Are you interested in getting a metal roof but frustrated about the lack of accurate cost information online about getting a metal roof in the Seattle area? Do you want to be able to walk into meetings with roofing contractors with a realistic sense of what you can expect to pay for a metal roof in the Seattle area?
At RoofSmart, we install around one hundred metal roofs per year. Before the roof replacement begins, we sit down with each customer to go over their options for different roof materials and any other roof work we recommend doing so that the customer understands the cost of the job, including the potential for extra costs added later on.
The average cost for a metal roof in the Seattle area is currently $65,000. We wrote this article for residents of the Greater Seattle area because many online resources give a lower estimate that does not reflect Seattle prices. Labor costs drive up the price in this area, making it difficult to find accurate information.
In this article, you’ll learn how much each type of metal roof material costs to install and the factors that impact the overall cost. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if the cost of a metal roof is right for your budget.
What is the average cost of a metal roof?
In the Seattle area, the average metal roof costs about $65,000 for a 3,000-square-foot home. This price is an estimate for metal roof installation costs, which means that both materials and labor are included in the total.
This price is about 12% higher than the national average, which is $50,000. Labor costs are higher in Seattle, which is what makes such a big difference in price. However, there are many different factors that can impact the cost of a metal roof, which will be explored further in the rest of this article.
How much does each type of metal roof cost?
A major factor that will impact the cost of the roof is the type of metal that you choose. Steel is by far the most common type of metal roof that gets installed because it is the most affordable option.
Other types of metal roof materials cost much more, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each to find the one that’s the best fit for your needs and your budget.
The costs listed here include materials and labor:
- Steel: The average cost for a steel roof is around $65,000. Steel roofs are the most common type because they are the cheapest. They’re usually around twice the price of an asphalt roof and they last twice as long.
- Aluminum: The average cost for an aluminum roof is around $69,000. Aluminum is not as common because it is more expensive than steel for a fairly similar product. The biggest difference is that aluminum is not prone to rusting and is a good option for an affordable metal roof that works near the ocean.
- Zinc: The average for a zinc roof is around $85,000. Zinc is very rarely used, although it is a cheaper alternative to a copper roof (except it does not replicate the color). It lasts longer than all the other options, except copper.
- Stainless steel: The average for an aluminum roof is around $80,000. Stainless steel is another option that is not chosen often. It is a more expensive option than steel or copper but with similar benefits.
- Copper: The average for a copper roof is around $300,000. Copper costs 5 more than steel, but it will last for a very long time and does not rust or grow algae.
What are the factors that impact the cost of a metal roof?
Aside from the estimated costs of materials and labor, it is still possible that the cost of your metal roof replacement can increase if extra work needs to be done or if your project deviates from the standard used to estimate the cost.
Here are some examples of things that might increase the cost of your roofing project:
Different thicknesses of metal (gauge)
Each type of metal comes in different gauges, but they are all measured in different ways. Getting a thicker size will make the metal stronger, but it also will add to the cost. As you go up a size, there is about a 10% bump in price.
Amount of labor needed to install that type of metal
Even though labor is factored into the prices above, it’s important to know that some of those prices are driven up quite a bit by labor costs (not just because the material is more expensive).
Some metals are easier to work with, whereas others require more skill to handle. For example, copper roofs are very delicate and take a lot of extra time and skill to install, which adds quite a bit to the labor costs.
Accessibility of your roof and property
If your house is difficult to access or you have things near the house that we want to avoid damaging, this can add to labor costs because it will take more time to transport materials.
For example, if we cannot back our dump trailer up to your house while tearing off the old roof, then someone is going to have to walk the old shingles from the roof all the way to wherever the trailer is.
This might also make it more difficult and time-consuming to get the metal panels onto the roof because the crew has to navigate the obstacles in your yard to get each long, heavy metal panel onto the roof.
Complexity of the roof
If your roof is steep or has a lot of layers, this can make it dangerous and difficult to work on, which will add to the labor costs. Safety is our top priority, so the roofing crew will need to take extra precautions on a steep roof and it will take them longer to move around and get things done.
Installing metal panels on a roof with many layers, dormers, or valleys requires extra skill and precision from your roofers, which will increase labor costs.
Style of the metal
Standing seam metal is the most common style of metal roof and is also the cheaper option. The other option is stamped metal, which imitates the look of other roofing materials, like shake, slate, or tile. It is more expensive than standing seam metal.
Is a Metal Roof Worth the Cost?
The cost of a metal roof in Seattle can be higher than the national average, but the durability, energy efficiency, and potential for long-term savings make it a strong investment for many homeowners. From steel to copper, each metal type offers its own pros and cons, and understanding the factors that drive the price can help you make the right choice.
Want to learn more about the pros and cons of different types of metal roofs? Read our article “6 Types of Metal Roof Materials: Pros, Cons, and Costs” to find the right metal roof for you.
After reading this article, are you wondering if you should choose a cheaper alternative to metal? Check out our article “Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs: Which One is Better for My Home?” to help you assess the pros, cons, and costs of each roof type.
To learn more about how much it will cost to get a new metal roof use our instant estimator:
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