Best Metal Roofing Manufacturer Reviews and Buying Guide

Metal Roofing Manufacturer Reviews help homeowners and contractors compare brands, materials, warranties, and costs to make informed decisions about metal roofing investments. This guide evaluates top U.S.-available manufacturers, material types, performance metrics, and purchasing tips to simplify the selection process.

Manufacturer	Common Materials	Typical Warranty	Key Strength
Metal Sales	Steel, Aluminum	30-40 Years	Wide Product Range
DECRA	Stone-Coated Steel	30-50 Years	High-end Profiles
ATAS International	Steel, Aluminum, Copper	20-35 Years	Architectural Panels
Boral Metal Roofing	Steel (Stone-Coated)	30-50 Years	Aesthetic Options
Fabral	Steel, Aluminum	25-40 Years	Value Pricing

How To Read Metal Roofing Manufacturer Reviews

Metal roofing manufacturer reviews typically cover product quality, material options, warranty terms, installation complexity, and after-sales support. Trusted reviews combine laboratory performance data, field longevity reports, contractor feedback, and homeowner satisfaction ratings. Look For Independent Tests and consistent reports across multiple sources rather than isolated testimonials.

Top Metal Roofing Manufacturers And What Sets Them Apart

Metal Sales

Metal Sales is a leading coil-coated steel and aluminum manufacturer with a broad national distribution network. Their panels are known for durability and availability in many gauges and finishes. Strengths Include Large Inventory And Contractor Familiarity, which often reduces lead times and installation errors.

DECRA

DECRA specializes in stone-coated steel tile and shake profiles that mimic traditional roofing materials. These systems emphasize aesthetics and hail resistance. Strengths Include Superior Aesthetics And Impact Resistance, making DECRA a popular choice for high-end residential projects in hail-prone regions.

ATAS International

ATAS produces architectural metal panels used for both roofing and wall systems. The company offers specialty metals like copper and zinc for design-focused projects. Strengths Include Custom Architectural Options and engineered systems suited to complex roof geometries.

Boral Metal Roofing

Boral focuses on stone-coated steel roofing that replicates tile and shake looks. Their products often target homeowners seeking traditional curb appeal with metal longevity. Strengths Include Wide Color Palettes And Tile Replication for historic or aesthetic-sensitive installations.

Fabral

Fabral produces value-oriented standing seam and exposed-fastener panels. Their product lines aim to balance cost, performance, and basic warranty coverage. Strengths Include Competitive Pricing And Simpler Systems that suit budget-conscious projects and straightforward rooflines.

Material Types And Their Performance

Choosing among steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and stone-coated steel depends on climate, budget, and desired lifespan. Each metal offers distinctive benefits and trade-offs.

Galvanized And Galvalume Steel

Galvanized steel uses zinc coating to prevent corrosion, while Galvalume combines aluminum and zinc for improved protection. Benefits Include High Strength And Lower Cost, but steel can be prone to corrosion in coastal environments unless properly coated.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and resists coastal corrosion better than steel. It is easier to handle and performs well in salt-spray environments. Benefits Include Corrosion Resistance And Light Weight, though it is typically more expensive than steel and can dent in hail events.

Copper And Zinc

Premium metals like copper and zinc offer exceptional longevity and develop natural patinas that many owners find desirable. Benefits Include Extremely Long Lifespan And Low Maintenance, but initial material and installation costs are significantly higher.

Stone-Coated Steel

Stone-coated steel combines a steel substrate with a decorative stone granule finish to mimic tile or shake. Benefits Include Aesthetic Versatility And Impact Resistance, while being lighter than traditional tile and offering strong wind performance.

Warranties, Coatings, And Lifecycle Value

Manufacturer warranties vary by material, coating, and region. Warranties typically cover rust perforation, paint adhesion, and sometimes labor. Understanding warranty limits and transferability is critical.

Coatings Matter: PVDF (Kynar 500) and SMP are common factory coatings. PVDF provides superior color retention and chalk resistance versus SMP, which is more budget-friendly but less resistant to UV fade.

