Pros and cons of metal roofs for your home - State Farm

Author: Franke

Jul. 07, 2025

Pros and cons of metal roofs for your home - State Farm

Pros and cons of metal roofs for your home

The benefits of a metal roof may outweigh traditional asphalt shingles, especially when you consider a metal roof lifespan.

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Deciding on the type of roofing material for your home is more than just about aesthetics; it's about the longevity, durability and overall protection your home will have. This is where the age-old debate of metal roofs vs. shingles comes into play. Both have their merits and downsides, making the choice dependent on various factors, including climate, budget and personal taste. This article delves into the pros and cons of metal roofs, explores how they compare to shingles and touches upon the diversity in types and colors of metal roofing, to help you make an informed decision.

Metal roof pros

Metal roofing boasts a range of benefits that contribute to its growing popularity among homeowners. Here are some of the key advantages:

How long do metal roofs last? One of the most significant selling points of metal roofs is their longevity. Depending on the material, metal roofs can last between 40 to 80 years, significantly longer than the 20-year lifespan of typical asphalt shingle roofs.

Are metal roofs durable? Metal is very resilient against weather elements, including strong winds, heavy snow and even wildfires, making them a robust choice for almost any climate.

Are metal roofs energy efficient? A metal roof can save a homeowner around 40% on energy costs. The most efficient type of metal roof will depend on your home’s location: Cooler locations may see the biggest savings from unpainted metal roofs since they will absorb more of the sun’s heat. Conversely, warmer locations may find the granular or pre-painted options a better choice since they re-emit up to 90% of the solar radiation.

What is the environmental impact? Metal roofing materials are often made from recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life, making them an environmentally friendly option. This aspect is increasingly important for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Are metal roofs an impact resistant roof? Metal roofs offer superior resistance to impact, including hail, compared to other roofing materials. This can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to severe weather conditions.

How fire resistant are metal roofs? Metal roofs are noncombustible, which means they have a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). This characteristic is especially important in areas prone to wildfires or if you’re looking for an added layer of protection for your home. In fact, metal roofs are no more prone to lightning strikes than traditional asphalt roofs.

Metal roof cons

Despite the numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

How much does a metal roof cost? The most significant barrier for many homeowners is the higher initial cost of metal roofs, averaging $11,000 for a 2,300 square-foot roof. Prices vary, but metal roofing can be more expensive than traditional shingle roofing upfront, though potential savings in maintenance and energy bills can offset this over time.

Are metal roofs noisy? Without proper insulation, metal roofs can be noisier during rain or hailstorms compared to their asphalt shingle counterparts. However, modern installation techniques as well as the type of metal roof selected (uncoated vs coated) can significantly mitigate this issue.

Do metal roofs expand and contract? Metal roofing materials can expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to loosening of the fasteners over time. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to counter this issue.

Do metal roofs dent? Although metal roofs are generally durable and impact-resistant, some softer metal materials, like aluminum and copper, can be prone to denting from large hailstones or falling branches. It's crucial to select the right type of metal roof for your climate and consider the potential risks in your area.

Metal roof aesthetics

Types of metal roofs

When it comes to types of metal roofs, there are a few materials to choose from, each offering a set of benefits:

Aluminum: Highly resistant to corrosion in coastal environments and lightweight.

Steel: Offers high strength and is typically coated to prevent rust. This is the most popular metal roof.

Copper: Known for its long lifespan and the beautiful patina it develops over time. This is typically the most expensive type of metal roof material.

Zinc: Also boasts a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance. It will also patina and change color.

Metal roof colors

As for colors, metal roofs are not limited to the classic silver or gray. Thanks to modern technology, they are available in a spectrum ranging from traditional earth tones to vibrant blues, greens and even patterns that mimic wood or slate. The most common colors are:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of metal roofing sheet supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Green
  • Grey
  • Red
  • White

This diversity allows homeowners to select a roof that not only meets their performance needs but also complements their home’s aesthetic.

What’s the difference between metal roofs and shingles?

Shingles can come in sheets, rolls or stacks and are all similar in design. Shingles are nailed onto wood roofing structures, layered and placed up facing from the lowest point on the angled roof. Shingles can be the cheaper option and simplest to install.

Metal roofs come in large sheets and typically are more expensive to produce and install. Because of the design with seams that interlock and fasteners to hold the surface, metal roofs have strength and durability with minimal maintenance.

Should I buy a metal roof or shingle?

