How much does it cost to repair a metal roof in 2024?

Metal has always been one of the top roofing materials because of its natural robustness, resilience, and ultimate weatherproofing. Depending on the metal type, the longevity of this roofing can range from 40 to 100 years when installed and maintained properly. Neither rot nor fire and heavy snow can wreak havoc on metal roofing. That means homeowners get a significant return on investment despite the high cost they initially pay for material and installation. 

Nevertheless, like any other roofing material, metal is not immune to damage and leaks, especially if it is not regularly inspected. For example, metals like steel can expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, this causes fasteners to loosen, leading to potential leaks or damage. Besides, some metal roofs can corrode if exposed to moisture and salty air over long periods. These and other issues cannot be left untreated unless you are ready to invest in roof replacement every decade. If you have noticed any signs of your metal roof damage, you have to hire a specialized contractor to inspect and repair it. 

Our metal roof repair cost guide is meant to help you budget your repair project the proper way, avoiding over-expenditure and calculation mistakes. Don't wait for avoidable damage to escalate! Read on and make informed decisions based on up-to-date, double-checked cost information.

The National Average Cost to Repair a Metal Roof

Repairing a metal roof is a significant investment in enhancing your home's durability and resale value. Labor costs typically comprise around 60% of the total bill, while materials account for 40%. Among critical factors that affect the overall cost of metal roof repair are the extent of the damage, the type of metal used in the roof, the location and accessibility of the property, and whether there are any specialized elements like skylights or solar panels. Additionally, local labor rates and the time of year when the repair is needed can impact the total cost.

As for today, the national average metal roof repair cost varies from $500 to $2.150, depending on the type and complexity of the jobs involved. Nevertheless, the price might be as low as $165 - $220 for tightening roof fasteners and removing scratches or as high as $1.810 - $2.200 for retrofitting a large metal roof. 

It's important to remember, however, that these are broad estimates, and the actual cost can vary based on specific circumstances. To get a more personalized estimate tailored to your unique needs and roof condition, consider using MyHomeQuote's nationwide contractor matching service.

The average metal roof restoration costs

Low-End Cost	$165 - $220
Average Price Range	$500 - $2,150
High-End Cost	$1,810 - $2,200

Metal Roof Restoration Cost per Square Foot

Some roofers charge per hour, others per square or square foot of the restored roof. The price and payment method depend on multiple factors, including roof size, pitch, design, accessibility, and the extent of the damage. Generally, the cost to repair a metal roof varies from $6 to $20 per square foot.

Metal Roof Restoration Cost per Hourly Contractor's Rate

The national average hourly rate roofing contractors charge for repairing a metal roof ranges from $45 to $110. The hourly rate may vary by the local labor rates, the contractor's experience and reputation, and the project's complexity. Contractors will likely charge a flat fee if the metal roof repair project is extensive and complex. 

The Average Cost to Repair a Metal Roof by Metal Type

The cost of fixing a metal roof can differ significantly based on the material used. For instance, the cost of copper and stainless steel roof repair averages $20 per square foot, while fixing aluminum and tin roofs is more affordable, with prices beginning at $6 per square foot, labor included. This price difference is justified by the weight and structure of metal roofing, as heavyweight or standing seam roofs require more effort to be repaired, especially if they are installed on a pitched roof.

See the table below to discover how the cost to repair a metal roof can differ by material. 

Metal Type	Average Cost Range per sq. ft.  (material and labor)
Aluminum	$6,50 - $16
Steel	$9 - $20
Stainless Steel	$11 - $22
Galvanized Steel	$8,50 - $19
Stone-Coated Steel	$11 - $22,50
Zinc	$7 - $18
Tin	$8 - $17
Copper	$12 - $22

The Cost of Aluminum Roof Repair

Aluminum is a chart-topping metal roofing material along with steel and tin. It is popular for its durability, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Aluminum can withstand harsh weather conditions, which makes it a durable roofing option, with a lifespan of up to 50 years or more if maintained properly. However, vulnerability to temperature changes is a significant drawback of aluminum, resulting in cracks, leaks, and loss of fasteners due to contracting and expanding the roofing coverage. 

Fixing a metal roof made of aluminum will cost you from $6,50 to $16 per square foot. This material is one of the most affordable to work with, and if the roofing issue is detected in time, you won't spend much to tackle it. 

