Metal roof installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What metal roof installation is

Metal roof installation sets standing seam or screw-down metal panels over a prepared deck, with underlayment, clips and trim. People choose metal for durability and for shedding snow and rain quickly, and they often pick it when replacing a shingle roof that keeps taking wind or hail damage.

Signs you need it

  • A shingle roof that keeps losing shingles to wind in the same slopes
  • Hail dents or cracked shingles across the roof that point to a covering at the end of its life
  • An older metal roof with popped panels, rusted fasteners or failed sealant at the trim
  • Leaks around the screw heads or at the flashing on an existing metal roof
  • Sagging or bowing in the deck or rafters under the roof line

What the pro does

  • Measure the roof and order panels cut to length for each run, with trim and clips matched to the panel profile
  • Install synthetic underlayment or ice and water barrier at the eaves and valleys, then set the starter and eave trim
  • Lay the panels with the seams and clips at the spacing the profile requires, allowing room for the metal to expand and contract
  • Install ridge cap, rake trim, valley metal, wall flashing and penetration boots, sealed with the sealant the manufacturer names
  • Test the seams and fasteners, then remove metal shavings from cutting so they do not rust the new panels

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Panel profile, such as standing seam or exposed fastener, and the gauge and finish of the metal
  • Roof size, pitch and number of planes, since complex roofs need more trim and more cuts
  • Whether the old roofing is removed or the new panels go over it
  • Decking that must be repaired or replaced before the metal goes on
  • Trim, flashing and penetration count, including skylights, vents and chimneys
  • Snow guards or other accessories the roof needs
  • Lift or crane needs for long panels, and permit requirements

What a written quote should spell out

  • Panel profile, gauge, finish and manufacturer, with the color code named
  • Clip type and spacing, and the fastener type for exposed or concealed panels
  • Underlayment or ice and water barrier product and where each is used
  • Trim and flashing list with each ridge, rake, eave and valley piece named
  • Decking repairs shown as a separate line, with how any extra work is priced once found
  • Cleanup of metal shavings and haul-away of the old roofing and packaging

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you use concealed clips or exposed fasteners, and why is that the right system for my roof?
  • What gauge and finish is the metal, and what does the manufacturer warranty cover?
  • How do you allow for the panels to expand and contract on my roof?
  • How do you clear metal shavings from the roof so they do not rust the new panels?
  • What underlayment are you using at the eaves, valleys and penetrations?
  • Can you show me a finished metal roof with similar trim and penetrations?
  • Who will install the panels, and have they worked with this profile before?

Red flags

  • Exposed fasteners offered as a concealed clip system, or no fastener spacing plan in the quote
  • No underlayment or ice and water barrier listed for the eaves and valleys
  • Panels cut on site with a grinder and no protection, which leaves hot metal dust that rusts the finish
  • A quote with no line for trim, closures or flashing
  • Pressure to start before the metal color and gauge are confirmed in writing

What you can do yourself

You can safely watch for condensation or light leaks in the attic from the inside and collect product sheets to compare. Metal roofs involve sharp panels, heavy sheets and work at height, so leave installation and panel cutting to a pro. Call a pro as soon as you see failed fasteners, rusted seams or any movement in the roof.

Licenses and permits

Metal roof installation is commonly done by licensed roofing contractors, and a permit is often required for a reroof. Check with your state and local licensing and building offices for what applies where you live.

Metal roof installation questions

Will a metal roof make the house loud in the rain?

Metal is louder than shingles over bare decking. A solid deck with underlayment and attic insulation reduces the noise. Ask the installer how they will handle sound in your attic.

Can metal go over shingles?

Often, if the existing roof is flat and sound. A pro should check the decking, the number of layers and the local rules before saying yes.

Does a metal roof need maintenance?

Yes, but it is light. Keep debris off the panels, check the trim and fasteners each year, and call a pro if you see rust, loose trim or failed sealant.

Will the color fade?

Finishes differ. Ask for the finish warranty in writing and check the manufacturer's data sheet for the color and finish you choose.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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