Installation Cost for Metal Roofing

A metal roof installation in Nassau County runs $12,000 to $38,000 for a typical single-family home, depending on roof size, complexity, and the metal system you choose. Break that range into three buckets: budget-friendly corrugated steel at the low end, mid-range architectural metal shingles or exposed-fastener standing seam in the middle, and premium concealed-fastener standing seam with coastal-grade materials and full custom trim at the high end. That’s installed cost, not just materials-meaning tear-off, underlayment, flashing, labor, permits, and cleanup are baked into the number.

You’ve probably seen online calculators that quote metal roofing at $7-$14 per square foot, or national articles that claim $15,000 average projects. Those numbers are often panel-only prices or national averages that miss what actually happens on Long Island: higher labor rates, disposal fees, coastal wind ratings, and the real-world complexity of Nassau County homes-tight side yards, mature trees, steep Colonials with multiple hips and dormers, and village permit processes that take time and cost money.

This guide shows you exactly what metal roofing installation cost looks like for your Nassau County home: what’s included in a real quote, which factors move the price up or down the most, and how to compare bids so you’re not just picking the lowest number. I’ve spent over a decade estimating metal roofs across the county-from simple ranches in Levittown to complicated multi-gable homes near the water in Atlantic Beach-and I’ll walk you through the same cost breakdown I use when I build a proposal.

How Metal Roof System Choice Shapes Installation Cost

The single biggest decision you make-before size, before tear-off, before any add-ons-is which type of metal roofing system goes on your house. That choice drives material cost, labor hours, and how many accessories and trim pieces the crew needs to install.

Corrugated or exposed-fastener panels sit at the budget end of metal roofing. These are the wide, ribbed panels you see on barns and simple structures, fastened directly through the panel face into the deck. They install fast, use straightforward trim, and don’t require specialized clips or seaming tools. On a 1,500-square-foot ranch in Seaford with a simple gable roof, we installed a corrugated steel system for about $13,500 all-in-tear-off, underlayment, panels, ridge cap, and labor. That’s the most affordable way to get a metal roof, and it works well for homes where appearance isn’t the top priority or for side buildings like garages and sheds.

Metal shingles or stamped panels fall into the middle tier. These systems mimic the look of traditional shingles, slate, or tiles but install as individual metal pieces with interlocking edges. They require more labor because each piece is smaller and positioned individually, and you need more trim and closures to finish valleys, rakes, and ridges. A 2,000-square-foot Colonial in Merrick with multiple roof planes and a few dormers landed around $22,000 with a steel shingle system-more materials, more complexity, better curb appeal.

Standing seam is the premium choice. These are the sleek, vertical-rib panels with concealed fasteners and raised seams that snap or crimp together. The panels attach to the deck with hidden clips, so there are no exposed screws to leak or rust over time. Installation is slower and more technical, requiring panel-bending equipment and precise layout. A 2,200-square-foot home in Garden City with a hip roof, steep pitch, and upgraded aluminum panels for coastal exposure cost the homeowner about $34,000 installed. That’s the high end, but you get the best weather performance, longest fastener life, and cleanest modern look.

What’s Actually Included in a Metal Roofing Installation Quote

When you get a metal roofing proposal from TWI Roofing or any reputable contractor, the price should cover a full scope of work-not just dropping panels on your roof. Here’s what a complete installation includes and why each piece matters to the total cost.

Tear-Off and Deck Prep

Most metal roofs in Nassau County go over existing asphalt shingles that need to come off first. That means stripping one or more layers, hauling debris to a dumpster, and checking the plywood or board deck underneath for rot, soft spots, or damage. If we find problem areas-common around chimneys, in valleys, or where old flashing leaked-we replace those sections with new plywood or OSB before the metal goes on.

Tear-off and disposal alone can add $2,000-$4,000 to a project depending on how many layers you have and how accessible your dumpster spot is. Tight driveways, neighbors close by, or mature landscaping all slow the process and increase labor hours. Some jobs qualify for a “roof-over” installation where metal goes directly over one clean layer of shingles, but Nassau County building codes and manufacturer warranties usually require full tear-off for warranty coverage and proper ventilation, especially on higher-end systems.

Underlayment, Ice Protection, and Moisture Barriers

Before any metal touches your roof, we install a full layer of synthetic underlayment-a high-strength, water-resistant membrane that protects the deck if wind ever lifts a panel or drives rain under the metal. On top of that, we add ice-and-water shield in critical areas: eaves, valleys, around chimneys and skylights, and along any wall intersections. Near the South Shore or bay-facing homes, we often run ice-and-water shield wider and higher up the roof because wind-driven rain is a real issue during nor’easters and tropical systems.

