Compare Metal Roofing Types: Materials, Styles & Costs 2025
Table of Contents
Comparing metal roofing types requires evaluating both material composition (steel, aluminum, copper, zinc) and profile style (standing seam, corrugated, metal shingles, R-panel). Steel dominates residential applications due to its cost-effectiveness and 40–50 year lifespan, while aluminum excels in coastal environments with superior corrosion resistance. Profile choices range from premium standing seam systems with hidden fasteners ($12–$18 per sq ft installed) to budget-friendly corrugated panels ($6–$10 per sq ft), each offering distinct aesthetics, installation complexity, and performance characteristics.
This comprehensive comparison breaks down metal roofing by material properties, style profiles, costs, and best applications to help you select the optimal system for your climate, budget, and design preferences.
Metal Roofing Materials Compared
Steel Roofing (Most Popular)
Types:
- Galvanized Steel: Zinc-coated for rust protection
- Galvalume Steel: Aluminum-zinc alloy coating (55% aluminum, 45% zinc) for enhanced corrosion resistance
Cost: $8–$14 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 40–50 years
Weight: 1.5–2 lbs per sq ft
Pros:
- Most affordable metal option (2–3× cheaper than copper)
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Withstands heavy snow loads and hail
- Wide availability and color options
- Galvalume offers 3× better corrosion resistance than galvanized
Cons:
- Less corrosion-resistant than aluminum in coastal areas
- Heavier than aluminum or copper
- Can be noisy during rain (with proper underlayment, noise is minimal)
- Requires periodic inspection for scratches (paint touch-ups prevent rust)
Best For: Most residential and commercial applications; best balance of cost, durability, and performance.
Aluminum Roofing
Cost: $10–$16 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 40–70 years
Weight: 0.5–0.7 lbs per sq ft (lightest metal option)
Pros:
- Superior corrosion resistance (won’t rust even in saltwater environments)
- Lightweight (reduces structural load requirements)
- Excellent thermal performance (less expansion/contraction than steel)
- Ideal for coastal, humid, or high-salt regions
- Energy-efficient reflective coatings available
Cons:
- Higher cost than steel (20–30% premium)
- Softer metal (more prone to denting from hail or foot traffic)
- Fewer color options than steel
- Can show oil-canning (visible waviness) on large panels
Best For: Coastal homes, high-humidity climates, salt-air environments, buildings requiring low roof weight.
Copper Roofing (Premium)
Cost: $18–$30+ per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 100+ years (outlasts building lifespan)
Weight: 1–1.5 lbs per sq ft
Pros:
- Exceptional longevity (longest-lasting roofing material)
- Develops attractive natural patina (green/blue-green) over 15–20 years
- Antimicrobial properties (prevents moss/algae growth)
- Highly malleable (ideal for complex architectural details)
- No painting or coating required (maintenance-free surface)
- Increases property value significantly
Cons:
- Highest upfront cost (3–5× more expensive than steel)
- Patina development may not suit all aesthetics
- Requires isolation from dissimilar metals (galvanic corrosion)
- Expensive to repair (specialty labor required)
- Can show denting from heavy hail
Best For: Historic homes, luxury properties, architectural landmarks, buildings where longevity justifies premium cost.
Zinc Roofing
Cost: $15–$25 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 80–100 years
Weight: 1–1.5 lbs per sq ft
Pros:
- Self-healing properties (oxidation repairs minor scratches naturally)
- Develops protective patina (blue-gray finish)
- Environmentally sustainable (fully recyclable, low-energy production)
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Popular in Europe for centuries
Cons:
- Higher cost than steel or aluminum
- Limited availability in North America (fewer suppliers/installers)
- Requires specialized installation knowledge
- Patina appearance not universally appealing
- Lower strength than steel (needs thicker gauges)
Best For: Eco-conscious projects, modern architectural designs, coastal environments, long-term institutional buildings.
Material Comparison Table
| Material | Cost/SF Installed | Lifespan | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $8–$14 | 40–50 yrs | 1.5–2 lbs | Good (Galvalume better) | Most applications, best value |
| Aluminum | $10–$16 | 40–70 yrs | 0.5–0.7 lbs | Excellent | Coastal, humid climates |
| Copper | $18–$30+ | 100+ yrs | 1–1.5 lbs | Excellent | Premium/historic properties |
| Zinc | $15–$25 | 80–100 yrs | 1–1.5 lbs | Excellent | Eco-projects, modern design |
Metal Roofing Profiles & Styles Compared
Standing Seam (Premium Profile)
Description: Vertical panels with concealed fasteners; raised seams interlock adjacent panels.
Cost: $12–$18 per sq ft installed
Best For: Residential upgrades, modern architecture, commercial buildings
Pros:
- Sleek, contemporary appearance
- Hidden fasteners (no exposed screws to leak)
- Excellent weather resistance (interlocking seams)
- Allows thermal expansion without stress
- Long warranties (30–50 years)
- High wind resistance (tested to 140+ mph)
Cons:
- Highest installation cost
- Requires professional installation with specialized equipment
- Oil-canning visible on large flat panels
- Not DIY-friendly
Installation: Clips fasten to roof deck; panels snap or crimp onto clips.
Corrugated Metal (Budget-Friendly)
Description: Wavy, rippled panels with repeating rounded or angular profiles; exposed fastener system.
