What is metal roofing, and should I get a metal roof?
Short answer. Metal roofing is a roof covering made of steel, aluminum or copper, sold as ribbed panels with exposed screws, standing seam panels with hidden fasteners, or stamped metal shingles. Whether you should get one depends on how long you will own the house, your budget, your HOA and your tolerance for hail dents, since metal lasts much longer than shingles but costs considerably more up front.
The main types
- Exposed fastener panels. Ribbed sheets screwed through the face. The least expensive metal, common on barns, porches and mountain cabins.
- Standing seam. Raised interlocking seams with concealed clips. The premium residential choice.
- Metal shingles and stone coated steel. Stamped to look like shingles, shake or tile.
The materials
Most residential metal is steel coated with zinc or a zinc and aluminum alloy (Galvalume), then painted. Gauge describes thickness: 29 gauge is thinnest, 26 is common, and 24 is heavier and more dent resistant. Aluminum does not rust and is popular near salt water. Copper is a luxury accent. The paint system matters too; PVDF finishes hold color longer than standard polyester paints.
Should you get one? A quick checklist
- It makes sense if you plan to stay 20 years or more, want the longest service life, have a low slope porch or cabin, or simply like the look.
- Think twice if you may sell within a few years, the budget is tight, your HOA restricts it, or your policy excludes cosmetic hail dents on metal.
- Either way, it belongs over a solid deck with proper underlayment, and installation skill matters more than brand.
Compare the details in metal roofing in Georgia and how long a roof lasts in Georgia.