Why does standing seam cost more than other metal roofs?

It uses thicker metal, specialized tooling, and concealed fastening, which adds labor and material costs but improves longevity, weather resistance, and appearance.

Can contractor equipment affect the price of standing seam?

Yes. Contractors with on-site roll-forming and other specialized equipment can reduce material waste and labor time, often resulting in more competitive pricing.

Can a standing seam roof be installed over existing shingles?

Often, yes—if the roof deck is sound at inspection and proper underlayment is used. Your installer will verify deck condition before proceeding.

How long will a standing seam roof last?

With proper maintenance, 70+ years is a realistic expectation. Many historic standing seam roofs have exceeded a century of service.

Will a standing seam metal roof increase my home value?

Standing seam is widely viewed as a premium upgrade and can positively impact resale. Many homeowners see strong ROI, often recouping a significant portion of the investment at sale.

Are there insurance discounts or energy savings with metal roofing?

Many insurers offer discounts for metal roofs. Optional reflective underlayments can also provide modest cooling-cost savings, depending on home and climate.

What is an exposed fastener metal roof with PRO-Z fasteners?

It’s a cost-effective metal roof that uses fasteners protected by an alloy cap (PRO-Z) to shield the washer from UV and weather, extending fastener life and reducing leak risk.

How do exposed fastener roofs compare in cost to standing seam?

They are typically about half the price (or more) of standing seam. Example ranges: Small ranch: ~$10k–$13k; Medium Cape Cod: ~$15k–$18k; Large/complex: ~$20k+.

What maintenance costs should I expect with exposed fastener roofs?

After decades, re-screwing may be needed. Post-warranty fastener replacement often runs about $1,500–$5,000 depending on roof size—far less than a full replacement.

How can I get the standing seam look without the standing seam price?

Use pro-appearance exposed-fastener panels with color-matched, aligned screws. They mimic the clean lines of standing seam at a much lower cost.

Should I choose standing seam or exposed fastener?

Choose standing seam if you want maximum longevity, minimal maintenance, and a premium, modern look—especially for a “forever home.” Choose exposed fastener with PRO-Z if you want most benefits at roughly half the cost and are comfortable with occasional long-term maintenance.

Aug 27, 2025 8:00:00 AM

How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost in Central PA?

Q: What is a standing seam metal roof?

A premium metal roofing system where all fasteners are concealed beneath the panels, creating a smooth, uninterrupted look with superior durability and minimal maintenance.

Q: How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

Typical installed prices range from about $25,000 to $50,000+ depending on roof size and complexity. Example ranges: Small ranch (2,200–2,900 sq ft): $25k–$35k; Medium Cape Cod (~3,200 sq ft): $35k–$45k; Large/complex (3,600–5,000+ sq ft): $50k+.

Q: Can metal roofing be installed in winter?

Yes. Metal is among the better materials for cold-weather installation when crews follow proper cold-weather practices.

Caitlin Vegas

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost in central pa (1)

If you're considering upgrading to a metal roof, you've probably come across standing seam—and the price tag that comes with it.

Standing seam metal roofing is often called a "forever roof," but what exactly makes it worth the premium price? And is there a more affordable option that still delivers lasting value and curb appeal?

For many homeowners, sticker shock is a real obstacle. Standing steam metal roofs can range from $25,000 to $50,000 and more. At Equity Roofing, we've helped hundreds of homeowners in Central PA navigate these decisions. From classic standing seam roofs to the more affordable exposed fastener roofs with PRO-Z fasteners and pro-appearance panels, our crew has installed it all.

In this article, we'll break down what standing seam metal roofing is, how much it costs, what drives that cost, and when exposed fastener systems with PRO-Z technology make sense as a smart alternative.

Clickable Table of Contents

What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?
Cost Comparison for Standing Seam and Exposed Fastener (PRO-Z)
How to Get The Look of Standing Seam Metal Without the Cost
Should You Choose Standing Seam or Exposed Fastener?
Standing Seam Metal: Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect With a New Roof Replacement

What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?

A standing seam metal roof is a premium roofing system that hides all screws and fasteners under the panels, making the entire surface smooth, sleek, and uninterrupted. Standing seam roofs are sometimes called "forever roofs," and for good reason.

Exceptional Lifespan: With proper maintenance, a standing seam roof can last 70+ years. In some historical districts, like Lewisburg, PA, original roofs from the early 1900s are still in place and functioning perfectly.

Clean Aesthetics: The smooth, uninterrupted surface creates a modern, high-end appearance that's perfect for upscale homes or historic restorations.

Superior Durability: Using thicker 26-gauge metal and having no exposed fasteners means fewer weak points that can fail over time.

Minimal Maintenance: Without exposed screws to deteriorate, there are fewer opportunities for leaks and rust to develop. The main maintenance is for the paint. For a new roof, the paint will need to be replaced roughly every 40 years.

How Much Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost?

It's worth noting that standing seam costs can vary significantly by contractor. Companies with specialized equipment (such as on-site roll-forming machines) can offer much more competitive pricing due to reduced material and labor costs.

As this equipment is very expensive, most roof contractors don’t invest in it unless they plan to focus heavily on metal roofing projects. It would be wise for homeowners who are set on a standing seam roof to seek out roofing companies that feature metal roofs for the majority of their portfolio.

