We have installed metal roofs since we opened our doors in Birmingham in 2013, and metal can be one of the best long-term choices for a home in Alabama or Louisiana. It is also one of the most misunderstood roofing materials. The question we hear most often is simple: should I get a standing seam roof or a screw-down metal roof? This guide explains the difference in plain terms so you can pick the right system for your home and budget.
Why Metal Roofing Makes Sense in the Gulf South
Our weather is hard on roofs. Birmingham gets spring hail and powerful summer thunderstorms, while New Orleans deals with hurricanes, heavy rain and constant humidity. On a sunny summer afternoon, a roof can get much hotter than the air around it. Over the years, all of that heat, water and wind wears roofing materials down.
Asphalt shingle roofs in Birmingham and New Orleans typically last 15 to 20 years, depending on shingle quality, attic ventilation and how well they were installed. A standing seam metal roof can last 50 years or more. That difference is the main reason homeowners start looking at metal, since it may be the only roof you need for as long as you own the house.
Metal also reflects more sunlight than dark shingles do. With the right color and coating, it can lower your cooling costs during our long summers. And because a well-built metal roof has fewer seams and openings, it gives water fewer places to sneak in.
Metal Roofing Types: Standing Seam vs. Screw-Down Panel
The panel system is the most important decision you will make with a metal roof. The two main types can look similar from the street, but they are built very differently, and that changes how long they last.
Standing seam panels have raised edges, called seams, that lock together above the flat part of the roof. Hidden clips hold the panels down, so no screws go through the face of the metal. Those clips also let the panels slide slightly as the metal expands in the heat and shrinks again at night.
Screw-down panels, also called exposed-fastener panels, are attached with screws driven straight through the metal into the roof. Each screw has a small rubber washer that seals the hole. Over time, the sun dries out and cracks those washers, and the screws can slowly back out as the metal moves. Once that happens, the screw holes become places where the roof can leak.
| Feature | Standing seam | Screw-down (exposed fastener) |
|---|---|---|
| Fasteners | Hidden clips | Screws through the panel |
| Typical lifespan | 50+ years | 15 to 25 years |
| Heat movement | Panels slide on clips | Screws hold panels tight and can loosen |
| Leak risk | Very low | Higher as washers wear out |
| Upkeep | Very little | Check and replace screws over time |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Homes and long-term owners | Barns, sheds, shops and tight budgets |
Which One Should You Choose?
For most homes in Birmingham and New Orleans, we recommend standing seam. Because there are no screw holes in the panels, you avoid the most common reason metal roofs leak in wet, humid climates like ours. It costs more at the start, but it lasts far longer and needs very little maintenance.
Screw-down metal still has its place. It works well on a shed, barn, workshop or carport, where a small drip is not a disaster. It can also make sense if you plan to sell the home in a few years and need to keep the upfront cost down. If you choose it, plan on having the screws checked every few years and replacing any that are loose or worn.
If you are not sure which system fits your home, our metal roofing team in Birmingham can walk you through both options in person and answer your questions.
Metal Roofing Materials
Not every metal roof is made from the same metal, and the right choice depends on where you live and the look you want for your home.
- Galvalume steel: This is steel coated with zinc and aluminum to fight rust. It is the most common choice for homes. It handles our humidity well and comes in many colors.
- Aluminum: Aluminum does not rust, so it is a good pick near salt air. We often suggest it for homes close to the water in the New Orleans area. It is also lighter than steel.
- Copper: Copper is a premium metal that can last for generations. It slowly turns a green-brown color over time. You will often see it on historic homes, porches and bay windows.
Metal vs. Asphalt: A Direct Comparison
Many homeowners are really deciding between metal and shingles, not just between two kinds of metal. Here is how a standing seam roof compares to a standard asphalt shingle roof in our area.
| Factor | Standing seam metal | Asphalt shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 50+ years | 15 to 20 years |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Summer heat | Reflects more sun; can lower cooling costs | Absorbs more heat, especially dark colors |
| Hail | Can dent, but rarely leaks from hail | Can lose granules or crack |
| Wind | Strong when installed correctly | Good, but shingles can lift or blow off |
| Upkeep | Very little | Regular checks and some repairs |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
Metal costs more up front, but the math changes over time. If a shingle roof lasts 15 to 20 years, you could replace it two or even three times during the life of one standing seam roof. For people who plan to stay in their home for a long time, metal often comes out ahead.
Shingles are still a great choice for many houses, since they cost less today and come in many colors and styles. You can learn more on our asphalt shingle roofing page. To get a feel for what a new roof might cost for your house, try our roof replacement cost calculator or read our Birmingham roof cost guide.
What Metal Roofing Looks Like on a Birmingham Home
A lot of people picture a barn or a warehouse when they think about metal roofs. Modern standing seam looks very different. With slim panels and a soft, earthy color, it fits naturally on many styles of homes. We have installed metal roofs on bungalows in Mountain Brook, Craftsman homes in Hoover and new construction in Vestavia Hills.
Color and panel style make a big difference in the final look. We help you choose a system that matches your home, your neighborhood and any HOA rules. We also bring color samples so you can see them in real daylight instead of only on a computer screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
Not on a home. We install metal over solid decking, which is the wood layer under your roof, plus underlayment, a water barrier that goes on top of the decking. With an insulated attic, most people notice very little difference from shingles. Metal is loud on open buildings like barns and carports because nothing is there to soften the sound.
Can a metal roof go over my old shingles?
Sometimes it can, but we do not recommend it. Leaving the old shingles in place adds weight and hides the decking from view. We would rather tear off the old roof, check the decking for rot or water damage and fix any problems first, because a hidden problem under a new metal roof usually turns into an expensive problem later.
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
No. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in an area, no matter what material it is made of, so a metal roof does not make your home more likely to be hit. Metal also does not burn, which is an added safety benefit.
How long does a screw-down metal roof last?
In our area, a screw-down metal roof usually lasts 15 to 25 years. The panels themselves can outlast that, but the screws and rubber washers need regular attention. Checking and replacing worn screws every few years helps you get the most life out of the roof.
How do I get a metal roofing estimate?
You can call us or send a request online. We offer free roof inspections and free estimates, and we will look at your current roof, talk through your goals and explain the metal roofing options that make sense for your home.
Talk to a Local Metal Roofing Contractor
Capstone Roofing is a family-owned company that has served Birmingham since 2013, with a local office in Metairie for the New Orleans area. We are licensed and insured, and every roof we install comes with a workmanship warranty. If you are weighing standing seam against screw-down metal, we are happy to help you decide. Call (205) 453-1803 in Birmingham or (504) 302-0204 in the New Orleans area, or request your free estimate online.