Cost Per Square for Metal Roofing

Installed metal roofing in Nassau County typically runs $800-$1,400 per square for standing seam systems and $550-$900 per square for corrugated or exposed-fastener panels, where one “square” equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Those ranges include tear-off, new underlayment, flashing, labor, and cleanup-but your actual per-square price depends on roof shape, pitch, existing layers, metal gauge, and coating choices. This guide shows you exactly how to break down per-square pricing for your Nassau County roof and what gets folded into that number.

First, Make Sense of “Per Square” Pricing

If you’ve never heard contractors talk in “squares,” it’s confusing. Here’s what you need to know.

What a “Square” Means in Roofing

One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface-not your home’s floor area. Your roof is larger than your footprint because of pitch, overhangs, and dormers. A simple 1,500-square-foot ranch might have an 1,800-square-foot roof, which is 18 squares. A two-story colonial with multiple hips and a steep pitch could have 30 or 35 squares even if the footprint is similar.

Once you know your roof’s square count, you multiply that number by a realistic per-square installed cost. That’s your rough budget. The trick is understanding which per-square range applies to your roof and your chosen metal system.

Material-Only vs. Installed Cost Per Square

This is where most online research falls apart.

When you see “$200 per square” for metal roofing at a big-box store or on a panel supplier’s site, that’s usually material only-just the cost of the panels themselves. It doesn’t include underlayment, flashing, ridge caps, tear-off, labor, permits, or disposal. An installed per-square cost wraps all of that into one number. Comparing material-only pricing to an installed quote is like comparing the cost of lumber to the price of a finished deck.

Every per-square number in this guide refers to installed pricing unless noted otherwise. If a contractor quotes you per square, ask explicitly: “Does that include tear-off, flashing, underlayment, and labor?” Some bids itemize those separately; others bundle them into a single rate.

Quick Per-Square Cost Snapshot by Metal Roofing Type

Not all metal roofing costs the same per square. Here’s where different systems land in Nassau County.

Corrugated / Exposed-Fastener Systems

Corrugated and ribbed panels with screws driven through the face of the panel usually sit at the lower end of metal roofing per-square pricing. Expect $550-$900 per square installed on straightforward roofs. Material is less expensive than concealed-clip systems, and installation goes faster on simple gable roofs without many penetrations.

These systems work well for garages, barns, and homes where utility beats curb appeal. Keep in mind that exposed fasteners need periodic inspection and occasional re-sealing, so there’s a long-term maintenance trade-off for the lower upfront per-square cost.

Metal Shingles and Tile-Look Panels

Metal shingles, shake profiles, and tile-look systems usually land in the middle range: $750-$1,100 per square installed. They use smaller interlocking pieces, which increases both material and labor costs compared to big corrugated panels. Trim and transitions get more detailed, and roofs with valleys or hips require careful planning to keep the pattern clean.

These systems offer a traditional residential look that fits well in Nassau County neighborhoods where HOAs or resale value matter. The per-square cost sits between corrugated and standing seam for similar roof conditions.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam typically carries the highest installed cost per square: $800-$1,400 per square depending on panel width, clip system, and roof complexity. Concealed fasteners and raised seams mean more precision work, and installers need specialized tools and training. Labor per square is higher than screw-down systems, especially on steep or cut-up roofs.

Many Nassau County homeowners choose standing seam for its clean modern look and minimal exposed fasteners. On complex roofs-think multiple dormers, skylights, or intersecting planes-standing seam per-square costs can climb into the upper teens because of extra cutting, clips, and detailing time.

What Drives Metal Roofing Cost Per Square Up or Down?

System type is only part of the story. These factors shift your actual per-square number.

Roof Size and Shape (Not Just Area)

Bigger roofs spread fixed costs-setup, permits, dumpster, scaffolding-across more squares, sometimes dropping the per-square rate slightly. A 40-square roof might come in at $50 per square less than a 15-square roof for the same system.

But shape matters more than size. A 25-square gable roof with no valleys is straightforward. A 25-square roof with six dormers, three chimneys, and multiple hips requires more trim, flashing, and cutting. Labor per square goes up, even though the area is the same. On a recent job in Garden City, two similar-sized colonials-one simple, one cut-up-had a $200-per-square difference in standing seam pricing because of layout.

Tear-Off, Deck Repairs, and Existing Layers

Most Nassau County homes have at least one layer of asphalt shingles. Tear-off and disposal add labor and dump fees, which get rolled into your per-square installed cost. If there are two layers, or if we find rotted plywood during tear-off, your per-square cost rises because more material and time are needed before the new metal goes on.

