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:
Disclaimer: the lifespans and cost numbers below are for standing seam metal roof systems.
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:
Cons of steel 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:
Cons of aluminum 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:
Cons of copper 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:
Cons of stainless steel 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:
Cons of zinc metal roofing:
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.