Cost: $6–$10 per sq ft installed
Best For: Agricultural, industrial, barns, sheds, budget residential
Pros:
- Lowest cost metal roofing option
- DIY-friendly installation
- Excellent water shedding (wave pattern channels water)
- Lightweight
- Fast installation
- Wide availability
Cons:
- Exposed fasteners (potential leak points)
- Industrial appearance (may not suit residential aesthetics)
- Less wind resistance than standing seam
- Fastener maintenance required (re-seal every 10–15 years)
Installation: Screws with neoprene washers penetrate panel into purlins.
Metal Shingles
Description: Individual metal pieces shaped to mimic traditional asphalt shingles, wood shake, or slate.
Cost: $10–$16 per sq ft installed
Best For: Homeowners wanting traditional look with metal durability
Pros:
- Traditional shingle appearance
- Lighter weight than standing seam systems
- Hidden or partially concealed fasteners (depends on system)
- Easier to blend with neighborhood aesthetics
- Moderate DIY feasibility
Cons:
- More seams than panel systems (increased leak potential)
- Labor-intensive installation (individual pieces)
- Higher cost than corrugated
- May show wear patterns at overlaps
Installation: Interlocking design with fasteners hidden by overlaps.
R-Panel
Description: Exposed-fastener panels with wide ribs (9-inch or 12-inch spacing); flat pans between ribs.
Cost: $7–$12 per sq ft installed
Best For: Agricultural, commercial, large residential, garages
Pros:
- Affordable (slightly more than corrugated)
- Fast installation
- Clean appearance (less “wavy” than corrugated)
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- DIY-friendly
Cons:
- Exposed fasteners (maintenance required)
- Less architectural appeal than standing seam
- Moderate wind resistance
Installation: Similar to corrugated; screws through panel face into structure.
Stone-Coated Steel
Description: Steel panels coated with stone chips bonded to surface; mimics tile or shingle texture.
Cost: $12–$18 per sq ft installed
Best For: HOA-restricted neighborhoods, traditional aesthetics with metal benefits
Pros:
- Traditional appearance (clay tile, wood shake, shingle profiles)
- Stone coating reduces noise (quieter than bare metal)
- Excellent hail resistance
- Durable finish (30–50 year warranties)
- Fire-resistant
Cons:
- Higher cost than corrugated or R-panel
- Heavier than bare metal systems
- Stone can shed over time
- More maintenance than smooth metal
Installation: Individual panels or larger sections with concealed fasteners.
Profile Comparison Table
| Profile | Cost/SF | Aesthetic | DIY-Friendly | Wind Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam | $12–$18 | Modern, sleek | No | Excellent | Premium residential, commercial |
| Corrugated | $6–$10 | Industrial | Yes | Good | Barns, sheds, budget projects |
| Metal Shingles | $10–$16 | Traditional | Moderate | Good | Residential, HOA neighborhoods |
| R-Panel | $7–$12 | Clean, utilitarian | Yes | Good | Agricultural, garages, commercial |
| Stone-Coated | $12–$18 | Traditional tile/shake | No | Excellent | HOA areas, noise reduction needed |
How to Choose the Right Metal Roofing
By Budget:
- Tight (<$10/SF): Corrugated or R-panel steel
- Moderate ($10–$15/SF): Standing seam steel or metal shingles
- Premium (>$15/SF): Standing seam aluminum, copper, or stone-coated
By Climate:
- Coastal/Humid: Aluminum or Galvalume steel
- High Snow Load: Steel (best strength)
- Hot/Sunny: Reflective coatings on any material
- Hurricane Zones: Standing seam with engineered fastening
By Aesthetic:
- Modern: Standing seam
- Traditional: Metal shingles or stone-coated
- Rustic/Industrial: Corrugated or R-panel
- Historic: Copper or zinc
By Installation:
- DIY Projects: Corrugated, R-panel, some metal shingles
- Professional Required: Standing seam, copper, zinc
FAQ
What is the best type of metal roofing?
Steel standing seam offers the best balance of cost, durability, and performance for most homeowners. Aluminum suits coastal areas; copper is premium for longevity.
Is standing seam worth the extra cost?
Yes, for longevity and aesthetics. Standing seam costs 30–50% more than corrugated but offers hidden fasteners, better warranties, and superior wind resistance.
Which metal roofing is cheapest?
Corrugated steel panels are cheapest at $6–$10 per sq ft installed, followed by R-panel at $7–$12 per sq ft.
How long does metal roofing last?
Steel: 40–50 years; Aluminum: 40–70 years; Copper/Zinc: 80–100+ years. Lifespan depends on material, coating, climate, and maintenance.
Can you walk on metal roofing?
Yes, but carefully. Walk in flat sections, not ribs. Wear soft-sole shoes. Standing seam handles foot traffic better than corrugated.
What gauge metal roofing is best?
26-gauge for residential standing seam; 29-gauge for exposed-fastener panels. Thicker (lower number) is stronger but heavier and costlier.
Do metal roofs leak?
Properly installed metal roofs rarely leak. Most leaks occur at flashing, penetrations, or exposed fasteners if not maintained. Standing seam has fewest leak points.
Conclusion
Comparing metal roofing types reveals steel as the most versatile choice, balancing affordability ($8–$14/SF) with 40–50 year performance. Aluminum excels in coastal environments, copper delivers century-long elegance for premium projects, and zinc offers eco-friendly durability. Profile selection depends on budget and aesthetics: standing seam provides modern sophistication with hidden fasteners, corrugated delivers industrial simplicity at lowest cost, and metal shingles blend traditional looks with metal benefits. Match material corrosion resistance to your climate, profile style to your architecture, and installation method to your skill level for optimal long-term results.
