Average Cost to Install a Metal Roof: What Utah Homeowners Should Expect

Before we get into the details, here’s the part I wish every homeowner heard upfront. Most “roof advice” online is written like Utah has the same weather as somewhere mild and flat. We don’t.

On real inspections, we’re usually paying attention to the boring stuff: flashing, ventilation, drain paths, and how the previous install handled edges and penetrations. Those are the spots that decide whether your roof behaves during snow melt, wind-driven rain, and late-summer monsoons.

When someone asks about average cost to install metal roof, we try to answer in plain English. What fails first on this type of roof? What’s easy to maintain? What’s expensive to fix later if we ignore it now?

If you remember nothing else, remember this: roofs don’t “randomly” leak. They leak where water is being funneled, trapped, or pushed—usually around transitions and details. That’s where good planning and good installation pay off.

Roof costs aren’t just “price per square.” In Utah, things like steep pitch, tear-off complexity, access, ventilation upgrades, and code-required ice & water protection can change a quote fast.

If you’re comparing estimates, compare scopes—materials, number of layers removed, ventilation, flashing, and warranty terms. The cheapest line item is rarely the cheapest roof.

For a typical Utah single-family home—say 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of roof area—metal roofing usually runs between $18,000 and $35,000 installed. That's for a full tear-off of the old roof, proper underlayment, and a quality metal system. On a per-square-foot basis, you're often looking at $9 to $16 per square foot for standing seam and $8 to $14 for metal shingles, depending on product and complexity.

Compare that to architectural asphalt shingles, which in Utah often land in the $5 to $8 per square foot range for a full replacement. So metal is a real step up in cost. The tradeoff is lifespan: a well-installed metal roof can last 40 to 50+ years with minimal maintenance, while asphalt might need replacement in 25 to 30 years.

Smaller homes or simple roof lines can come in at the low end. Large homes, steep pitch, lots of valleys and penetrations, or premium metals (e.g., copper accents) push you toward the high end or above.

Standing seam is the vertical-panel look with raised seams. It's what most people picture when they think "metal roof." In Utah we install a lot of it, especially in mountain areas where snow shedding matters. Standing seam is typically at the higher end of the metal price range—often $12 to $16 per square foot installed. The panels are custom-formed, the installation is more labor-intensive, and the look is clean and modern.

Metal shingles look more like traditional shingles—they can mimic slate or even asphalt—but they're metal. They're usually a bit less per square foot than standing seam, in the $8 to $12 range. They're a good option if you want metal durability without the full "industrial" look or if your HOA has restrictions.

Both systems need experienced installers. Metal is unforgiving: wrong fasteners, wrong laps, or poor flashing lead to leaks and callbacks. So the installer matters as much as the product. Don't choose on price alone.

Roof size and slope matter. Steep roofs cost more—safety and labor go up. Multiple valleys, chimneys, skylights, and vents mean more flashing and trim, which add cost. A simple gable will be cheaper than a roof with lots of hips and valleys.

Tear-off is part of the quote. One layer of shingles is standard. If you have two or three layers, tear-off and disposal cost more. We also factor in deck repair. If we find rotted or damaged decking—common on older roofs—that's an extra. Better to plan for it than be surprised.

Product choice matters. Basic painted steel is the norm. Thicker gauge, special colors, or copper trim add cost. So does the brand and warranty. We'll walk you through options so you see where the number comes from.

For a lot of Utah homeowners, the math works. If you're staying in the house 20+ years, the extra upfront cost spreads over decades. You avoid a second replacement you'd likely need with asphalt. In hail-prone areas, metal holds up better—dents are cosmetic, not structural. And in the mountains, snow sliding off metal reduces ice dam risk and load on the structure.

If you're selling in five years, the full premium may not come back at sale. Buyers like a new roof, but they don't always pay a big premium for metal over quality shingles. So metal makes the most sense for long-term owners and for homes where durability and performance really matter.

Get at least two or three quotes from metal-experienced contractors. Compare scope: same product, same tear-off, same warranty. Then decide based on your budget, how long you'll be in the home, and how much you value longevity and low maintenance.