Cost by Home Type and Size

Home Type and Size	Standing Seam
Small Ranch 2,200–2,900 sq ft	$25,000–$35,000
Medium Cape Cod ~3,200 sq ft	$35,000–$45,000
Large Complex Roof 3,600–5,000+ sq ft	$50,000+

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofs as Affordable Alternatives: Cost Comparison

While standing seam offers unmatched longevity and aesthetics, modern exposed fastener systems can deliver many of the same benefits at a much lower cost, especially when using PRO-Z fasteners and pro-appearance panels.

Cost Comparison for Standing Seam and Exposed Fastener (PRO-Z)

Home Type and Size	Standing Seam	Exposed Fastener (with PRO-Z)
Small Ranch 2,200–2,900 sq ft	$25,000–$35,000	$10,000–$13,000 (60%-62% cheaper)
Medium Cape Cod~3,200 sq ft	$35,000–$45,000	$15,000–$18,000 (57%-60% cheaper)
Large Complex Roof 3,600–5,000+ sq ft	$50,000+	$20,000+ (60% cheaper)

What Are PRO-Z Fasteners and Why Do They Matter?

Traditional exposed fastener metal roofs had one major weakness: visible screws that deteriorate over time due to sun and weather exposure. The rubber washers dry out, crack, and eventually fail, leading to leaks.

PRO-Z fasteners solve this problem with:

Alloy Cap Protection: The cap shields the rubber washer from UV rays, rain, and ice
Extended Washer Life: Water infiltration is dramatically reduced because the washer stays intact much longer
50-Year Guarantee: These fasteners come with a 50-year performance guarantee

Cost for Maintaining an Exposed Fastener Roof

If replacement is needed after the 50-year fastener warranty has expired, expect to pay around $1,500–$5,000 to re-screw the roof, depending on size. This is far cheaper than a full roof replacement, which ranges from $12,000 to $35,000.

Consider this example: You install a $20,000 exposed fastener roof with PRO-Z fasteners. After 50 years, you spend $3,000 to have the roof re-screwed with new fasteners. Your total investment is $23,000—still significantly less than the upfront cost of a standing seam roof.

Pro Appearance Metal Roofing

How to Get The Look of Standing Seam Metal Without the Cost

One of the biggest objections to exposed fastener roofs has always been aesthetics. Many homeowners think they look too much like barn roofing, where exposed fastener roofs have often been used. That's where pro-appearance metal panels come in.

These panels offer several advantages:

Screws are color-matched and align perfectly with panel ribs
Clean lines that closely resemble standing seam profiles
Same cost as standard exposed fastener panels

The screws blend in naturally and create a much more refined appearance while maintaining all the cost benefits of exposed fastener systems.

Should You Choose Standing Seam or Exposed Fastener?

Both standing seam and exposed fastener roofs are excellent options for long-lasting roofs. If you’re considering both options, we recommend taking various factors into account.

Choose Standing Seam If:

You're in your forever home and plan to stay long-term
You want zero maintenance and maximum longevity
You prefer the cleanest, most modern aesthetic
You're planning to pass your home down to family members

Consider Exposed Fastener (with PRO-Z & pro-appearance panels) If:

You want most of the benefits at roughly half the cost
You're budget-conscious but still want exceptional longevity
You don't mind investing in minor maintenance every 20–25 years

Standing Seam Metal: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a standing seam roof installed over my existing shingles?

This depends on the condition of your decking. So long as the wood is in good condition at the time of inspection and an underlayment is used, it can be installed successfully over existing shingles.

How long will a standing seam roof actually last?

With proper maintenance, 70+ years is a realistic expectation. In historic areas, we still see functioning standing seam roofs from the 1800s.

Will a standing seam roof increase my home value?

Absolutely. You can typically expect $2+ back for every $1 spent on standing seam roofing in terms of resale value.

Will I get insurance discounts or energy savings?

Most insurers offer discounts for metal roofing. Homeowners can also invest in an optional upgrade with reflective underlayment, which can provide modest energy savings on cooling costs.

Can metal roofing be installed in winter?

Yes, metal roofing is actually one of the best materials for winter installation compared to other roofing options.

Can I switch from Standing Seam to Exposed Fastener mid-project?

No. Standing Seam roofs and Exposed Fastener roofs have different metal panels and installation processes. Once you start with one, you can't switch midway through the project.

Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Right for You?

Standing seam metal roofing represents the premium end of residential roofing with unmatched longevity, aesthetics, and minimal maintenance. It's an excellent choice for homeowners in their forever homes who want to invest once and never worry about their roof again.

However, modern exposed fastener systems with PRO-Z technology and pro-appearance panels deliver many of the same benefits at roughly half the cost. For budget-conscious homeowners who still want exceptional performance, this represents an outstanding value.

The choice comes down to your priorities and maintenance preferences. Once you’ve weighed your options, explore our guide on What to Expect With a New Roof Replacement so you know exactly what happens after you sign off on your roof.

At Equity Roofing, we help you make the smartest long-term choice for your home and budget. Either way, you'll have a roof that dramatically outperforms traditional shingles while adding significant value to your property.

Central PA, cost, FAQ, metal roof, residential