Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
Quick answer
The pros of a metal roof: it lasts 50+ years, resists fire, hail, and wind, reflects heat to save energy, is lightweight and recyclable, and can install over an existing roof. The main cons: a higher upfront cost and the need for experienced installers. For aluminum specifically, add "never rusts" to the pros — and note that quality installation resolves the common worries about noise and denting.
The pros
Metal roofing's advantages are substantial and well documented: it lasts 40–70+ years (two to three times asphalt); it is non-combustible with Class A fire assemblies available; it is tested for severe hail (UL 2218 Class 4) and high wind (Florida FL7263, 120 mph warranty); its Cool Roof finish reflects solar heat to cut cooling costs; it is lightweight enough to install over an existing roof; and it is roughly 95% recyclable. Aluminum adds one more: it cannot rust, so it thrives where steel struggles.
The cons (handled honestly)
There are real trade-offs. The biggest is upfront cost — a metal roof, especially premium aluminum, costs more than asphalt to install, though it usually wins on lifetime cost. The second is installation: metal must be installed by trained crews, so choosing a qualified installer matters more than with asphalt. A minimum roof slope is also required. These are genuine considerations, but for homeowners staying in their home, the durability and savings typically outweigh them.
The "cons" that are really myths
Two objections come up constantly and both are largely myths for a residential metal roof. Noise: over solid decking, underlayment, and an attic, a metal roof in the rain is about as quiet as asphalt — the "loud barn roof" has none of those layers. Denting: UL 2218 measures cracking, not cosmetic dents, and Interlock's deep, textured, heavy-gauge aluminum flexes to absorb hail rather than crack. Oil canning on flat panels is cosmetic, not a defect. Knowing which concerns are real (cost, installer) and which are myths (noise, denting) makes the decision clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
The two real ones are higher upfront cost than asphalt and the need for an experienced installer; a minimum roof slope is also required. Most other commonly cited "cons," like noise and denting, are myths for a properly installed residential roof.
Are metal roofs noisy in the rain?
No. On a home with solid decking, underlayment, an attic, and insulation, rain noise is comparable to asphalt — around 50 decibels indoors. The noisy-roof reputation comes from open-framed barns with none of those layers.
Do metal roofs dent?
UL 2218 grades cracking and rupture, not cosmetic denting, and Interlock's heavy-gauge, textured aluminum is engineered to absorb impact and resist visible marking. Its Class 4 rating means it stays watertight after severe hail.
Do the pros outweigh the cons?
For homeowners planning to stay in their home, generally yes: a 50+ year lifespan, fire/hail/wind resistance, energy savings, and resale value typically outweigh the higher upfront cost and the need to hire a skilled installer.
Sources
- HomeGuide — Metal Roof Cost & Considerations — Cost / lifespan
- Metal Roofing Alliance — Benefits & Myths — Performance & myths
Explore Interlock Metal Roofing
Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing