Metal Roofing Types: Complete Guide to Materials and Styles in 2026

Metal roofing can last 40 to 70 years, but choosing the wrong type can cost you thousands in repairs or replacement.

The problem? Five different materials, four panel styles, and confusing terminology. Galvalume versus galvanized. Standing seam versus corrugated. Stone-coated versus bare metal.

This guide breaks down every metal roofing type available today, explains the pros and cons of each, and shows you exactly what to expect in terms of cost and performance. You'll also learn which types work best in different climates and how to choose the right option for your home and budget.

Understanding Metal Roofing Categories

When comparing different metal roofing types, it helps to understand that metal roofing types fall into two main categories: materials and panel styles.

When comparing metal roofing types, the material determines how long your roof lasts, how it handles weather, and what it costs. Steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and stone-coated steel each have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for different climates and budgets.

The panel style affects how your roof looks and performs, making it a critical factor when comparing metal roofing types. It also determines and how contractors install it. Standing seam, corrugated, shingles, and tiles are the most common styles among metal roofing types, and each one delivers a different aesthetic and performance profile.

Both categories matter when selecting between metal roofing types. You might choose aluminum for its rust resistance in a coastal climate, then pair it with standing seam panels for a modern look and superior water shedding. Or you might select steel for affordability and install it as corrugated panels for a farmhouse aesthetic.

Understanding both categories helps you make smarter decisions when choosing metal roofing types for your roof. Each of the metal roofing types we'll cover combines a specific material with a specific panel style to deliver unique performance characteristics. Most homeowners focus only on material or only on style, which limits their options and can lead to mismatches between performance and appearance.

Metal Roofing Materials: Pros, Cons & Cost

Among all available metal roofing types, material selection has the biggest impact on long-term performance and total cost.

Steel Roofing

Steel is the most popular metal roofing material in the United States. It costs less than aluminum, copper, or zinc, and it performs well in most climates when properly coated to prevent rust.

The coating makes all the difference. Bare steel would corrode in months. Galvanized and Galvalume coatings protect the steel beneath and extend its lifespan to 40 to 60 years.

Galvanized steel has a zinc coating applied to the surface. The zinc acts as a sacrificial layer that corrodes instead of the steel underneath. It works well in most environments, though the coating can wear down over decades in harsh weather or high humidity.

Galvalume steel uses a coating that combines aluminum and zinc (55% aluminum, 45% zinc). This combination delivers better corrosion resistance than pure zinc coatings, especially in humid climates. Galvalume resists rust better in most inland areas, but it doesn't perform as well in coastal environments where salt air is present.

Pros of steel roofing:

• Most affordable metal roofing material

• Strong and durable in most climates

• Widely available from multiple manufacturers

• Easy to find qualified installers

• Available in many colors and finishes

Cons of steel roofing:

• Can rust if coating is damaged or wears down

• Heavier than aluminum (may require structural reinforcement on older homes)

• Not recommended for coastal areas (aluminum is better)

• Noise during rain or hail (unless insulated)

Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners in inland and humid climates

Steel remains the most popular choice among metal roofing types due to its proven track record and widespread availability.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is the second most common metal roofing material, and it has one major advantage over steel: it's completely rustproof.

That makes aluminum the go-to choice for coastal homes where salt air would corrode galvanized or Galvalume steel over time. Aluminum also weighs less than steel, which matters for older homes or structures where weight capacity is a concern.

The tradeoff is cost and softness. Aluminum typically runs 20 to 40% more expensive than steel. And because it's softer, it dents more easily from hail or falling branches.

Pros of aluminum roofing:

• Completely rustproof (ideal for coastal and saltwater environments)

• Lightweight (good for older homes or structures with weight limits)

• Easy to shape into custom profiles

• Energy efficient (reflects heat well)

Cons of aluminum roofing:

• Higher cost than steel (20 to 40% premium)

• Softer metal dents more easily

• Fewer color and finish options from some manufacturers

• Less resistance to foot traffic during installation or maintenance

Cost: $6 to $10 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Best for: Coastal homes, saltwater environments, weight-sensitive structures

Among coastal metal roofing types, aluminum outperforms all alternatives.

Copper Roofing

Copper is a premium roofing material with a price tag to match. You'll often see it on historic buildings, upscale custom homes, or as an accent on dormers and entryways rather than covering entire roofs.

