Best Metal Roofing Types & Products For Pittsburgh Homes

In this article, we delve into the world of metal roofing, exploring the best types and products specifically tailored to Pittsburgh's unique climate. From scorching summers to frigid winters, Pittsburgh's weather demands a roofing solution that can withstand the test of time. So, whether you're looking to replace your existing roof or embark on a new home renovation project, we're here to guide you through many of the metal roofing possibilities.

Understanding The Climate Of Pittsburgh 

As a Pittsburgh homeowner, understanding the climate of your region is crucial when making decisions about your home, including the choice of roofing materials. Pittsburgh experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The city receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with snow being common during winter months. 

Why Metal Roofs Are Best For Your Pittsburgh Home

Metal roofs are the most popular roofing style after asphalt shingles. This is because of the wide range of benefits they offer, including the ones listed below.  

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is an important aspect of a roof, and it’s what sets all types of metal roofs apart. Metal roofs are incredibly sturdy and are able to withstand harsh weather conditions that are common in Pittsburgh, such as heavy snowfall and high winds. So if you install a metal roof, you shouldn’t have to worry about the effects of these conditions.

Longevity

When properly installed, a metal roof can easily last for more than 50 years, reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs. Some metal roofing options, such as copper and zinc, can even last 80 to 100 years.

Energy Efficiency

Another reason you might want to consider metal for your roofing system is that it can improve the energy efficiency of your property.  Metal roofs reflect heat, which can help reduce cooling costs by up to 35%, which can be very helpful when it comes to managing your bills. 

Environmentally Friendly

The majority of the metal roofs, such as aluminum or steel, are typically made from reusable materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. This helps to reduce the amount of waste associated with your project. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Metal roofs add a sleek, modern look to your property and are available in a variety of colors and styles to match any home design. Nowadays, there are even different textures available, such as stone-coated steel roofs, which we will cover in a later section.

Cost Effectiveness

The initial cost of metal roofs may be higher than asphalt shingles, but their durability, low maintenance needs, energy efficiency, and curb appeal make up for the cost over the years. Metal roofing systems are the most cost-effective options when compared to other premium materials like slate and clay tiles.

Best Types Of Metal Roof Materials 

Metal roofing is a fantastic choice for Pennsylvania homes, offering durability, energy efficiency, and a stunning aesthetic. However, it's important to note that there are various styles and materials involved, each with its own unique features and benefits. In the following section, we'll delve into these options.

Aluminum

Aluminum roofing is a popular choice for homes in Pittsburgh. Due to its minimal use of iron, it is able to offer supreme resistance to corrosion. Aluminum also has a lightweight nature, making it easy to install. This material is also highly energy-efficient, reflecting the sun's rays instead of absorbing heat. It's a long-term investment that can save you money in the long run. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel roofing is another excellent option for your home. While steel roofs are prone to rusting, this is not the case for stainless steel. Known for its immense strength, durability, and resistance to rust, stainless steel can withstand Pennsylvania's harsh winters. However, it's on the pricier side.

Zinc

Zinc roofing, though not as popular as aluminum and steel, can add immense value to your home. It is prized for its ability to heal itself, which means that if it gets scratched, the zinc reacts with carbon dioxide and water in the atmosphere to form a protective zinc carbonate layer. Besides its self-healing properties, zinc roofs are also 100% recyclable, making them a sustainable choice. 

Copper

Copper is an upscale, premium roofing material that is golden in color and offers superb aesthetic appeal. This is lightweight and has a life expectancy of over 100 years. Copper can also be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Another unique quality of a copper roof is that it naturally develops a unique green patina. However, the major issue with copper metal roofs is they are more expensive than other metals and require professional installation. 

There is another alternative available: faux copper roofs. You can read more about them in our recent blog post. 

What Are The Different Types Of Metal Roofing Systems?

Building upon our exploration of the top materials used in metal roofing, let's now go over the metal roofing types and styles that are quite popular amongst homeowners: 

#1 Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs are among the most popular choices for Pittsburgh homeowners seeking a sleek and modern aesthetic. As the name suggests, these metal roof panels are distinguished by their standing seams. These roofs consist of vertical metal panels with raised seams that securely interlock.   

Standing seam metal roofs feature a concealed fastener system, which means that the panels of your metal roof do not have visible screws on the top. 

Pros 

• The raised seams create a tight, waterproof seal, providing excellent protection against heavy rain, snow, and high winds.
• A standing seam metal roof has one of the best-looking designs. The clean lines and contemporary look add a touch of class to any home. 
• Standing seam roofs often have reflective coatings that help to reduce heat absorption.

Cons

• While it is one of the best systems around, it is sometimes criticized for its price, which is higher than the other styles. 
• The concealed fastener systems increase durability, but they make the roof difficult to install. 

#2 Corrugated Metal Roof 

Corrugated metal roofs are also a popular choice amongst Pittsburgh homeowners due to their remarkable strength, affordability, and versatility. These roofs consist of wavy panels with alternating ridges and valleys, creating a distinct appearance.

