Although residential metal roofs have lost their popularity in 1950-1990, in the last three decades we have observed a slow but constant comeback. While in year 2000 only 3% of newly installed roofs were metal, now they account for us much as 15% of the market. Although asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in the U.S. steel and aluminum are undeniably important part of this market and in many cases should definitely be considered as an alternative for traditional materials. In this article we will explain why exactly metal is one of the best residential roofing materials available.
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Metal Roofs Last Longer Than Asphalt Shingles or Cedar Shakes
Although modern asphalt shingles are surprisingly durable and can last for as long as 30 years under normal use in a mild climate, an average Galvalume or Kynar-coated steel sheet can easily last over 70 years without significant signs of aging. Such a long lifespan makes it more durable than the house itself—it’s essentially a lifetime solution.
Because of poor anti-corrosive treatments in the past, many homeowners we speak with are concerned about rust. Fortunately, this is largely a myth. Modern roofs are coated with a thick layer of paint that serves as a weather barrier. In most cases, corrosion begins only when the coating is damaged, for example by falling branches, during cleaning, or due to prolonged UV exposure. It’s worth adding that contrary to asphalt shingles, metal roofing panels do not deteriorate when exposed to heat, which is crucial in hot climate.
Despite their higher initial cost, metal roofs are more cost-effective over their lifespan due to their longevity. This means that if you plan to stay in your home long-term, it is often cheaper to install a metal roof than to replace an asphalt roof every 15–25 years, even though materials like GAF shingles are less expensive upfront.
Metal Roofs Look Great and Keep Looking Good for a Long Time
Since metal roofs were used primarily in commercial roofing applications for decades, they are often considered a robust or even “ugly” material. In fact, steel and aluminum can be easily painted, which allows architects and contractors to choose from a wide range of finishes and colors. For example, we have installed red, gold, and white roofing panels. With modern technology, metal roofing fits both contemporary and traditional architecture—it all comes down to creativity.
With improving coating technologies, metal roofs tend to retain their appearance for a long time. Thanks to PVDF coatings, which are highly UV-resistant, even a 20-year-old steel roof can still look fresh and elegant.
It is also worth noting that, due to their smooth surface, metal roofs are much easier to clean. In most cases, you can remove debris and dust using just water, a mild detergent, and a soft brush. This smooth surface makes metal roofs completely moss and algae-resistant – if something grows on it, you can simply wash it off with a pressure washer.
Metal Roofs Don’t Require Any Structural Reinforcement
Although it’s very unlikely to someone decide to install natural slate roof on their house nowadays, just in 2025 we had to refuse replacing at least 3 cedar roofs with DaVinci shakes, just because of the poor condition of roof trusses. While replacing and reinforcing roof structure is completely doable and it’s not a problem in terms of technology, significant amount of work and many is always involved in this kind of projects.
Due to their low weight, metal roofing panels can be installed on virtually anything. It’s a real advantage if you compare steel to other long-lasting materials such as concrete, clay or even composite resins (used primarily to produce synthetic roofing such as DaVinci or Brava).
If You Replace Asphalt Shingles With Metal, You Don’t Need to Tear Them Off
Although it is usually not recommended, some homeowners choose not to remove the existing roof and instead install a new layer of shingles directly over it. Most villages and neighborhoods allow this to be done twice, so a roof may consist of up to three layers of shingles. The City of Chicago does not strictly limit this aspect. As a result, there are houses with as many as nine layers of shingles.
With disposal costs ranging from $10 to even $20 per square per layer, removing five layers of shingles can easily increase the cost of a roof replacement by as much as $4,000. In this scenario, the ability to install metal roofing over an existing roof can make it a more budget-friendly option.
Please keep in mind that the possibility of installing metal roofing over existing shingles should always be assessed by a professional. There are multiple factors that determine whether it is feasible.
When Properly Installed, Metal Roofs Don’t Leak
It is very unlikely for a metal roof to leak anywhere other than at the seams, as it would require the metal itself to fully corrode. At the same time, standing seams are designed to be as watertight as possible. This is achieved primarily by creating two bends and elevating the connection point by up to 1-1/2″ above the roof surface.
We should note, however, that the contractor installing your roof must be aware of issues typical for metal, such as thermal expansion and the resulting movement. Due to the constant expansion and contraction of panels, all seams must be properly sealed and designed to allow the steel or aluminum to move without leaking. For this reason, high-quality metal roof installation services are noticeably more expensive – labor cost tends to be even twice as expensive as in case of standard Owens Corning or GAF shingles.
Metal Roofs Are Not as Loud as You Might Think
Contrary to popular belief, steel and aluminum panels are not significantly louder than asphalt or cedar shingles. With modern technologies and the use of high-temperature felt, metal roofs are well insulated, especially when additional thermal insulation is applied. On average, homeowners do not notice any difference between metal and asphalt roofs in terms of acoustics.
Metal Roofs Are Cheaper to Insure
Generally speaking, metal roofs have the highest possible Class A fire rating. This does not mean they are completely fire-resistant, but they can slow the spread of fire, increasing the chances of preventing total loss. At the same time, when properly installed, metal roofs are highly wind-resistant and can withstand even severe storms. As a result, metal roofs are generally considered a safer option.
Metal Roofs Are Environmentally Friendly
On average, 90% of the mass of metal used in roofing is recyclable, whilst asphalt shingles or synthetic shakes are generally not recyclable at all. No matter what kind of alloy is used, the only non-recyclable part of sheet metal roofing is its coating, usually weighting less than 3% of the whole sheet. Nowadays, the roofing industry is really environmentally-aware – approximately 30% of steel and 90% of aluminum used in construction are recycled materials.
At the same time, due to their longevity, production of metal roofing panels happens once, while three sets of asphalt shingles are needed to be made for the same house. Therefore, the CO2 emissions are spread for decades, not just a few years.
Last, but not least, metal roofs are designed to reflect sunlight, especially if the colors chosen are bright. It helps homeowners reduce the amount of energy used to cool their houses in summer, reducing the bills at the same time – even by as much as 30%. However, don’t believe the myths – metal roofing still requires an insulation, just as any other material.
Metal Roofing Increases The Property Value
Although exterior renovations increasing the property value hardly ever bring a positive return from investment, cost of some repairs and upgrades can be nearly covered with value increase, even up to 90%. This is exactly the case of metal roofs.
In our opinion, a positive influence on property value derives from multiple factors, such as decreasing insurance premiums, lower energy bills, easier maintenance and years of trouble-free use. That can’t be said about natural cedar roofing or asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofs Are Cheaper Than You Could Expect
Let’s get things straight – steel or aluminum roof may cost you as much as $2,000-$2,400 per square, translating to tens of thousand of dollars for replacement of entire roof.
When received, quote for $100,000 or $150,000 may shock you, but it’s worth comparing the prices across all the roofing market. Cedar or DaVinci shakes will cost you pretty much the same, asphalt roof may be installed for 30-50% of this cost, but as a return, its durability will be much lower. This, in the long run, is not a good alternative.
Regardless what material you choose in the end, it’s always worth comparing a few options – maybe a steel roof is actually the best solution for your problems?