Over time, copper develops a green patina that gives it a distinctive aged appearance. This patina forms naturally and actually protects the copper beneath from further corrosion. If you prefer the original copper color, you'll need ongoing maintenance to preserve it.

Copper roofs can last over a century with minimal maintenance. Some copper roofs on European buildings have been in place for 200 years or more. That longevity comes at a cost, though. Copper typically runs 3 to 5 times more expensive than steel.

Pros of copper roofing:

• Extremely long lifespan (60 to 100+ years)

• Distinctive appearance with natural patina development

• No coatings or paint required

• Naturally resists corrosion

• High resale value for luxury homes

Cons of copper roofing:

• Very high cost (3 to 5 times more than steel)

• Soft metal dents more easily than steel

• Patina develops whether you want it or not

• Limited number of qualified installers

• Theft risk in some areas (copper has scrap value)

Cost: $15 to $25 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 60 to 100+ years
Best for: High-end custom homes, historic buildings, architectural accents

Copper ranks among the most premium metal roofing types available today.

Zinc Roofing

Zinc is another premium metal with characteristics similar to copper. It's durable, environmentally friendly, and develops a protective patina over time.

Zinc has one unique property that copper lacks: minor scratches in zinc roofing seal themselves as the patina forms. This self-healing characteristic helps maintain the protective layer over decades.

Like copper, zinc is less common in residential roofing than steel or aluminum. Fewer contractors have experience working with it, which can make finding qualified installers more difficult. And the cost is similar to copper, running 3 to 5 times more than steel.

Pros of zinc roofing:

• Self-healing surface (scratches seal as patina forms)

• Long lifespan (80 to 100+ years)

• Highly recyclable with low energy production requirements

• Develops protective patina that enhances durability

• Low maintenance once installed

Cons of zinc roofing:

• Premium pricing (3 to 5 times more than steel)

• Limited contractor experience in most markets

• Can develop white chalking in certain climates

• Long lead times for material sourcing

• Requires specialized installation techniques

Cost: $12 to $18 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 60 to 100 years
Best for: Modern architecture, extreme climates, eco-conscious homeowners

Zinc joins copper as one of the longest-lasting metal roofing types.

Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

Stone-coated steel panels combine the durability of steel with the traditional appearance of tile, slate, or shingles. Manufacturers bond mineral granules to the steel surface, creating panels that look like clay tiles or asphalt shingles from the street.

The stone coating delivers several benefits beyond aesthetics. It makes the roof quieter during rain or hail compared to bare metal. It provides better energy efficiency by reducing heat absorption. And it helps the roof blend into traditional neighborhoods where standing seam panels might look out of place.

Stone-coated steel costs more than plain steel panels but less than aluminum, copper, or zinc. It weighs more than bare steel panels, which matters for some older homes but is still lighter than actual tile or slate.

Pros of stone-coated steel:

• Traditional appearance of tile or shingles with metal durability

• Quieter than bare metal during rain or hail

• Better energy efficiency than bare metal

• Works well in HOA communities with appearance restrictions

• Available in multiple colors and profiles

Cons of stone-coated steel:

• Heavier than bare steel panels

• More expensive than galvanized or Galvalume steel

• Granules can shed over time (like asphalt shingles)

• Limited color options compared to painted steel

• Requires experienced installers familiar with the product

Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
Best for: Traditional neighborhoods, HOA communities, homeowners who want metal performance with conventional appearance

Stone-coated steel bridges the gap between traditional and modern metal roofing types.

Metal Roofing Panel Styles and Profiles

After selecting which type of metal roofing material from the available metal roofing types works best for your climate and budget, the next decision is choosing a panel style that matches your home's architecture. Different metal roofing types use different installation methods and create distinct visual appearances that suit different architectural styles.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam roofs have flat panels with raised vertical seams that run from the ridge down to the eave. The fasteners hide beneath the seams rather than showing on the surface, which creates a clean, modern look and excellent water resistance.

Contractors attach the panels to the roof deck using clips that sit under the seams. The panels snap or fold over these clips, leaving no exposed screw holes where water could penetrate. This concealed fastener system is one of standing seam's biggest advantages.

