Aluminum Roofing Systems
Interlock® Metal Shake Roofing: Lifetime Aluminum, Hand-Split Shake Texture
Interlock metal shake roofing delivers the authentic texture of hand-split wood shakes in lightweight aluminum — without maintenance, rot, or replacement costs.
Discover Interlock Metal Shake Roofing — engineered to last the lifetime of your home with zero maintenance and a Lifetime Transferable Warranty.
TL;DR Summary
Interlock® Metal Shake Roofing captures the bold, hand-split texture of natural wood shake in a 0.028" aluminum panel (3003-H24 or 3105-H24 per ASTM B209) at ~58 lbs per square — a heavier gauge than most competing metal shingle products. UL 2218 Class 4 hail, ASTM E108 Class A fire-rated assembly available, 120 mph warranted wind, AAMA 2605 Alunar® PVDF coating, ICC-ES ESR-1790, FL7263-R7.
Overview
What Is Metal Shake Roofing?
Interlock® Metal Shake Roofing captures the bold, textured profile of natural wood shake in a 0.028" aluminum panel — a heavier gauge than most competitive metal shingle products — with a 47" exposure width and 3-panel overlap that produces authentic depth and shadow. At approximately 58 lbs per square, it installs at less than 30% the weight of asphalt and less than 7% of concrete tile. Rated Class 4 under UL 2218, warranted to 120 mph wind resistance, and backed by the Guardian Lifetime Limited Non-Prorated Material Warranty, it carries ICC-ES ESR-1790 and Florida Product Approval FL7263.
The system's anti-capillary detail and 3-panel overlap geometry address the primary failure point of horizontal panel roofing: water infiltration at panel joints under wind-driven rain. Each course overlaps three panel widths, creating a mechanical barrier that performs at 120 mph without sealants that degrade over time. A clip fastening system accommodates full thermal expansion without penetrating fasteners. Installation requires ½" minimum sheathing with synthetic underlayment on slopes of 3:12 or greater — with a complete color-matched trim suite requiring no field-fabricated flashing at any transition.
Why Homeowners Choose Metal Shake Roofing Over Asphalt
Unlike steel shake competitors, Interlock Metal Shake is aluminum throughout — corrosion-immune, galvanically compatible with all standard roofing metals, and finished without dependency on a cut-edge seal for long-term performance. For coastal, high-humidity, or galvanically sensitive environments, this is a specification-level distinction. The 100% recyclable aluminum substrate, combined with the elimination of repeated asphalt and wood shake landfill cycles, positions the product as a verified sustainability choice for green building projects. Available in a curated low-gloss designer color palette through Interlock's North American dealer network.
Table of Contents
- What Is Metal Shake Roofing?
- Metal Shake Roofing for Every Professional
- The Interlock Metal Shake Roofing Advantage
- The Alunar® Coating System
- Why a 48-Year Metal Roofing Coatings Veteran Endorses Interlock®
- Product Specifications
- Color Options
- Metal Shake Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles vs. Real Wood Shake
- Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
- What Homeowners Say About Interlock Metal Roofing
- Metal Shake Roofing — Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Who It's For
Metal Shake Roofing for Every Professional
Interlock Metal Shake Roofing captures the bold, rustic texture of hand-split wood shake — engineered to last long after real shake has failed. Wood shake warps, grows moss, and splits within a single generation. Interlock aluminum holds its form and color for a lifetime. Each panel is formed from 0.028-inch aluminum alloy, coated with the Alunar® 5-layer fluorocarbon system for permanent UV resistance and color retention. Hail up to 2 inches (UL 2218 Class 4), winds up to 120 mph, and freeze-thaw cycles have zero effect on panel integrity. With the Guardian Lifetime Limited Non-Prorated Material Warranty, your investment is protected for the life of your home. No prorating, no hidden exclusions, no recoating — just one installation, for life.
Get Your Free Quote →Interlock Metal Shake is specified under CSI MasterFormat Section 07 41 13 (Metal Roof Panels). The 0.028-inch aluminum alloy panel (3003-H24 or 3105-H24 per ASTM B209) installs at approximately 58 lbs per square. Panel dimensions: 13½" × 50" overall; 12½" × 47" weather exposure. Three-panel overlap with integrated anti-capillary channel detailing. The Alunar® 5-layer fluorocarbon coating system provides PVDF-grade durability per ASTM D-4214-07 and ASTM D-2244-16. ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1790 and Florida Product Approval FL7263-R7 (NON-HVHZ) are applicable. Minimum slope: 3:12 with ice-and-water; 4:12 with standard underlayment. Class A fire rating available per ESR-1790 §4.4 with GAF Versashield per ESR-2053. UL 2218 Class 4 impact. Wind warranted to 120 mph under the Guardian Lifetime Limited Non-Prorated Warranty. 30-year coating warranty.
Download Spec Sheet →Interlock Metal Shake installs over standard decking as a concealed fastener system — no exposed penetrations, no caulking, no sealants. The 13½" × 50" panel (12½" × 47" weather exposure) uses a three-panel overlap configuration with an integrated anti-capillary channel that prevents moisture ingress under wind-driven conditions. Panel weight of approximately 58 lbs per square is manageable with standard crew and equipment. Aluminum is non-corrosive and will not cause ferrous streaking on adjacent materials. Minimum slope: 3:12 with ice-and-water barrier; 4:12 with standard underlayment. Interlock Metal Shake carries ICC-ES ESR-1790 approval, and Florida Product Approval FL7263-R7 applies in NON-HVHZ jurisdictions. Fastening schedules, underlayment specifications, and valley/hip/ridge detailing are fully documented in Interlock's certified installation manual.
Become a Certified Installer →Key Advantages
The Interlock Metal Shake Roofing Advantage
Lifetime Transferable Warranty
Every Interlock installation is backed by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty — the strongest warranty in the roofing industry. Coverage can be transferred one time to the next owner (a $300 transfer fee applies), adding documented value at resale.
Explore now >Class 4 Impact Resistance
Achieves the highest UL 2218 impact rating — Class 4 — verified by the standard's most demanding 2-inch steel-ball impact test. Many insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 rated roofing.
Explore now >Class A Fire Resistance available
Class A fire rating available under ASTM E108 — the highest fire resistance classification, subject to proper underlayment and installation. Superior protection compared to asphalt shingles and untreated wood profiles.
Explore now >120 MPH Wind Resistance
Interlock's concealed clip-fastening system locks every panel to the roof deck and to the panels around it, with no exposed fasteners that can loosen or back out over time. The system is warranted against wind uplift to 120 mph and tested to ASTM D3161 Class F, while the interlocking design lets panels expand and contract with temperature swings without breaking the weather seal — so the roof is built to stay secure through the high winds and seasonal storms common across North American climates.
Explore now >Energy-Efficient Aluminum
Aluminum reflects solar radiation and releases heat rapidly at night, reducing cooling loads and summer energy costs compared to dark asphalt roofing materials.
Explore now >Low Lifetime Maintenance
No painting, sealing, granule replacement, or re-nailing — ever. Occasional debris rinsing is all that is required. Eliminate roof maintenance from your budget permanently.
Explore now >AAMA 2605 Certified Coating System
The Alunar® Coating System
Every Interlock Metal Shake panel is factory-finished with the proprietary Alunar® Coating System — a 5-stage molecular bonding process engineered to the most demanding performance standards for architectural coatings in North America. At its core, Alunar uses a 70% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fluoropolymer resin system — the same chemistry trusted by monumental and commercial building projects across the continent. Unlike painted steel or granule-coated asphalt products, PVDF fluoropolymer chemistry does not fade, chalk, peel, or blister. Color stability is independently verified to ASTM D-4214-07 (chalk resistance) and ASTM D-2244-16 (color retention) — requiring less than 5 Delta E units of color change after a decade of continuous UV exposure. Your roof's color is not applied to the surface — it is bonded into it. That is the difference between a finish that lasts 20 years and one that lasts a lifetime.
Layer 1 — Alunar® Coating System (PVDF Top Coat)
The outermost layer is Interlock's proprietary Alunar fluoropolymer finish — formulated with 70% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin and independently verified to ASTM D-4214-07 for chalk resistance and ASTM D-2244-16 for color retention. This layer delivers color stability confirmed to less than 5 Delta E color change after ten years of continuous UV exposure. It is the permanent face of your roof.
Layer 2 — Primer Base Coat
A precision-applied primer layer bonds directly to the treated aluminum surface, creating the adhesion foundation that locks every subsequent layer in place. This primer is the structural bridge between the metal substrate and the PVDF color system — without it, no coating chemistry performs to specification.
Layer 3 — Conversion Coating
A chemical conversion treatment restructures the aluminum surface at the molecular level — transforming it from a passive metal into an active bonding substrate. This layer is critical to corrosion resistance and long-term coating adhesion, and is what separates an architectural-grade finish from a standard painted surface.
Layer 4 — Alkaline Cleansed
Before any coating is applied, each aluminum panel undergoes a multi-stage alkaline cleaning process that removes surface oxides, mill oils, and microscopic contaminants. This step is non-negotiable — surface cleanliness at this stage directly determines the lifespan of every layer above it.
Layer 5 — Aluminum Substrate
The structural foundation of every Interlock Metal Shake panel — 3003-H24 aluminum alloy, selected for its superior formability, corrosion resistance, and long-term dimensional stability. At approximately 58 lbs per square, it is significantly lighter than natural wood shake or concrete tile alternatives and requires no structural reinforcement on standard roof framing.
Layer 6 — Back Coat
An applied protective coating on the underside of every panel guards against moisture infiltration, condensation, and galvanic corrosion from below. Most roofing products leave the back face uncoated. Interlock does not — because a lifetime warranty requires protection on all six sides of the panel.
Industry Expert Testimonial
Why a 48-Year Metal Roofing Coatings Veteran Endorses Interlock®
“In my 48 years of experience in the metal roofing industry (21 years with Desoto, 10 years with Morton International, 6 years with BASF and 10 years with 3M), it is most unique to find a company who is constantly striving to provide roofing products that live up to claims that are being made to customers. From the very moment the Interlock Roofing System is applied to a home the customer experiences excellent installation and a very unique surface design all applied to the finest metal available. All these are provided with the promise of great durability and sustainability and a low maintenance roofing system. The use of Alunar(r) Coating Systems, which have a superior record of color fastness, chalk resistance and literal fusion like adhesion is the finest coating system anyone can provide.”
Robert Scichili
Robert Scichili Associates, Inc.
Independent testimonial from an industry expert. Robert Scichili is President of Robert Scichili Associates, Inc. (Richardson, TX) and Principal Partner at RSK Avanti Partners LLC — a strategic marketing, sales, and technical development consultancy for the metal construction and architectural coatings industries. He previously served as Business Development Manager for the Industrial Coatings Division at BASF Corporation, where he led market positioning for the Ultra-Cool reflective coatings line. Robert is a founding Board Member of the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and a published authority on Energy Star, LEED, and cool metal roofing technologies. His 48-year career in industrial coatings spans Desoto, Morton International, BASF, and 3M.
Robert Scichili · President, Robert Scichili Associates, Inc. · 21 years Desoto · 10 years Morton International · 6 years BASF · 10 years 3M
Technical Data
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Material & Alloy Specification | Aluminum alloy 3003-H24 per ASTM B209 |
| Panel Gauge & Nominal Base Thickness | 0.028" (0.71 mm) nominal base thickness |
| Installed Weight Per Square | Approx. 58 lbs per 100 sq ft (0.58 psf installed) |
| Hail Impact Resistance Rating | Class 4 — UL 2218 |
| Fire Resistance Rating | Class A fire rating available (requires GAF Versashield Fire-Resistant Roof Deck Protection per ICC-ES ESR-2053; self-adhered underlayment = non-classified assembly) |
| Wind Speed Resistance — Manufacturer Warranted | 120 mph (193 kph) — warranted per manufacturer's installation procedures |
| Surface Coating System & Finish Warranty | Alunar® Coating System — 5-layer fluorocarbon finish; 30-year coating warranty (no chalk >8 ASTM D-4214-07; no color change >5 ΔE ASTM D-2244-16) |
| Panel Size, Weather Exposure & Coverage Geometry | 13½" × 50"; Installed exposure: 12½" × 47"; 3-panel overlap with anti-capillary detail |
| Material Warranty Program Name | Guardian Lifetime Limited Material Warranty — one-time transferable |
| Warranty Duration, Ownership Terms & Transferability | Lifetime for original registered owner (individual); 50 years from Substantial Completion for organizations or upon transfer to 2nd owner ($300 transfer fee) |
| Recycled Content & End-of-Life Recyclability | Aluminum is 100% recyclable at end of life |
| Cool Roof Energy Rating & Third-Party Certification | Cool Roof rated — CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) and ORNL (Oak Ridge National Laboratories) tested |
| CSI MasterFormat Division & Section Reference | 07 41 13 — Metal Roof Panels |
Available Colors
Color Options
Interlock Metal Shake is available in eight architect-curated colors in heavy gauge aluminum — each permanently bonded through the Alunar® PVDF fluoropolymer coating system, certified to AAMA 2605, the most demanding color performance standard in North American architecture. Unlike paint-over-steel or granule-coated products that fade, chalk, or shed over time, Alunar's 70% PVDF resin chemistry is backed by a 30-year color warranty — guaranteeing chalk resistance no worse than a numerical rating of 8 per ASTM D-4214 and color change no greater than 5 Hunter ΔE units per ASTM D-2244. That is not a marketing claim — it is a measured, testable, warranted performance threshold. For projects demanding the ultimate in prestige and material authenticity, Interlock Metal Shake is also available in solid copper — a ninth option that develops a natural living patina unique to every installation. Whether you select a factory-finished aluminum color or the timeless warmth of solid copper, every panel is backed by Interlock's Lifetime Transferable Warranty. Contact your local Interlock dealer to request a physical color sample and full specification sheet.
Material Comparison
Metal Shake Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles vs. Real Wood Shake
How does Interlock Metal Shake Roofing compare on the metrics that matter most? Review the key performance differences below.
| Interlock Metal Shake Roofing | Asphalt Shingles | Real Wood Shake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Lifetime (50+ years) | 15-25 years | 20-40 years |
| Weight | ~58 lbs/square | 250-350 lbs/square | 250-450 lbs/square |
| Fire Rating | Class A | Class A (with mat) | Class C (untreated) |
| Warranty | Lifetime Transferable | 20-30 year limited | Limited or none |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Periodic inspection | Regular maintenance |
Real Installations
Interlock Metal Shake Roofing — Project Gallery
Interlock Metal Shake delivers the bold texture and deep shadow lines of traditional wood shake to homes across Canada and the United States — engineered from aluminum to outlast the material it replicates. Coated with the CRRC-rated Alunar® 70% PVDF system and available in nine colors including Black, Deep Charcoal, Tudor Brown, and Colonial Brown, each panel is warranted to resist fading and chalking for a minimum of 30 years under normal atmospheric conditions. With wind resistance rated to 120 mph and the Guardian Lifetime Limited 50-Year Transferable Warranty, Interlock Metal Shake is the rugged character of wood shake with the permanence of metal.
Environmental Performance
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Interlock Metal Shake is manufactured from aluminum — one of the most sustainable structural building materials available. Aluminum is 100% recyclable at end of life with no loss of material quality, and Interlock panels contain a high percentage of post-industrial recycled content. Its permanent, maintenance-free service life eliminates the repeated manufacturing, shipping, and disposal cycles embedded in wood shake replacement — materials that typically end in landfill within 20 years. For homeowners and architects specifying sustainable assemblies, Interlock Metal Shake delivers a measurable improvement in lifecycle environmental performance over wood alternatives.
