Metal roofing is on its way to challenging asphalt shingles as the United States’ favorite roofing material. But while it’s becoming more popular, most homeowners don’t know much about the finer details.
This is especially true when it comes to metal roofing materials. Some think metal roofing is, well, just metal roofing.
However, there are different metal roofing materials to choose from for your metal roof system. While they’re all great options, they have some big differences that have to be considered.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners choose the right roofing material for their new roof. That’s why I’ll break down the most common and popular metal roofing materials.
This article covers the following 5 roofing materials, including lifespan, cost, and the pros and cons of each:
- Steel metal roofing
- Aluminum metal roofing
- Copper metal roofing
- Stainless steel metal roofing
- Zinc metal roofing
Disclaimer: the lifespans and cost numbers below are for standing seam metal roof systems.
1. Steel metal roofing
Steel metal roofing is the most common type of metal used in residential roofing. Because of its popularity, steel is generally the type of metal that people think of when they hear “metal roofing”.
The main reason it’s the most commonly used metal comes down to affordability and availability compared to other metal materials. However, the Kynar 500 painted finish and its warranty are also a big draw.
Lifespan: 30- 50 years
Cost: -$16.00 per square foot (price includes all material and labor costs)
Pros of steel metal roofing:
- Cost-effective compared to other metals
- Readily available
- Strong and durable
- Kynar 500 painted finish
- Low maintenance
- Plenty of color options
Cons of steel metal roofing:
- Expensive compared to asphalt shingles
- Less resistant to corrosion than other metals
- Noisy when it rains
- Heavier than copper and aluminum
2. Aluminum metal roofing
Aluminum metal roofing is the lightest type of metal material on the market, but it’s also one of the softest. While this makes it more prone to hail damage than steel, it’s still durable.
Aluminum is extremely popular in coastal climates with heavy rainfall because of its corrosion resistance. Just know that it may not be readily available in areas not along the coast or in a coastal climate.
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Cost: ~$18.00 per square foot (price includes all material and labor costs)
Pros of aluminum metal roofing:
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Good option for coastal climates
- Low maintenance
- Easy to form and work with
Cons of aluminum metal roofing:
- More expensive than steel
- Soft (makes it prone to denting)
- Have to invest in a thicker gauge to avoid denting
- Fewer color options
3. Copper metal roofing
Copper metal roofing is a premium metal material that’s incredibly popular for its high curb appeal. It's one of the most recognizable types of metal in the world for its distinct color and the greenish patina it develops as it ages.
While the curb appeal is a big benefit, copper’s main selling point is that it’s a lifetime material. Copper is also frequently used for flashing, gutters, chimney caps, bay windows, cupolas, and more to accent other roofing materials.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Cost: ~$30.00+ per square foot (price includes all material and labor costs)
Pros of copper metal roofing:
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
- Resistant to corrosion
- High curb appeal
- Recyclable
- Great for accenting other roofing materials
Cons of copper metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Soft (makes it prone to denting)
- May not be readily available in certain areas
- Patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
- Staining things around the roof from water run-off
4. Stainless steel metal roofing
When you hear stainless steel, your mind probably goes to kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware, or other things in your home. However, stainless steel is also a great premium metal roofing material because of its strength.
On top of being durable and long-lasting, stainless steel roofing has great corrosion resistance because of its chromium quantities. Like copper, stainless steel is a lifetime roofing material.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Cost: ~$25.00+ per square foot (price includes all material and labor costs)
Pros of stainless steel metal roofing:
- Durable and tougher than galvanized steel
- Long-lasting
- Low maintenance
- Great for accenting premium roofing materials
- High curb appeal
- Environmentally friendly
- Highly resistant to corrosion
Cons of stainless steel metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Heavy than most other metals
- Expands and contracts more than galvanized steel
- Color options are limited
5. Zinc metal roofing
Zinc metal roofing is pretty similar to copper because it offers a high curb appeal and turns the patina color as it ages. But unlike copper, it has self-healing properties, and the patina is actually a protective layer that resists corrosion.
While zinc metal roofing is available in the United States, it’s more commonly used in European countries. Like copper and stainless steel, zinc metal roofing is a lifetime material.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Cost: ~$20.00 per square foot (price includes all material and labor costs)
Pros of zinc metal roofing:
- Long-lasting
- Self-healing abilities
- Forms a protective layer of patina
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to form and work with
Cons of zinc metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Soft compared to galvanized steel and stainless steel
- Chalky residue from water streaks
- May not be readily available
- Blue/gray patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
What’s the best type of metal roof for your preferred metal roofing material?
There you have it; 5 common types of metal roofing materials. Each metal roofing material is a great option, whether you’re getting a full roof system or an accent piece.
Unfortunately, it will come at a price point most homeowners can’t afford. Even if you go with galvanized steel, your roof will be almost triple the cost of an architectural asphalt shingle roof.
But if you have the budget and like the look, it’s hard to find a better roofing material than metal. Now that you know the types of metal roofing materials, you’ll need to choose the type of metal roof.
There are two types of metal roofs: standing seam (hidden fastener) and screw-down panel (exposed fastener). While both are great roof systems, they have some major differences in cost, lifespan, and more.
Check out Metal Roofs: Standing Seam vs. Screw Down Panels to learn which type of metal roof is right for your situation.