Some contractors quote a “roof-over” option-installing metal directly over existing shingles. This can lower the per-square price by skipping tear-off, but it’s not always allowed by code and can hide deck problems. In Nassau County, most inspectors and manufacturers prefer a clean deck, so budget for full tear-off when estimating per-square costs.

Metal Type, Gauge, and Coating

Not all “metal roofing” is the same metal. Steel comes in different gauges-thicker gauge costs more. Aluminum costs more than steel but resists salt corrosion better, which matters near the South Shore and bays. Copper and zinc are specialty options with much higher material costs per square.

Paint systems matter too. A basic polyester finish is cheaper than Kynar 500 or high-performance PVDF coatings, which last longer under UV and salt spray. Coastal Nassau County homes benefit from upgraded coatings, which nudge the per-square installed cost up by $50-$100 but save on repainting or early panel replacement. Always ask bidders which metal, gauge, and finish they’re quoting; it changes your per-square number significantly.

Height, Pitch, and Access

Steep roofs require more safety equipment, scaffolding, and time per square. Multi-story homes take longer to stage and load. A walkable 4/12 pitch roof installs faster than a 10/12 pitch roof, so the labor portion of your per-square cost is lower on gentler slopes.

Access also affects pricing. Tight driveways, mature trees close to the house, or limited staging areas slow down material delivery and tear-off. I’ve seen per-square costs rise $75-$125 on properties with difficult access because crews need extra trips, hand-carrying, or crane time.

Local Labor, Dump Fees, and Overhead

Long Island labor rates are higher than rural areas or the South. Licensed, insured roofing crews earn more per hour, and that gets reflected in your per-square installed cost. Disposal fees at Nassau County transfer stations are not cheap-expect $500-$1,200 for a typical residential tear-off, depending on squares and layers.

Permits, insurance, workers’ comp, and code compliance all add overhead that responsible contractors include in their per-square pricing. When you see a suspiciously low per-square quote, ask whether permits are pulled and whether the crew is insured. A lower number often means something is missing.

Example: Estimating Your Roof Cost Using Per-Square Pricing

Let’s walk through how you’d use per-square pricing to budget your project.

Step 1: Estimate Your Roof Squares

You can measure your home’s footprint and adjust for pitch and overhangs. A quick method: take your home’s square footage, divide by 100, then multiply by 1.2 to 1.5 depending on roof pitch and complexity. A 2,000-square-foot footprint with a medium-pitch roof might be around 25-30 squares.

Better yet, ask a roofer to measure during a free inspection. We use aerial tools and physical measurements to get exact square counts. Even a rough estimate-“my roof is probably 22 to 26 squares”-is enough to start multiplying by realistic per-square costs.

Step 2: Choose a System Category

Decide whether you’re leaning toward corrugated, metal shingles, or standing seam based on your budget, style preference, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Each category has its own per-square installed range. Complex roofs trend toward the upper end of any range; simple roofs toward the lower end.

Write down a baseline option (e.g., “24-gauge steel standing seam, Kynar finish”) and an upgrade option (e.g., “aluminum standing seam, premium coastal coating”). You’ll use those to compare quotes apples-to-apples later.

Step 3: Multiply, Then Add a Local Reality Check

Let’s say you have a 24-square roof and you want standing seam. At $900-$1,200 per square, that’s $21,600 to $28,800 installed. If your roof has dormers, steep pitch, or two existing layers, expect pricing closer to the upper end. If it’s a simple gable with good access, you might land near the lower end.

In Nassau County, always expect the higher side of national per-square averages because of local labor, disposal, and coastal-weather details. A “national average” of $750 per square usually translates to $900-$1,000 here. Use this ballpark to filter unrealistic bids-either suspiciously low or unnecessarily inflated.

Metal Roofing Cost Per Square vs. Total Project Value

Lifespan and Replacement Cycles

A higher per-square installed cost stings upfront, but metal roofing typically lasts 40-60 years with proper maintenance, compared to 15-25 years for asphalt shingles. If you stay in your home long-term, you’re potentially avoiding one or two full re-roofs over that period. Spread that savings across the years, and the per-square premium starts to look more reasonable.

This math matters most if you plan to stay put for 15+ years or if you value reduced maintenance and better storm performance over lower initial costs.

