Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs vary by panel system and by the metal itself. This guide explains standing seam, exposed fastener, metal shingles and stone-coated steel, then the metals they're made from, so the terms on an estimate make sense.
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Metal roof panel systems
Standing seam
Vertical panels joined by raised seams with concealed fasteners. Seams are either snap-lock or mechanically seamed, and panels attach with clips that let them expand and contract.
Standing seam metal roofsExposed fastener
Corrugated and ribbed panels screwed through the face. Economical and quick to install, with fasteners that need periodic maintenance.
Exposed fastener metal roofingMetal shingles and shakes
Smaller stamped metal pieces shaped to look like shingles, shakes or tile, for homes that want the durability of metal with a traditional look.
Stone-coated steel
Steel panels coated with stone granules, giving a textured look similar to shingles or tile.
What metal roofs are made of
| Metal | What to know |
|---|---|
| Galvalume steel | Steel coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy. The most common residential metal roofing substrate, bare or painted. Galvalume roofing |
| Galvanized steel | Steel coated with zinc. Common on agricultural and utility buildings. |
| Aluminum | Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, most often chosen near salt air. Costs more than steel and dents more easily. |
| Copper | Long-lasting and distinctive, developing a patina over time. Usually used for accents, bays and high-end projects. |
| Zinc | Long-lasting with a self-healing patina; uncommon and premium. |
Which type fits your Austin home?
Most Austin homes go with standing seam in painted Galvalume steel. It's durable, low-maintenance, and works on modern and Hill Country designs alike. Exposed fastener panels fit shops, barns and budget re-roofs. Copper is usually reserved for accents like bay windows and porch roofs.
Once you know the type, the next questions are gauge, finish and color, covered in best metal roofs for Austin. Compare cost by system in the metal roof cost guide, and see how metal stacks up against asphalt in metal roof vs. shingles. When you're ready, start with metal roof installation.
Austin Metal Roofing Pros installs standing seam, Galvalume and exposed fastener roofs across Austin. If you're new to metal roofing in Austin, this is the vocabulary you'll hear from any Austin metal roofing contractor. When we quote a metal roof in Austin, the estimate spells out each of these terms in writing, and our metal roofing in Austin, TX team will walk you through them.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of metal roofs?
Standing seam, exposed fastener (corrugated and ribbed panels), metal shingles and shakes, and stone-coated steel.
What's the difference between snap-lock and mechanically seamed standing seam?
Snap-lock panels click together; mechanically seamed panels are folded together with a seaming tool for a tighter, stronger seam, often used on lower slopes.
What metal are most metal roofs made of?
Most residential metal roofs are steel with a metallic coating, usually Galvalume, then painted.
Is aluminum better than steel for a roof?
Aluminum resists corrosion and is lighter, which matters near salt air. In Austin, coated steel is more common and costs less.
Questions About Metal Roof Types?
Call (512) 676-5836, open 24/7, or request an estimate.
Austin Metal Roofing Pros · 2204 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757 · Open 24/7