How to Calculate Metal Roof Cost
If you’re planning a roofing project and wondering how to estimate the cost of a metal roof, you’re in the right place. The metal roof cost calculator above will guide you through calculating your roof area, determining the number of panels required, and estimating the total cost of your project.
Metal Roof Cost Calculator
| Step 1: Roof Area Calculation | |
|---|---|
| Can you access the roof safely? | |
| Total Roof Area (sq ft): | 0 |
| Step 2: Panel Calculation | |
| Enter Panel Length (inches): | |
| Enter Panel Width (inches): | |
| Single Panel Area (sq inches): | 0 |
| Total Panels Needed: | 0 |
| Step 3: Cost Calculation | |
| Cost per Panel (USD): | |
| Total Cost (USD): | 0 |
How to Use the Metal Roof Cost Calculator
- Calculate the Roof Area
- Can you access the roof? Start by determining whether you can safely access your roof to take precise measurements. If you can, input the roof’s length and width to find the total roof area.
- Roof is inaccessible? Use the footprint (ground area) dimensions instead. Input the length, width, and roof pitch multiplier (typically found in roof pitch tables) to estimate the total roof area.
- Calculate the Number of Panels Needed
- Enter the length and width of a single panel. This will determine the area of one panel.
- The calculator will automatically determine how many panels you need to cover the entire roof. It is advisable to buy an extra 10% of panels to account for any errors or damage during installation.
- Estimate the Cost
- Enter the cost per panel. The calculator will multiply the total number of panels by the cost per panel to give you a final cost estimate for your metal roofing project.
Example Calculation
Let’s go through an example:
Assume the roof’s footprint length is 100 ft, and the width is 120 ft. The roof pitch is 9:12, which has a multiplier of 1.25. The roof area is:
If using panels that are 16 inches by 16 inches (256 sq inches), the number of panels needed would be:
If each panel costs $3, then the total cost would be:
Common Metal Roofing Materials and Costs
Different types of metal roofing come with varying prices and characteristics:
- Copper: Long-lasting, eco-friendly, and quiet. Price varies significantly but can be around $15-$25 per square foot.
- Zinc: Durable and easy to shape. More affordable than copper, approximately $6-$10 per square foot.
- Aluminum: Highly resistant to corrosion, suitable for coastal areas. Prices range from $3-$9 per square foot.
- Steel: Most popular and affordable, generally ranging from $2-$6 per square foot.
Use the calculator to explore the
costs based on different panel sizes and material prices. Happy roofing!
