Advantages and Disadvantages of Sheet Metal Roofing

Sheet metal roofing is a durable and long-lasting material that offers excellent protection for your home, no matter how young or old of a structure! Of course, a sheet metal roof isn’t for everyone. This unique aesthetic choice may only suit some, and as with any roofing material, there are pros and cons to owning and taking care of sheet metal.

If you’ve been considering updating the material of your roof, but aren’t sure if sheet metal is right for you, then look no further. We are here to break down the advantages and disadvantages of sheet metal roofing, from characteristics to the installation process as well as maintenance tips.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing?

Source: Développement Pasquier

Pros of Sheet Metal Roofing

Versatility

Metal roofs come in a variety of materials and there is a lot of versatility on the market. Steel is the most frequently used material in both residential and commercial roofing applications, due to its low cost. Aluminum is the second most popular material, as it is more durable and lasts longer than steel at only a fraction of the price of more premium metals such as copper or zinc. Copper roofing materials are generally reserved for architectural details or accents.

Although this siding generally only comes in two application types, vertical panels and interlocking shingles, many modern styles are designed to mimic the look of other materials. This includes clay tile, slate and in some cases even traditional asphalt shingles. Further, modern sheet metal comes in assorted colours.

Longevity

Sheet metal roofing is said to last a lifetime, literally. One of the standout pros of sheet metal roofing is its longevity, as experts suggest that the lifespan of a sheet metal roof is up to 50 years. The longevity of your sheet metal roof will come down to its proper installation, but if done correctly, there will be no reason to install another roof on your home again. Although you will spend money upfront, in the long run, you will save money since metal roofing does not require much repair or replacement during its lifespan.

Weather Protection

Sheet metal roofing has some of the best protection against ice, snow, as well as ice dams, and this material is ice and snow-resistant or ice and snow “shedding.” What this means is that homeowners will never have to worry about roof leaks and water building up underneath the surface. Another perk is the fact that it is non-combustible, meaning it will never catch fire as a cedar or asphalt roof might.  

Although many believe that sheet metal roofing actually attracts lightning, the opposite is true. Rather, it repels lightning, keeping everyone inside safe. Further, if you live in a region with incredibly high winds, metal roofs will protect against hurricane-level winds, keeping your loved ones out of harm's way during those intense storms.

Durability

As we’ve mentioned, sheet metal roofing is exceptionally durable. Unlike most roofing materials, sheet metal will not rot, split or crack as well as warp, chip or leak. Further, sheet metal roofs are not susceptible to termite, rodent or other pest infestations.

However, if this roofing material is installed incorrectly, pests can find their way underneath it and burrow in the underlayers. For this reason, the utmost care and attention should be taken when installing this roofing siding.

Energy Efficiency

You might not realize this but a sheet metal roof can save up to 25% off your annual energy bill, as well as helping your buildings overall energy waste. Since a metal roof has a reflective surface, solar heat is reflected off the roof and into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed by your home.

However, bear in mind that certain metals, such as copper and zinc, are not considered energy-efficient, as they trap heat. Also worth mentioning is the fact that sheet metal roofing uses the least amount of resources during the manufacturing process, making it a green material that can be recycled. Some newer sheet metal may even already contain recycled metal! So, if you're interested in green living and sustainability, this could definitely be the material for you. 

Cons of sheet metal roofing

Consider Your Climate

Unfortunately, even if you are in love with the benefits of metal roofing, you should not install them if you live in a seaside or coastal region as salt from the ocean will create build-up on sheet metal roofing, and can be quite difficult to rid of.

If you really can’t live without a sheet metal roof, you can still install one. Just know that constant and proper maintenance will be necessary to remove the salt buildup and keep this material in good working order. If salt is left, it can cause the material to corrode, leading to holes and various other problems that come along with them.

Installation Difficulty

Working with sheet metal is not always the easiest, and the roofing installation process itself can be quite challenging. If you are placing sheet metal over an existing roof, it is important to remember that certain metals, when placed in contact with others, can generate an electrolytic reaction that will cause the metals to corrode.

For this reason, when working with sheet metal be certain that the base material is always the same: copper with copper, tin with tin and so on. Further, the installation process itself is not the easiest. You’re welcome to try and tackle it with our step-by-step guide for the installation or consider hiring a professional to be certain that the performance and longevity of this material will not be compromised. 

Customization and Available Styles for Metal Roofing

Source : Toiture Métallique Montréal Inc.

One of the main advantages of metal roofing lies in its many customization options, allowing the appearance of the roof to be adapted to all types of buildings and aesthetic preferences.

Varied Profiles and Shapes

Metal roofs come in a wide variety of profiles, each bringing a distinctive style. For example, there are panels with exposed ribs, double or triple rib profiles, models with visible or hidden fasteners, as well as shapes specifically designed to highlight residential, agricultural, or commercial architecture. This variety makes it possible to choose a design that blends perfectly with the style of the building, whether modern, traditional, or rustic.

Wide Range of Colours and Finishes

Metal roofing is available in a vast selection of colours, ranging from classic neutral tones (white, grey, black, brown) to bolder shades (red, blue, green, yellow, etc.). Several manufacturers also offer different finishes: matte, glossy, or textured, making it possible to achieve the desired effect based on preferences and current trends. This allows the roof colour to be coordinated with trims, soffits, or other exterior elements of the home, for a uniform and polished look.

Imitation of Traditional Materials

Some metal roofs are designed to faithfully reproduce the appearance of traditional materials such as clay tile, slate, or even asphalt shingles. This feature allows homeowners to benefit from the performance and durability of metal while maintaining a classic or regional aesthetic, ideal for renovation projects or new heritage-style constructions.

Adaptation to Each Type of Building

Customization of metal roofing is not limited to aesthetics: certain profiles or colours are specifically suited to residential, agricultural, or industrial uses. For example, a robust ribbed profile is particularly suitable for agricultural or commercial buildings, while more discreet lines and a wider range of colours are preferred for homes.

Colour Coordination Systems

To make it easier to harmonize the overall exterior, there are colour coordination systems that allow the metal roof to be matched with other siding, trims, and soffits of the house. This approach ensures visual consistency and highlights the overall architecture of the building.

Costs and Budget

Source : Rénovolution

The price of a metal roof varies considerably depending on the type of metal, the quality of the material, the complexity of the installation, and the intended use (residential, agricultural, or commercial). Entry-level solutions, often used for agricultural or commercial buildings, generally cost between $4 and $10 per square foot, but offer lower-quality finishes and sealants, which may limit their appeal for a home.

For residential roofs, vertical panel steel ranges in price from $10 to $15 per square foot depending on quality and finish, while high-end pre-painted steel, delivered with factory-made accessories and interlocking systems without battens or visible fasteners, can cost between $12 and $30 per square foot.

Aluminum, known for its durability and energy efficiency, ranges between $7 and $12 per square foot for classic models, and between $14 and $25 per square foot for higher-end standing seam versions. Finally, exotic metals such as copper or zinc, reserved for specialized projects or accent features, represent the most expensive option, with prices from $20 to $30 per square foot.

In summary, the choice of material and type of metal roof has a direct impact on the expected budget, ranging from economical solutions to high-end investments, each option offering a different balance between initial cost, durability, and aesthetics.

To learn more, read our article: Sheet Metal Roofing Costs - How Much to Budget in 2025?