Compare Metal Roofing Systems

When you say you want a “metal roof,” do you mean standing seam, corrugated, metal tile, or stone-coated steel? Because here’s the truth: choosing the right metal roofing system is like choosing the right car class-they’re all vehicles, but a minivan doesn’t do what a pickup does, and a sports car handles nothing like an SUV. I’m Sean Malloy, and over twenty years installing metal roofs across Nassau County, I’ve laid pretty much every system we’re going to compare today. The standing seam on waterfront homes in Port Washington. The corrugated panels on warehouses in Mineola. The stone-coated steel on Tudor revivals in Garden City. This guide breaks down the major metal roofing systems side by side, shows you how they actually perform in Long Island wind, salt, and sun, and helps you pick the one that fits your roof-not just someone else’s brochure.

Not All Metal Roofs Are the Same

“Metal roofing” covers a surprisingly wide range of systems. Some look ultra-modern and sleek. Some perfectly mimic old cedar shakes or clay tile. Some are engineered for warehouses and factories where cost and speed rule. Each system has different strengths.

In Nassau County, the best metal roofing system for your property depends on five main factors: roof shape and complexity, how close you are to the coast, the look you want (modern vs. traditional), your budget, and how long you plan to own the building. Get any of those wrong and you’ll either overpay for features you don’t need or underbuy and face problems in five years.

This article compares the major metal roofing systems used locally-standing seam, metal shingles and tile-look profiles, corrugated and ribbed exposed-fastener panels, stone-coated steel, and retrofit systems for flat roofs. Then we’ll give you simple frameworks to match the right system to real Nassau County situations.

Big Picture: How Metal Roofing Systems Differ

Before we dive into specific profiles, let’s get two big categories straight.

Structural vs Architectural Systems

Structural systems can span directly from purlin to purlin and sometimes act as part of the building structure itself. You see this on commercial and industrial roofs where long panels bridge open framing. Architectural systems are usually installed over solid decking-the way most homes and low-slope retrofit projects work. This difference affects how much framing prep is needed and where each system makes sense. If you’re re-roofing a house, you’re almost always talking architectural. If you’re covering a new warehouse or pole barn, structural may be on the table.

Exposed-Fastener vs Concealed-Fastener Systems

Exposed-fastener systems show screw heads right on the panel surface. Concealed-fastener systems hide all the attachments under seams, clips, or interlocking edges. Concealed designs usually offer cleaner lines and fewer potential leak points over time. They also cost more and require more precise installation. Exposed-fastener panels are faster to install and cheaper up front, but those fasteners and washers become maintenance points-especially in Nassau County’s salt air and UV.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

What It Is

Standing seam is the system most people picture when they think “modern metal roof.” Long, flat panels run vertically up the roof slope. Raised seams (usually 1-2 inches tall) lock the panels together and hide all fasteners beneath clips or folded flanges. It comes in both structural versions (for low-slope commercial roofs) and architectural versions (for sloped residential and light-commercial roofs). The panels themselves can be steel, aluminum, or specialty metals like copper or zinc.

Pros in Nassau County

• Excellent wind and water performance when engineered and installed correctly-critical from the South Shore up to the North Shore bays.
• Clean, modern appearance that works beautifully on coastal contemporary homes, modern farmhouses, and minimalist commercial buildings.
• Concealed fasteners reduce long-term leak risk compared to exposed-screw panels; no washers to degrade in UV and salt spray.
• Solar-ready. Standing seam pairs well with clamp-on solar mounting systems that avoid lots of new penetrations through the roof.

Cons and Best-Use Cases

Standing seam is often one of the more expensive metal roofing systems per square foot. Material costs more. Installation is highly skill-dependent-a bad seam crimp or poor clip spacing cancels all the advantages. If the installer isn’t experienced with standing seam, you can end up with oil-canning (wavy panel appearance) or leaks at the seams.

It’s ideal for high-visibility residential roofs, offices, schools, modern commercial buildings, and any property where long-term performance and appearance justify the investment. On a waterfront home in Sands Point where appearance and corrosion resistance both matter, aluminum standing seam is often the best choice we can make.

Metal Shingles, Shake, and Tile-Look Systems

What They Are

These systems use smaller metal pieces or panels formed and coated to resemble traditional roofing-asphalt shingles, slate, cedar shake, or clay and concrete tile. The pieces interlock and fasten to the deck, forming a continuous metal surface with many small joints. Most use concealed or semi-concealed fasteners. Materials range from coated steel to aluminum to stone-coated steel with granular surfaces.

