Metal roofs come in two main styles. Standing seam has long vertical panels with raised seams and hidden fasteners. Metal shingles are stamped to look like shingles, slate or shake. Standing seam costs more and lasts longer.
Standing seam, shingles and panels: prices
| System | Published price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | $9 to $14 per sq ft installed | Home Team Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Standing seam, 2,000 sq ft home | $18,000 to $28,000 | Home Team Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Standing seam steel, typical home | $18,000 to $30,000 | Alec’s Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Metal shingles | $7 to $11 per sq ft installed | Home Team Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Stamped metal shingles, typical home | $14,000 to $22,000 | Alec’s Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Exposed-fastener panels, typical home | $10,000 to $16,000 | Alec’s Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Aluminum, typical home | $20,000 to $35,000 | Alec’s Construction, Aug 2026 |
| Steel or aluminum, general | $10 to $16 per sq ft | Rapid Roofing, Jul 2026 |
| Copper or zinc standing seam | up to $30 to $50 per sq ft | Rapid Roofing, Jul 2026 |
Metal vs asphalt
| Metal | Asphalt shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per sq ft (Rapid Roofing) | $10 to $16 | $5 to $9 |
| Lifespan (Rapid Roofing) | 40 to 70 years | 15 to 25 years |
| Lifespan (North Shore Roofing) | 40 to 70 years, standing seam | 15 to 25 years |
Rapid Roofing says metal costs nearly 80% more up front, but by their math over 45 years a metal roof comes to about $27,500 while asphalt could pass $60,000, because the shingle roof gets replaced two or three times.
Salt air changes which metal you buy
Salt air is the main thing to plan for on Long Island. Alec’s Construction says that near the coast, material choice is the difference between a 50-year roof and a 15-year one. Within about a half mile of the water they recommend aluminum or marine-grade coated steel with stainless fasteners. Rapid Roofing suggests rinsing a metal roof quarterly within a mile of the water.
Wind and noise
Rapid Roofing says properly installed standing seam reaches wind ratings of 130 to 140 mph. On noise, they measure about 52 decibels in rain for metal against 46 for shingles, and say solid decking and sound-deadening underlayment reduce the difference.
Comparing two metal roof quotes
- the system (standing seam, metal shingle or exposed fastener) and the metal (steel, aluminum, copper)
- panel gauge and the coating, and fastener material
- whether the old roof comes off, and the price per sheet of rotted decking
- underlayment, flashing at chimneys and walls, and snow guards if you want them
- the manufacturer and workmanship warranties, separately
