Metal Roof Cost

With the rain and unpredictable weather we get in the UK, it’s no surprise that metal roofs are becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Compared to other materials, metal roofing has a 40-year lifespan, is weatherproof and requires very little maintenance.

The average cost to fit a metal roof in the UK is between £70 and £120 per sqm.

If you’re looking to update or replace your roof, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about metal roofing, including the costs, installation time and pros and cons compared to other roofing materials.

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How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

The average cost to fit a metal roof in the UK is between £70 and £120 per sqm, although the actual cost will depend on various factors. These include the metal used, the shape and size of your roof, labour costs and any additional customisations or features required.

Aluminium and steel are the more affordable options, while zinc and copper are a bit more expensive. While the initial cost of metal roofing may seem a bit pricey compared to others, you’ll save money in the long run as it requires very little upkeep and lasts longer than others.

Metal Roofing Prices

Here’s a breakdown of the costs of each metal and the benefits and uses for each, so you can find the right one for your home.

We’ve also included a list of the common accessories you may want to consider for your metal roof and how these will impact the final cost.

Accessories

Metal Roofing Supply Costs

The cost of your metal roofing supplies can vary quite a bit depending on various factors like the type of materials used and quality. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how metal roofing supply costs can be affected:

• Steel Sheets: £70 - £90 per sqm (galvanised or powder coated)
• Aluminium Panels: £90 - £120 per sqm (rust resistant and lightweight)
• Copper Sheets: £200+ per sqm (premium option, aesthetically pleasing)
• Zinc Panels: £110 - £140 per sqm (long lifespan, can be recycled, corrosion resistant)
• Fastener and Clips: £10 - £30 per pack, depending on quality and type
• Sealants and Coatings: £5 - £15 per tube or tin. Essential for weatherproofing and longevity
• Underlayment: £5 - £8 per sqm (felt or synthetic. Synthetic is better for moisture resistance and durability)
• Insulation Boards or Rolls: £10 - £20 per sqm if extra thermal efficiency required
• Drip Edges and Flashing Components: £5 - £12 per metre, depending on profile and material

Additional Costs

The prices above only cover the main parts of the job, like installation, supplies and labour costs. However, there are other costs that can come up depending on various things, such as the complexity of the project. Below is a list of some of the extras you may be quoted for:

• Old Roof Removal: £500 - £1,500 depending on material and size
• Disposal of Waste: £200 - £500 (may include skip hire)
• Structural Reinforcement: £500+ if your roof needs strengthening
• Guttering and Flashing Upgrades: £200 - £800
• Scaffolding: £500 - £1,000 depending on height and access
• Insulation Additions: £10 - £20 per sqm if required

Labour Costs and Timescales

Depending on where you are in the country, the size of the job and other factors, you can expect to pay a professional roofer between £180 - £250 per day or £25 - £50 per hour.

Also, keep in mind that weather conditions and preparing the structure can also cause delays, so factor this in where possible.

Cost Factors for Metal Roofing

There are various things that can affect the cost of a metal roof, which we’ve listed below. However, please note that these are estimates, and each project is different, so the quotes you receive may be higher or lower than what we’ve listed here.

Roof Pitch

Steeper roofs are harder to work on. This can increase labour time and add to the cost. When getting quotes, try to give as much information as possible to the company or roofer so they can provide you with an accurate quote. Even better if they can visit your property to view the roof pitch before quoting.

Type and Thickness of Metal

As with all materials, metal comes in different qualities and thickness levels. Some metals are more premium than others, and these will generally cost more.

Location

London and bigger cities will generally be more expensive for metal roofing compared to smaller towns. This is partly due to higher living costs, but also less competition in bigger cities, so contractors can charge more.

Roof Condition

The condition of the roof is one of the biggest factors that will impact the cost. The better the condition, the less time it will take to remove and replace.

Access

If your property and particularly your roof is hard to reach or awkward, this will impact the cost, especially if scaffolding or special equipment is needed.

Finish & Colour

If you want to add extras like custom powder coating or colour-matching, this will generally add to the cost.

Building Regulations for Metal Roofing

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install or replace a metal roof at your property. However, there are some exceptions to this. Here are some of the things to check before you start getting quotes for a new metal roof:

If your property is listed

You can replace the roof in a listed property, but you will need special permission for this and will have to follow specific regulations.

If it’s in a conservation area

Much the same as above, you can replace a roof even if you live in a conservation area, but this will just require some special planning permission.

If the roof shape or height changes significantly

If you’re replacing or installing a roof that will change shape or height significantly from what was there, you may need planning permission for this.

Whether you need planning permission or not, there are always UK Building Regulations you need to follow; these are:

• Ensure adequate insulation to meet energy standards
• Maintain proper fire resistance (especially near party walls)
• Confirm that the roof structure can support the weight of the metal materials

Always check with your local authority before starting work, especially if you’re not sure whether you need planning permission or not, as this can be a costly mistake if you have to remove any work that’s already been done.

To find out if you need planning permission or not, visit the Planning Portal.

Types of Metal Roofing

Here are the main types of metal roofing available in the UK:

Corrugated Metal Panels

Corrugated metal panels are a popular roofing option made from galvanised steel or aluminium, formed into rigid, wavy sheets. They’re lightweight, durable and easy to install, making them a cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial buildings. The corrugated profile helps water run off quickly, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.

