Standing seam or stone-coated steel: what does a metal roof cost in San Francisco?

What's the difference between standing seam and stone-coated steel?

Standing seam is long steel or aluminum panels joined by raised seams, with fasteners hidden under the seam. It has a clean, modern look and suits simple roof shapes. Stone-coated steel is steel formed into shingle, shake or tile profiles and coated with granules, so it reads as a traditional roof from the street.

How does metal compare with asphalt on price?

Up front, metal is the expensive choice: the Cost vs. Value report shows the metal reroof well ahead of asphalt for the same defined job. Standing seam tends to cost more than stone-coated steel. Instead of a price per square, here is what changes the bid.

What changes the price of a metal roof?

• Complexity: each valley, hip and penetration adds trim and labor
• Panel type and finish: gauge, aluminum vs. steel, paint system
• Existing roof: layers to remove and decking to repair
• Slope: low pitches may not suit some panel systems
• Access: long panels need room to stage and lift

How long does it last, and is it fire-rated?

InterNACHI estimates metal roofing at 40 to 80 years, versus about 20 to 30 for asphalt shingles (InterNACHI). The state's Safer from Wildfires program lists metal shingles or sheets among the roofs that qualify as Class A.

Does a metal roof in San Francisco have to be a cool roof?

All of San Francisco is in climate zone 3, so the 2025 Energy Code doesn't prescriptively require a cool-roof product on a home reroof here. See the CEC compliance manual.

What matters locally?

Metal is less common in San Francisco than in the suburbs, mainly because so many city roofs are flat or nearly flat behind parapets, where a membrane is the usual answer. Where it fits is on the pitched front gables of Victorians and Edwardians and on the steeper roofs of west-side bungalows. Fog and salt air are the local test: near Ocean Beach and the Presidio, ask about the coating system and whether the warranty limits coverage near salt water. Seams, flashings and fasteners should be compatible metals so they don't corrode each other.

What should be on a metal-roof bid?

On each estimate, look for the exact panel system, panel thickness, coating type, underlayment, Class A assembly and the length of the workmanship and finish warranties. Our quote checker covers the rest. For your actual price, request a free written estimate: a licensed roofer measures the roof and prices your exact scope.

Related: what drives roof replacement cost, roof size estimator, Class A roofs.