One truth about our modern world is that technology advances. This is no less true when it comes to building materials and roofing options have certainly increased with these advances. When it comes to metal roofing, the products on the market today come with a long list of benefits along with aesthetic flexibility allowing it to be used on a wide range of building projects. Let’s take a look at this long-lasting and versatile roofing option to help you make an informed decision about choosing metal roofing for your property.

This article will cover:

• What metal roofing is and the reasons to choose it
• The benefits of metal roofing
• The different types of metal roofing
• Things to consider when installing metal roofing
• Maintenance considerations of metal roofing
• Metal roofing compared to other roofing materials
• How to choose the right metal roofing system for your property 

Introduction to Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is not just for industrial use anymore. It is a low-maintenance and long-lasting roofing option that offers versatility for a range of building projects, including commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural. 

What is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is a term for a range of roofing products composed of high-quality metal that is resistant to corrosion and rust. The kinds of metal used on roofs include aluminum, copper, zinc, and stainless steel. In addition, there are manufacturing processes that produce trademarked metal roofing products that improve a metal’s performance against oxidation and corrosion. There are also different metal roofing products that are manufactured to enhance the roof’s aesthetic appearance and streamline the installation process. 

Why Choose Metal Roofing?

Metal is the second most used roofing material in the United States, second only to asphalt shingles. Copper, tin, and lead have been used in roofing for hundreds of years, and corrugated and galvanizing processes have been around since the 19th Century. In the 20th Century, with the mass production of asphalt shingles, roofing metal in the United States was most known for use in industrial, storage, military, and agricultural buildings. Advancements in manufacturing processes and the creation of new metal roofing systems has made metal roofing a more attractive option beyond the warehouse or barn. Today’s metal roofing is available in a range of building products that lend aesthetic design options to building projects along with high-quality protection for your property and other considerable benefits. 

The Benefits of Metal Roofing 

The list of the benefits of metal roofing is not short. An investment in a metal roofing system can yield:

• Durability and longevity
• High-performance protection
• Energy efficiency
• Eco-friendly sustainability
• Lightweight flexibility
• Aesthetic versatility 

Metal Roof Durability and Longevity

One of the top benefits of metal roofing is its durability and longevity. Roofing metal is a strong, long-lasting material with the ability to hold up under extreme conditions, making them durable in a range of climates. A metal roofing lifespan ranges from about 40 to 70 years, with the average being about 50 years. Proper maintenance and installation can help extend their lifespan. This can mean that metal roofing installation only needs to take place twice in the course of a century, making the upfront costs of putting in a metal roof a better investment over time. 

High-Performance Protection

A roof’s number one job is to provide protection for your building against the elements. The durability of metal roofing means it provides high-performance protection under all kinds of elements, including high ratings against hail, high winds, fire, and extensive UV rays. Metal roofing can withstand heavy rains, hurricane conditions, and large snow and ice accumulation. It makes it a quality product for climates with both hot and cold temperature extremes as well as those that experience hazardous storms and weather conditions. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the metal roof benefits that is not always top of mind, but a rise in energy costs has recently made it a bigger consideration for property owners. The reflective and thermal properties of metal roofs help lower energy costs and make them one of the most energy efficient roofing materials on the market. The reflective properties of metal help keep buildings cooler in the summer while their thermal properties help keep them warmer in the winter. All combined metal roofs help keep both heating and cooling costs down and can lower energy bills by up to about 40 percent. This is another reason they are an attractive option in both warmer and colder climates. 

Eco-Friendly Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, metal roofs are almost second to none. Metal roofing materials are 100 percent recyclable. Also, depending on the type of metal, about 25 percent of metal roofs are manufactured using recycled materials. This makes metal roofing an environmentally friendly product throughout its lifecycle. 