The Cost of Steel Roof Repair

Steel roofing is mainly used for commercial and industrial buildings. However, its minimalistic look and robustness have also made it a popular choice for residential facilities. Steel roofing comes in different types, such as galvanized steel, galvalume steel, and stainless steel, which have varying corrosion resistance levels and costs to install and repair.

Although steel roofing is robust, it is susceptible to denting from hail, falling branches, or other impacts. Besides, steel can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to cracks, gaps, and losing fasteners. Steel roofing repair might be labor intensive and usually cost $9 to $20 per square foot. 

The Cost of Stainless Steel Roof Repair

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and chromium known for its unmatched durability and corrosion resistance. Thanks to matching aesthetic appeal and durability, this roofing is used for high-end architecture and simple industrial facilities. In addition, stainless steel may serve for 50 years and more, even being installed in the coastal regions. 

Stainless steel roofs can hardly serve the allotted service life without meticulous maintenance, as the material is not immune to scratches, dents, gaps, and other types of damage. Therefore, if you have faced the need to repair your stainless steel roof, you should expect to spend from $11 to $22 per square foot.

The Cost of Galvanized Steel Repair

Galvanized steel roofing is made of steel coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from moisture and corrosive elements. This makes it ideal for use in environments where rust and corrosion may be a concern, such as coastal or high-humidity areas. However, though galvanized steel is known for its strength and durability, it might rust over time, especially when the zinc coating wears away. Besides, galvanized steel roofs may develop cracks, dents, holes, and gaps over time. Galvanized roofing repair might cost you from $8,50 to $19 per square foot, depending on the roof structure and severity of the issues.

The Cost of Stone-Coated Steel Roof Repair

A stone-coated steel roof is made of steel panels coated with a layer of stone granules embedded in an acrylic polymer. This unique combination provides the strength and durability of steel while mimicking the appearance of traditional roofing like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wooden shakes. 

Stone-coated roofs are durable and made to last for decades, yet they still can wear and tear or get damaged from hail, falling objects, or other external factors. If individual panels of a stone-coated steel roof become damaged, they may need to be replaced entirely rather than repaired. This can be more time-consuming and costly than repairing traditional roofing materials. On average, fixing a metal roof with stone coating costs between $11 and $22,50 per square foot. 

The Cost of Zinc Roof Repair

Zinc is a mid-range roofing material that blends high durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life (80-100 years). Roofs made of zinc require minimal maintenance and can withstand various weather conditions. In addition, they can naturally form a protective patina on their surface that acts as a barrier from corrosion.

Despite long service life and low maintenance requirements, zinc can corrode or develop cracks and leaks over time. While exposed to high temperatures, zinc expands and contracts, resulting in the potential loosening of fasteners, gaps, and scratching. The cost to repair a metal roof of this type ranges from $7 to $18 per square foot, with the high-end price being actual for complicated repairs. 

The Cost of Tin Roof Repair

Tin roofs are made of metal sheets that have aluminum, copper, or steel in their composition. They are known for their durability and longevity, proven by multiple historical buildings covered with actual tin. Tin is resistant to corrosion and insect infestation and requires little to no maintenance. 

Nevertheless, tin sheets may develop different issues over time depending on the local climate and maintenance frequency. For instance, extreme temperatures cause tin to expand and contract, resulting in damages and gaps. Besides, if tin roofs lose their protective coating, they become vulnerable to corrosion. 

Tin roofing repair requires special skills, and finding a roofer possessing experience working with this type of metal might be a rather complicated task. The cost you should expect to pay for fixing your tin roof will vary from $8 to $17 per square foot. 

The Cost of Copper Roof Repair

Copper is a robust and naturally aesthetic metal that has been used for roofing for centuries. Copper roofs are commonly installed on historic buildings, churches, and other facilities where a distinctive appearance and long-lasting protection are desired. Aesthetic appeal, durability, and resistance to corrosion, rust, and other forms of degradation make copper a good metal roofing investment. 

Nevertheless, even such wear-proof roofing has its cons. First of all, copper has a tendency to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, resulting in movement in the roof structure and its damage. Second, it might corrode, contacting other metals. Third, copper develops a patina over time, and you might want to remove it, restoring the initial shining look. 

Repairing a copper roof costs from $12 to $22 per square foot. It is one of the costlier metal roofs to repair, as copper is a precious metal that is rarely used for modern homes. Plus, only a few roofers have the needed expertise to work with this material.

Metal Roof Maintenance Cost by Type of Repair

Despite their robustness and natural durability, metal roofs are exposed to damage, be it loosened fasteners, dents, or broken seams. Roofers conditionally divide all damages into minor and major, with the latter being more pricey due to their extent and complexity. Therefore, the cost of fixing a metal roof will be mainly determined by the type of repair, its complexity, and the average labor rates in your region. 

You can expect to spend $370 on minor repairs and around $1.600 for major ones, including material and labor. Fixing extensive areas of damage or replacing multiple panels can cost up to $3.000 or higher. 

The table below shows how much it costs to repair a metal roof by type of problem.

Metal Roofing Problem	Average Cost (Labor Included)
Leak Repair	$250 – $1,000
Panels Replacement	$4 – $15 per sq. ft.
Flashing	$210 - $500
Loose Seams Resealing	$255 - $1.150
Scratches Removal	$150 - $550
Cracks Fixing	$220 - $1.000
Holes Patching	$250 - $1.200
Corrosion Removal	$300 - $3.000

Leak Repair

Metal roofs are not prone to leakage. Nevertheless, the water can seep under the shingles through gaps or loosen screws. Besides, installation mistakes often become the culprits of leaks on the metal roof. If the roofer cannot discover the leak source during the general roof inspection, the repair cost will rise. 

The average cost you should expect to pay for fixing a leaking metal roof ranges from $250 to $1.000. Leaks from corrosion or other factors may cost up to $3.000 to repair. 

Panels Replacement

The cost to replace metal roofing panels depends on factors like material type, the area of work, as well as the location of the roof. Besides, depending on the roofing style and weight, contractors may install new metal shingles directly over the damaged area or have to dismantle the broken shingles and install new ones in their place.

The cost of replacing metal roof panels averages $4 - $15 per square foot. Metals like copper or stone-coated steel will be costlier to replace.

Flashing

Roof flashing is a thin sheet of metal installed at roof intersections, joints, edges, and penetrations to prevent water leakage. If flashing is broken or improperly installed, it results in water infiltration that further promotes mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and damage to ceilings and walls. Therefore, replacing damaged roof flashing is essential to maintain the roofing system's overall integrity and prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future. 

The national average cost of repairing metal roof flashing ranges from $210 to $500, including material and labor. 

Loose Seams Resealing

Roofing is affected by harsh weather conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations that cause the seams to expand. Besides, poor installation and roof wear and tear promote seams loosening that compromises roof integrity and causes leakage. 

It is crucial to perform regular inspections to prevent loosened roofing seams. Sealing is the best way to fix loose seams. The average cost of this roofing fix varies from $255 to $1,150, including material and labor. 

Scratches Removal

Metal roofs can expose visible scratches and marks. They often appear during severe storms when the debris moves across the surface blown by high wind. Foot traffic is another factor creating scratches on the roof. Shoes with hard or abrasive soles, as well as tiny rocks or debris stuck in the soles, can scratch the metal surface. Mind it when climbing your roof for cleaning or inspecting next time. 

Fortunately, any scratch marks on metal roofs can be treated with a series of restorations. Roofers clean the scratched surface, patch deep scratches, paint over marks, and apply a protective coating. You should expect to spend from $150 to $550 to get rid of scratches on your metal roof. 

Cracks Fixing

Cracks on metal roof surfaces can be caused by factors like repeated cycles of thermal expansion and contraction, corrosion (especially true for steel roofs), improper roof installation, or roof age. Besides, in rare cases, physical damage from heavy objects, such as tree branches falling on the roof or impact from hail, can cause cracks in metal roof surfaces.

Depending on the number of cracks and their depth, roofing contractors charge from $220 to $1.000 to patch and fill them. They also apply a protective coating to prevent cracking and corrosion in the future.

Holes Patching

The appearance of holes is not an uncommon problem with metal roofs. They result from the process of corrosion or mechanical damage and can cause serious problems, including massive leaks and roof collapse.

