How much does a metal roof cost in the South Bay: standing seam or stone-coated?

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

Two systems cover most residential metal roofs. Standing-seam panels run from eave to ridge with concealed fasteners and raised interlocking seams. Stone-coated steel uses smaller pressed-steel panels finished with stone granules to look like shake, tile or shingles.

How does metal compare with asphalt on price?

The Cost vs. Value report prices a metal reroof well above the asphalt-shingle job of the same size, and both are in the tens of thousands of dollars. Standing seam typically sits above stone-coated steel because the panels are custom-length and labor-intensive. We don't publish per-square prices; the drivers below matter more.

What changes the price of a metal roof?

• Material choices: steel vs. aluminum, panel gauge, coating
• How cut-up the roof is: valleys, hips, dormers, chimneys
• Tear-off: number of old layers and decking condition
• Minimum slope for the chosen system
• Staging: long panels and tight lots don't mix

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

Longevity is the case for metal: InterNACHI puts it at 40 to 80 years against 20 to 30 for asphalt shingles. On fire, the Safer from Wildfires program counts metal shingles or sheets among the roofs that qualify as Class A.

Does a metal roof in the South Bay have to be a cool roof?

Every South Bay city we checked is in climate zone 4, where a qualifying steep-slope reroof needs a product with aged solar reflectance of at least 0.20 and thermal emittance of at least 0.75 (or SRI 16) unless an exception applies. See the CEC compliance manual.

What matters locally?

Santa Clara Valley summers are the main reason South Bay owners look at metal: long sun exposure wears asphalt shingles faster, and a rated light or reflective metal finish can satisfy the climate zone 4 cool-roof rule. Standing seam also pairs well with solar, since many racking systems clamp to the seams. On low-slope ranch roofs, check that the pitch meets the panel system's minimum. Foothill homes in Los Gatos, Saratoga and San Jose's east hills add the wildfire angle, where a Class A assembly matters.

What should be on a metal-roof bid?

Ask each bidder for the panel system and gauge, the Class A listing for the whole assembly, the underlayment, the paint or coating warranty, and the workmanship warranty in writing. 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.