What is Metal Roofing?
Often chosen for
- Owners who want a long service life
- Roofs that can't carry heavy slate or tile
- Porches, bay windows and dormers (copper or standing seam accents)
Types and installation methods
| Standing seam | Vertical panels joined by raised seams, with concealed clips that let the metal expand and contract. |
| Metal shingles and shakes | Stamped interlocking panels that imitate asphalt shingles, slate or wood shakes. |
| Metal tiles (including stone-coated steel) | Panels shaped like clay or concrete tile, sometimes coated with stone granules. |
| Materials | Galvanized or Galvalume-coated steel, aluminum (does not rust), copper and zinc (develop a patina). |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
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How long does Metal Roofing last?
Estimated life expectancy: 40–80 years for metal roofing and 70+ years for copper, from InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart. InterNACHI says these figures assume regular maintenance and normal wear and are guidelines, not guarantees. Real service life depends on installation quality, drainage, exposure and upkeep.
Signs your Metal Roofing roof needs repair
- Loose or backed-out exposed fasteners
- Rust spots or scratched coatings on steel
- Open seams or lifted panels after wind
- Failed sealant at flashings and penetrations
Repair or replace?
Loose fasteners, failed sealant and damaged flashing are common, repairable issues. Individual panels can be replaced. Replacement makes sense when steel is rusting through over large areas or the roof was installed without room for thermal movement and is buckling.
What affects the cost
We price every job after inspecting and measuring the roof. These are the main factors:
- Panel style: standing seam vs shingles or tiles
- Metal type and gauge: steel, aluminum, copper, zinc
- Roof size, pitch and complexity
- Tear-off and deck preparation
- Underlayment, trim and flashing
- Custom fabrication for bays and dormers
[Owner: optional typical price range from your own jobs. Leave out if you prefer quoting per job]
Metal Roofing in Brooklyn & NYC
In Brooklyn, metal is often used on porch roofs, bay windows and dormers on older homes, as well as full roofs. [Owner to confirm which metal systems and materials you install (standing seam, metal shingles, metal tiles, copper)]
Our process
- Inspection & photos
We inspect the roof, drains and flashing and document what we find. - Written estimate
Scope, materials and options in writing before work starts. - Installation or repair
Metal Roofing work done to the manufacturer's instructions. [Owner: manufacturers/brands you install] - Clean-up & final photos
Debris removed, final walkthrough and photos.
Compare other shingle roofing options
Asphalt Shingles · Slate Roofing · Cedar Shakes · Synthetic Shingles · All shingle roofing systems