Everything You Need to Know About Metal Roofs
TL;DR: Everything You Need to Know About Metal Roofs: Metal roofs are a durable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles. A metal roof can last 40–70+ years and reflect heat, lowering energy bills. They come in a variety of styles, like standing seam and metal shingles. While they are more expensive upfront, metal roofs require less maintenance overall.
Looking for a trusted roofing contractor you can rely on? Call Paragon Exterior today to schedule your fast, no-pressure inspection and get your project started.
Types of Metal Roofing Systems
There are, in fact, different types of metal roofs, and not all are created equal. The most common types include:
- Standing Seam: Known for its sleek appearance and concealed fasteners, this is the most durable and leak-resistant option.
- Corrugated Metal Roof: a metal sheet that is roll-formed into a metal panel. These panels are then attached to the roof with screws.
- Metal Shingles and Tiles: Designed to mimic the look of traditional shingles or slate, offering the durability of metal with a more conventional appearance.
To explore each option in detail, visit our roofing services, metal roofing, and standing seam roofing pages.
The Basics – What You Need to Know
Cost
Metal roofs are more expensive, but for a good reason. Typically, they cost between $8 and $14 per square foot installed, which is about twice as much as asphalt shingles. While the upfront investment is higher, metal roofs make up for it by lasting much longer and requiring low maintenance.
How Long Will It Last?
This is where a metal roof shines. A well-installed metal roof can last between 40 and 70 years, and sometimes even longer. A standard shingle roof can last between 15 and 25 years. With this in mind, metal roofs are a better option for durability, but the upfront cost can be a burden for some.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A fantastic feature of metal roofs is that they reflect sunlight. In other words, metal roofs reflect solar heat, reducing AC costs by up to 25% during the summer months. Many are coated with reflective finishes (like Galvalume) that enhance this performance. In terms of sustainability, most metal roofs are made from 30–100% recycled material and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.
Style and Curb Appeal
Modern metal roofing comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and profiles—from contemporary standing seam to metal shingles that resemble wood or slate. Whether you have a farmhouse, colonial, or modern home, there’s a metal roof style that fits.
Real Homeowner Concerns Addressed
When choosing a metal roof, homeowners often have specific concerns beyond price and durability. From our experience, this is what most homeowners are concerned about.
Are Metal Roofs Louder in the Rain?
One of the most common questions is whether metal roofs are noisy during rainstorms. The short answer is that not if they’re installed correctly. When a metal roof is laid over solid decking with quality underlayment and insulation, it dampens sound just as effectively as asphalt shingles. Many homeowners report that they don’t notice any difference.
Can I Install Solar Panels on A Metal Roof?
Metal roofs—especially standing-seam—are ideal for solar installations. Usually, on standard shingle roofs, we need to penetrate the roof itself to install the solar panel. However, with a metal roof, the mounting brackets can be attached directly to the seams, eliminating the need for roof penetrations and making the system more weather-resistant.
Will It Affect My Wi-Fi or Cell Signal?
Some homeowners have noticed a slightly weaker cell signal indoors after switching to a metal roof. However, this is often more about the house’s overall construction (such as thick walls or remote locations) than the roof itself. Mesh Wi-Fi systems or signal boosters can easily resolve the issue in most cases.
What About Water Runoff?
Water tends to run off of metal roofs more quickly, which is a good thing—except when gutters aren’t equipped to handle the volume. In heavy rain, fast-moving water can overshoot the gutters, especially on longer roof sections. Installing gutter extensions or splash guards can solve this issue and prevent erosion of landscaping.
Final Thoughts: Is a Metal Roof Right for You?
A metal roof is a long-term investment in your home—it’s durable, energy-smart, and can dramatically extend your roof’s life while reducing your home’s environmental impact. Like any major decision, it’s essential to weigh the upfront cost against the long-term benefits.
At Paragon Exterior, we can help you weigh the pros and cons of a metal roof and help you make the best decision for your home. We specialize in high-performance metal roofing systems customized to your home and regional climate. Whether you’re considering standing seam, Galvalume, or an energy-efficient solar-ready design, we’ll help you choose the right system—and install it to the highest standards.
