Weather, Climate & Performance
How a metal roof handles hail, wildfire, snow, wind, salt air and heat — and which roof suits your climate.
22 guides
- Aluminum Roofing R-Value & Energy EfficiencyThe metal in an aluminum roof has almost no R-value on its own — like any roofing, insulation is what resists heat flow.
- Are Metal Roofs Fire-Resistant? (Wildfire & Class A)Yes. Metal is non-combustible, and Interlock's roofing achieves a Class A fire rating — the highest roof-covering classification — when installed with the specified assembly under ICC-ES ESR-1790.
- Are Metal Roofs Good for Hail?Yes — metal is one of the best roofing choices for hail. Interlock's aluminum roofing is tested to UL 2218 Class 4, the highest impact-resistance class, meaning it withstands a 2-inch steel ball…
- Do Metal Roofs Dent? Impact Resistance ExplainedFunctionally, no. Interlock's heavy-gauge, textured aluminum is tested to UL 2218 Class 4 — the highest impact class — so it resists the cracking and rupture that matter for keeping water out.
- Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter?No — the opposite. A metal roof with a Cool Roof-rated reflective finish bounces solar heat away instead of absorbing it like dark asphalt, and metal does not store heat.
- How Long Do Aluminum Shingles Last?Aluminum shingles last 50 years or more — often a lifetime — far outlasting asphalt's 15–20 years.
- How Long Does a Copper Roof Last?A copper roof lasts exceptionally long — commonly 100 years or more, and historic copper roofs have endured for centuries.
- How Long Does a Metal Shake Roof Last?A metal shake roof lasts 50 years or more — often a lifetime — while real cedar shake typically lasts only 20–30 years and demands constant upkeep.
- Metal Roofs and Hurricanes: How They Handle High WindVery well. 5 psf. The four-sided interlock resists the lifting that tears shingles off.
- Metal Roofs and Ice Dams: Do They Help?Metal roofs greatly reduce ice dams: their smooth, cold surface sheds snow before it can melt and refreeze, and quality installs include an ice-and-water shield at the eaves as a backup.
- Metal Roofs and Snow & Ice: Shedding, Ice Dams, and Snow GuardsMetal roofs handle snow and ice well: their smooth, interlocking surface sheds snow rather than letting it pile up, which reduces roof load and helps prevent ice dams.
- Should You Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?If your roof has less remaining life than the solar array, replace the roof first.
- The Best Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials (Ranked)The most fire-resistant roofing materials are non-combustible coverings used in Class A rated assemblies: metal, clay and concrete tile, and slate.
- The Best Metal Roof for Florida HomesFor Florida, aluminum metal roofing is an excellent choice: it stands up to hurricane wind, salt air, intense sun, and humidity all at once.
- The Best Metal Roof for Hot, Sunny Climates84) instead of absorbing it like dark asphalt, keeping attics cooler and cutting air-conditioning costs.
- The Best Metal Roof for Snow and Cold ClimatesMetal is one of the best roofs for snow country: its smooth, interlocking surface sheds snow to reduce load and ice dams, and aluminum shrugs off the freeze-thaw cycling that cracks other materials.
- The Best Metal Roof for Texas HomesTexas throws hail, heat, and high wind at roofs, and aluminum metal roofing handles all three.
- The Best Metal Roof for the Pacific NorthwestIn the wet, mild Pacific Northwest, the enemies are constant rain, moss, and damp — and aluminum metal roofing beats them.
- The Best Roof for Coastal and Salt-Air HomesAluminum. Salt air accelerates corrosion, which is why many steel roofing warranties limit or exclude coastal installations — but aluminum contains no iron and cannot rust, forming a self-healing…
- The Best Roof for Wildfire ZonesFor wildfire-prone areas, a Class A metal roof is one of the safest choices.
- What Are Ice Dams? Causes and Warning SignsAn ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and stops melting snow from draining off.
- Why Aluminum Roofs Don't Rust: Coastal and Wet-Climate PerformanceRust is iron oxide — and aluminum contains no iron, so it cannot rust.