Metal roofs are now one of the fastest-growing materials for roofing in both commercial and residential projects. The Metal Roofing Alliance estimated that 750,000 metal roofs were installed in 2015 and it’s only increased since then.  

Many people across the country and right here in Fort Wayne, IN, are making the decision to invest in various types of metal roofing. Each of these metal roofs is durable, reliable, beautiful, and will likely last the rest of your life.

But what type of metal roof is best for you and which metal roof systems will look and function best in your area?  

Metal roof isn’t cheap and investing in a new metal roof can be a hard decision for homeowners. We are here to break down the 6 types of metal roofing to create a stunning home that will last a lifetime.

1. Exposed Fastener Metal Roof

The exposed fastener style means you can see the screwheads on the roof. This allows for easier (and less expensive) installation.

The screwheads are ceramic coated and painted to match the same color as the roof to create a very classic metal roof look. This is one of the most popular types of metal roofing for agriculture structures, commercial buildings, and residential homes.

Pros: These types of roofs are quick to install and cost-effective. They can be painted to match any color, and the fasteners are painted to match.

In addition, while extremely durable, the exposed fasteners actually make it easier to replace a single panel without disturbing the rest of the roof if necessary. 

Cons: Although they are extremely durable and provide the same benefits as other types of metal roofing – they often don’t carry the same warranty.

This is because when you have fasteners exposed, you are more exposed to UV, moisture, wind, and other elements that can cause fasteners to wear or fail.

The exposed fastener style means you can see the screwheads on the roof.

2. Standing Seam Metal Roof

Standing seam metal roofing hides the fasteners underneath ribs, or seams in the panels. All of the panels snap together, and the screws are hidden at the seams. Standing seams are often made with cool roofing coils that reflect the sun’s rays and dispel heat. 

Pros: Standing seam metal roofs are a very popular type of metal roofing (especially if you’re installing a copper roof) because they provide a more modern, classic look. In addition, they often carry a weather-tight warranty from the manufacturer. 

Cons: One major drawback to this method is that the panels are not attached to the roof deck (the base). This can cause waves or ripples in the panels.

Still, when installed correctly standing seam is considered a higher quality metal roofing systems and is more popular than exposed fasteners simply because of the sleek and more finished appearance. 

Standing seams are often made with cool roofing coils that reflect the sun’s rays and dispel heat. 

3. Hidden & Concealed Fastener 

There are several different products and methods that hide or conceal the fasteners in different types of metal roofing. 

In addition to the classic standing seam, some concealed fastener panels are joined together by interlocking seams that are fastened to the deck and completely hidden underneath the roofing panels. 

Other hidden fasteners are simply attached to the roof deck with pancake head fasteners.

Pros: One of the benefits of the low-profile metal roof panels with concealed fasteners is the sleek, modern look. They are extremely durable and resistant to weather, pest, and fire damage. 

Cons: Hidden & concealed fastener metal roofs can be more expensive due to the labor, time, and accessories involved. 

In addition to the classic standing seam, some concealed fastener panels are joined together by interlocking seams that are fastened to the deck and completely hidden underneath the roofing panels. 

4. Vertical Seam Roofing

Vertical Seam is the powerhouse of standing seam roofing. This particular style of standing seam roofing has modern 1.75″ high ribs in widths of 12″, 16″, and 18″ apart.

Pros: The hidden fastening clip in Vertical Seam roofing allows unlimited expansion and contraction, making them ideal for hurricane zones and coastal areas.  Taller ribs allow the vertical seam to be installed over open framing as well as solid decking.

Cons: Finding a contractor who is qualified to install vertical seam roofing can be difficult. They must have the required craftsmanship to install these types of metal roofing and there are fewer contractors with a proven track record. 

The hidden fastening clip in Vertical Seam roofing allows unlimited expansion and contraction, making them ideal for hurricane zones and coastal areas.

5. Granular-Coated Panels 

You can get the look of traditional asphalt shingles with the longevity and durability benefits of metal.

Because metal roof lasts significantly longer than most traditional metal roof materials, granular-coated metal roofing panels (also known as steel roofing panels) provide the best of both worlds.

Pros: Each steel roof panel uses a hidden fastener system, so it doesn’t carry the traditional look of metal. Most people won’t even realize it’s a metal roof.

