Tin Roof Prices: Terne & Tin Roofing vs. Shingles Installation Costs

A misguided notion that installing a “tin” roof on your house is somehow old fashioned or associated with the unattractive tin roofs on the old rusty barns and industrial warehouses, could not be further from the truth when it comes to modern tin or terne metal roofing.

Tin standing seam roof on a house

Tin and Terne metal roofs are some of the oldest, most reputable roofing systems in the world, boasting numerous advantages that are as desirable today as they were centuries ago! In fact, modern tin roof systems offer highly sophisticated and beautiful design options, superior strength and durability, long lasting protection, and superior energy efficiency.

Need a Roofer? Get 4 Free Quotes From Local Pros:

Enter Your Zip Code:

For any homeowner looking to make a lifelong investment in their home, and get the most value for their money, a metal roof aka tin is an obvious choice.

Pricing Details:

It will cost between $12.50 and $20.50, on average, for a mid-range tin-styled metal roofing system that replicates the look of traditional tin roofing. That said, there are five different tin and terne styled roofing options to consider:

  1. Terne-coated Stainless Steel (TCSS): $15.50 to $28.50 per sq.ft. installed.
  2. Zinc coated to replicate the look of tin: $14.50 to $20.50 per sq.ft. installed
  3. Terne-coated Steel (TCS): $12.50 to $18.50 per sq.ft. installed
  4. Painted steel or aluminum: $12.50 to $20.50 per sq.ft. installed
  5. Mill-finished aluminum panels: $12.50 to $18.50 per sq.ft. installed

Where to buy: MetalTech USA is an international company with presence in the US. They carry stainless steel and other coils for standing seam metal roofs.

Tin and terne roofing color options to consider
New Shingle Roof

$7,500
Average price
New Metal Roof

$14,500
Average price
New Flat Roof

$8,225
Average price

See costs in your area Enter Your Zip Code

Local roofing supply warehouses such as ABC or Beacon supply can also help you get some of these sheet metal coils and form or fabricate the metal panels specifically sized for your roofing project.

ABC and Beacon Supply generally work directly with contractors, so your installer will have to do all the ordering of the panels on your behalf. There are other sheet metal and roofing supply companies you should also explore in your local markets.

Brief History of Tin Roofs

While today, metal roofs are often referred to as “tin roofs”, the reality is that no roofing product has ever been made of pure tin. In Europe metal roofs have been around for centuries, originating in ancient Rome, and were made from copper, lead, and zinc.

Metal panels were produced by heating and hand hammering the metal to a thin sheet. In the 17th century, tin was first used in Bohemia as a coating for rolled steel to prevent rust.

Read more

Stone Coated Steel Roof Cost: Gerard, DECRA, Metro, Boral Steel

Stone coated steel roofing is generating a lot of buzz (and sales) with homeowners that want a roof with staying power — one that combines good looks with outstanding protection against the elements including fire, wind, and hail.

Boral Steel (previously Gerard USA) stone coated steel tile roof – Barrel Vault Profile. Source: BoralSteel.com (previously gerardusa.com)

It’s certainly a strong plus that stone-coated metal roofing is energy-efficient, uses recycled materials and is recyclable, unlike straight-to-landfill asphalt shingles.

Here’s your complete guide for comparing products, costs, pros and cons, and other options:

What to Expect in Terms of Costs

Total cost to install the product is the first factor many homeowners consider, so let’s see if stone coated steel roofing is in the budget for your home.

Note that 1 square = 100 square feet.

  • Material Costs: $450-$650 per square for stone coated steel shingles, shakes, and tiles, plus the underlayment, fasteners, ridge cap, trim and other accessories required
  • Installation Costs: $550-$1,000 per square depending on various factors affecting cost, which are listed below

Total Installed Cost: $1,000-$1,650 per square.
That seems like a broad price range, but the range for asphalt shingles can be even broader. The best asphalt shingles can cost 3-4 times the cost of the cheapest option.

New Shingle Roof

$7,500
Average price
New Metal Roof

$14,500
Average price
New Flat Roof

$8,225
Average price

See costs in your area Enter Your Zip Code

Read more

Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles Cost – Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

When comparing the cost of metal roofing vs. shingles, there are a few factors to consider. Here is an in-depth look at the cost comparison between the two roofing materials:

    1. Initial Cost: The initial cost of metal roofing is generally higher than that of shingles. Our research shows the average cost to install a new metal roof is between $11.50 and $20.50 per square foot, depending on the type of metal and project specifics, while asphalt shingles typically cost between $4.50 and $9.50 per square foot.
New Shingle Roof

$7,500
Average price
New Metal Roof

$14,500
Average price
New Flat Roof

$8,225
Average price

See costs in your area Enter Your Zip Code

  1. Long-term Cost: Although metal roofing is more expensive initially, it can be more cost-effective over the long-term. Metal roofing is more durable than shingles and can last 30 to 60 years, while shingles typically last 15 to 30 years. This means that you may need to replace shingles multiple times over the lifespan of a metal roof, increasing the long-term cost of shingles.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing is generally far more energy-efficient than shingles. Metal reflects solar radiant heat, which can reduce the amount of heat absorbed into your home and lower your energy bills. Look for CRRC colors with a Kynar 500 paint finish to maximize energy savings with a metal roof. Additionally, some metal roofing systems can be installed with insulation to further increase  your home’s energy efficiency.
  3. Maintenance: Metal roofing is very low-maintenance and requires little upkeep over its lifespan. Shingles, on the other hand, can be prone to damage from storm winds, wind driven rain, ice dams, moss and mildew growth, and other weather conditions, and may require more frequent maintenance and repair.
  4. Resale Value: In the short run, an asphalt roof can offer better cost-to-value return than metal. In the long run, though, a metal roof will maintain its value for decades, whereas an asphalt roof will not. So, 10-15 years down the road, an asphalt roof may offer very little in terms of retained value and may be viewed more as a liability by potential buyers.

While the initial cost of metal roofing is higher than that of shingles, it can be more cost-effective over the long-term due to its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. Additionally, metal roofing can add lasting value to your home and increase its resale value, maintaining it for decades to come.

Read more