Pros in Local Context

• Blend easily into traditional neighborhoods. If you live on a tree-lined street in Rockville Centre or Garden City where every other roof is asphalt or slate, metal shingles let you upgrade durability without standing out.
• Work well on complex roofs. Lots of hips, valleys, dormers, and skylights? Smaller metal shingle panels are often easier to detail than trying to run long standing seam panels through all those transitions.
• Strong storm performance when detailed correctly, with less visible oil-canning than wide flat panels because the smaller pieces and textures hide minor waviness.

Cons and Where They Fit Best

Metal shingle and tile-look systems typically run mid-to-high in cost-not as cheap as exposed-fastener corrugated, not always as expensive as premium standing seam, but definitely an investment. They also require installers who know the specific brand’s details and interlocks. Cutting corners on labor here leads to water infiltration and blow-offs.

They’re best for residential and light-commercial projects where a traditional look is important and the roof shape is complex. I installed a metal shake system on a Dutch Colonial in Manhasset a few years back-twelve dormers, three chimneys, tons of valleys. Standing seam would’ve been a nightmare to flash. Metal shakes handled it beautifully and looked like high-end cedar from the street.

Corrugated and Ribbed Exposed-Fastener Panels

System Basics

Corrugated and ribbed panels are the utilitarian workhorses of metal roofing systems. They’re metal sheets with waves (corrugated) or vertical ribs (ribbed/R-panel) that stiffen the panel and shed water. Fastened through the face directly into purlins or decking with visible screws and neoprene washers. Widely used on agricultural buildings, industrial facilities, pole barns, garages, sheds, and some rustic-style homes or porches.

Advantages

• Lower cost-often the most affordable metal roofing system per square foot, both material and labor.
• Simple and fast to install on straightforward roof shapes with minimal penetrations.
• Good fit for utility and outbuildings where appearance isn’t the top priority but you want something stronger and longer-lasting than asphalt.

Limitations in Nassau County

Exposed fasteners are the Achilles’ heel. Every screw is a potential leak point. Over time, UV degrades the neoprene washers, thermal cycling loosens screws, and wind-driven rain can work its way under washers-especially in Nassau’s salt air and storm exposure. You’ll need to walk the roof every few years, check fasteners, and replace worn washers. That’s not a dealbreaker for a barn in Bethpage, but it’s worth knowing before you put exposed-fastener panels on a high-end home near the water.

They’re fine for the right buildings. But for extremely exposed coastal sites or properties where you want true “install and forget” performance, concealed-fastener systems usually pay off in the long run.

Stone-Coated Steel Systems

What Makes Them Different

Stone-coated steel systems are a hybrid. Steel panels (sometimes aluminum) with a textured granular stone surface bonded to the top, giving the look of tile, shake, or dimensional shingles while retaining metal’s strength and light weight. They’re typically installed over battens or directly to the deck with interlocks and concealed or semi-concealed fasteners.

Pros and Ideal Uses

• Attractive, textured appearance that fits upscale residential and some light-commercial properties where you want the “wow” of tile without the weight or fragility.
• Good wind and impact resistance when installed per manufacturer specs-important in Nassau County’s coastal wind zones.
• Useful on complex, visible roofs where both aesthetics and long-term performance are priorities.

Things to Watch For Here

The base steel and fastener choices must be appropriate for salt exposure. Some stone-coated systems use galvanized steel that can rust at cut edges or fastener penetrations if you’re within a mile or two of the bays or ocean. Aluminum-based stone-coated systems cost more but perform better in high-salt zones.

Installation details-battens, underlayment, ventilation-matter a lot. Stone-coated panels are thicker and create an air gap. If that gap isn’t vented correctly, you can trap moisture and get condensation problems or long-term adhesion issues with the stone coating. I’ve seen a few stone-coated roofs in Oceanside and Long Beach where improper ventilation led to early coating delamination. When done right, they’re beautiful and durable. When done wrong, they’re an expensive problem.

Retrofit Metal Roofing Over Existing Flat and Low-Slope Roofs

How Retrofit Systems Work

Retrofit metal roofing systems add lightweight framing and sub-purlins above an existing flat or low-slope roof to create a new pitched plane. Then metal panels-usually structural standing seam or through-fastened profiles-are applied over this new structure. The original membrane or built-up roof often remains as a backup layer and functions as a vapor barrier. You’re essentially building a new sloped metal roof on top of the old flat roof without a full tear-off.