- High recycled aluminum content
- Reflects solar radiation — reduces cooling loads
- 100% recyclable at end of life
Customer Reviews
What Homeowners Say About Interlock Metal Roofing
★★★★★This is the 3rd roof I have had put on by Interlock Roofing. I put one on my original house, my cottage, and now my new house. They have always done an excellent job, and the aluminum shingles are a great product — light, sturdy, and good-looking, even years down the road.
★★★★★We had our roof replaced in 2017 with an aluminum roof by Interlock Metal Roofing. We live on the lake, and prior to the replacement, we were spending thousands of dollars every year as the shingles used to fly away in the wind. We have never had any problems in the last 9 years. We had a great experience with Interlock Metal Roofing. They were very professional and did a beautiful job, although it was difficult as our roof is quite high. Our roof is still beautiful, and we have never had a worry about it.
★★★★★I LOVE MY INTERLOCK ROOF! No more climbing up there to clean it off, no more gritty stuff falling into my garden after a few years. It looks fabulous and does what it's supposed to! And then there are the installers: knowledgeable, attentive to detail, and personable. Ivan is a gem! He attended to the addition of a small bit of flashing efficiently and cleaned the whole roof with a blower in short order. After almost ten years, it's STILL the only roof I would choose!
FAQ
Metal Shake Roofing — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Interlock Metal Shake Roofing — answered for homeowners, architects, and contractors.
How long does metal shake roofing last?
Interlock Metal Shake Roofing is backed by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty, designed to outlast the structure it covers. Unlike asphalt shingles that require replacement every 15-25 years, Interlock aluminum panels resist corrosion, impact, and freeze-thaw cycling without degrading.
How much does metal shake roofing cost?
Interlock Metal Shake Roofing carries a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles and is competitively priced against real wood shake on a lifetime basis. Real shake requires staining, treatment, and full replacement every 15–25 years. Interlock installs once and requires zero maintenance for life. Exact pricing varies by region, roof complexity, and local labor rates. Contact an authorized Interlock installer for a project-specific quote. The lifetime cost comparison consistently favors Interlock for homeowners planning to remain in their property long-term.
Is metal shake roofing energy efficient?
Yes. Interlock aluminum panels reflect solar radiation and release absorbed heat rapidly after sunset, reducing attic temperatures and HVAC cooling loads compared to dark asphalt shingles. Most homeowners report measurable reductions in summer cooling costs.
What maintenance does metal shake roofing require?
Virtually none. No painting, sealing, re-granulating, or re-nailing is ever required. Occasional rinsing to remove debris from valleys is all that is typically needed. Interlock eliminates roof maintenance from your annual budget.
How heavy is metal shake roofing?
Interlock Metal Shake panels weigh approximately 58 lbs per square (100 sq ft). This is a fraction of the weight of concrete tile (900+ lbs/sq) and natural slate (800-1,500 lbs/sq), making Interlock suitable for virtually any standard residential roof structure without structural reinforcement.
Can Interlock roofing be installed over my existing roof?
In many cases, yes — Interlock aluminum roofing can be installed over existing asphalt shingles without full tear-off, depending on local building codes, deck condition, and current roof layer count. Your authorized Interlock installer will conduct a decking inspection to confirm eligibility. Installing over existing roofing eliminates tear-off labor and disposal costs, reducing overall project expense. Where tear-off is required — due to soft decking, rot, or code restrictions on roof layers — Interlock installers manage the full removal process. Either way, the result is a permanent roofing system that will never need to be removed or replaced.
Does Interlock roofing qualify for home insurance discounts?
Yes — in many regions, Interlock aluminum roofing's UL 2218 Class 4 hail impact rating and 120 mph warranted wind resistance qualify homeowners for significant insurance premium reductions. Discount amounts vary by insurance carrier and jurisdiction, but Class 4 impact-rated roofing consistently triggers meaningful savings in hail-prone markets across North America. Contact your insurance provider to confirm available discounts before installation. Many homeowners find that insurance savings offset a meaningful portion of the installation cost premium within the first 10–15 years of ownership.