Storm Performance and Risk Reduction

Properly installed metal roofing handles Nassau County’s coastal wind, driving rain, and occasional nor’easters better than many shingle systems. Wind ratings of 120-140 mph are common for standing seam and metal shingles when installed to manufacturer specs. Fewer emergency repairs, fewer insurance claims, and less stress during storm season have real financial value that doesn’t show up on a per-square cost sheet.

That said, performance depends heavily on installation quality and system choice, not just the fact that it’s metal. A poorly flashed metal roof is worse than a well-installed shingle roof.

Using Per-Square Pricing to Compare Bids in Nassau County

Look Beyond the Single Per-Square Number

One contractor’s $950 per square might include upgraded underlayment, high-performance coating, full tear-off, and ten-year workmanship warranty. Another contractor’s $800 per square might skip the ice-and-water shield, use thinner gauge steel, and offer a one-year labor warranty. You’re not comparing the same thing.

Ask every bidder what’s included in their per-square price:

• Full tear-off and disposal of existing roof?
• What underlayment (brand, type, coverage area)?
• What metal type, gauge, and finish?
• Flashing details at walls, chimneys, valleys?
• Permits and inspection fees?
• Material and workmanship warranty terms?

Once you know the scope is identical, then compare per-square pricing. Otherwise, you’re just picking the lowest number and hoping for the best.

Questions to Ask About Each Quote

• What exact metal type, gauge, and coating are you quoting?
• Is tear-off and disposal of my existing roof fully included in the per-square price?
• What underlayment and ice/water products are you using, and where?
• How are you handling flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights, and valleys?
• What warranties (material and workmanship) are tied to this per-square price?
• Are permits, inspections, and cleanup included in the total?
• Will you pull permits and schedule inspections, or is that on me?

Contractors who dodge these questions or give vague answers are waving red flags. Detailed, confident answers signal a pro who knows how to translate per-square pricing into quality work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing Cost Per Square

Why do online metal roofing cost-per-square numbers vary so much?

Because they mix material-only pricing with installed pricing, different metal types, different systems, and different regions. A $300-per-square number might be material-only corrugated steel from Texas; a $1,200-per-square number might be installed standing seam copper in coastal California. Without context-what system, what’s included, where-the numbers are almost meaningless. Local installed ranges from Nassau County contractors are far more useful for real budgeting.

Is metal roofing cost per square always more than shingles?

Yes, installed metal typically costs more per square than asphalt shingles-often double or more. Standard architectural shingles in Nassau County run $450-$700 per square installed; even basic corrugated metal starts at $550-$900. But the gap narrows when you factor in fewer replacements, better wind resistance, and lower long-term maintenance. Over 30 years, the per-square premium can pay for itself if you avoid a second or third shingle replacement.

Can I reduce per-square cost by keeping my old roof underneath?

Sometimes. Installing metal over existing shingles can lower per-square cost by $100-$200 by skipping tear-off and disposal. But it only works if your deck is sound, moisture isn’t trapped, and Nassau County code allows it. Most metal manufacturers and inspectors prefer a clean deck for warranty and performance reasons. A roofer must inspect your structure to know if a roof-over makes sense; don’t assume it’s an option just because it’s cheaper.

Do smaller roofs always cost less per square?

Not necessarily. Small, complex roofs-think a 12-square cottage with dormers and skylights-can have a higher per-square rate than a simple 30-square ranch because fixed costs (travel, permits, setup) are spread over fewer squares, and the detail work per square is higher. Labor intensity matters as much as total area. Big, simple roofs often get better per-square pricing than small, complicated ones.

Do you provide per-square quotes for metal roofing in Nassau County?

Yes. We start with an on-site measurement and inspection to calculate exact roof squares and identify complexity factors-pitch, access, existing layers, penetrations. We can present pricing both per square and as a total project cost, broken down by material, labor, tear-off, and extras so you see exactly where your money goes. Call TWI Roofing or request a visit, and we’ll walk you through the numbers for your specific roof.

Turn Per-Square Metal Roofing Costs into a Real Quote for Your Home

Metal roofing cost per square in Nassau County depends on system type, roof complexity, existing conditions, and local labor and code requirements. Use realistic per-square ranges-$550-$900 for corrugated, $750-$1,100 for metal shingles, $800-$1,400 for standing seam-to ballpark your project, but understand that your actual number will shift based on pitch, access, tear-off scope, and material choices.

An on-site evaluation is the only way to lock in exact pricing. Bring your rough square estimate and questions when you call TWI Roofing, and we’ll measure your roof, discuss options, and provide a clear per-square and total-price quote. That’s how you move from online research to a real budget-and eventually to a metal roof that fits your home, your needs, and your wallet.