Unlike a standing seam metal roof, which relies on hidden fasteners, a corrugated metal roof has an exposed fastening system. The panels are attached with nails and screws, visible on the roof’s surface. 

Pros

• The corrugated design adds structural strength, allowing these roofs to withstand heavy snow loads, strong winds, and impact from debris.
• Corrugated metal roofs can be used on various types of buildings, from residential homes to agricultural structures. 
• A wide variety of color options are available.  
• The lightweight nature of corrugated metal panels makes them relatively easy to install, potentially reducing installation time and costs.

Cons

• The biggest issue you can face with a corrugated metal roof is the presence of exposed fasteners. These tend to make your roof vulnerable to leaks. 

#3 Metal Shingles

From classic metal panels, let us move to more modern metal shingles. This is a type of roofing material made of metal but with the look of the popular asphalt shingles. 

Metal shingles or tiles offer a unique blend of elegance and durability, replicating the appearance of traditional roofing materials like slate or wood. Metal shingles can be made from steel, aluminum, or even materials like zinc or copper. This type of roofing is ideal for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, as it can withstand both hot and cold weather conditions.

Pros

• They are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials while offering superior longevity.
• Metal shingles come in a variety of styles and finishes, providing homeowners the flexibility to achieve the desired look for their homes. 
• These shingles are engineered to resist fading, cracking, and warping, ensuring a long-lasting roofing solution. 

Cons

The major issue with metal roof shingles is their high price point. Metal shingles are generally more expensive than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or wood shakes. This can be a significant factor if you are on a budget

#4 Stone-Coated Roofs

Another variation of metal shingles is a stone-coated roof. Stone-coated metal roofs are gaining popularity among homeowners in Pittsburgh for their unique combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. These roofs consist of metal panels coated with a layer of natural stone chips, creating a visually stunning and textured appearance that mimics the look of traditional roofing materials like clay tiles or slate.

Pros 

• One of the key advantages of stone-coated metal roofs is their longevity. They offer the durability of metal, with the added benefit of the stone layer protecting against fading, cracking, and warping over time.
• Stone-coated metal roofs also provide excellent energy efficiency. The metal base also reflects the sunlight, reducing heat absorption 

Cons 

• Like the other metal roofing types we have talked about, there is an issue of cost when it comes to this metal roof.
• Despite being durable, there can be issues with noise. Stone coupled with steel can generate additional noise. Therefore you need to make sure that your residential roof has adequate insulation. 

Top Metal Roofing Manufacturers For Your Roofing Project 

Choosing the right metal roofing manufacturer is crucial to ensure that your roof lasts for decades and withstands the harsh weather conditions of the region. In this section, we will discuss the top metal roofing manufacturers in Pennsylvania, their products, and what sets them apart from their competitors.

#1 McElroy Metal 

This is one of the best metal roof manufacturers in America. It is a family-run company that only recently became employee-owned. With over 60 years of experience, McElroy Metal offers high-quality metal roofing products that provide superior performance and style. Their wide selection ensures that every homeowner can find something to suit their needs. Whether you want to install classic, standing-seam metal roofs, such as the Medallion-Lok line from McElroy, or want to do something different and go for metal roof tiles, this company has it all. 

#2 Classic Metal Roofing Systems

This company has been in the metal roofing business for over 30 years, and they have a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

If you're after the look of traditional tiles or shingles but with the durability of metal, Classic Metal Roofing Systems has you covered. Their products are known for their impressive wind resistance, which is a key factor for Pennsylvania homes. Their Rustic Shingle line has been a popular choice among Pennsylvanians for its natural, weathered wood-shake look. 

#3 Englert

Englert Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing products. They offer a wide range of products, such as architectural, structural, and curved panel roofs. Their standing seam roof is very popular and is available in 28 color choices. Englert also provides installation services for its metal roofing products. They have been in the metal roofing industry for over 50 years and have a reputation for producing durable, long-lasting metal roofing products. The company also offers gutter solutions as well. 

#4 ATAS International

ATAS International Inc. is another top metal roofing manufacturer that has its headquarters in  Pennsylvania. They specialize in metal roofing and metal wall panels for commercial and residential buildings. Their products are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. ATAS International has been in the business for over 60 years and offers a variety of metal roofing systems, including standing seam, corrugated, and batten seam metal roofs. They also offer a range of colors and finishes to choose from, allowing homeowners to customize their metal roofs to their liking.

If you’re also looking for gutters to go with your metal roof, check out our blog post on the three main types of gutters for metal roofs. 

Best Metal Roof Installation Services

Remember, even the best roofing material can fail if it’s not installed correctly. Hence, ensure you hire a professional installation team who understands your chosen manufacturer's products, such as the team of McClellands Contracting and Roofing. 

Our experienced roofing team is well-versed in the best practices to guarantee flawless metal roof installation services in Pittsburgh. Contact us today at (412) 353-5660 to set up a free roof inspection with us now.