What types of metal roofing systems are there?
The four major metal systems we install: standing-seam (premium, most popular for residential), corrugated steel (cost-effective, high durability), stone-coated steel (asphalt-shingle aesthetics with metal performance), and copper (luxury, decorative, multi-century lifespan with patina).
| System | Aesthetic | Lifespan | Cost / sq ft installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing-seam | Vertical raised seams, modern | 40–70 yr | $9–$16 |
| Corrugated steel | Industrial, ribbed | 30–50 yr | $6.50–$10.50 |
| Stone-coated steel | Resembles shingles or tile | 40–50 yr | $8–$13 |
| Copper | Patinas to green, premium | 75–100+ yr | $18–$35+ |
What are the benefits of a metal roof in St. Louis?
Three big wins for St. Louis homeowners: hail resistance (Class 4 impact-rated when properly installed), 2–3× longer lifespan vs. asphalt, and energy-reflective surface that reduces summer cooling load. Insurance premium discounts are common for Class-4-rated metal systems in hail-prone zip codes.
- Hail resistance — Class 4 impact-rated metal systems are the highest available; many insurance carriers offer premium discounts.
- Lifespan — 40–70 years vs. the 18–22 year average for asphalt in St. Louis. One metal install lasts 2–3 asphalt replacements.
- Energy efficiency — reflective metal surface reduces summer cooling load by 10–25% on most homes.
- Wind performance — properly installed standing-seam systems handle 150 mph+ wind ratings.
- Recyclable — metal is fully recyclable at end-of-life; many systems are made from recycled material.
- Snow shedding — metal sheds snow more cleanly than asphalt, reducing ice-dam risk.
How does metal roofing compare to asphalt over the long run?
Up-front, metal costs roughly 2–3× asphalt. Over 40+ years, metal usually wins on lifecycle cost: one metal install replaces 2–3 asphalt replacements. Add insurance discounts, energy savings, and resale value, and the math often favors metal for owners who plan to stay in the home long-term.
Metal advantages
- 40–70 year lifespan vs. 18–22 years for asphalt in St. Louis.
- Class 4 hail rating possible with proper system selection.
- Reflective surface lowers cooling costs in summer.
- Insurance premium discounts in hail-prone zip codes.
- Resale value boost in many St. Louis neighborhoods.
Asphalt advantages
- Significantly lower up-front cost (50–60% less per sq ft).
- Easier to repair locally — color-match available.
- Faster install time on standard residential roofs.
- More installer experience available across the metro.
- Aesthetic fit with most St. Louis housing stock.
Are metal roofs noisy in storms?
No. Properly installed metal roofs over solid decking with synthetic underlayment are quieter than most homeowners expect — comparable to asphalt during rain and storms. The 'noisy metal roof' stereotype comes from old farm-building installs over open purlins without insulation. Modern residential metal installs include the same sound-deadening underlayment as asphalt.
We install metal panels over solid decking (the same OSB or plywood your house would have for asphalt) plus synthetic underlayment. The underlayment dampens sound, decking adds mass, and your attic insulation handles the rest. Most homeowners report the difference between asphalt and metal during storms is barely noticeable.
If sound is a specific concern — for example, a vaulted ceiling room directly under the roof — we can recommend additional sound-deadening underlayment options or insulation upgrades during the install.
What does metal roofing cost in St. Louis?
Standing-seam metal runs $9–$16 per square foot installed in 2026 — meaning $18,000–$32,000 for a typical 2,000 sq ft St. Louis home. Corrugated steel is less ($6.50–$10.50). Copper runs $18+ per sq ft. Insurance discounts and energy savings often offset 10–25% of lifecycle cost.
The cost gap between metal and architectural asphalt has narrowed considerably over the past decade, and the lifecycle math has shifted in metal's favor for owners who plan long-term occupancy. Insurance discounts on Class-4-rated systems vary by carrier — call your agent before deciding to confirm the specific discount available on your policy.
We install metal year-round in St. Louis with the same 1–3 day on-site cadence for standing-seam systems on standard residential homes. Larger and complex projects run 3–6 days. Material lead time can run 3–6 weeks for custom-color or specialty profiles.
By the numbers
40–70 yr
Standing-seam lifespan in St. Louis
vs. the 18–22 year regional asphalt average.
Class 4
Hail-impact rating possible
Highest commercially available — qualifies for insurance premium discounts in many St. Louis zip codes.
10–25%
Typical summer cooling load reduction
From reflective metal surface vs. dark asphalt.