Why metal roofing in the Capital Region

A metal roof costs more up front than shingles, and it earns that back in a few ways that matter here:

• Snow sheds instead of sitting on the roof, which reduces ice dam risk on steeper roofs
• Long service life with little maintenance when installed correctly
• Wind resistance, with interlocking panels and concealed clips on standing seam systems
• A clean, sharp look that suits farmhouses, modern homes and commercial buildings alike

Standing seam metal roofs

Standing seam panels run from eave to ridge with raised seams that lock together. The fasteners sit under the seams on clips, so nothing punctures the roof surface and the panels can move with temperature swings. It is the premium choice for homes and the one we recommend for most houses.

Exposed-fastener metal panels

Exposed-fastener panels, often called ribbed or PBR panels, are screwed through the face of the panel with sealing washers. They cost less and install faster, which makes them a good fit for garages, barns, outbuildings and some commercial roofs. The fasteners should be checked over the years, since washers age with sun and freeze-thaw.

What goes under and around the panels

• Solid decking and underlayment rated for metal roofing
• Ice and water shield at eaves, valleys and penetrations
• Trim, drip edge and ridge cap made to match the panels
• Flashing at chimneys, walls and vent pipes, with boots designed for metal roofs
• Ventilation so the attic stays cold and dry

Snow guards

Metal roofs shed snow fast. Snow guards hold it on the roof so it melts off gradually instead of sliding off in one piece onto a walkway, a car or a lower roof. We place them over doors, walkways and driveways as part of the install.

Metal roof repair

We repair existing metal roofs too: replacing worn fasteners and washers, resealing seams and trim, fixing leaks at chimneys and pipe boots, and adding snow guards to roofs that don’t have them.

Metal or shingles?

If you plan to stay in the house for a long time, or the roof is steep and gets a lot of snow, metal is worth pricing. If budget comes first, architectural shingles are a strong choice. We can quote both.

Panel gauge and finish

Metal roofing panels come in different thicknesses, called gauge. A lower gauge number means thicker steel, which resists dents and spans better. Residential standing seam is commonly 24 or 26 gauge; exposed-fastener panels are often thinner. The finish matters as much as the steel: painted finishes vary in how well they hold color and resist chalking over the years. We spell out the panel gauge and finish on every estimate so you can compare quotes fairly.

Thermal expansion and why the clips matter

Metal expands on a hot August afternoon and contracts on a January night, and in the Capital Region that swing is large. Standing seam panels are held by clips that let them move without stressing the fasteners. Exposed-fastener panels move against their screws, which is why those washers eventually need attention. Installing either system without allowing for that movement is how metal roofs develop leaks early.

Metal roofing in Albany and beyond

We install metal roofs on homes, garages, barns and commercial buildings across Albany and the Capital Region, from farmhouses toward the Helderbergs to lake houses near Lake George that see heavy snow. For businesses, see commercial roofing.

Barns, garages and outbuildings

Metal is often the best value for the buildings around the house: detached garages, barns, sheds and workshops. Exposed-fastener panels go on quickly over purlins or solid decking, stand up to snow, and come in colors that match the house. We also re-roof older barns and outbuildings whose original metal has rusted through, replacing damaged purlins where needed.

Metal against the alternatives

Metal costs more up front and lasts longer, and whether that trades out depends on your roof and how long you plan to stay. Roofing materials compared puts the options side by side, and what a roof replacement costs covers how material choice affects the number.