Quality underlayment and ice barrier materials add $1,500-$3,000 to a typical Nassau County roof, but this is where low-bid contractors cut corners. I’ve seen jobs where a competitor used cheap felt paper or skipped ice shield in valleys, and within two years the homeowner had leaks that required tearing metal back off to fix properly. Your metal panels are only as good as what’s underneath them.

Metal Panels, Trims, and Fasteners

The panels themselves are the most visible cost, but they’re only part of the material package. Every metal roof also needs:

• Ridge caps to seal the peak and allow ventilation
• Gable and rake trims to finish the edges cleanly
• Valley flashing (or woven valley details on some systems)
• Eave drip edge and starter strips
• Closures and transition pieces where the roof meets walls, chimneys, or dormers
• Fasteners or clips matched to the panel type and rated for coastal wind loads if you’re near the water

Panel gauge (thickness), metal type (steel vs. aluminum), and coating quality all affect price. A 26-gauge steel panel with a basic paint finish costs less per square foot than a 24-gauge panel with a Kynar 500 or PVDF coating designed to resist salt air and UV fading. For homes within a mile or two of the ocean, we often spec aluminum or upgraded coatings because the extra cost is minor compared to the rust and corrosion risk over 30+ years.

Labor, Safety, and Project Management

Metal roofing installation is not a quick weekend job. A skilled crew spends days measuring, cutting panels to exact lengths, bending custom trim, installing clips or fasteners in precise patterns, and sealing every penetration. Steep roofs, high peaks, and complex layouts slow the work and require staging, scaffolding, or safety harnesses.

Labor is the largest single line item on most metal roofing quotes in Nassau County, often 40-50% of the total cost. Our crews are experienced specifically with metal systems, insured for roofing work, and trained on the details that prevent leaks and panel movement. We also handle permits, inspections, and coordination with building departments across the county, which adds time and overhead but keeps the project legal and warrantable.

7 Factors That Move Your Metal Roofing Installation Cost Up or Down

Roof Shape and Cut-Up Factor

A 1,800-square-foot ranch with a straightforward gable roof and no dormers installs faster and uses less trim than an 1,800-square-foot Cape with four dormers, two chimneys, and intersecting roof planes. The second home might cost 25-35% more even though the square footage is identical, because the crew spends more time measuring, cutting custom pieces, and sealing complex intersections.

Every valley, hip, or direction change adds labor hours and waste. Metal panels are delivered in long lengths-often 12, 16, or 20 feet-and cutting them to fit intricate layouts means more offcuts and more seams to weatherproof.

Existing Roof Condition and Deck Repairs

If your roof has been leaking, we often find soft or rotten decking once the shingles come off. Replacing a few sheets of plywood in a valley or around a chimney adds $300-$800 depending on how much we need to swap out. Homes with multiple old layers of shingles-common in Nassau County, where roofs were sometimes laid over instead of torn off decades ago-take longer to strip and generate more disposal cost.

Trying to skip tear-off to save money usually backfires. Trapped moisture between old shingles and new metal can rot the deck from the inside, void your warranty, and create ventilation problems that lead to ice dams in winter or condensation issues year-round.

Metal Type, Gauge, and Coating System

Standard 26-gauge galvanized steel with a polyester paint finish is the baseline for most residential metal roofing. Upgrade to 24-gauge steel and you get a stiffer, more dent-resistant panel that costs about 15-20% more. Switch to aluminum panels-common for coastal homes from Long Beach to Oyster Bay-and material cost jumps another 20-30%, but aluminum won’t rust in salt air and weighs less, which matters on older homes with marginal framing.

Paint systems also vary. A basic enamel coating might fade or chalk within 15 years, especially facing south. A Kynar 500 or PVDF topcoat resists UV, salt, and pollution much better and usually carries a 30-40 year finish warranty. For a typical Nassau County roof, the upgrade is $1,500-$2,500, and I recommend it for any home you plan to own long-term or if resale curb appeal matters.

Add-Ons: Gutters, Ventilation, and Accessories

Many homeowners bundle gutter replacement, ridge vent installation, or skylight upgrades into the metal roofing project because the scaffolding and crew are already there. New seamless gutters and downspouts add $1,200-$2,500 depending on house perimeter. A full ridge vent system with baffles and soffit intake vents adds $800-$1,800 but dramatically improves attic airflow, which protects your roof deck and lowers cooling costs.