What colors is Interlock Metal Shake available in?
Interlock Metal Shake Roofing is available in nine standard colors: Solid Copper, Copper Penny, Hunter Green, Black, Deep Charcoal, Musket Grey, Tile Red, Colonial Brown, and Tudor Brown. All colors are finished with the Alunar® 5-layer fluorocarbon coating system, providing PVDF-grade color stability backed by a 30-year coating warranty per ASTM D-4214-07 and ASTM D-2244-16. Colors complement a full range of architectural styles and exterior palettes. Contact your authorized Interlock installer or visit the Interlock color selector to view samples in your regional lighting conditions before finalizing your selection.
Is Interlock Metal Shake fire rated?
Yes. Interlock Metal Shake panels are available in a Class A fire-rated assembly — the highest rating achievable under UL and ICC standards. Class A requires installation with GAF Versashield fire-resistant underlayment per ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2053, in combination with the Interlock panel system per ESR-1790. Note: installation with self-adhered underlayment results in a non-classified fire assembly. Specify GAF Versashield when Class A fire rating is required by code or insurance. Confirm your underlayment specification with your authorized installer before project commencement.
Can the Interlock warranty be transferred to a new owner?
Yes. The Guardian Lifetime Limited Non-Prorated Material Warranty is transferable once to a subsequent owner. Original individual owners hold a lifetime warranty; organizations and subsequent individual owners hold a 50-year non-prorated warranty. A transfer fee of $300 applies, and transfer must be registered with Interlock Roofing within the required notification period. A documented Interlock roofing system with an active warranty adds measurable, verifiable value in real estate transactions. Contact Interlock Roofing directly to initiate the transfer process.
At a Glance
Key Takeaways
- Heavier-gauge 0.028" (0.71 mm) aluminum — produces deeper hand-split shake texture than thinner competing metal shingles.
- Panel: 13½" × 50" with 12½" × 47" weather exposure; 3-panel overlap with anti-capillary detail prevents wind-driven rain infiltration.
- ~58 lbs per 100 sq ft — less than 30% the weight of asphalt; less than 7% of concrete tile.
- UL 2218 Class 4 hail; Class A fire assembly available with GAF Versashield per ESR-2053 (vs wood shake's Class C untreated).
- AAMA 2605 Alunar® PVDF coating — 30-year chalk-and-fade warranty; Cool Roof rated by CRRC + ORNL.
- ICC-ES ESR-1790, Florida Product Approval FL7263-R7; CSI MasterFormat 07 41 13 (Metal Roof Panels).
- Concealed-fastener clip system accommodates full thermal expansion without exposed penetrating fasteners.
| 0.028" GAUGE (heavier than most metal shingles) | 58 LBS / SQ installed | UL 2218 CLASS 4 hail | 120 MPH warranted wind |
Documentation
Downloads & Specification Resources
Get Started
Free, No-Obligation Interlock® Consultation
Every Interlock® consultation is free and carries no obligation — for homeowners, architects, and roofing contractors alike. Contact Interlock and a certified local sales representative from your exclusive Interlock® dealer will reach out to schedule a Zoom call, office meeting, or in-home consultation. The conversation walks through profile selection, technical installation requirements (slope, venting, underlayment, fasteners, trim, snow management, solar), and project-specific pricing — in that order, never the reverse.
For homeowners →
Review profile options, color samples, and the Guardian Lifetime Transferable Warranty applied to your specific home.
For architects →
Walk through CSI MasterFormat 07 31 16 / 07 41 13 specifications, ICC-ES ESR-1790 documentation, and assembly options for your project submittal.
For roofing contractors →
Discuss certified-installer territory, training, technical support, and warranty registration through the Interlock® dealer network.
Prefer to talk? 1-866-733-5811
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