The metal roof has moved beyond its status as country cousin to asphalt shingles. Not only are homeowners attracted to the long-lasting performance and fire resistance of metal roofing, but they like having a variety of colors to choose from.

Lewis Paxton of Reed Metals said that his company offers 23 colors. Jeff Verrett of Metal Outlet said that there’s even a metal roof with colors and a pattern that resembles shingles and clay tiles. Various roofing profiles (different seam and interlocking designs) are also available. Though not as popular in Southwest Louisiana –yet– metal roofing also comes in styles that look like cedar shakes and slate. A local bank uses metal that looks like red clay tiles.

Both Paxton and Verrett mentioned that homeowners who hope to reap the benefits of energy savings choose the white and lighter colors for its reflective properties. However, Verrett cautioned against using white if certain trees are in close proximity. “Most all of the colors are lighter and have greater reflective qualities than asphalt that only comes in dark, heat absorbing colors, according to Paxton. Metal roofs are considered a “cool roof” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is because of metal’s ability to prevent solar heat gain.

Metal panels are lighter than asphalt shingles and can be installed over an old roof. Metal weighs about 40 to 120 pounds per square as opposed to asphalt/fiberglass shingles at 210 to 350 pounds per square foot.

Metal roofing is warrantied and Paxton said that in the last ten years new screw and closure strips have been designed that hold up better than the original materials used for installation. “You could say that a metal roof lasts a lifetime, but the product that we sell carries a 40 year warranty. That’s because of the paint system. The unpainted Galvalume holds up longer,” Paxton said.

To benefit from the advantages of metal roofing, the installation is crucial. Edging and flashing must be installed correctly. Check with neighbors and friends for recommendations. Just because a company specializes in roofing or just because you have handy friends or family members who want to help doesn’t mean that they’re the best choice to install a metal roof.

Finally, some readers may wonder if rain sounds the same coming down on a metal roof as it does on tin. No, not quite. But it’s closer than the sound of rain on asphalt.

Metal roofing materials and installation are more expensive than asphalt materials and installation. However, metal roofing, installed correctly, lasts longer.

This red metal roof is the perfect compliment to the Southwest Louisiana Convention Center in Lake Charles. (Special to the American Press)