InstaBidsWhat is a metal roof?
A metal roof is a roof covering made from metal shingles or panels. DOE describes 2 broad categories, with panel systems split into exposed-fastener and standing-seam designs. Choose the covering and attachment system together: the guide links wind performance to fastener type, size and spacing.
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At a glance
- There are two broad categories of metal roofing types: metal shingles and metal panels.U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
- typically 3 feet wide and 8 to 16 feet longU.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
- individual panels, typically 16 inches wideU.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
What this means for your home project
- Compare the proposed material description with the three metals DOE lists; record whether the bid specifies steel, aluminum or copper. (source)
- Request a written standing-seam scope stating how the panels will be formed and seamed on site; look for the specialized-tool work in the reply. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
- Request the proposed product report and compare its installation details and fire, wind and impact ratings with the bid. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
- Ask the installer to state the fastener or clip type, size and spacing in the written scope so those attachment details can be compared. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-06.
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What is metal roofing made of?
Metal roofing commonly uses “steel, aluminum, and copper.” DOE (read 2026-11-06) explains that these metals either resist corrosion naturally or receive corrosion resistance during manufacture under code-referenced standards. The metal name and its corrosion protection describe separate things to identify in a proposed roof. (source)
“The most common materials for metal roofing are steel, aluminum, and copper.” (source) “These materials are either naturally corrosion-resistant or made corrosion-resistant when manufactured in accordance with building code-referenced standards.” (source)
What are the types of metal roofing?
Metal roofing comes in “metal shingles and metal panels.” DOE (read 2026-11-06) separates the panels again by attachment: exposed fasteners or standing seams. Metal shingles can resemble wood shakes or concrete or clay tiles, so a tile-like appearance does not necessarily identify the underlying material. (source)
“There are two broad categories of metal roofing types: metal shingles and metal panels.” (source) “The metal shingle category includes simulated shakes that resemble wood shakes and simulated tiles that resemble concrete or clay tiles.” (source) “There are two general types of metal panels: “exposed fastener” panels and “standing seam” panels.” (source)
What is a standing seam metal roof?
Standing seam is a metal-panel roof with “concealed fasteners”, according to DOE (read 2026-11-06). Clips attach the panels to the roof. Exposed-fastener panels instead use gasketed screws through ribbed panels, typically 3 feet wide and 8 to 16 feet long; the attachment detail distinguishes the systems. (source)
“Standing seam panels, also known as vertical seam panels, are site made, attached to the roof with concealed fasteners, and highly resistant to wind and wind-driven rain.” (source) “Standing seam panels are attached to clips that are attached to the roof.” (source) “Exposed fastener panels are factory-made, typically 3 feet wide and 8 to 16 feet long, ribbed to provide stiffness, and attached using color-matching, gasketed screws.” (source)
How are metal roofs installed?
Metal-roof installation scope varies with the panel system. DOE (read 2026-11-06) describes standing-seam roofs as “custom-made and seamed to lock the panels together”, with specialized tools on site and typically continuous ridge-to-eave panels. Standing-seam panels also typically need sheathing rather than installation over spaced wood supports. (source)
“Standing seam roofs are custom-made and seamed to lock the panels together, with specialized tools on-site; individual panels, typically 16 inches wide, are normally installed as one long, continuous piece from the roof ridge to the eave.” (source) “Standing seam panels typically must be installed on roof decks with sheathing (i.e., not over wood strapping or battens).” (source)
Is a metal roof right for my home?
Metal-roof selection includes the assembly and its product documentation. DOE (read 2026-11-06) identifies “metal roof panels (R905.10)” in its discussion of the 2018 International Residential Code. Product reports describe installation requirements, fire classification, wind uplift resistance and impact rating; compare those documented details with the proposed work. (source)
“The International Residential Code (IRC) specifies minimum requirements for design wind loads (2018 IRC R301.2.1), metal roofing underlayment (R905.1.1), metal roof shingles (R905.4), and metal roof panels (R905.10), including deck and slope requirements, material standards and thickness, corrosion resistance, and attachment.” (source) “Metal roofing manufacturers normally provide a report on individual products with specific details on product materials, installation requirements, fire classification, wind uplift resistance, and impact rating.” (source) “However, it should be noted that the design pressure ratings are dependent on the proper attachment of the metal panel attachment, including the type, size, and spacing of fasteners or clips, and should comply with those requirements during installation.” (source)
Are metal roofs energy efficient?
Metal-roof cooling performance includes the finish: DOE (read 2026-11-06) describes panels with “reflective coatings to reduce heat gain during the cooling season.” A reflective coating is a product feature to specify when comparing panels; the guide describes its cooling-season purpose rather than promising a particular energy-bill reduction. (source)
“Panels are also available with reflective coatings to reduce heat gain during the cooling season.” (source)
Sources
- Metal Roofs — residential guidance with a coastal high-wind focus — U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center; published undated; discusses 2018 IRC; read 2026-11-06.