The 6 Types of Metal Roofing, Explained
Standing seam, metal shingles, corrugated and more. Here's what each style costs, how long it lasts, and which house it suits best.
MetalRoofBasics Editors · Updated Jul 2026 · 8 min read 
Choosing a metal roof is really two choices: the profile (how the panels look and attach) and the metal (steel, aluminum, copper or zinc). Get the profile right for your budget and look; get the metal right for your climate.
1. Standing Seam
The modern favorite. Vertical panels with raised, interlocking seams and hidden fasteners — nothing penetrates the weather surface, so leaks are rare and the clean lines suit contemporary and farmhouse homes. It's the priciest common profile but the longest-lasting.
2. Metal Shingles & Shakes
Interlocking panels stamped to mimic wood shakes, slate or traditional shingles. You get metal's longevity with a familiar, textured look — a good fit for traditional homes or HOAs that resist a modern panel look.
3. Corrugated / Exposed-Fastener
Wavy or ribbed panels screwed directly through the face. The most affordable metal option and quick to install, popular on barns, sheds, cabins and budget re-roofs. The trade-off: exposed screws and rubber washers need re-tightening or replacing every 10–20 years.
4. Stone-Coated Steel
Steel panels finished with bonded stone granules — the look of tile or shake with the weight and durability of steel. Excellent in high-wind and hail regions, and a favorite in the Sun Belt for its Mediterranean-tile appearance.
5. Metal Tile Panels
Lightweight steel or aluminum panels pressed into a clay-tile or barrel profile. They deliver the classic tile silhouette at a fraction of the weight, so they can go over structures that couldn't carry real clay or concrete tile.
6. Copper & Zinc (Premium)
The heirloom tier. Copper and zinc develop a living patina and can last a century or more. Expect a steep price and specialist installers — usually reserved for landmark homes, accents, and long-horizon builds.
Which metal, for which climate
| Metal | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Steel (Galvalume) | Most homes — best value | Needs quality coating |
| Aluminum | Coastal / salt air | Dents more easily |
| Copper | Heirloom & accents | High cost |
| Zinc | Longevity, self-healing finish | Cost & installer availability |
- Standing seam is the durable modern default; corrugated is the budget pick.
- Match the metal to your climate — aluminum near salt air, steel most everywhere.
- Profile drives looks and cost; metal drives lifespan and corrosion resistance.
Picked a type?
See what installation actually involves.