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How much does it cost to paint a metal roof?
By Kasey Tross
Last updated Thu, Feb 01
The national average cost to paint a metal roof is $2,700 (or $1.08 per square foot) for a 2,500-square-foot roof. This includes the cost of adding a primer and paint. On the low end, you’ll pay an average total of $1,944. On the high end, expect to pay around $3,430, on average.
Cost to paint a metal roof.
| National average cost | $2,700 |
|---|---|
| Average low-end cost | $1,944 |
| Average high-end cost | $3,430 |
*All figures above represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
The total price depends on the square footage of your roof, its design, metal roof paint prices and where you live. Keep in mind that you’re paying for the prep and priming of the roof along with the painting.
For more accurate pricing, be sure to request quotes from roofing contractors in your area. Keep reading to learn what factors may impact the amount you pay to get your metal roof painted.
What's in this cost guide?
- Cost to paint a metal roof.
- Material and labor costs for metal roof painting.
- Cost to paint a metal roof per square foot.
- Is it cheaper to paint or replace a metal roof?
- Metal roof painting cost factors.
- Tips to save money when painting your metal roof.
- Cost of DIY vs. hiring a pro to paint your metal roof.
- How long does a coating last on a metal roof?
- Is it worth painting a metal roof?
- Get free cost estimates from local roof painters.
Material and labor costs for metal roof painting.
Like any home improvement project, how much it costs to paint a metal roof will depend on the labor costs where you live and the price of materials. On average, materials cost $806 and labor costs $1,894.
| Materials | Labor | |
|---|---|---|
| National average cost | $806 | $1,894 |
| Low-end average cost | $580 | $1,364 |
| High-end average cost | $1,024 | $2,406 |
*All figures above represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
Cost to paint a metal roof per square foot.
On average, you should expect to pay around $1.08 per square foot to paint a metal roof.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace a metal roof?
The average cost to install a 2,500-square-foot metal roof is $19,570-$22,068. So, painting a metal roof is usually cheaper than replacing the entire roof, but there may be some instances where it’s smarter to replace your metal roof to avoid further issues. For example, consider replacing your roof if:
- The roof is showing signs of significant damage. Aging roofs or roofs that have endured severe weather events may show signs of sagging or bowing or large gaps between panels. In this case, it’s better to replace the roof to avoid costly damage to your home.
- It’s reached its lifespan. Metal roofs can last 40-80 years. It’s only a matter of time before an older roof starts causing expensive issues. Rather than wait for problems to start, it might be smarter to replace rather than repaint.
- You want to upgrade your roof for better longevity. Metal roofing materials are always evolving, and older homes might benefit from an upgrade. For example, metal roofs with exposed fasteners are often more prone to issues than standing seam roofs. Don’t shell out the cash for painting a metal roof if installing a new one may be more cost-effective in the long run.
- The roof was installed improperly. Attempts to hide poor installation techniques can involve bad paint jobs, caulk and other eyesores that may reveal themselves in time. If your roof wasn’t installed correctly, paint isn’t going to help. It’s better to start over with a qualified roofer.
Metal roof painting cost factors.
In addition to material and labor costs, other factors such as your roof’s current condition, size and where you live will impact how much it will cost to repaint your metal roof.
Here are a few questions to ask as you create a budget for this project:
- What is your roof’s current condition? If roof repairs are needed in addition to repainting, expect to pay some additional fees to get your roof in top shape before it’s painted.
- How big is your roof? Larger roofs require more paint and more time to paint — and that may require additional manpower and labor costs.
- How complicated is your roof? Chimneys, flashing, skylights, vents and dormers may make a metal roof more complicated to paint. It’s less expensive to paint metal roofs that are simpler with shallow pitches and large expanses of flat surfaces.
- What finish does your roof have? Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of finishes, including ones that mimic stone, asphalt and cedar. Prices for repainting may vary depending on the existing finish.
- What type of paint or coating do you want? High-quality paint often costs more than lower quality, but it’ll look better for longer. Compare the cost of paint before deciding.
- Where do you live? Just like home prices vary by city and state, so do prices for home improvement services. Your climate may also impact how labor-intensive the job is.
- Is material disposal included in the estimate? Pre-painting prep work may require discarding damaged materials, and disposal fees vary by location.
Tips to save money when painting your metal roof.
If your budget is tight, here are some ideas to help you keep more cash in your pocket.
1. Shop around.
When it comes to painting your metal roof, your first instinct might be to hire the first roofing company or contractor that pops up in the search results online. However, it’s important to shop around to see which professional may be able to offer you the best rates for high-quality work.
A good rule of thumb: Get cost estimates from at least three top-rated contractors near you before you make your decision.
2. Do the prep work yourself.
While you may not be ready to tackle a full paint job as a DIY project, some of the prep work might be doable if you have a power washer and you’re comfortable getting up on your roof. If you have DIY skills, consider handling the power washing and any needed minor roof repair yourself before getting a pro out to do the actual painting.
3. Do a partial painting.
If you’re primarily painting your roof for cosmetic reasons, consider only a partial paint job. Flat sections of your roof or other hidden areas that no one sees and might otherwise be in good shape can probably remain as-is. The reduction in square feet might save you money.
Cost of DIY vs. hiring a pro to paint your metal roof.
As previously mentioned, the average cost of hiring a pro to paint your metal roof is $2,700 (including labor and material). You may be able to do this project yourself for a lot less if you already have the supplies and paint on hand.
But roof painting is tricky. If your DIY attempt fails, the cost to fix it may cost significantly more. Consider these DIY pros and cons before you make a decision:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s cheaper than hiring a pro. | It’s dangerous. |
| You learn new skills. | It will likely take longer. |
| It may feel rewarding after you’re done. | Mistakes may be costly. |
| There are no guarantees. |
How long does a coating last on a metal roof?
The life expectancy of a coating on a metal roof will vary depending on the type of paint or coating and the manufacturer. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, exterior paints have an average lifespan of 7-10 years.
If you have questions about the product you’re using on your roof, be sure to ask your contractor or check with the manufacturer.
Is it worth painting a metal roof?
It depends. If your roof won’t need to be replaced anytime soon, it’s definitely worth painting. The only time it may not be cost-effective to paint a metal roof is if the roof is old and will need to be replaced soon.
If it’s still relatively new and in good condition, painting your metal roof can give it a fresh look and may even boost your curb appeal.
Still not sure if painting a metal roof is worth the cost? Consider these pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s cheaper than replacing a metal roof. | It’s an investment of time and money. |
| It may boost your home’s curb appeal. | Poor application may do more harm than good. |
| Paint can help protect your roof from outside elements. | It may void any warranty on the existing finish or roofing material. (Always double-check before you paint). |
| Lighter paint colors can reflect sunlight, which may help you lower energy costs. |
Get free cost estimates from local roof painters.
If you’re still trying to decide if painting your metal roof is right for you, the next best step is to get free estimates from local contractors. Download Thumbtack to start looking for local roofers and exterior painters today.
FAQs
Does painting a metal roof last?
The longevity of the coating or paint on a metal roof is dependent on the prep work, application and manufacturer’s warranty. Check with the manufacturer or your contractor for an estimate of your paint job’s lifespan.
How long will a painted tin roof last?
The paint job on a tin roof is dependent on how well the surface was prepared prior to painting and the type of coating applied. Check with your contractor or the paint manufacturer to learn more about what to expect.
Will painting a metal roof stop leaks?
Painting a metal roof may temporarily prevent water from coming in through cracks, but this is not a good long-term solution for leaks. A roof that is properly repaired, caulked and sealed before painting will hold up much better against leaks than one that is only painted.
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
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