The metals used for roofing are aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Metal roofs are popular because they last a long time and handle bad weather well. According to RubyHome, metal roofing lasts 40 to 80 years, which is much longer than asphalt shingles. Metal roofing holds 17% market share in residential roofing, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. These metals are lightweight, fire resistant, and can save you money over time. Let’s look at the different metal types and what makes each one special.
What Are the Main Metal Types?
Steel is the most common metal used for roofing. It is strong, cheap, and easy to install. Steel shingles cost between $8.00 and $12.65 per square foot, according to RubyHome data.
Aluminum is lighter than steel and does not rust. Aluminum shingles cost $8.50 to $13.75 per square foot. Copper is expensive but lasts over 70 years. Zinc tiles cost $18.00 to $28.00 per square foot and offer good protection from the weather.
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How Long Do Metal Roofs Really Last?
Metal roofs are built to last. Standing seam metal panels last 40 to 80 years, which is two to four times longer than asphalt shingles.
Steel shingles and corrugated metal both last around 40 to 80 years with proper care. Copper roofs can last over 70 years. According to industry data, most roofs need to be replaced between 25 and 50 years, but metal roofs beat that range.
What Do Metal Roofs Cost?
Metal roofing costs more upfront than asphalt, but you save money in the long run.
| Metal Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Steel shingles | $8.00, $12.65 | 40, 80 years |
| Corrugated metal | $5.50, $11.50 | 40, 80 years |
| Standing seam panels | $10.00, $17.05 | 40, 80 years |
| Copper tiles | $21.00, $39.70 | 70+ years |
| Zinc tiles | $18.00, $28.00 | 40, 80 years |
Why Choose Metal Over Other Materials?
Metal roofs are fire resistant and handle extreme weather. Metal roofing is growing in popularity. The shift away from asphalt shingles toward metal roofing is due to durability, fire resistance, weather resilience, and energy efficiency, according to industry data.
Metal roofs also qualify for tax credits and energy savings. You can recover up to 110% of your roof replacement cost when you sell your home, according to the NAR Remodeling Impact Report 2025. For a 1,700 square foot roof, installation costs range from $6,800 to $68,000 depending on the metal type, according to RubyHome.
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