If your roof is steep or you’re near trees, snow guards or retention bars prevent dangerous avalanches of snow and ice sliding off slick metal panels. Those run $600-$1,500 installed depending on layout. Skylight flashing kits, chimney cricket fabrication, and custom wall flashing for dormers are all extras that show up as separate line items in a detailed quote.

Why Nassau County Metal Roofing Costs Run Higher Than National Averages

You’ll see articles online claiming metal roofs cost $10-$12 per square foot installed or $18,000 average for a whole house. Those numbers are usually drawn from national databases that mix rural Indiana, suburban Texas, and coastal markets together into one meaningless average.

Here’s what those averages miss about Nassau County:

Labor rates on Long Island are 20-40% higher than most of the country because cost of living, insurance, and skilled trade wages are all elevated. A metal roofing crew that might cost $3,500 in labor in North Carolina costs $5,000-$6,000 here for the same square footage and system.

Disposal and permitting add real money. Tipping fees at transfer stations, village permits, and inspection requirements all cost more than they do in less-regulated markets. A permit and two inspections might add $400-$800 to your project, and disposal for a typical tear-off runs $600-$1,200 depending on dumpster size and haul distance.

Coastal wind ratings and material specs push costs up near the water. Homes in flood zones or within a mile of the South Shore often need fasteners rated for higher wind speeds, additional ice-and-water shield, and corrosion-resistant hardware. That’s not optional; it’s code, and it’s priced into the job.

Older housing stock and tight lots mean more difficult access and staging. Many Nassau County neighborhoods were built in the 1950s-1970s with narrow driveways, mature landscaping, and houses close together. Moving materials, setting up scaffolding, and protecting adjacent property all take more time than working on a new-construction home with open yard access.

So when you see a national range of $15,000-$25,000 for metal roofing, adjust your expectation upward by 15-25% to reflect Long Island realities. A $15,000 national estimate probably translates to $18,000-$20,000 here, and a $25,000 national number is more like $28,000-$32,000 in Nassau County.

Comparing Metal Roofing Installation Quotes: What to Look For

The lowest bid is almost never the best value. I’ve seen homeowners choose a contractor who came in $4,000 under everyone else, only to discover the quote assumed no tear-off, included thinner panels, skipped ice-and-water shield in valleys, and didn’t account for deck repairs. Two years later, they’re calling us to fix leaks and reinstall sections properly, which costs more than doing it right the first time.

Here’s how to compare metal roofing bids fairly:

Make sure every quote includes the same scope. Does it cover tear-off? How many layers? Are permits and disposal included? What about flashing, underlayment, and ventilation? If one bid is vague and another breaks everything out line by line, the detailed one is usually more honest.

Ask what metal system, gauge, and coating you’re getting. “Metal roof” is not specific enough. Is it 29-gauge corrugated steel or 24-gauge standing seam aluminum? What’s the paint warranty? Can they show you a sample and a cut sheet with specifications?

Check experience with metal roofing specifically. A great asphalt shingle roofer is not automatically a great metal installer. Metal requires different tools, fastening methods, and detail work. Ask how many metal roofs the crew has done, especially in coastal Nassau County where wind and salt matter.

Compare warranties. A manufacturer’s warranty on the panels is one thing; a workmanship warranty from the installer is another. We offer a 10-year labor warranty on our metal installations because we’re confident in the work. A contractor who won’t stand behind the installation for at least 5 years is a red flag.

Look at the payment schedule. Reputable contractors ask for a deposit to order materials, a progress payment when the tear-off and deck prep are done, and final payment when the job is complete and inspected. Anyone asking for full payment up front or cash-only deals should be avoided.

Is Metal Roofing Installation Worth the Higher Cost?

Metal roofing costs more to install than asphalt shingles-sometimes 50-100% more for the same house. Whether that’s worth it depends on your goals, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how much you value durability and storm performance.

A quality metal roof in Nassau County should last 40-60 years with minimal maintenance, compared to 20-25 years for architectural asphalt shingles. If you’re 50 years old and plan to age in place, you may never replace your roof again. Even if installation cost is $28,000 instead of $16,000 for shingles, you avoid a second $18,000-$22,000 replacement 20 years from now, which makes the lifetime cost very similar or even cheaper.