Lightweight Flexibility

Metal roofing is a lightweight roofing option when compared to other roofing materials. The metal roof weight per square foot is 1.6 pounds while other roofing materials range from 4.5 to 10 pounds per square foot. The less weight of a metal roof makes it:

• Easier to install
• Less of a weight load on a building’s structure
• More resistant to extreme weather conditions
• Less expensive to transport building materials 

Aesthetic Versatility

Newer metal roofing materials come in a range of colors, panel styles, textures, and patterns, allowing for aesthetic versatility for any building project. With finishes that can add a sleek, modern look to a building to those that mimic more traditional products, such as wood shakes, slate, or tile, metal roofing goes way beyond the corrugated industrial buildings of the past. The coupling of aesthetic appeal and versatile construction with high-performance protection, longevity, and energy efficiency, makes metal roofing an outstanding option for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. 

Common Types of Metal Roofing 

There are different types of metal roofing systems on the market. Standing seam metal roofing is a common type of metal material used for roofing . Others include exposed fastener metal roofing, metal shingle or tile roofing, and stone-coated metal roofing. 

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

These metal roofing systems consist of long metal panels, either of high-end steel or aluminum, that feature interlocking seams that connect the panels together. The fasteners that attach the system to the roof’s substructure are not visible, which gives these metal roofing systems an attractive appearance and adds to their ability to provide a watertight seal. They are typically used on sloped roofs with a pitch that is not lower than 3/12, but offer versatility for more complex roof designs. They also offer weathertight and watertight properties, providing high protection for buildings. Some manufacturers offer weathertight warranties for these systems on commercial projects. Standing seam systems require a more labor-intensive installation process and usually are more expensive than exposed fastener systems. 

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

Exposed fastener metal roofing systems use similar materials as standing seam systems, but the fasteners that attach the system to the roof’s substructure are visible and go directly into the decking or framing. These systems are less expensive than standing seam systems and installation is simpler and more straightforward, making them a popular choice for residential, industrial, agricultural, or structural buildings. It is also easier to replace damaged panels. These systems also offer watertight seals, but not as well as the standing seam systems. The fasteners are exposed to the elements and can degrade overtime, causing water penetration and leakage. Overall, exposed fastener metal roofing systems are less aesthetic than standing seam systems. 

Metal Shingle or Tile Roofing

Metal shingles are much what they sound like, a metal roofing product that mimics the look of more traditional shingles in design and application. This type of system gives the strength of galvanized steel to the flexible and sleek style of a shingle. In some systems, the metal is stamped with a pattern to provide a unique design feature. Metal shingle or tile roofing materials are seen more and more on residential homes, providing high-quality protection, longevity, and curb appeal to roof designs. 

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

Another example of a manufacturing process that creates a high-performance metal roofing material that also provides aesthetic appeal is stone-coated metal roofing. This versatile roofing product combines steel sheets with coated stone granules to create a textured panel that brings both protection and style to your building project. The look of the metal panels is closer to an asphalt shingle, but with the benefits that come with metal roofing.

Installation and Maintenance of Metal Roofing Systems 

Metal Roofing Costs

The upfront installation costs for metal roofing will run about double that of asphalt shingles. On average, as of 2024, an asphalt roof replacement will cost between $8,500 to $15,000 while metal roofing is between $25,000 to $45,000. These estimates depend on different factors, including roof size, slope, and materials used.

When choosing to install a metal roof, long term costs for maintenance and replacement along with lower heating and cooling costs need to figure into your decision. Overall, metal roofing has a high return on investment when compared to other options. 

Metal Roofing Installation

Proper installation of your metal roof, as with most roofing installations, is more than just important, it is imperative. Improper installation can lead to costly problems down the road, including leakage, water damage, denting, maintenance issues, and expensive repairs. While proper installation can lead to the longevity, high-performance protection, and energy efficiency that metal roofs are known for.

When it comes to metal roof installation three common mistakes happen far more frequently than they should. These include:

• Problems installing the roof-to-wall flashings that protect areas prone to leaks
• Problems installing valleys, hip or ridge caps, and pipes, which protect against leakage and sagging
• Problems with installing roof fasteners, especially those that are exposed to the elements

These common problems can be alleviated with proper installation by a reputable, reliable, and professional roofing contractor. 

