Updated: January 28, 2026
Written by Dan Simms
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
“Tin roof” is often used to describe any metal roofing, but it typically refers to iron or steel coated with tin for added protection. Throughout this guide, we use “tin roof” to mean tin-coated iron or steel. If you want to learn more about metal roofing materials, read our metal roof installation cost guide.
Tin roof replacement costs an average of $19,250, and most homeowners pay between $6,600 and $33,000. This price range is for re-roofing the average home in the U.S., which is 1,850 square feet and needs around 2,200 square feet of roofing. Tin roofing prices vary based on the roof style, material thickness, roof complexity, and local labor costs.
Tin roofs are highly durable and will usually last twice as long as standard asphalt shingle roofs. They perform well in extreme weather, shedding snow and rain efficiently and resisting wind uplift better than many roofing types. When installed as standing seam systems with hidden fasteners, they’re also less prone to leaks. Overall, tin roofs offer strong protection, fire resistance, low maintenance, and long-term value.
Tin Roof Cost
Tin Roof Cost Per Square Foot
A tin roof costs an average of $8.75 per square foot, and prices range from $3 to $15 per square foot. Most roofers calculate your total based on square footage or roofing squares (one square equals 100 square feet). Larger homes require more material, which increases overall costs.
Roof square footage can vary by layout and design, but the table below provides a general estimate based on your home’s living space.
Home Size (sq. ft.) | Average Roof Square Footage | Tin Roof Cost Range |
1,000 | 1,200 | $3,600 – $18,000 |
1,500 | 1,800 | $5,400 – $27,000 |
1,700 | 2,000 | $6,000 – $30,000 |
2,000 | 2,400 | $7,200 – $36,000 |
2,500 | 3,000 | $9,000 – $45,000 |
3,000 | 3,600 | $10,800 – $54,000 |
Tin Roof Prices by Type
There are three main styles of tin roof you can choose from: corrugated, standing seam, and metal shingles. Costs vary based on material pricing and installation complexity. Corrugated roofs use exposed fasteners and are the easiest to install, while standing seam systems rely on hidden fasteners and require more labor.
Type of Tin Roof | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
Corrugated | $3 – $12 |
Shingles | $5 – $14 |
Standing seam | $6 – $15 |
In addition to the cost differences between these roofing options, you should also consider the pros and cons of the different designs and how they’ll affect your costs, roof longevity, and home protection.
Corrugated Tin Roof Cost
A corrugated tin roof has a wavy appearance and exposed fasteners that your installer will drive right through the metal and into your roof decking. Corrugated metal roofing is the most budget-friendly option at just $3 to $12 per square foot, but it has a shorter lifespan and higher leak risk. For this reason, they’re most often used on sheds or garages rather than primary homes.
Tin Metal Shingles Cost
Metal shingles, sometimes called stamped panels, come in small sections of what look like shingles or shakes. While they have more seams than standing seam roofs, overlapping installation keeps fasteners hidden. Costs range from $5 to $14 per square foot, and they’re a popular choice for homeowners who want improved curb appeal and a more traditional look.
Standing Seam Tin Roof Cost
Standing seam tin roofs are the most common. They use large panels with raised seams that conceal fasteners, creating a cleaner appearance and added leak protection. They last longer than corrugated systems and offer strong performance, but they’re also the most expensive option at $6 to $15 per square foot.
Tin roofs are often steel or iron coated with a tin alloy, and pure tin roofs aren’t prevalent. Tin-coated iron or steel is often called tinplate, while iron and steel coated with a tin-lead alloy is called terne plate. Be sure to discuss which option is right for your home and climate with your roofing professional.
Labor Cost to Install a Tin Roof
The average labor cost to install a tin roof ranges from $7,700 to $11,550, with labor typically making up 40% to 60% of your total installation cost. On a per-square basis (100 square feet), labor usually runs between $120 and $900, depending on roof design and installation complexity.
Roofing contractors calculate labor based on factors like roof size, pitch, layout complexity, roof type, and local labor rates.
Tin Roof vs. Shingles Cost
Asphalt roofing shingles are, by far, the most common roofing material in the U.S., so many homeowners will naturally want to compare asphalt shingles to a tin roof if they’re considering the metal alternative. Tin roofs cost twice as much, on average, but they last more than twice as long, so they provide more value. They also stand up better to heavy rain and extreme weather conditions.
