Metal roofs for working buildings
Exposed-fastener ribbed steel is the common choice on shops, pole barns, storage buildings and light commercial buildings: it costs less and goes on faster. Standing seam hides its fasteners, handles lower slopes and suits commercial buildings and retrofits. We install ribbed steel and quote standing seam per project. For homes, see metal roofing.
- Metal roofing$800–$1,200/squarePer 100 sq ft, ribbed steel, tear-off
- Roof coating$3.50–$10/sq ftPer sq ft, depends on roof size
Prices checked October 2026. Every proposal is one all-inclusive price: permits and sales tax built in.
Ribbed steel or standing seam
| Ribbed steel (exposed fastener) | Standing seam | |
|---|---|---|
| Fastening | Screws through the panel, each with a sealing washer | Concealed clips or a flange under the raised seams |
| Lowest slope allowed | 3:12 for lapped panels without lap sealant, 1/2:12 with it | 1/4:12 |
| Cost and install | Costs less, goes on faster | Costs more, more complex to install |
| Typical uses | Farm buildings, shops, light commercial | Commercial buildings, retrofits |
The panel comparison comes from metal-panel manufacturer McElroy Metal, and the slopes from the 2020 Indiana Residential Code. Commercial buildings follow the commercial code and the panel maker’s instructions.
Coating an older metal roof
If your metal roof is still sound, a coating can add years before replacement. Conklin’s MR System needs at least 1/4 inch per foot of slope and no ponding water, and Conklin’s spec says rust isn’t covered under any Conklin warranty, so we look closely at rust during the inspection. See roof coatings.
What a commercial metal roof costs
Ribbed steel roofs typically run $800 to $1,200 per square (100 square feet) with trim and one layer torn off. Larger commercial roofs and standing seam are quoted per project, and coatings typically run $3.50 to $10 per square foot. Inspections and estimates are free.
How a metal roof project runs
- Call or request an estimate — Doug Stoliby, our sales manager, reaches out within 1 business day to set up an inspection.
- Free inspection — We check the roof surface, seams, flashing, drains and rooftop equipment, and look inside for signs of leaks.
- Budget and scope — Within 5 business days you get a budget and a written scope.
- Proposal and agreement — One all-inclusive price with permits and sales tax built in, e-signed in JobTread and good for 7 days.
- Scheduling — Tell us your business hours, deliveries and anything else the crew needs to plan around.
- Install — Schedule updates, change orders and inspection results show up in your JobTread client portal.
- Walkthrough — We walk the roof with you and write a punch list of anything left to finish, then issue a Notice of Substantial Completion, which starts your warranty.
Payment and warranty
Roofs we contract directly with a building owner are typically billed 75% at signing and 25% on completion. When we’re the subcontractor for a general contractor, we bill through the GC’s pay-application process. You can pay through the online invoice link, by check or in cash.
Our one-year workmanship warranty starts at substantial completion and covers problems from our installation, not normal wear and tear, damage by others or weather. Membrane and material defects fall under the manufacturer’s warranty, which passes through to you.
Recent metal roof work
- Metal roofs on farm buildings, plus a barndominium roof and siding
- A timber-frame pavilion with a black metal roof on a new concrete pad
- A Class 4 ribbed steel reroof in Rockville
Contacted White Rock Construction about checking our roof for possible leaks. He came out the same day and checked it out. After sealing some holes he told us it was probably wind that blew up some shingles allowing the rain to come in. Friendly and honest service.
Had a great experience with this company. Their work is well done and done in a fashionable time. Will definitely call them again
Great company that does quality work in quality time.
5.0 stars from 82 reviews. Read them on Google (71), Facebook (10) and our TrexPro profile (1).
Commercial metal roofing questions
Can a new metal roof go over the old one?
Sometimes. It depends on the existing panels, the structure and code. The inspection tells us whether it fits your building.
Do you install standing seam?
Yes, on request. We quote it per project.
Can you fix leaking screws on an old metal roof?
Often. Screw holes can wallow out as the metal moves, and the usual fix is a larger screw and washer. If the panels are rusted through, we’ll tell you.
Do you install metal roofs in Illinois?
No. We don’t hold an Illinois roofing license, so all of our roofing is in Indiana.
Need a roof inspected or priced for your building?
Send us a few details and Doug Stoliby, our sales manager, will contact you within one business day to discuss your goals, answer questions and schedule a site visit.
Doug Stoliby, Sales ManagerDoug will reach out within 1 business day.