Still, it’s backed up by the warranty, impact resistance, and numerous benefits that come with all types of metal roofing. In addition, these steel roofing panels can withstand gusting and heavy winds, rain, and hail. 

Cons: Granular-coated panels are on the high end of the cost range for various types of metal roofing materials. However, because of its long-life span and practically nonexistent maintenance, you will end up saving money over time.

Because metal roof lasts significantly longer than most traditional metal roof materials, granular-coated metal roofing panels (also known as steel roofing panels) provide the best of both worlds.

6. Stamped Roofing

Stamped metal shingles are smaller panels that interlock together at all 4 sides and have been stamped or pressed to mimic the look of shingles, shake, tile, and slate roofing.

Pros: The biggest appeal of these types of metal roofing is the ability to have any roof style while maintaining longevity, eco-friendliness, strength, and a low maintenance roof.

Stamped metal shingles also make a great option for re-roofing without removing your existing roof. Because they have deep grooves that keep the panels up off the roof deck, there is space between the old asphalt shingle roof and the new metal shingles.

This ensures the integrity of the new roof regardless of the condition of the old roof.

Cons: Stamped metal roofing material is typically made from thinner metal, so they have the ability to be formed and molded. Because of this, they are slightly more susceptible to puncture or cracking – although, they are still more durable than traditional asphalt, clay tiles, or stone slate roofing.

Stamped metal shingles are smaller panels that interlock together at all 4 sides and have been stamped or pressed to mimic the look of shingles, shake, tile, and slate roofing.

How To Choose the Right Metal for Your Roof

So how do you decide which metal roof is best for you? That’s what we are here for. Here are a few key questions we ask each client to help them determine the best types of metal roofing for their location and their budget.

  • What is Your Roof Budget? This is the first question that must be determined. An exposed fastener roof is going to be the most budget-friendly option and stamped roofing is usually the most expensive. However, there are options in between that can affect the cost of your roof significantly.
  • What is Your Desired Roof Appearance? If you like the look of a standing or vertical seam, a classic standing seam metal roof is a beautiful and modern option. If you’d prefer your home to carry the look of tile, slate, shale, or asphalt shingles – one of the stamped or granular coated panels is the best choice.
  • How Long Do You Want Your Roof to Last? Of course, we all want our roofs to last forever. All metal roofs carry longevity that will outlast even the best asphalt shingles. However, some types of metal roofing may last longer than others – and the warranty may differ between manufacturers.
  • Is Your Roof Near the Coast? If your roof is near the coast, you’ll want to choose one of these metal roofs that can withstand high winds and is not susceptible to rust or corrosion from the saltwater over time.
  • Do You Plan on Installing the Roof Yourself or Hiring a Professional? If you plan on installing the roof yourself, your best is pre-formed panels. Still, without adequate experience, expertise, and equipment, we don’t recommend installing any of these types of metal roofing yourself.

FAQs About the Different Types Roofs

No, this is definitely a metal roof myth. The ventilation in your home is set by building codes, not by other roofing materials. A metal roof typically does not increase nor decrease the need for ventilation. Metal roofing does not inherently make your home hotter (or cooler). In fact, Standing seams roofing is often installed with cool roofing coils that reflect the sun’s rays and dispel heat.

No, a drip edge is not needed for metal roofing. However, if you don’t have a drip edge, you need to ensure that you overhang your metal roofing at least an inch. For this reason, many homeowners will choose to install a drip edge, simply because it looks a little nicer than the raw metal edge.

Aluminum roofing is the lightest roofing material and weighs as little as 5 lbs per square foot. However, don’t let that fool you. Aluminum roofing is also the most durable and can withstand high winds, ice, rain, and hail.

Do You Need Help Choosing Your Metal Roof?

If you’re ready to transform your home, it’s time to call a trusted name in the metal roofing industry. Perfect Steel Solutions in Fort Wayne, IN is here to help you with all 6 types of metal roofing available in your area. 

When you work with our team, not only will you reap the benefits of metal roofing, but you’ll also reap the benefits of becoming a member of the Perfect Steel family and our Lifetime Limited Transferable Warranty. 

If you’re ready to see the true benefits of metal roofing in your own home, give us a call today to get started.