Where They Make Sense in Nassau County

• Commercial buildings with chronic ponding on flat roofs. Add slope, eliminate standing water, extend roof life by decades.
• Industrial or institutional facilities where a full tear-off is disruptive (occupied buildings, sensitive equipment below) or cost-prohibitive due to hazardous materials or structural constraints.
• Properties where owners want to upgrade both performance and appearance in one project-turn a leaky flat EPDM roof into a clean standing seam roof that sheds water and looks sharp.

Trade-Offs vs New Low-Slope Systems

Retrofits can cost more up front than a new TPO or EPDM membrane. You’re adding structure, not just a new surface. But they often offer better long-term drainage, no ponding, and decades of low-maintenance life. They also require structural analysis (can the existing roof deck and walls handle the added load and uplift?), height allowances (will the new roof clear parapets, HVAC units, or adjacent roofs?), and careful detailing at edges, penetrations, and transitions.

I worked on a retrofit over a 12,000-square-foot warehouse in Westbury a few years ago. The owner had patched the EPDM three times in five years. We built a structural standing seam retrofit system with 1:12 slope. That roof has been dry for seven years, sheds snow and water instantly, and gave the building a completely new look. Initial cost was higher than another membrane, but the performance and longevity made it worth every dollar.

Metal Types Within These Systems: Steel, Aluminum, and More

Coated Steel (Galvalume/Galvanized)

Most metal roofing systems-standing seam, corrugated, metal shingles-are built from coated steel. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating; Galvalume has an aluminum-zinc alloy coating that generally offers better corrosion resistance and is now the industry standard for residential and commercial metal roofs. When you pair quality Galvalume steel with a good paint system (Kynar 500 or similar) and proper fasteners, it performs well on many inland Nassau County roofs.

Lifespan and corrosion resistance depend heavily on coating quality, fastener choice, and detailing. A Galvalume standing seam roof in Hicksville or Levittown-a few miles from salt water-can easily last 40+ years with minimal maintenance. Get closer to the water and you need to think harder about materials.

Aluminum for High-Salt Zones

Near the bays and ocean-Freeport, Long Beach, parts of Glen Cove, Port Washington-aluminum is often the smarter choice for standing seam and some metal shingle systems. Aluminum doesn’t rust. Period. It can corrode (white oxidation), but it won’t turn into the red, flaky mess that improperly protected steel becomes in salt air.

Aluminum typically costs 20-40% more than comparable steel systems. But on a waterfront property where you’re already investing in a premium roof, that extra cost buys you true peace of mind. I always recommend aluminum standing seam for anything within sight of salt water. The performance difference over 30 years is night and day.

Specialty Metals (Copper, Zinc)

Copper and zinc are occasionally used on high-end or historic projects. Copper develops a green patina over time and can last a century or more. Zinc develops a gray patina and also offers very long life. Both are expensive-often double or triple the cost of aluminum-and require specialized installation knowledge.

For most Nassau County homeowners and commercial owners, steel and aluminum cover the practical option set. Copper and zinc are beautiful, but they’re niche choices for specific architectural or preservation goals.

Matching Metal Roofing Systems to Real-World Scenarios

Let’s take everything we’ve compared and turn it into clear, situation-based recommendations.

Scenario: Residential Home, Complex Roof, Traditional Street

You live in a neighborhood where most homes are Cape Cod, Colonial, or Tudor style. Your roof has multiple hips, valleys, and a couple of dormers. You want the durability of metal but don’t want to look like the one modern house on a traditional block.

Best choice: Metal shingles, shake, or stone-coated steel that mimics the look of your neighbors’ roofs. These systems blend in visually while simplifying detailing around all those roof transitions. Standing seam can work, but it will look more modern and require careful layout around dormers and valleys. If appearance harmony matters, go with a textured metal system that looks like the traditional material you’re replacing.

Scenario: Modern Coastal Home with Open Views

You own a contemporary-style home within a mile of the water. The roof is visible from the street and from the water. You want a clean, modern look and maximum storm and corrosion resistance.

Best choice: Aluminum standing seam. It offers the sleek aesthetics you want, excellent wind resistance when properly engineered and installed, and unmatched corrosion performance in salt air. Use stainless steel fasteners and clips. Make sure flashing details are robust-coastal wind is unforgiving. This is the system that will still look sharp and perform flawlessly in 30 years while cheaper alternatives have started to show rust and require repairs.

Scenario: Warehouse or Industrial Building with Ponding Issues

You manage a commercial or industrial property with a flat or low-slope roof that chronically ponds water after every rain. Leaks are a recurring problem. A new membrane feels like putting a band-aid on a drainage issue.

