Are you worried about the high cost of installing a metal roof compared to a traditional roof? Does the idea of paying more for a roof now, even if it promises longer durability, make you hesitate?
If you’re considering getting a metal roof, then you probably want to know more about why it’s worth the investment and why metal roofs are a good option for homeowners in the Seattle area. In addition, you’re probably wondering which different types of metal roofs you can get and why you might choose them.
At RoofSmart, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners make informed decisions about metal roofing based on their specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. We pair our customers with the perfect roof for them using our SmartMatch Needs Analysis process.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the 6 most popular types of metal roof materials and discuss the costs of each one. Though every home is different and these costs are just a guideline, this will help you get a sense of how much you’d be paying to get a metal roof installed in the Seattle area.
The materials covered in this article include:
- Steel
- Stone-coated stamped metal
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
- Stainless Steel
You’ll walk away from this article knowing which metal roof material best suits your home’s location, design, and long-term needs — especially in the rainy Pacific Northwest climate.
Why Do Seattle Homeowners Choose Metal Roofs?
If you’re in the market for a new roof and you’re currently looking into all of your options, you might be wondering why you should choose a metal roof over all the other options. This article will go in-depth about each different type of metal roof, but here’s an overview of why a metal roof might be a good option for you.
In Seattle’s wet, moss-prone climate — where homes often sit under pine trees and endure consistent rainfall — metal roofs offer homeowners a long-term, low-maintenance solution.
Here’s why homeowners in Seattle might choose a metal roof:
- Long-lasting durability — Metal roofs resist wear from heavy rainfall, wind, and debris common in the Pacific Northwest.
- Low maintenance under pine needles and leaves — Ideal for homes surrounded by trees because they won’t trap moisture or rot under built-up debris like asphalt shingles would.
- Excellent waterproofing — Perfect for Seattle’s year-round wet climate due to its water resistance. There are no gaps or weak spots where water can potentially enter in.
- Fits most roof slopes — Performs well on steep or low-slope roofs (excluding completely flat roofs).
- Boosts curb appeal — Offers a sleek, modern aesthetic that increases home value.
- Custom fit for any home — Malleable material adapts to unique roof shapes and architectural styles.
Curious about how much it costs to install a metal roof in Seattle? Use our instant estimator to get a ballpark cost for your roof.
What Types of Metal Roofing Materials Are Available (and Which One Is Best for You)?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of 6 different types of metal roofs to help you decide which one is right for you.
Steel Roofing- Pros and Cons
Steel is durable and strong, but it needs a protective coating to protect it from rusting that will eventually wear off. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Widely available – Steel is the most common and accessible metal roofing material.
- Strong and dent-resistant – Holds up well against falling branches and heavy debris, which is common in tree-lined Seattle neighborhoods.
- Color variety – Available in many colors to match any home style.
Cons:
- Needs protective coating – Will rust quickly without UV- and moisture-resistant coating. Most steel roof panels are sold with these coatings, but make sure you verify with your roofing contractor beforehand.
- Not coastal-friendly – Because they’re susceptible to rusting, steel roofs do not hold up well by the ocean. So if you’re in or around the Puget Sound area or your home is near the ocean, then this is probably not the best metal option for you.
- Tougher to shape – Since it is such a strong metal, steel can sometimes be somewhat difficult to mold into shape (this can be remedied by using less thick panels).
Average cost (materials and labor): $20 per square foot (for 24 gauge steel)
Stone-Coated Stamped Metal Roofing- Pros and Cons
Stone-coated metal roofs offer a classy, timeless look that mimics tile for a much lower price. However, it can grow moss and require a lot of maintenance. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Tile-like appearance – All stamped metal panels (whether they are stone-coated or not) provide you with the look of tile or shake at a fraction of the cost. The advantage of having stone-coated stamped metal is that it isn’t shiny, so it looks a lot closer to actual tile (especially concrete tile).
- Walkable surface – Stone-coated metal is grippy to walk on, which makes it safer to walk on.
Cons:
- Easily damaged – Panels dent or crush easily if improperly walked on.
- Difficult to repair – it is very tedious to do repairs because all of the panels are interlocked together. This means that the repair would be more expensive because it will be more time-consuming to do and require your roofing contractor to have a higher skill level.
- Moss and moisture issues – The stone layer on top can trap moisture and grow moss (just like asphalt shingles), especially in wet climates like Seattle. The metal underneath will prevent the roof from leaking, but the damaged stone will look bad.
Average cost (materials and labor): $21 per square foot
Aluminum Roofing- Pros and Cons
Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, making it a good choice for coastal homes, but i’s more expensive than steel. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Rust-proof – Excellent resistance to corrosion, which is especially important in coastal or damp environments.
- Lightweight material – Puts less strain on your home’s structure.
- Ocean-friendly – A great choice for homes near saltwater like the Puget Sound.
Cons:
- Higher cost than steel – More expensive than steel even though they have similar benefits (except aluminum has better rust resistance).
- Minimal added benefits – Unless you live near the coast, the price increase when you switch from steel to aluminum may not be justified.
