof typically adds $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type of roofing and how many layers need to come off.
These tables assume the use of standard-gauge metal panels (such as 24-gauge steel or 0.032″ aluminum) with a basic factory-applied finish like SMP. Upgrading to a thicker panel or a premium coating like PVDF (Kynar) will generally increase material costs by 10 to 25 percent, depending on the metal type and supplier. (Copper and zinc standing seam roofing won’t be painted or coated.)
Table 1: Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost per Square Foot
| Average Cost of a Standing Seam Metal Roof | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Type | Average Installed Cost Per Square Foot | Average Installed Cost Per Square (100 sq. ft.) | Average Installed Cost Average Roof (1700 sq. ft.) |
| Aluminum Standing Seam (Basic Coating) | $17.00 | $1,700 | $28,900 |
| Aluminum Standing Seam (PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $21.25 | $2,125 | $36,125 |
| Copper Standing Seam | $34.00 | $3,400 | $57,800 |
| Stainless Steel Standing Seam | $24.00 | $2,400 | $40,800 |
| Steel Standing Seam (Basic Coating) | $12.75 | $1,275 | $21,675 |
| Steel Standing Seam (PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $15.90 | $1,590 | $27,090 |
| Zinc Standing Seam | $23.00 | $2,300 | $39,100 |
Table 2: Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Roof Size
| Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost by Roof Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Area | Aluminum Standing Seam | Copper Standing Seam | Steel Standing Seam | Zinc Standing Seam |
| 750 SF | $12,750 | $25,500 | $9,563 | $17,250 |
| 1,000 SF | $17,000 | $34,000 | $12,750 | $23,000 |
| 1,250 SF | $21,250 | $42,500 | $15,938 | $28,750 |
| 1,500 SF | $25,500 | $51,000 | $19,125 | $34,500 |
| 1,750 SF | $29,750 | $59,500 | $22,313 | $40,250 |
| 2,000 SF | $34,000 | $68,000 | $25,500 | $46,000 |
| 2,250 SF | $38,250 | $76,500 | $28,688 | $51,750 |
| 2,500 SF | $42,500 | $85,000 | $31,875 | $57,500 |
| 2,750 SF | $46,750 | $93,500 | $35,063 | $63,250 |
| 3,000 SF | $51,000 | $102,000 | $38,250 | $69,000 |
| 3,500 SF | $59,500 | $119,000 | $44,625 | $80,500 |
| 4,000 SF | $68,000 | $136,000 | $51,000 | $92,000 |
About the Author
Jack Gray spent 20 years as a principal roof consultant with the Moriarty Corporation, an award-winning building enclosure consultant firm founded in 1967. Mr. Gray has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, with training and practical experience in roof installation, roof inspection, roof safety, roof condition assessment, construction estimating, roof design & specification, quality assurance, roof maintenance & repair, and roof asset management. He was awarded the Registered Roof Observer (RRO) professional credential in 2009. He also served as an infantry paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and has a B.A. from Cornell University.