It is essential to perform regular inspections and promptly address any potential issues to prevent or reduce the likelihood of holes in metal roofs. The cost of patching metal roof holes varies from $200 to $1.200, depending on their number and depth as well as the existing material of the roof. Bigger roofing holes cost more to fix as contractors might need to replace the whole damaged panel.

Corrosion Removal

Metal roofing materials like copper and aluminum are corrosion-resistant and serve for up to a century if recoating with an anti-corrosion solution. Nevertheless, the protective layer can wear away over time, exposing the underlying metal to the elements and, consequently, corrosion. Plus, metal roofs made of uncoated steel or iron are highly susceptible to corrosion. If not regularly sealed or properly maintained, they serve for as little as 10-15 years before major problems occur. 

You can minimize or completely overcome the corrosion problem by selecting appropriate materials for the specific environment. Besides, performing regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection, and applying protective coatings or paint will prevent corrosion by 96%. 

Prevention is always better than cure, but if you're already facing a corrosion problem on your metal roof, expect to spend from $300 to $3.000 fixing it. The price depends on the roofing material and the size of the corroded sections that must be replaced. 

Cost to Replace Screws in a Metal Roof

Virtually all types of metal used for roofing are exposed to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in screws loosening or backing out. Plus, regular exposure to the elements accelerates the appearance of rust and corrosion on the screws, making them unable to bear the weight of the roof. And finally, we cannot exclude poor installation as one of the reasons for missing or loose screws. 

Regular roof inspections can help you spot the signs pointing to current or potential screw problems and replace them as necessary to prevent wind and moisture damage. 

The average cost to replace screws on a metal roof varies from $165- $1.050. The cost fluctuation is mainly explained by the number of screws to replace and the metal used for roofing shingles.

Metal Roof Maintenance Cost

Keeping a metal roof in mint condition requires careful upkeep, involving regular inspections, cleaning, painting, and sealing. The average budget needed to maintain a metal roof is $450, with the high-end cost going up to $1.300. The maintenance budget depends on the roof size, structure, age, roofing material, and location. 

Here are the metal roof maintenance costs by type of service.

Maintenance service	Average cost (labor included)
Cleaning	$0,25 - $0,80 per sq. ft.
Sealing	$1,00 - $3,25 per sq. ft.
Painting	$1,50 - $3,00 per sq. ft.
Coating	$2,00 - $3,60 per sq. ft.

Cleaning

The metal roof surface should be cleaned before applying paint or sealant. Roofing contractors often add the cost of cleaning to their general roof repair or maintenance estimate. On average, professional metal roof cleaning services can range from $0,25 to $0,80 per square foot. For a typical 1.500-square-foot roof, the cost could range from $400 to $1.200, depending on its pitch, design, and accessibility, as well as the level of dirt and debris and local labor rates. 

Sealing

The cost of sealing a metal roof can vary depending on the roof size and structure, the type of sealant used, and regional labor rates. On average, to seal a metal roof ranges from $1,00 to $3,25 per square foot, including materials and labor.

You can expect to spend from $700 to $2,000 to seal a 1,500-square-foot roof with a middle or high pitch. If you want to get an accurate estimate for sealing your metal roof, consider getting in touch with local roofing professionals and request quotes based on your specific roof and needs. Also, be sure to inquire about the type of sealant used, the expected lifespan of the sealant, and any warranties or guarantees offered.

Painting

The cost of painting a metal roof varies depending on the size and structural complexity of the roof, the type of paint used, labor rates, and the roof's condition. On average, the cost of materials and labor to paint a metal roof ranges from $1,50 to $3,00 per square foot. Please note that applying multiple coats of paint may be necessary for better coverage and durability, which can increase the cost.

Coating

The cost to coat a metal roof ranges from $2,00 to $3,60 per square foot, including materials and labor. Pricing may vary depending on the coating type used, the roof's size and complexity, local labor rates, and the roof's condition. Larger roofs with vents and dormers require more coating material and labor, which increases the overall cost.

Labor Cost to Repair a Metal Roof

Some roofing professionals charge hourly, whereas others determine their fees according to the project size or have predetermined charges for repair and replacement jobs. The regular hourly rate starts at $50 and goes as high as $100. The rate might depend on the roofer's reputation and experience, geographical location, season, and complexity of the set tasks. You should expect to pay extra for emergency same-day repairs. 

Best-Rated Metal Roof Repair Companies Near You