In comparing metal roofs and shingles, it's clear each has its advantages and disadvantages. Metal roofs offer exceptional durability, energy efficiency and aesthetic diversity, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. However, their higher initial costs and potential noise issues are factors to consider. Ultimately, choosing between a metal roof and shingles will depend on your budget, climate and personal preferences for your home’s appearance and performance.

Before making a decision, it’s recommended to consult with a professional roofing contractor to discuss the best options for your home. They can provide valuable insights into the types of metal roofs suitable for your area and help calculate the long-term savings to help make an informed choice. In addition, insurance companies may provide roof material discounts based on the type of roofing material used.

Remember, investing in your home’s roof is a crucial decision that impacts your property’s value, safety and cost-efficiency. Whether you lean towards metal roofing or traditional shingles, ensure you weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide what best suits your needs and circumstances.

Massachusetts Steel Supply: The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Builders, businesses and budgets can benefit greatly from the use of metal roofing systems. There are many advantages to choosing to use sustainable galvanized steel or to embrace local efforts in New Bedford aluminum construction. Thanks to local Massachusetts steel supply options from quality providers such as Mid City Steel in Westport, many engineers are now looking into the use of metal roofing, not just as a means of reducing cost, but to provide a better quality finished product for their clients. This article will talk about the pros and cons, benefits and advancements made in the field of metal roofing for property owners, companies and contractors in the New England area.

How Metal Roofing Systems Are Used

One of the primary reasons why many property owners and contractors are looking into advancements made and trends in metal roofing systems is the reduced maintenance associated with using sustainable galvanized steel, aluminum and other durable materials. Metal roofing systems last longer than most other materials, require less repairs, reducing costs associated with maintenance and replacements. Different types of buildings will require different types of metal roofing materials and installations to be used, however most buildings and industrial use situations will allow for new roof installations as well as for conversions of existing roofs to Massachusetts steel supply materials.

Using Sustainable Galvanized Steel

Actual case studies have shown that even a basic galvanized sheet metal roof can last more than 40 years on existing buildings. However, advancements made in the coatings and galvanic protection techniques used to create today’s even more sustainable galvanized steel materials may allow them to last even longer. New studies that analyze the return on investment for use of galvanized steel pipes, sheets and other materials reveal that the benefits to the environment, lower maintenance costs and durability make sustainable galvanized steel a smart and earth-friendly choice.

Why Metal Roofs are Good for the Environment

To understand why New Bedford aluminum construction and use of sustainable galvanized steel for metal roofing systems and other metal construction that uses steel pipes, sheets and other materials, it is important to gain a better understand of the “green” movement. This earth-friendly movement in the world of industry advocates the use of recycling, reducing waste, re-using materials and using recycled materials. Materials that have been commonly used for roofing throughout the decades haven’t always been very friendly to the environment and aren’t typically recyclable. However, metal is highly recycled and rewarded in North America, contributing heavily to the sustainability of the Massachusetts steel supply industry.

Metals Used in Metal Roofing Systems

The sheet metal that is used to create most of the roofing systems that are popular within the industry today are made from recycled steel. What this means is that the materials come from recycled materials and that they can be recycled again when they are removed and replaced to further extend the performance life of the materials. How’s that for sustainability? Sustainable galvanized steel is often coated with highly reflective surfaces and will often include insulation and ventilation built right in to help reduce energy consumption associated with heating and cooling. Most surfaces for New Bedford aluminum construction are designed with high emissivity ratings, which helps to allow heat and solar energy to dissipate quickly and not be absorbed into the building, which could potentially impact thermal control and management.

More Advantages to Installing Metal Roofing

In addition to all of these benefits, there are even more reasons to choose sustainable galvanized steel and other metal materials, steel pipes and frames for your next roofing project. Sheet metal roofing sheds water on a steep slope and is watertight on a low slope. Choose from shingles or tiles, panels and also standing-seam metal roofing systems. The cost of metal roofing products, which can be purchased through your local Massachusetts steel supply provider at Mid City Steel.

Where to Get Sustainable Galvanized Steel in New England

If you require steel pipes, sustainable galvanized steel, materials for your New Bedford aluminum construction project or any other type of new and used steel in the South Coast region, look no further than Mid City Steel. This family owned and operated business has been serving customers in New England since .

In addition to their location in Westport, MA, contractors and builders can also browse and purchase materials at their Bozrah, CT location. With a wide delivery range that includes Southeastern Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Mid City is large enough to handle your orders, yet small enough to pay attention to all of the details and demands of each and every customer.

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