Standing seam costs more than other panel styles because of the more complex installation. But the concealed fasteners mean less maintenance over time. You won't have screws loosening or rubber washers degrading like you would with exposed fastener systems.

The vertical seams also help water and snow shed quickly. Rain runs straight down the panels without pooling. Snow slides off more easily than it would on corrugated or shingle-style panels.

Best applications:

• Modern and contemporary homes

• Commercial buildings

• Low-slope roofs (down to 2:12 pitch)

• Areas with heavy snow or rain

Cost: $9 to $16 per square foot installed

Standing seam ranks among the most versatile metal roofing types for residential applications. For more details on costs and installation, see our complete guide to standing seam metal roof costs.

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated panels have a wavy or ribbed pattern with fasteners visible on the surface. It's the style most people picture when they think of a barn roof or farmhouse.

The corrugations give the panels strength and help them span longer distances without sagging. Contractors install them faster than standing seam panels because the exposed fastener method requires less precision and specialized equipment.

Corrugated metal is the most affordable option among all metal roofing types. It costs less to manufacture, ships in standard lengths, and installs quickly. These factors combine to make it a popular choice for budget-conscious residential projects, agricultural buildings, and commercial structures.

The exposed screws do require attention over time. The rubber washers beneath the screws compress and age, potentially requiring re-sealing or fastener replacement after 15 to 20 years.

Variations include:

• Traditional corrugated (wavy pattern)

• 5V crimp (five ribs per panel)

• R-panel (wider ribs)

• PBR panel (purlin bearing rib)

Best applications:

• Farmhouses and rustic homes

• Barns and agricultural buildings

• Budget residential projects

• Garages and sheds

Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot installed

Corrugated panels represent the most budget-friendly option among metal roofing types.

Metal Shingles, Tiles & Slate

Metal shingles, tiles, and slate are stamped panels designed to mimic traditional roofing materials. From the street, a metal shingle roof can be hard to distinguish from asphalt shingles or natural slate.

Manufacturers stamp or emboss the panels to create texture and shadow lines that replicate the look of individual shingles, clay tiles, or slate pieces. Some products look more convincing than others, but the best ones fool most people from ground level.

Homeowners often choose these profiles when they want the longevity of metal but live in HOA communities or historic districts that require a traditional appearance. They weigh far less than real tile or slate, which matters for older homes that weren't built to support heavy roofing materials.

The installation is more complex than standing seam or corrugated panels. Each piece must align properly with its neighbors to maintain the appearance, which increases labor costs.

Available styles:

• Shake (wood shake appearance)

• Tile (Spanish or Mediterranean clay tile look)

• Slate (natural slate appearance)

• Shingle (dimensional asphalt shingle look)

Best applications:

• Historic homes

• HOA communities with appearance restrictions

• Traditional architecture styles

• Older homes where weight is a concern

Cost: $10 to $18 per square foot installed

Metal shingles and tiles offer the best blend of traditional appearance and modern performance among metal roofing types.

Fastener Types: Exposed vs Concealed

One of the most important decisions when evaluating metal roofing types is whether to use exposed or concealed fasteners. When choosing between metal roofing types, this choice affects cost, appearance, water resistance, and how much maintenance your roof requires over its lifetime.

Exposed fastener systems use screws that go through the panel surface into the roof deck below. The screws have rubber washers that seal out water. These systems cost less upfront and install faster, making them popular for corrugated and ribbed panel installations.

The downside is maintenance. Those rubber washers compress and age over time, typically needing attention or replacement after 15 to 20 years. Some roofs need complete fastener re-sealing, which involves touching up hundreds or thousands of screws across the entire roof.

Concealed fastener systems hide the screws beneath the panel seams or use clips that attach to the roof deck under the panels. Standing seam is the most common concealed fastener style. These systems cost more upfront but eliminate the fastener maintenance concern and provide better protection against leaks.

Water can't penetrate where there are no screw holes. That simple fact makes concealed fastener systems more resistant to leaks over decades of exposure to rain, snow, and ice.

Comparison:

Cost Comparison: Metal Roofing Types

Understanding the cost differences between metal roofing types helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises.

Metal roofing prices vary significantly between different metal roofing types based on material, panel style, and your local market. Here's how the different metal roofing types compare in real-world pricing.

