Metal Roof Installation cost: Ames vs Davenport (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Ames sits 1% below Davenport, or roughly $21,000 versus $21,150 — about $150 apart.
Ames IA
Lower costTypically around $21,000
Davenport IA
Typically around $21,150
Ames vs Davenport: full breakdown
| Factor | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $21,000 | $21,150 |
| Estimated range | $12,800–$29,200 | $12,900–$29,400 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.93 | ×0.93 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.04 | ×1.04 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $12,600 | $12,700 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,400 | $8,450 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
At 1%, this gap is small enough that it's usually swallowed by normal quote-to-quote variation for metal roof installation — focus on the contractor, not the city.
Metal roof installation by type: Ames vs Davenport
We localize each metal roof installation type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $8,950–$17,600 | $9,000–$17,750 |
| Standing-seam steel | $17,600–$34,050 | $17,750–$34,250 |
| Aluminum | $13,750–$27,250 | $13,850–$27,450 |
| Copper | $29,200–$58,150 | $29,400–$58,550 |
| Zinc | $27,250–$53,350 | $27,450–$53,650 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Ames vs Davenport
Metal roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft) and costs roughly $6–$14 per sq ft installed — two to three times asphalt, but it lasts decades longer. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels.
| Size | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $7,950–$15,700 | $8,000–$15,800 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $10,850–$22,450 | $10,950–$22,600 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,800–$29,200 | $12,900–$29,400 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,700–$35,000 | $15,800–$35,200 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $18,600–$40,800 | $18,700–$41,050 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national metal roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
Cheapest time for metal roof installation in either city
Why summer costs more: it's the only stretch shingles seal reliably, so every storm-damaged roof in the region is competing for the same crews. Reserve a spring slot during the slow winter season and you're not in that queue.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
The real cost of a roof comes down to three decisions: tear-off or overlay, which shingle tier, and what condition the decking is in. Our editors weigh in.
The do-it-right case
Pay for a full tear-off and quality underlayment, flashing and ventilation. An overlay saves money today but traps heat, voids some warranties and costs more at the next replacement.
The risk case
Nail down the per-sheet decking rate in writing before anyone climbs up. Soft or rotted plywood is the most common mid-job discovery, and without an agreed number the crew names the price after they've already found the damage — turning a cheap quote into an open tab.
The value case
Architectural shingles sit between bargain 3-tab and premium metal or tile, and for most houses that middle ground is exactly right. They carry longer wind and wear ratings than 3-tab for a small step up in price, without the four-figure jump metal or tile demands.
Insist on tear-off over overlay, get the deck-repair rate in writing before work starts, and lean toward architectural shingles. Skipping any of the three tends to cost more later than it saves now.
Ames vs Davenport
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Ames or Davenport?
Ames wins on price: metal roof installation runs about $21,000 there versus $21,150 in Davenport, a gap of roughly $150 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Davenport than Ames?
It comes down to labor: Davenport indexes at 0.93 against Ames's 0.93. The cold-vs-cold climate difference adds to the gap.
How much is metal roof installation in Ames, IA?
metal roof installation in Ames runs $12,800–$29,200 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $21,000.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the discount window in both Ames and Davenport (roughly 5–10% off), while mid-winter and the post-storm rush tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on metal roof installation cost?
Not really — the $150 gap is one-time, and smart timing and tighter quotes in Davenport can shrink it. Factors that compound over time, like energy prices and home condition, deserve more weight than a single upfront difference.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik