
Choosing a Metal Roof
All across Oklahoma and other states, more homeowners and commercial property owners are getting metal roof installation. For anyone that is picturing the old rusty metal roof on barns, metal roofs today not only look better, but they are more durable and energy-efficient too.
But there is a difference in the types of metals used in metal roof installations, each having its own set of pros and cons.
Which type of metal roof is best?
The five most commonly used types of metals are:
Galvalume
Introduced in the 1970s, it is a combination of three types of metal that gives us Galvalume. The combination of aluminum, steel, and zine with a carbon steel base sheet that is nonstop hot dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys, results in a durable, strong metal material ideal for metal roof installation on commercial or residential properties.
The Pros of Galvalume include:
- Color Options
- Least Expensive
- Corrosion Resistant
- Easy to Form
- Recyclable
- Can be installed over an existing material and warrantied for weather-tight roofing and labor warrantied when installed by a certified roofing contractor.
The Cons of Galvalume include:
- Oil Canning – This can minimize when installed by an experienced roofing contractor
- Chalking and Fading
- Interactions with other materials
Aluminum
A predominant and popular metal, the third in the abundance of availability that can withstand extreme weather and is a sustainable material for commercial and residential metal roof installations.
The pros of aluminum include:
- Highly Recyclable
- Lightweight Strength
- Corrosion-resistant
- Rust resistant
- Medium Price Point
- Readily Available
The cons of aluminum include:
- Natural Color
- Easily dents
- Thermal Movement
Zinc
Ideal for commercial and residential metal roof installations with a history of withstanding the test of time. Made from a natural element, this material is 23rd in abundance and there is no end in sight to its availability.
The pros of zinc include:
- Longevity
- Ecofriendly
- Energy Savings
- Self-healing
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy to Form
The cons of zinc include:
- Expensive
- Oil Canning
- Underside Corrosion
- Ventilation
Copper
Copper roofing has been used for thousands of years, records indicate it was used in 27 B.C. on Pantheon and is still used today in both commercial and residential metal roof installation.
The pros of copper include:
- Lightweight
- Energy-efficient
- Durable
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Recyclable
- Solderable
The cons of copper include:
- Very Expensive
- Contraction/ Expansion
- Patina
- Run-off Staining
Stainless Steel
This is another popular metal for commercial and residential metal roof installation and is known for its durability and strength.
The pros of Stainless Steel include:
- Durability
- Weathers Elements
- Contraction/Expansion
- Warranty
- Finish Options
The cons of stainless steel
- Expensive
- Standing Water
How long does a metal roof last?
The quality of the metal used, and the quality of the metal roof installation job has a big influence on the lifespan of a metal roof installation. Most metal roofing will last between 40 years and 70 years, with copper roofing lasting up to 100 years or longer.
Follow-up maintenance and proper ventilation will impact the longevity as well the climate and environment. Part of the maintenance is keeping the roofing clean, and it is recommended to have this done by a contractor that is experienced in how to clean a metal roofing without damage.
Do metal roofs attract lightning?
There has not been any scientific proof that a metal roof installation will attract lightning any more than other roofing materials. The attraction of lightning hitting a structure appears to be the height of the structure, such as being on a hill over flat land and being in an open area.
Do metal roofs attract heat?
On the contrary! Metal roofing has a low thermal mass that reflects the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing them like other types of roofing materials.
Is it recommended to insulate under a metal roof?
Yes, it is recommended by industry experts to have insulation installed under a metal roofing material. This will help with the energy efficiency and sound deadening too.
What color metal roof is best?
For structures in Oklahoma where the summers get blistering hot, you want to choose a color that will reflect the UV rays of the sun best. So, which metal roof color is best? The recommended colors are white, light blues, grays, and greens to get the best reflection results. For areas where the winters are more prominent, choose dark colors that will absorb the UV rays and keep the interior warm.

The Bottom Line – Cost
How much does a metal roof cost compared to shingles? Metal roof installation will have a higher upfront cost than shingle roofing. For example, choose an architectural shingle for your home, you can expect to pay up to $5/per square foot versus $15/per square foot for a standing seam metal roof installation.
Where metal roofing will save money is the longevity, meaning it won’t need to be replaced in 15 to 20 years like asphalt shingles. In fact, there is a good chance you’ll never need to replace your roof again going with a metal roof installation.