ACE Talks

Let’s say you’re staring at a tired composite (asphalt shingle) roof and wondering whether it’s worth stepping up to metal. Short answer: yes, for the right building and goals. For homeowners and commercial owners alike, a metal roof isn’t just a cosmetic swap; it’s a long-term performance upgrade.

Here’s why more people are making the move.

1. Longevity That Actually Pays Off

Composite roofs typically last 15–25 years (often less in harsh weather). A properly installed metal roof can last 40–70+ years.

That means:

• Fewer tear-offs
• Fewer replacements
• Lower lifetime cost, even if the upfront price is higher

You’re buying once instead of twice.

2. Superior Weather Resistance

Metal roofs are built for punishment:

• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Snow loads
• Fire resistance (Class A)

Composite shingles can crack, curl, and shed granules over time. Metal panels stay locked down and shed water fast, which is especially critical in storm-heavy or wildfire-prone areas.

3. Energy Efficiency You Can Feel

Metal reflects solar radiant heat instead of absorbing it.

Benefits include:

• Cooler attic spaces
• Reduced HVAC load
• Lower summer energy bills

Add modern coatings or insulation systems, and efficiency improves even more.

4. Less Maintenance, Less Headache

Composite roofs slowly degrade. Nails pop, shingles loosen, moss creeps in.

Metal roofs:

• Don’t rot
• Don’t attract insects
• Don’t require regular patchwork

Occasional inspections? Yes. Constant repairs? No.

5. Clean, Modern Aesthetic

Metal roofing isn’t just “barn roof” anymore.

Options include:

• Standing seam (clean, architectural lines)
• Exposed fastener panels (cost-effective, durable)
• Colors and finishes that fit modern, industrial, or rural designs

It’s a visual upgrade that boosts curb appeal and resale value.

6. Lightweight & Structurally Friendly

Metal roofing weighs significantly less than composite shingles.

That matters because:

• Less stress on framing
• Ideal for retrofits
• Often installable over an existing roof (where code allows), saving tear-off costs

7. Environmentally Smarter

Metal roofs are:

• Often made from recycled steel or aluminum
• Fully recyclable at the end of life

Composite shingles? Usually landfill-bound.

Is a Metal Roof Right for Every Building?

Not always. Consider:

• Budget timing
• Architectural style
• Installation quality (this part matters a lot)

But if you’re planning to stay in the building long-term or want fewer future roofing surprises, metal is hard to beat.

Bottom Line

Upgrading from a composite roof to a metal roof isn’t just an improvement; it’s a strategic investment in durability, efficiency, and peace of mind. Done right, it’s the last roof you’ll need to think about for decades.