Average cost (materials and labor): $22 per square foot
Copper Roofing- Pros and Cons
A copper roof is a perfect statement piece if you want a unique roof or you highly value craftsmanship. However, it is incredibly expensive. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Extreme longevity – Copper can last over 100 years with minimal upkeep.
- Naturally growth-resistant – No moss, algae, or plant buildup — ideal for rainy, shaded areas. Nothing will grow on it, which reduces your maintenance needs.
- Highly malleable – It is the softest out of these metal roofing options, which means that it is the easiest one to form onto your roof. It can make any shape, curve, or angle that you need.
Cons:
- Very expensive – Highest price point of all roofing options.
- Soft and dentable – Vulnerable to damage from fallen branches, debris, or other kinds of impact.
- Limited color options – Only available in its natural copper finish (if you don’t like the color of copper then this is most likely not worth the money).
Average cost (materials and labor): $70 per square foot
Zinc Roofing- Pros and Cons
Zinc is ideal is you’re looking to avoid moss or algae growth, but the runoff water might be harmful to nearby plants. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Built-in moss resistance – Naturally resists moss and algae growth, reducing maintenance needs.
- Strong long-term value – It is more expensive than steel or aluminum, but the advantage is that you pay more upfront to save on maintenance costs down the line (it naturally prevents growth, so you won’t have to pay anyone to wash or treat your roof).
Cons:
- Harder to shape – It is less malleable than copper, so it’s not ideal for complex roof angles or curves.
- Runoff impacts plants – Water runoff may damage nearby gardens or landscaping.
- Color limitations – Zinc does not get painted, so you have to be on board with getting a silver roof if you choose it.
Average cost (materials and labor): $30 per square foot
Stainless Steel Roofing- Pros and Cons
Stainless steel is a great choice for the eco-conscious homeowner who wants to reuse their rainwater. However, if you’re not specifically looking for that benefit, the extra cost might not be worth it. Check out the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you
Pros:
- Rust-free durability – Performs well in Seattle’s constantly wet conditions and is naturally resistant to rust.
- Safe runoff water – The runoff is safe to drink (no heavy metals), so if you’re interested in recycling water then this roof is a good option for you.
- Modern aesthetic – Clean silver finish fits contemporary home designs.
Cons:
- Higher price than aluminum – Costs more without drastically different performance.
- No color options – Only available in polished or brushed silver.
Average cost (materials and labor): $26 per square foot
6 Types of Metal Roof Materials: Comparison Table
Here’s a table with the pros, cons, and key features of each metal type to make comparing them quick and easy.
| Material | Average Cost (materials and labor) | Lifespan | Strength | Lasts in a wet, rainy environment | Needs protective coating to prevent rusting | Good near the ocean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $20 per square foot | 50 years | High | Yes | Yes | No |
| Stone-Coated Stamped Metal | $21 per square foot | 40 to 50 years | Low | No | No | No |
| Aluminum | $22 per square foot | 40 to 60 years | High | Yes | No | Yes |
| Copper | $70 per square foot | 500 years | Low | Yes | No | Yes |
| Zinc | $30 per square foot | 80 to 100 years | Medium | Yes | No | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | $26 per square foot | 50 years | Medium | Yes | No | Yes |
What are the factors that impact the cost of each type of metal roof?
Aside from the type of metal that you choose, there are other factors you'll need to consider that impact the cost of the job.
- Gauge (thickness): Each metal comes in a variety of thicknesses, which is referred to as the gauge. Lower gauge metal is more expensive, but there is not a super drastic difference in price when looking at different gauges of the same metal. It is usually a difference of $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Concealed vs. exposed fasteners: Some roofs have concealed fasteners, meaning that the screws drilled into the roof are covered. On roofs with exposed fasteners, the screws are not covered and you can clearly see them. Exposed fastener roofs are much cheaper (for example, a steel roof would be about $10 per square foot vs. $20 per square foot for steel standing seam panels). But, they cost more money in the long run because the exposed screws lead to leaking, which leads to rusting.
- Repair costs: Repairing a metal roof is expensive and difficult because you often need to order a whole new panel to replace even just a small damaged area of the roof.
- Style: The two main styles of roof panels are standing seam and stamped. Standing seam is far more common. Stamped metal is more expensive.
This is an example of what standing seam metal looks like. It is the same style used in the photo at the top of this article.
Is Metal Roofing Right For Your Home?
Each metal roof option offers distinct advantages, whether it’s the longevity of copper, the affordability of steel, or the coast-friendly benefits of aluminum. Choosing the right roofing material is not only about aesthetics but also ensuring long-term durability and value for your home.
Now that you’re familiar with the pros, cons, and costs of each of these metal roof types, you have the information you need to decide if any of these metal roof options are right for you. Understanding the full picture is crucial for finding the right roof type for your home.
After reading this article, you might be wondering how metal roofs compare to other roofing materials.
Check out our article “Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs: Which One is Better for My Home?” for a deep dive into the benefits and drawbacks of both roof types and how they compare to each other.
Seattle homes face unique roofing challenges — moss, rain, and coastal air. Now that you understand the strengths of each metal roofing option, let our SmartMatch Needs Analysis help you determine which one fits your exact needs. Click below to schedule your consultation.
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