Understanding your options — from affordable to premium. Not all metal roofs are created equal. Here's what you need to know before making a decision.
Metal roofing has come a long way from the corrugated barn panels you might picture. Today's metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles — many of which look identical to traditional shingles, wood shake, or tile — while lasting two to three times as long as a conventional asphalt roof.
This guide walks through the most common types of metal roofing available for your home, what makes each one different, and what you can expect to invest. Every roof is unique, so these are general ranges — we'll provide exact pricing specific to your home.
What it is: The classic ribbed metal panel you see on barns, workshops, and farmhouses. The screws that hold it down are visible on the surface — that's why professionals call it an "exposed fastener" system.
What it is: Sleek, flat panels with raised vertical seams that lock together. Unlike corrugated panels, there are no exposed screws — the fasteners are hidden beneath the seams. This is what most people think of when they picture a modern metal roof.
What it is: Steel panels coated with stone granules designed to look like traditional roofing — shingles, wood shake, or clay tile. From the street, most people can't tell these apart from the real thing. Common brands include Decra and Gerard.
What it is: Individual metal panels stamped and formed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles, wood shake, or slate. They interlock together and install similarly to traditional shingles, but they're made from aluminum or steel.
What it is: The same clean standing seam design, but made from aluminum instead of steel. Aluminum is naturally rust-proof and lighter weight, making it ideal for coastal areas or homes where corrosion is a concern.
What it is: The gold standard of metal roofing. Copper starts as a bright, warm penny color and naturally ages to a beautiful green patina over time. Typically used on high-end homes, historic buildings, or as accent roofing on dormers and bays.
What it is: A premium European metal roofing material that develops its own protective coating naturally over time — similar to copper's patina, but in soft blue-gray tones. Zinc is self-healing, meaning small scratches actually seal themselves through natural oxidation.