Metal Roofing in the Mountains: Is It Right for Your Home?

If you've been thinking about a new roof, there's a good chance metal roofing has come up. Maybe you've noticed more metal roofs popping up in your neighborhood, or a friend mentioned how much they love theirs. It's definitely having a moment, and there are some great reasons for that. But it's not the right choice for everyone, so let's break it down honestly.

What Makes Metal Roofing a Great Fit For Our Area

One of the biggest advantages for homeowners in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia is how well metal handles snow. That smooth surface lets snow and ice slide right off instead of piling up, which means less weight on your roof and fewer ice dams to deal with. Anyone who's lived through our freeze-thaw cycles knows that's a real benefit.If you've been thinking about a new roof, there's a good chance metal roofing has come up. Maybe you've noticed more metal roofs popping up in your neighborhood, or a friend mentioned how much they love theirs. It's definitely having a moment, and there are some great reasons for that. But it's not the right choice for everyone, so let's break it down honestly.

Then there's the longevity factor. A quality metal roof can last 50 years or more, compared to 20-30 years for asphalt shingles. For a lot of homeowners, that means it's the last roof they'll ever need to install. It also handles rough weather incredibly well, most metal roofing systems are rated for winds over 100 mph, which matters when summer storms roll through.

On the energy side, metal reflects heat instead of absorbing it, so your AC doesn't have to work as hard in the summer. Some metal roofs even qualify for energy tax credits. And once it's installed, there's really not much to maintain. No granules washing into your gutters, no shingles curling, no moss creeping in.

A Few Thing to Think About

The biggest consideration is cost. Metal roofing runs about 2-3 times more than asphalt shingles upfront. For many people the longevity makes it worthwhile, but it's a real budget factor.

Noise is another common question. The good news is that modern metal roofing installed properly, is much quieter than the old barn-roof stereotype. You might notice heavy rain or hail a little more than with shingles, but it's not dramatic.

Hail is worth mentioning too. Metal is durable, but large hail can dent some products. Thicker gauge options resist denting better, though they come at a higher price point.

One thing that really matters with metal roofing is installation. This isn't a DIY project, and it's not something every roofer is equipped to handle well. Improper installation can cause leaks, that wavy "oil canning" look, and warranty issues. If you go the metal route, make sure your contractor has real experience with these systems.

Finally, metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. That's completely normal, and a skilled installer will account for it. But if the fastening isn't done right, things can loosen up over time.

So is Metal Roofing Right for You?

If you're planning to stay in your home long-term and can handle the higher upfront investment, metal roofing is hard to beat. It's especially well-suited for steeper roofs where snow shedding is a plus, and for homeowners who want something they can basically forget about for decades.

But if budget is a concern, you're thinking about selling in the next few years, or your roof has low-slope sections, traditional shingles might make more sense.

Every home is different. If you're not sure which direction to go, we're always happy to talk it through and help you figure out what fits your situation best.