Types you'll see
- Standing seam: concealed fasteners and raised seams. It's typically the premium residential choice, with fewer exposed holes for water to find.
- Exposed-fastener panels: common on barns, sheds and some homes. Cheaper, but screws and their washers need periodic checks and replacement.
- Metal shingles and tiles: stamped to look like shakes, tile or slate.
Fire
Metal doesn't burn, but fire ratings are given for the whole assembly, including underlayment and deck. Ask for the product's tested Class A assembly if your home is in a fire hazard zone, where California's WUI code requires Class A roofing on new buildings (OSFM). Gaps at ridges and eaves should be closed so embers can't get under the panels. See wildfire-resistant roofing.
Rain and wind
Metal sheds water quickly, which suits long atmospheric-river storms, but gutters must be sized to handle the faster runoff. Rain noise depends mostly on what's underneath; over a solid deck with underlayment and an insulated attic, most homeowners find it unremarkable. Panels and trim must be fastened to the manufacturer's specifications to resist wind uplift.
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Solar
Standing-seam roofs allow clamp-on solar mounts that don't puncture the panels. If you plan to add solar, mention it before choosing the roof.
What affects price
Panel type and gauge, roof complexity (valleys, dormers, skylights), tear-off and deck repairs, trim and flashing details, and access. Get at least two written bids that list the same scope. We don't publish price ranges because we haven't found a reliable, current local source for them.
Hiring
Metal roofing is specialized. Ask how many metal roofs the contractor has installed, check their C-39 or other license on CSLB, and confirm any permit with your city or Permit Sonoma.
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Sources
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does a metal roof make a house hotter?
Not usually. Light and reflective finishes can reduce heat gain, and attic insulation and ventilation matter more than the roof material alone.
Can metal roofs dent?
Thinner panels can dent from falling limbs. Heavier gauges and solid decking resist better.