A few important installation tips include:

• Get a good measure of your roof – know the square footage you are working with and the amount and measurement of the materials needed
• Get rid of old materials – remove and dispose of your old roofing materials
• Get an inspection – make sure you have your roof decking inspected for damage and then repair any damage before installing your new metal roof
• Get a professional installer – hire a professional who knows how to install the type of metal roof you have chosen. Ensure that they install proper flashing, a drip edge, a ridge cap, and adequate underlayment along with proper insulation and metal roof coating. 

Maintenance Tips

For the most part metal roofing is a low-maintenance roofing option. If properly installed, it needs minimal maintenance, although exposed fastener metal roofs require more care than standing seam metal roofs. Every roof, no matter what it is made from, however, needs some maintenance.

Here are a few basic maintenance tips for metal roofing:

• Regularly remove leaves, sticks, and debris
• Periodically clean out gutters and drains
• Routine surface cleaning to get rid of dirt, mildew, and stains
• Inspect for scratches, scuffs, chalking, fading, or flaking
• If your system has exposed fasteners, routinely check fasteners and foam closures for degradation
• Replace loose, rusted, or backing out fasteners and foam closures that are breaking down
• Inspect for watertight seals 

Metal Roofing vs. Other Roofing Materials

Taking a look at how metal roofing adds up next to other roofing materials is a good idea if you are weighing your roofing options. 

Comparison with Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and can be found on about 80 percent of U.S. homes. They are affordable and reliable. They can last anywhere between 15 to 30 years, depending on the type of shingle installed, the climate you live in, and how well you care for them. Asphalt shingles usually perform better in colder climates than in warmer ones as strong, direct sunlight can contribute to their wear and tear. Asphalt shingles do not last as long as metal roofing and do not possess the same energy efficiency qualities. As a roofing system, however, asphalt shingles are usually the least expensive upfront option, even when choosing thicker, more durable shingles. If you consider replacement costs over time and the lower energy bills that come with metal roofing, the upfront savings from asphalt shingles does not always balance out as the cost-effective option in the long run. 

Comparison with Clay Tiles

With proper maintenance clay tiled roofs can last anywhere between 75 to 150 years, which puts them high on the longevity list. Clay tiles also have a natural thermal resistance and as a roofing system offer natural ventilation, making them an excellent choice when heat transfer into a building is an issue. There are other properties concerning clay tiled roofs though that need to be considered when compared to metal roofing options. Clay tiles are more fragile than metal roofing systems and will break under force. They also tend to weaken when repeatedly exposed to freezing and thawing, making them not an ideal choice for colder climates. Unlike metal roofing, clay tiles are not a good roofing option in areas that experience snowy conditions. 

Choosing the Right Metal Roofing

With all the different metal roofing products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your project. Let’s dig a little into what factors to consider to help guide your choice. 

Your Project

The type of project that you are planning will help determine what type of metal roofing you will want to use. Commercial properties are different from residential properties as are warehouses, barns, or utility buildings. 

Your Climate

Where your building is located and its climate will factor into your metal roofing choices. You will have to weigh the wind or fire resistance, heat penetration, and energy efficiency of different metal roofing products to match your needs. 

Your Budget

Cost is always a factor up for consideration. Weighing your needs alongside your budget will help balance your upfront costs and your long-term ROI. 

Your Personal Style

Choosing a metal roofing option that fits your personal aesthetic style is an important factor too. Make sure to match up your desired curb appeal with the product you plan to use. 

How to Choose a Metal Roofing Contractor

Choosing a professional and reliable roofing contractor who is well-versed in metal roof installation will go a long way in ensuring that your new roof protects your property for many, many years to come. Check that the contractor you hire has metal roof installation experience and is open and upfront about your options as well as their costs. A reputable company should be able to easily answer your questions and provide you with information that makes your experience as stress-free as possible. 

Metal Roofing: Final Considerations

Whether you are a homeowner, a commercial property owner, an architect, or a builder, metal roofing products on the market today offer a durable roofing option that can provide long-lasting, high-performance protection along with energy efficiency, eco-friendly sustainability, and aesthetic flexibility. The long list of benefits and the variety of metal roofing systems available make metal roofing an attractive choice with an impressive ROI over the roof’s lifespan.