Cost: £70 - £90 per m²

Pros:

• ✔ Lightweight and easy to install
• ✔ Great water runoff due to the corrugated design
• ✔ Long life (up to 40–60 years with maintenance)
• ✔ Rot, pest and fire resistant
• ✔ Can be installed over existing roofs in some cases
• ✔ Cheaper than standing seam or metal tile roofing

Cons:

• ✖ Can be noisy in heavy rain or hail
• ✖ Dents easily from impact
• ✖ More maintenance required in coastal areas
• ✖ Not all home styles suit the industrial look
• ✖ Exposed fasteners can work loose over time and cause leaks

Standing Seam Roofing

Standing seam roofing is a premium metal roofing system with vertical panels and raised seams that hide the fasteners. This looks sleek and modern and is weather-tight. Made from steel or aluminium, standing seam roofs are used on high-end residential and commercial buildings because of their clean lines and long life.

Cost: £95 - £120 per m²

Pros:

• ✔ Sleek modern look
• ✔ Concealed fasteners means less chance of leaks
• ✔ 40-70 year lifespan
• ✔ Low maintenance and fire, pest and rot resistant
• ✔ Solar panel compatible
• ✔ Performs well in harsh weather

Cons:

• ✖ More expensive than other metal roofing options
• ✖ Requires special labour to install
• ✖ More expensive to repair if seams are damaged
• ✖ Not suitable for very complex or irregular roof shapes
• ✖ Expands and contracts with temperature changes so needs to be allowed for in installation

Metal Shingles/Tiles

Metal shingles or tiles look like traditional roofing materials like slate, clay or wood but with the durability of metal. Made from steel or aluminium these roofing systems combine classic looks with modern performance. They are installed in interlocking panels to give weather protection and enhance curb appeal.

Cost: £30 - £100 per m²

Pros:

• ✔ Looks like traditional roofing (e.g. slate or tile)
• ✔ Lightweight yet strong and durable
• ✔ Long life (40–70 years)
• ✔ Fire, rot, insect and mould resistant
• ✔ Lower maintenance than natural tile or wood roofs
• ✔ Can increase property value with looks and longevity

Cons:

• ✖ More expensive than asphalt or corrugated metal
• ✖ Individual tiles can be difficult and costly to repair
• ✖ Requires skilled professionals to install
• ✖ Noisy in heavy rain if not insulated
• ✖ Can dent under impact (e.g. falling branches)

Metal Sheets

Metal sheet roofing refers to large flat or slightly profiled panels made from steel, aluminium or zinc. These are used in industrial, agricultural and low-cost residential buildings due to ease of installation and affordability. Not as decorative as other metal roofing options, metal sheets offer weather resistance and a long lifespan if properly maintained.

Cost: £50 - £140 per m²

Pros:

• ✔ Cheaper than other roofing types
• ✔ Quick to install over large areas
• ✔ Lightweight, reduces structural load
• ✔ Durable and low maintenance
• ✔ Fire, pest and rot resistant
• ✔ Suitable for various roof pitches

Cons:

• ✖ Basic look may not suit all properties
• ✖Can be noisy in rain or hail without insulation
• ✖Prone to denting from impact
• ✖Expands and contracts with temperature changes
• ✖Exposed fasteners need periodic maintenance to prevent leaks

The type of metal roof you should choose really depends on cost, best uses for each and how easy they are to install. Always ask your roofer for advice on this so they can advise you on what’s best for your property.

Alternative Roofing

You may have decided metal roofing isn’t for you, or it’s not for your property. The good news is that there are always alternatives when it comes to roof materials. Here are some of the most common and popular ones people choose instead of metal roofing.

Asphalt Shingles

Cost: £40 - £60 per sqm

Pros:

• ✔ Easy to install and affordable

Cons:

• ✖ They have a shorter lifespan

Concrete Tiles

Cost: £45 - £75 per sqm

Concrete roofing tiles are:

Pros:

• ✔ Highly durable and have a traditional appearance

Cons:

• ✖ They are very heavy and often need reinforcement

Slate

Cost: £100 - £160 per sqm

Slate roof tiles are:

Pros:

• ✔ Have a natural look and are long-lasting

Cons:

• ✖ Can be quite brittle and are often expensive

EPDM/Fibreglass

Cost: £50 - £90 per sqm

Fibreglass roofs and EPDM roofs:

Pros:

• ✔ They are great for flat roofs

Cons:

• ✖ Aren’t suitable for pitched roofs

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Metal Roofing

Whether you’ve hired contractors before or it’s your first time, you can never be too prepared.

So, to ensure your project goes smoothly, here’s a checklist we’ve put together to use when getting roofer quotes:

• Confirm the roofer specialises in metal roofing
• Check for public liability insurance, and they offer a warranty
• Ask for written quotes with timelines and everything included
• Request photos of recent projects and references
• Check them out online to see if they have any reviews
• Make sure they are certified and comply with building regulations

Removing Existing Roofing

If you’re replacing your roof with a new metal roof, the old material will need to be removed.

Here’s an overview of the steps to remove the old roof:

• Stripping off old tiles or felt
• Inspecting and preparing roof decking
• Disposing of waste legally, often requiring skip hire
• Dealing with hazardous materials, such as asbestos, if present

This will affect both the timeline and cost of your project, so you should discuss this with your roofer to see if this is part of their service.

FAQs