Metal roofs also handle wind, rain, and impact better than most shingle systems when installed correctly. During Superstorm Sandy and subsequent nor’easters, we saw standing seam roofs come through with zero damage while nearby asphalt roofs lost shingles and needed emergency tarping. That peace of mind and lower storm-repair risk is worth real money for many Nassau County homeowners, especially near the coast.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to sell within 5-10 years, you may not recoup the full premium of a metal roof unless your neighborhood values it. Some buyers love the look and longevity; others are perfectly happy with new asphalt shingles. Talk to a local real estate agent about whether metal roofing improves resale value in your specific area before making the investment purely for resale purposes.

Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Nassau County Home

Online calculators and national cost guides can give you a rough idea, but the only way to know what metal roofing will actually cost on your house is an on-site estimate from a local contractor who specializes in metal systems.

When you call TWI Roofing or schedule a visit, have this information ready:

• Approximate age and type of your current roof
• Any known leaks, soft spots, or damage
• Photos of your house from the street and any trouble areas
• What you’re hoping to achieve-budget-friendly metal, premium standing seam, specific color or style

During the estimate, we’ll measure your roof, check the pitch and access, walk the roof if it’s safe, and inspect flashing, chimneys, and deck condition from below. We’ll talk through system options-corrugated, standing seam, metal shingles-and show you samples so you can see and feel the difference. You’ll leave with a written, itemized quote that breaks out materials, labor, permits, tear-off, and any extras so you can compare it intelligently with other bids.

Most metal roofing estimates in Nassau County are free and take 45-90 minutes depending on roof complexity. Don’t settle for a verbal “ballpark” or a one-line email quote. A serious contractor will put everything in writing and answer your questions about warranties, timelines, and what’s included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the per-square-foot price vary so much between contractors?

Because “per square foot” hides all the details. One contractor might quote $11/sq ft for basic corrugated panels with no tear-off and minimal flashing. Another quotes $16/sq ft for standing seam with full tear-off, synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, and upgraded fasteners. The second job costs more but delivers a completely different level of protection and longevity. Always ask for a detailed breakdown so you’re comparing the same scope of work.

Can I finance a metal roof installation?

Yes. Many homeowners spread the cost over 5-10 years through home improvement loans, home equity lines, or contractor financing programs. We work with several lenders who specialize in roofing and exterior projects, and approval is usually quick if your credit is decent. Financing a $25,000 metal roof at 6% over 7 years runs about $375/month, which many homeowners find manageable compared to paying cash upfront.

Will a metal roof increase my home’s resale value in Nassau County?

Often, yes-especially in neighborhoods where buyers appreciate quality upgrades and long-term durability. A new metal roof is a strong selling point in coastal or storm-prone areas because buyers know they won’t need to replace it for decades. That said, the exact value boost depends on your local market, house style, and how the metal roof looks compared to neighboring homes. In some areas, you’ll recoup 70-85% of the installation cost at resale; in others, buyers won’t pay extra for it. Check with a local agent before making a purely investment-driven decision.

Can I save money by keeping my old shingles and installing metal over them?

Sometimes, but it’s rarely a good idea. Roof-over installations skip tear-off and disposal cost, saving $2,000-$3,000, but they trap moisture, hide deck problems, add weight, and often void manufacturer warranties. Most building departments in Nassau County require full tear-off for metal roofing, especially on homes with multiple shingle layers or any history of leaks. The short-term savings usually aren’t worth the long-term risk.

Do you install metal roofs across all of Nassau County?

Yes. TWI Roofing works throughout Nassau County-North Shore, South Shore, and everywhere in between. We’re familiar with village codes, coastal wind requirements, and the specific challenges of older housing stock across the county. Whether you’re in Glen Cove, Massapequa, or anywhere else, we’ll come out, measure your roof, and give you a detailed metal roofing installation quote tailored to your home and neighborhood conditions.

Next Step: Turn Cost Estimates Into a Real Plan

Metal roofing installation in Nassau County is a bigger investment than asphalt, but it’s also a longer-lasting, more weather-resistant roof that can pay off over decades of ownership. The real cost for your home depends on size, complexity, system choice, and condition-variables that an on-site visit clarifies in under an hour.

Call TWI Roofing or request an estimate so we can measure your roof, walk you through corrugated, standing seam, and metal shingle options, and build a detailed quote that shows exactly what you’re paying for. Bring your questions about costs, warranties, timelines, and financing, and we’ll answer them honestly so you can decide whether metal roofing fits your goals and budget. You’ll know the real number, not a guess, and you’ll have the information you need to move forward with confidence.