Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles?
Quick answer
No — a properly installed metal roof leaks far less than asphalt shingles, not more. Metal sheds water faster and has fewer seams. The leaks that do occur trace to exposed fasteners, poor flashing, or bad installation — not the metal itself. Concealed-fastener systems like Interlock's eliminate the most common leak points entirely.
Do metal roofs leak more than asphalt shingles?
No — the reverse is true. A metal roof is a system of large, overlapping, mechanically joined panels that shed water quickly and give it very few places to stop. Asphalt is thousands of small tabs held by sealant strips and roofing nails; as those age, curl, and lose granules, water finds its way in. Insurance and field data consistently show quality metal roofs outlasting and out-sealing asphalt. The persistent belief that metal leaks comes almost entirely from cheap exposed-fastener panels, not from engineered systems.
Where do metal roof leaks actually come from?
Almost always from three places, and none of them is the panel itself. First, exposed fasteners: screws driven through the face of corrugated or ribbed panels seal with rubber washers that harden and back out over 10–15 years, opening hundreds of tiny holes. Second, flashing: the transitions at valleys, chimneys, skylights, and walls are where water is directed, and sloppy flashing leaks regardless of roof type. Third, penetrations and poor workmanship. Get the fasteners, flashing, and installer right, and a metal roof simply does not leak.
How do concealed-fastener systems prevent leaks?
Interlock's panels fasten with clips and interlocks hidden beneath the weather surface, so no fastener ever penetrates the exposed face of the roof — the number-one leak source on cheaper metal is designed out entirely. Each panel locks to its neighbors on all four sides, channeling water over the surface and off the eave. Beneath the panels, a full layer of high-performance underlayment provides a second, independent water barrier. Two layers, no face penetrations, and precise factory-formed flashing are why the system stays dry for a lifetime.
Do metal roofs start leaking as they get older?
A quality aluminum roof does not. Its two failure-prone enemies — corrosion and coating breakdown — do not apply: aluminum cannot rust, and the finish is warrantied for decades. The interlocks and concealed fasteners are not consumed by weather the way asphalt's sealant and an exposed screw's gasket are. Exposed-fastener steel roofs, by contrast, often begin weeping at the washers in the second decade. Longevity is exactly why Interlock backs its aluminum roofs with a transferable lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal roof more waterproof than shingles?
Yes. Large interlocking panels shed water faster and have far fewer seams and fasteners than a field of asphalt tabs. With concealed fasteners and full underlayment, a system like Interlock's gives two independent water barriers, making it more watertight than shingles, not less.
Why does everyone think metal roofs leak?
Because most people picture cheap exposed-fastener barn panels, where face screws and rubber washers eventually leak. That is a fastener-and-installation problem, not a metal problem. Concealed-fastener architectural systems have no exposed gaskets and do not share that weakness.
Can a metal roof leak around a chimney or skylight?
Any roof can leak at a penetration if the flashing is done poorly — this is universal, not metal-specific. Proper step and counter-flashing at chimneys, walls, valleys, and skylights keeps the roof watertight. It is one of the clearest reasons to choose an experienced, certified installer.
Sources
- Metal Construction Association — Metal roof performance and water resistance
- NRCA — Roofing installation and flashing best practices
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Last reviewed 2026-07-12 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing