Metal Roofs

Metal roofs offer homeowners unmatched durability, energy efficiency, and long-lasting protection against harsh weather. They resist wind, hail, and heavy rain while reducing maintenance needs and energy costs. A metal roof also enhances curb appeal, increasing the value and aesthetic of your home. 3 Peaks Roofing provides expert guidance and professional installation to ensure your metal roof performs at its best for decades. Whether you’re upgrading an old roof or building new, a metal roof is a smart, reliable investment for any home. Schedule your free consultation today and see how a metal roof can transform your home.

 

Types of Residential Metal Roofing

Not all metal roofs are the same. These are the two types we install on homes.

Standing seam. Long panels that run from ridge to eave, joined by raised seams. The fasteners are hidden under the seams, so there are no exposed screws to wear out. It's the clean, modern look most people picture when they think of a metal roof.

Exposed-fastener panels. Ribbed or corrugated panels screwed straight through the face into the roof. They're simpler and cost less to install than standing seam. The tradeoff is hundreds of screws with rubber washers that can loosen or wear over time and need checking.

Most residential metal roofs are coated steel. Aluminum is lighter and doesn't rust. We'll talk through which makes sense for your house.

 

Metal vs. Shingle: An Honest Comparison

A metal roof is a good fit for some homes and the wrong spend for others. Here's the honest picture.

Where metal wins:

• Lifespan. A well-installed metal roof generally lasts much longer than an asphalt shingle roof.

• Sheds water and snow. Smooth panels let rain and snow slide off.

• Wind. Properly fastened panels resist wind well, without tabs to lift.

• Summer heat. Reflective coatings and lighter colors bounce back sunlight, which can keep the attic cooler.

• Weight. Metal is lighter than most other roofing materials.

Where metal falls short:

• Upfront cost. A metal roof costs noticeably more upfront than shingles for the same house.

• Hail dents. Metal rarely leaks from hail, but large hail can dent it. Thicker panels dent less. Some homeowner's policies exclude "cosmetic" hail damage on metal roofs, so check your policy or ask your agent.

• Repairs. Damaged panels are harder to repair or match than a few shingles.

• Noise. Installed over solid decking with underlayment, a metal roof is usually not much louder than shingles in the rain. Over open framing, it can be.

• Expansion and contraction. Metal moves with temperature. It has to be installed with the right fastening system and clips so panels can move without loosening.

If shingles end up the better fit, our shingle roofs page covers your options there.

 

Is a Metal Roof Right for Your Home?

Metal tends to make sense when:

• You plan to stay in the home for a long time

• You're tired of replacing or repairing shingles

• Your roof has enough slope and simple lines (very complex rooflines add cost)

• You want a cooler attic in summer

Shingles may make more sense when:

• Upfront cost is the main concern

• You're planning to sell in a few years

• Your roof has a lot of valleys, dormers and penetrations

We'll inspect your roof and give you a written estimate. If you'd like, we can estimate both so you can compare.

 

What We Check Before a Metal Install

Before we quote a metal roof, we look at:

• The roof's slope and shape, since some panel types need a minimum pitch

• Decking condition, because metal goes over a solid, flat deck

• How many existing layers there are and whether they can stay or must come off

• Chimneys, skylights and vents, which need custom flashing on a metal roof

• Attic ventilation

• Gutters, since snow and water slide off metal faster and can overshoot or tear small gutters. We also install gutters.

 

What to Expect on Install Day

A metal roof generally takes longer than a shingle roof. Panels and trim are measured and cut to fit your roof. We tear off the old roof where needed, repair decking, lay underlayment, then install panels, trim and custom flashing around every penetration. We clean up metal scraps and fasteners and finish with a walkthrough. Your estimate will include a timeline.

 

Metal Roofs and Louisville Weather

Freeze-thaw winters. Metal doesn't absorb water, so freeze-thaw cycles don't break it down the way they can work at shingles. Proper fastening matters because the panels expand and contract with every temperature swing.

Spring storms. Wind and heavy rain are where metal does well. Hail can dent it, so ask about thicker panels if hail is a concern.

Hot summers. Reflective coatings help keep heat out of the attic.

 

Paying for a Metal Roof

A metal roof is a bigger upfront spend, so we offer financing for qualified homeowners. If your current roof was damaged by a storm, your insurance may cover part of the replacement. See how our insurance claims process works.

 

What Homeowners Say

"Roof, gutters and my porch ceiling... they made that look better than expected." Stephanie F., 5-star Google review

 

Metal Roof FAQs

Does a metal roof attract lightning?

No. Metal doesn't make a house more likely to be struck. If it is struck, metal doesn't burn.

Can a metal roof go over my existing shingles?

Sometimes, depending on local code, the condition of the decking and how many layers are already there. We usually recommend tearing off so we can check and repair the deck. We'll tell you what's possible on your house.

Is a metal roof loud in the rain?

Over solid decking and underlayment, as most home metal roofs are, it's usually not much louder than shingles. Barns and open-framed buildings are where you hear the drumming.

Will hail damage a metal roof?

Large hail can dent it, but it rarely causes leaks. Thicker panels and textured finishes dent less. Check whether your policy covers cosmetic hail damage on metal.

What colors are available?

Metal comes in a wide range of factory-coated colors. Lighter colors reflect more heat. We'll show you color samples at your estimate.