Asphalt Shingle Roof | Tin Roof | |
Average installation cost | $4.80 per sq. ft. | $8.75 per sq. ft. |
Lifespan | Up to 30 years | Up to 70 years |
Curb appeal | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Energy efficiency | More insulative in colder climates | Reflects solar heat in hot climates |
Water resistance | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Wind resistance | Moderate | High |
Snow shedding | Poor | Excellent |
Maintenance | Moderate | Low |
Overall value | Very good | Excellent |
Additional Cost Factors
Roof size and style are the most important cost factors to consider when installing a tin roof, but there are other factors that can bring your total cost above or below the average. Be sure to think about the following additional factors and the role they’ll play in your roof costs.
Roof pitch and complexity: Steeper or more complex roofs require more material and increase labor costs. In snowy climates, steeper pitches are common to help shed snow, but they often require additional safety equipment during installation, which can further raise labor costs.
Roof removal and disposal: Some contractors include this fee in their labor costs, while others may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $7,400, with higher costs for heavy materials like tile or slate, or multiple roofing layers.
Repairs: If water damage or rot is present, decking and structural repairs usually run $2 to $8 per square foot.
Geographic location: Labor rates, material availability, and regional demand can all affect your final price.
Permits and inspections: Most areas require permits, typically costing $100 to $500, with higher fees if structural repairs are needed.
Gutters and snow guards: Replacing gutters can add $2,300 to $4,400, while snow guards may add $1,000 to $4,000 in colder climates.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
With tin roof replacement averaging $19,250 and up to 60% of that going toward labor, some handy homeowners will wonder if they can save by completing the work themselves. While this may seem appealing, tin roofing is not a beginner-friendly project.
Working on a roof is inherently dangerous, especially on steep slopes or multi-story homes. Tin panels are heavy and difficult to handle, and installation requires precise measurements, proper fastening, and experience with flashing and waterproofing. Even small mistakes can lead to leaks, structural issues, or premature roof failure, often costing more to fix than the labor you initially saved.
In addition, most metal roofing manufacturers require professional installation to keep warranties valid, and homeowner’s insurance may deny claims related to DIY roofing work.
Ways to Save on Your Tin Roof Installation
DIYing your tin roof installation isn’t the best option to save money, but there are other ways to help keep costs down.
Choose a simpler roof design: Going with a corrugated tin roof will help keep your costs as low as possible, but even choosing tin shingles over a standing seam tin roof will save you some money without compromising on curb appeal.
Install over your old roof if possible: You could save as much as $5,000 on your project if you avoid removing your old roof. It’s possible to install metal roofing over asphalt shingles, but always consult with your roofer before going this route. If there’s any risk of water damage to your decking, it’s not a good idea.
Take advantage of tax credits and incentives: Tin roofs naturally reflect sunlight and prevent solar heat gain, so they can boost energy efficiency in hotter climates, especially if you choose a light-colored material. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for incentives, tax credits, and rebates for cool roofs.
Get at least three quotes: Finally, shop around and get at least three estimates for your roof installation. Compare them based on cost and company reviews to find the best value.
FAQs
A tin roof can last for up to 70 years, which is more than twice the lifespan you’d get from a standard asphalt shingle roof. The longevity of your tin roof will depend on the climate in your area and how well you keep up with maintenance and necessary repairs.
Yes, it’s possible to install a tin roof directly over existing shingles, and avoiding roof removal first can save you between $1,000 and $7,400. However, it’s not always a good idea, as removing the old roof could expose water damage to the decking, which you should fix before re-roofing. Always consult with a pro before going this direction.
Tin roofs cost more upfront than asphalt shingles but last significantly longer and provide better long-term value. They reflect heat in hot climates, shed snow efficiently in colder regions, and offer strong resistance to wind and leaks. Many homeowners also choose tin roofing for its durability, low maintenance needs, and potential energy savings.
Tin roofs can be a good investment due to their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. With a service life of up to 70 years, many homeowners avoid multiple replacement cycles compared to asphalt shingles. Tin roofs may also improve resale value through added durability, curb appeal, and energy efficiency, helping offset the higher upfront cost over time.