Lifecycle Value: Evaluate total installed cost, not just material price. Metal roofing often has higher upfront cost but lower lifetime maintenance and longer service life, producing favorable cost-per-year compared to asphalt shingles.

Installation Considerations And Common Issues

Installation quality affects metal roofing longevity as much as material choice. Manufacturers often approve specific fastening patterns, underlayments, and flashings to maintain warranty coverage.

Common Issues: improper panel alignment, incorrect fastener penetration, inadequate underlayment, and thermal movement problems. Hiring a certified installer or one recommended by the manufacturer reduces risk and may be required for full warranty enforcement.

Performance In Different Climates

Metal roofing behaves differently across climates—thermal expansion, condensation control, wind uplift, and salt exposure should guide material and system selection.

Coastal Areas

In coastal climates, corrosion resistance is paramount. Aluminum And Higher-Grade Coated Steels Are Preferred to resist salt spray, and installers should use stainless fasteners and corrosion-resistant flashings.

Hot, Sunny Regions

Reflective coatings and lighter colors reduce solar heat gain. PVDF Coatings And Cool Roof Colors Lower Cooling Loads and improve comfort in warm climates.

Cold And Snowy Areas

Snow-shedding performance and underlayment selection are critical in snowy regions. Standing Seam Systems With Proper Snow Guards And Ice Dam Protection help prevent roof damage and leaks.

How To Use Reviews To Compare Prices And Value

Manufacturer reviews can clarify real-installed costs versus sticker prices. Reviews often reveal local price variances, typical installation labor times, and expected maintenance.

• Compare Installed Quotes: Get multiple quotes that include flashing, underlayment, trim, and disposal.
• Ask For Warranty Documentation: Confirm what is factory-backed versus contractor-backed.
• Check Long-Term Reports: Search for field performance and buyer complaints on forums and consumer sites.

Key Questions To Ask Dealers And Contractors

Asking targeted questions helps verify manufacturer claims and installation competence. Request references from recent local installs using the same product.

1. Is The Installer Certified By The Manufacturer? Certification often ensures proper techniques and warranty compliance.
2. What Exact Product Code And Coating Are Being Installed? Variations can change performance and warranty scope.
3. What Fasteners And Underlayment Are Specified? These components are common failure points if underspecified.

Where To Find Reliable Manufacturer Reviews And Data

Reliable sources include independent testing labs (e.g., ICC, UL), trade associations (e.g., Metal Roofing Alliance), consumer protection sites, and professional contractor feedback. Cross-Reference Laboratory Results With Long-Term Field Reports to form a complete view.

Decision Checklist Before Purchasing Metal Roofing

Use a concise checklist to streamline selection and reduce post-installation surprises.

• Confirm Material Suitability For Local Climate
• Verify Manufacturer Warranty And Transferability
• Require Certified Installation Or Manufacturer-Endorsed Contractor
• Get Multiple Installed Quotes With Detailed Line Items
• Request Local References And Recent Job Photos

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing Manufacturers

Do Manufacturer Reviews Reflect Real-World Performance?

Reviews that combine lab tests, long-term field observations, and contractor feedback provide the most accurate reflection of performance. Single Reviews Or Paid Promotions Should Be Treated With Caution.

How Important Is The Coating Type In Reviews?

Coating type often determines long-term aesthetics and corrosion resistance. PVDF coatings score higher on fade resistance and are commonly highlighted in positive reviews. Coating Choice Often Outweighs Base Metal In Longevity.

Are Expensive Manufacturers Always Better?

Higher costs can reflect premium metals, finishes, or architectural customization. However, mid-range manufacturers often deliver excellent durability for typical residential needs. Value Comes From Matching Product To Project Needs, Not Price Alone.

Additional Resources And Next Steps

When ready to proceed, gather manufacturer spec sheets, warranty documents, and installation guides. Contact local building inspectors to confirm code compliance and verify that the selected system meets wind and fire classifications for the area.

Next Steps: Compile three installed quotes, confirm installer certifications, and verify manufacturer warranty terms in writing before signing a contract.