Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing Built to Last Decades

Metal roofing has earned its reputation as the longest-lasting residential roofing material available. Standing-seam panels last 40 to 70 years, resist winds over 140 mph, shed snow naturally, and reflect solar heat that shingle roofs absorb. The upfront cost is higher than asphalt, but the lifecycle math favors metal for homeowners who plan to stay in their home or want the best return on a roofing investment.

We install both standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing on homes, barns, garages, and light commercial buildings. Our crews work with galvanized steel, Galvalume, and aluminum panels in a range of gauges, colors, and profiles. Every installation is engineered for the local wind and snow loads and backed by a written workmanship warranty.

Standing-Seam vs. Exposed-Fastener Metal Roofing

The two main metal roofing systems differ in how the panels connect and how they look.

Feature	Standing-seam	Exposed-fastener
Panel attachment	Hidden clips under raised seams	Screws through the panel face
Fastener exposure	None — fully concealed	Visible screw heads with rubber washers
Wind resistance	Excellent — 140+ mph	Good — 90–110 mph
Leak risk	Very low — no exposed penetrations	Higher — washers degrade over time
Cost per square	$800 – $1,400	$400 – $700
Best for	Homes, premium projects	Barns, garages, budget builds

Standing-seam is the preferred choice for residential roofing. The panels interlock with raised seams that never penetrate the weather surface, eliminating the most common leak point in metal roofs. Exposed-fastener systems work well on outbuildings and agricultural structures where cost is the primary concern.

How We Install a Metal Roof

Metal roofing requires precision at every step. Panel layout, clip spacing, and sealant placement determine whether the roof performs for 50 years or fails in 10.

1. Deck inspection and preparation — we verify the deck is solid, flat, and properly fastened; replace any damaged sheets
2. Underlayment — high-temperature synthetic underlayment rated for metal contact; ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys
3. Panel layout — we measure and snap chalk lines to ensure every panel is plumb and evenly spaced; the first panel sets the standard for the entire roof
4. Starter trim — eave and rake trim installed with proper sealant for a watertight base
5. Panel installation — standing-seam panels attached with hidden clips at specified spacing; exposed-fastener panels screwed at the correct depth and pattern
6. Seam closure — standing-seam panels mechanically seamed or snap-locked; sealant applied at all penetrations and transitions
7. Flashing — custom-bent step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, pipe boot collars, and valley metal — all aluminum or galvanized steel, matched to the panel color
8. Ridge and trim — ridge cap, gable trim, and eave trim finished with sealant and fasteners per manufacturer specs
9. Ventilation — ridge vent integrated under the cap for balanced attic airflow

Metal Roofing Costs

The total investment depends on panel type, material gauge, roof complexity, and local labor rates.

Component	Typical range
Exposed-fastener system (steel)	$8,000 – $18,000
Standing-seam system (steel)	$15,000 – $30,000
Standing-seam system (aluminum)	$18,000 – $40,000
Tear-off of old roof	$1,500 – $4,000
Deck repairs (per sheet)	$70 – $120
Custom flashing and trim	$1,000 – $3,000

Metal roofing costs more upfront than shingles, but the 40–70 year lifespan means you may never replace your roof again. Over 50 years, metal often costs less per year than two or three shingle replacements.

How Long Metal Roofs Last

Metal roofing outlasts every other common residential roofing material.

• Exposed-fastener steel: 25 – 40 years (fastener washers are the weak link)
• Standing-seam steel: 40 – 70 years
• Standing-seam aluminum: 40 – 70 years (ideal for coastal and salt-air environments)
• Copper and zinc: 80 – 100+ years (premium specialty metals)

The coating is what protects the metal. Galvanized and Galvalume coatings resist rust for decades. When the coating eventually wears through, a fresh coat of roof paint can extend the life by another 15 to 20 years.

Maintaining a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is the lowest-maintenance roof type, but it is not completely maintenance-free.

• Inspect fasteners and sealant annually, especially on exposed-fastener systems
• Clear debris from valleys, gutters, and around penetrations
• Wash the roof surface every few years to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew
• Check for scratches or dents in the finish coat and touch up with matching paint
• Remove snow buildup in heavy snow zones if the roof pitch is low enough to hold drifts
• Schedule a professional inspection every three to five years

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Longest lifespan of any common roofing material — 40 to 70 years
• Excellent wind, fire, and impact resistance
• Energy efficient — reflects solar heat, reduces cooling costs
• Snow sheds naturally, preventing ice dam buildup
• Fully recyclable at end of life
• Low maintenance with occasional fastener and sealant checks

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles
• Noise during heavy rain (mitigated with proper underlayment and insulation)
• Denting risk from hail on softer metals like aluminum
• Expansion and contraction with temperature changes requires proper clip systems
• Specialized installation — not every roofer has metal experience

Interested in metal roofing? Call us or request a free estimate online — we will walk you through panel options, show you color samples, and give you a written quote.

Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal

Factor	Standing seam	Corrugated / ribbed
Fastener type	Concealed clips	Exposed screws
Leak risk	Very low — no exposed fasteners	Moderate — exposed screw gaskets degrade
Appearance	Clean, modern, vertical lines	Industrial, agricultural look
Cost per square	$700 – $1,200 installed	$400 – $700 installed
Lifespan	40 – 70 years	20 – 30 years
Best for	Residential, commercial, architectural	Agricultural, utilitarian, budget

Standing seam is the premium metal roofing system. The fasteners are concealed under the seam, eliminating the most common failure point. Exposed-fastener panels are more affordable but require periodic fastener replacement as rubber gaskets degrade. For residential and commercial applications, standing seam is the standard recommendation.

Metal Roofing Colors and Finishes

Finish type	Durability	Maintenance	Cost premium
PVDF (Kynar)	30 – 40 years	Virtually maintenance-free	Standard
SMP (polyester)	15 – 25 years	May chalk and fade sooner	Lower
Galvanized steel	20 – 30 years	Rust-prone if scratched	Base
Galvalume steel	30 – 40 years	Better corrosion resistance	Moderate
Aluminum	30 – 50 years	Best for coastal — no rust	Higher

PVDF finishes (sold under brand names like Kynar and Hylar) are the industry standard for residential metal roofing. They resist chalking, fading, and chipping for 30 to 40 years. We recommend PVDF finishes for any metal roof where long-term appearance matters.