Best choice: A retrofit metal-over-flat-roof system or a structural standing seam system installed on new framing to create positive slope. This solves the ponding problem at its root, adds decades of maintenance-free life, and often improves the building’s appearance and energy performance. It costs more up front than another membrane, but the return on investment-in fewer leaks, lower maintenance, and longer roof life-is hard to beat. Just make sure you get a structural evaluation and proper engineering for wind uplift.

Scenario: Barn, Garage, or Outbuilding on a Budget

You need to roof a detached garage, workshop, barn, or storage building. It’s not highly visible. Budget matters. You want something better than asphalt but don’t need the premium features of standing seam or stone-coated systems.

Best choice: Corrugated or ribbed exposed-fastener panels. They’re cost-effective, fast to install on simple roof shapes, and will outlast asphalt by a wide margin. In a moderately inland Nassau County location (not right on the water), these systems perform well with proper fasteners (stainless or coated screws with good neoprene washers) and occasional maintenance (check and tighten fasteners every few years). Don’t overthink it for a utility building-this is where exposed-fastener panels shine.

Quick Comparison: Metal Roofing Systems at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing Systems in Nassau County

Which metal roofing system lasts the longest?

Lifespan depends on metal type, coatings, design, and installation quality-not just the system label. In practice, aluminum or copper standing seam and high-quality metal shingles in appropriate metals often top the list when installed correctly. Expect 40-60+ years from premium systems with proper maintenance. Steel systems in high-salt zones or exposed-fastener systems with deferred maintenance won’t hit those numbers. Material choice and installation quality matter as much as the profile you choose.

Is one metal system always the best for coastal homes?

Aluminum standing seam is the most common recommendation for very exposed Nassau County coastal sites because aluminum resists corrosion better than steel in salt air. But well-specified coated steel systems with stainless fasteners and robust detailing can also perform well, especially if you’re a bit inland or on a side street sheltered from direct salt spray. The key is matching metal type, coating, fastener choice, and installation quality to your actual exposure-not just picking a system name and hoping for the best.

Are exposed-fastener systems a bad idea in Nassau County?

They’re not inherently bad, but they require more regular maintenance and must be specified carefully in salt and high-wind environments. The fasteners and washers are your weak points. In Nassau County’s UV, salt, and storm exposure, you’ll need to walk the roof every 3-5 years, check for loose or corroded screws, and replace worn washers. For a barn or garage, that’s fine. For a high-end home or a commercial building where you want “install and forget” performance, concealed-fastener systems are usually worth the extra cost.

Can I mix different metal systems on the same property?

Absolutely. Many properties use standing seam or metal shingles on the main house and corrugated or ribbed panels on porches, sheds, or additions. Mixing is fine as long as transitions are properly flashed and the metals are compatible (don’t mix copper with galvanized steel, for example-galvanic corrosion will eat the steel). Just make sure your contractor understands how to detail the transition between different profiles and metals.

How do I know which system is right for my roof?

Start with a professional roof evaluation. A qualified local metal roofing contractor will review your roof shape, structure, exposure to salt and wind, design goals, and budget, then recommend one or two systems that best fit your situation. Bring photos of roof styles you like, ask about metal types and fastener choices, and get clear explanations of pros, cons, and long-term maintenance for each recommended system. The right answer is the one that balances performance, appearance, and cost for your building and your priorities-not someone else’s.

Choose a Metal Roofing System That Fits Your Roof, Not Just the Brochure

Every metal roofing system has its place. Standing seam for premium, visible roofs where performance and modern aesthetics matter. Metal shingles and stone-coated profiles for traditional looks and complex roof shapes. Corrugated and ribbed panels for utility buildings and budget-conscious projects. Retrofit systems for problem flat roofs on commercial properties. The trick is matching the system-and the metal type-to your building, your location, and how you use the property.

Nassau County’s wind, salt air, and mix of building types make it especially important to get this decision right. The lowest bid on the wrong system costs you more in repairs, early replacement, and headaches than paying for the right system up front.

If you’re comparing metal roofing systems for a project in Nassau County, schedule a roof assessment with an experienced local metal roofing specialist. Walk the roof together. Look at system samples. Talk through appearance, longevity, maintenance, and what different options actually cost installed. Bring your questions about wind resistance, rust risk, noise, and how each system handles your roof’s specific challenges. The goal is to finish with a system choice that aligns with how you use and value your home or building-not just what looked good in the brochure.