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. Metal reflects more of the sun than dark asphalt and sheds heat quickly once the sun goes down; lighter colors reflect the most.
- 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 Climates86) reflect more of the sun than dark asphalt, keeping attics cooler. Aluminum also won't degrade under relentless UV the way lesser materials do.
- 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.