Roofing · Missoula, MT
Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles in Missoula
Built to handle heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles and high winds, a metal roof is low-maintenance, energy-efficient and can last 50+ years. We install standing seam and metal shingle systems for homes and commercial buildings.
Metal or Shingles? Why Metal Works in Western Montana
Drive around Missoula, the Bitterroot or up the Clark Fork and you'll see more metal roofs every year. There are good reasons for it:
- It sheds snow. A smooth metal surface lets snow slide off instead of sitting on the roof for weeks, which means less weight on the structure and less chance of ice dams.
- It handles wind. A properly fastened metal roof doesn't have loose edges for the wind to lift the way a failing shingle does.
- It lasts. Metal roofs can last 50 years or more, often two or three times the life of an asphalt roof.
- It's low-maintenance. No granules to lose and no shingles to curl. An occasional check of fasteners, sealant and trim is usually all it needs.
- It's energy-efficient. Metal reflects more summer sun than dark shingles, which helps keep the attic cooler.
- It suits the setting. From modern mountain homes to farmhouses, shops and barns, metal fits the way people build here.
What's Included
Planning
- An on-site inspection and an itemized estimate
- Help choosing the system, panel profile and color
- A frank comparison with shingles if you're deciding between the two
Installation
- Tear-off of the old roof and a check of the decking, with repairs where needed
- Underlayment suited to metal, and an ice barrier at the eaves and valleys
- Panels or metal shingles, flashing, ridge, trim and closures
- Snow guards where snow sliding off the roof could land on a walkway, entry, deck or driveway
After
- Full cleanup, including metal scraps and fasteners
- A final walk-through and both warranties explained: ours on the labor and the manufacturer's on the materials
Standing Seam vs. Metal Shingles
Standing seam
Long vertical panels joined by raised seams, with the fasteners hidden under the seam. There are no exposed screws to loosen or leak over time, and the smooth panels shed snow very well. It's the clean, modern look you see on a lot of newer Montana homes, and it's the premium option.
Metal shingles
Metal formed to look like shingles, shakes or tile. You get the durability and snow-shedding of metal with a more traditional look, which suits older homes and neighborhoods where standing seam would stand out.
Snow guards
A metal roof sheds snow all at once, and a slab of snow sliding off a roof is heavy. Where it would land on a door, a path, a deck or a car, snow guards hold it on the roof so it melts off gradually. We'll point out where they make sense on your home.
What about noise?
Installed over solid decking and underlayment, as a residential metal roof should be, a metal roof isn't much louder than shingles in the rain. The loud metal roofs people remember are usually on open-framed barns and sheds.
Commercial metal roofing
Metal works for commercial buildings, shops and outbuildings too. For low-slope and flat commercial roofs, see commercial roofing.
What It Costs
A metal roof costs more to install than asphalt shingles. What it costs over its life is a different question, because it can outlast two or three shingle roofs and needs less upkeep along the way. Your price depends on:
- System. Standing seam generally costs more than metal shingles.
- Roof size, pitch and shape. More valleys, hips, dormers and penetrations mean more custom trim and labor.
- Tear-off and decking. Removing old layers and repairing decking.
- Snow guards, flashing and trim needed for your roof.
Your free estimate is itemized, and if you're weighing metal against shingles we can price both so you can compare.
How It Works
- Call or request an estimate
Tell us what's going on with your roof: a leak, storm damage, an older roof you're wondering about, or a new roof you're planning. A phone call or the short form is enough to start.
- On-site inspection
We look at the roof itself: the shingles or panels, flashing, vents, gutters, and the attic or ceiling if there's a leak.
- Itemized written estimate
You get a clear estimate covering materials, timeline and recommended solutions, with no hidden fees and no pressure to decide on the spot.
- The work, then full cleanup
Once you approve the estimate, we schedule the job around the weather, do the work, and clean up completely when we're done.
- Warranty paperwork and a final walk-through
We walk the finished job with you and go over both warranties: our workmanship warranty on the labor and the manufacturer's warranty on the materials.
Questions About Metal Roofing
How long does a metal roof last in Montana?
A quality metal roof can last 50 years or more. The manufacturer's warranty on the panels and finish is often much longer than on asphalt shingles, and we'll go over the specific warranty for the product you choose.
Will a metal roof dent in a hailstorm?
Metal resists hail well. Large hail can leave cosmetic dents in some panels, but it rarely causes the kind of damage that makes a roof leak. Thicker panels and textured finishes hide dents better, which is worth asking about when you choose a product.
Does snow slide off a metal roof all at once?
It can, which is why placement of snow guards matters. We'll look at where snow would land and recommend guards over entries, walkways, decks and driveways.
Can metal go on a low-slope roof?
Some standing seam systems are rated for fairly low slopes. Very low-slope and flat roofs are usually better served by a membrane like TPO or EPDM. We'll recommend what fits your roof.
Serving Missoula and Nearby Towns
We install metal roofing throughout Missoula and in the surrounding towns, including:
Ready for a Roof You Don't Have to Worry About?
Tell us what's going on with your roof and we'll set up a free, no-obligation estimate.