By Material:

By Panel Style:

Steel remains the most affordable option for most homeowners. Aluminum costs more but makes financial sense in coastal areas where steel would corrode. Copper and zinc typically appear as accents or on high-end custom projects rather than covering entire roofs.

Several factors affect where your project falls within these ranges:

• Material gauge: Thicker metal (lower gauge numbers) costs more but resists denting better

• Panel style: Standing seam costs more than corrugated due to complex installation

• Roof size and pitch: Larger roofs need more material; steeper roofs increase labor costs

• Complexity: Dormers, valleys, skylights, and multiple roof levels add installation time

• Regional pricing: Material costs fluctuate with commodity markets; labor rates vary by location

To get accurate pricing for your specific project, use our roofing cost calculator to estimate your metal roof cost based on your location and roof details.

How to Choose the Right Metal Roof Type

Selecting the best option among the various metal roofing types depends on where you live, what your home looks like, what you're willing to spend, and how long you plan to own the property.

Choose by Budget

Budget-conscious ($8,000-$16,000 for 2,000 sq ft):

Among affordable metal roofing types:

• Galvanized or Galvalume steel with corrugated or ribbed panels

• Good performance, longest lifespan for the money

• Best for homeowners prioritizing value over aesthetics

Mid-range ($16,000-$28,000 for 2,000 sq ft):

Mid-range metal roofing types include:

• Stone-coated steel, aluminum, or standing seam steel

• Better aesthetics, quieter, longer warranties

• Best for homeowners balancing cost and appearance

Premium ($30,000+ for 2,000 sq ft):

Premium metal roofing types offer:

• Copper, zinc, or high-end standing seam systems

• Longest lifespan, distinctive appearance, highest resale value

• Best for luxury homes, historic properties, long-term ownership

Choose by Climate

Understanding which types of metal roofing perform best in different climates helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your roof performs optimally for decades.

Coastal areas (salt air, high humidity):

• Aluminum is the clear winner

• Galvanized or Galvalume steel will corrode faster

• Concealed fasteners reduce leak risk during storms

Inland humid climates:

• Galvalume steel offers the best balance of cost and corrosion resistance

• Stone-coated steel works well if noise is a concern

• Standing seam sheds water effectively in heavy rain

Snow country:

• Standing seam panels shed snow better than other styles

• Thicker gauge steel (24 or 26) handles snow loads better

• Dark colors help snow melt and slide off faster

Hot, dry climates:

• Any metal works well; choose based on budget and aesthetics

• Reflective coatings reduce cooling costs

• Lighter colors stay cooler and reduce energy use

Hurricane zones:

• Standing seam with concealed fasteners resists wind uplift better

• Thicker gauge material resists damage from flying debris

• Verify products meet local wind load requirements

Choose by Aesthetic Preference

Different types of metal roofing create dramatically different visual effects on your home.

Modern and contemporary homes:

• Standing seam in dark colors or natural metal finish

• Clean lines, minimal visual interruption

• Pairs well with large windows and geometric architecture

Traditional and historic homes:

• Metal shingles or tiles that mimic traditional materials

• Stone-coated steel for tile or shingle appearance

• Helps maintain character while upgrading performance

Farmhouse and rustic styles:

• Corrugated or ribbed panels in natural metal or earth tones

• Exposed fasteners fit the aesthetic

• Lower cost aligns with practical farmhouse values

Mediterranean and Spanish styles:

• Metal tiles that replicate clay tile appearance

• Warm colors (terra cotta, rust, bronze)

• Much lighter than real tile (important for older structures)

Choose by Durability Need

Matching the right metal roofing types to your ownership timeline prevents overspending on unnecessary longevity.

30-year ownership or less:

• Galvanized or Galvalume steel meets your needs

• Aluminum in coastal areas

• No need to pay premium for 60+ year materials

40-60 year ownership:

• Galvalume steel, stone-coated steel, or aluminum

• Good balance of cost and longevity

• Will outlast most homeowners' ownership period

60+ years or generational home:

• Copper or zinc if budget allows

• These materials can last a century or more

• Makes sense for homes passed down through families

• Higher upfront cost pays off over extreme timelines

For help determining which material offers the best longevity for your climate, use our roof lifespan checker to compare expected lifespans based on your location and conditions.