Metal Roofing Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include curling or cracked shingles, granule loss, dark streaks, and bald spots. You may also notice moss or algae growth, leaks, or sagging areas. If your roof is over 15–17 years old and showing these signs, it may be time to consider a replacement—especially with a more durable option like a metal roof. At Distinctive Metal Roofing, we offer honest assessments to help you make the right call for your home.

Asphalt shingle warranties typically last 15–30 years and often cover only manufacturing defects—many also require pro-rated coverage and strict maintenance conditions. In contrast, metal roof warranties often range from 40 years to a lifetime and cover both materials and finish (like paint or coating). Metal roofs also tend to outlast their warranties, offering long-term peace of mind and superior durability.

A quality metal roof can last 50 – 70+ years—that’s 2 to 3 times longer than asphalt shingles, which typically need replacing every 15 to 20 years. Compared to wood shake roofs, which can degrade in as little as 10 to 25 years, metal offers unmatched longevity with minimal maintenance. Fewer replacements. Less hassle. Long-term savings. A metal roof is designed to provide a lifetime of protection and beauty.

Most residential roof replacements are completed within 1 to 3 days, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the roof design.

At Distinctive Metal Roofing, metal roofing isn’t a sideline — it’s our sole focus. We’re not a remodeling company or an asphalt roofer trying to jump on a trend. Metal roofing is all we do, and that singular focus makes us the trusted experts in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Since 2010, we’ve installed more residential metal roofs than anyone else in the region, and our experience shows in every detail. Our Amish installation team is factory-trained and certified, and with extensive experience installing metal roofs. By choosing Distinctive Metal Roofing, you are assured top-quality products that are serviced and installed by the best. Homeowners trust us because we keep our word. We show up on time, follow through, and never cut corners. From start to finish, we guide you through a pressure-free process designed to help you make the right decision for your home. Precision. Honesty. Proven results. That’s the Distinctive Metal Roofing difference.

Absolutely. We offer durable gutter systems with leaf protection, available in a variety of colors to compliment your metal roof. Built to handle harsh weather, they also minimize maintenance. If you're replacing your gutters, it's the ideal time to update your soffit and fascia as well—since the gutters must be removed for that work anyway. Combining the projects saves you money and adds long-lasting, maintenance free protection against moisture and pests.

Not at all. When installed over solid sheathing and insulation—as most residential metal roofs are—a metal roof is no noisier than an asphalt roof. In fact, many homeowners report no noticeable difference at all. The roof decking, insulation, and the air space in the attic area all work together to help absorb the sound, keeping your home quiet and comfortable during storms.

Yes, a metal roof can boost your home’s resale value by enhancing curb appeal, lowering energy costs, and offering long-term durability that appeals to buyers. It also reduces future maintenance concerns, making your home more attractive on the market.

At Distinctive Metal Roofing, every installation begins with a solid foundation—literally. Our metal roofs are installed over solid decking to ensure long-term strength and performance. Whether we’re going over existing shingles or bare wood, a high-quality underlayment is always used. Not only is underlayment required by the International Building Code, but it also serves as a crucial layer of protection—shielding the underside of your metal roof from any rough or uneven surfaces below. We use a premium synthetic underlayment, and when a tear-off is needed, we add ice and water shield products for added defense against moisture. It's just one more way we deliver lasting protection and peace of mind.

Our high-strength metal doesn’t lose strength over time, making our roofs just as resistant to foot traffic and even hail when they are many years old as they are when they are new. We will provide instructions on how to safely walk on your roof, should the need arise.

When it comes to hail protection, metal roofing is one of the most durable and resilient options available. Engineered to withstand extreme weather, quality metal roofs are impact-resistant and tested to meet the highest industry standards, including UL 2218 Class 4—the top rating for hail resistance. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, which can crack, break, or lose granules upon impact, metal panels can absorb and deflect the force of hailstones without compromising the integrity of the roof. That means fewer repairs, lower maintenance, and better long-term performance. Even if cosmetic dents occur in severe storms, the roof's structural integrity remains intact. For homeowners in hail-prone regions, investing in a metal roof means peace of mind—and potential savings on insurance premiums.

When it comes to protecting your home from fire, a metal roof offers peace of mind that few other materials can match. Metal roofing is non-combustible, meaning it won’t ignite, spark, or catch fire—even under extreme heat or from airborne embers. This makes it one of the safest roofing materials available, especially in areas prone to wildfires, lightning strikes, or nearby fire hazards. Many metal roofing systems carry a Class A fire rating, the highest level of fire resistance, when installed with proper underlayment over a non-combustible deck. This top-tier rating helps slow the spread of flames and offers critical protection when every second counts.

Yes — skylights and metal roofing work beautifully together when installed properly. Common roof penetrations like skylights are no issue as long as they’re flashed and detailed correctly. We do recommend curbed skylights (not flush-mounted) for optimal performance and durability. And if your existing skylights are 10 years or older or show signs of wear, it’s smart to replace them during your roof installation. After all, you don’t want a long-lasting roof paired with a skylight that might fail soon after. Get the light you love; with the protection you trust.

Metal roofing is one of the greenest choices you can make. Made with recycled content and fully recyclable at the end of its life, it helps reduce landfill waste. With a lifespan of 50 – 70+ years, a metal roof far outlasts asphalt shingles, which often need replacing every 15 – 20 years. This means fewer resources consumed and less waste generated over time. Plus, its energy-efficient design reflects heat, lowering your cooling bills by up to 25% in warmer months. and your carbon footprint. Durable. Sustainable. Smart. That’s the power of a metal roof from Distinctive Metal Roofing.

In most cases, not at all. You likely already use your phone inside buildings with metal roofs - restaurants, stores, banks - without even noticing. After installing hundreds of roofs, we’ve found that cell reception remains unaffected for the vast majority of homeowners. If your signal is already strong, you will not see any change or issues. However, if your current reception is very weak, a metal roof might slightly impact it - but that’s easily solved. Most major cell phone providers do offer signal boosters - also known as network extenders - especially for customers in areas with weak indoor coverage. These boosters connect to your internet and create a mini cell tower in your home, dramatically improving signal strength inside - regardless of your roofing type. If your cell signal is poor before installing a metal roof, it’s worth calling your provider. They may supply a booster or help troubleshoot at no charge.

Metal roofs do not attract lightning. Lightning strikes the tallest object in an area, not based on the material. A metal roof simply does not increase the risk of a lightning strike. In fact, if lightning were to strike your home, a metal roof can actually offer extra protection - it’s non-combustible and helps safely dissipate the energy, reducing the chance of fire. For more technical details, refer to the Metal Construction Association’s publication on this topic — but rest assured: A metal roof is one of the safest roofing options during a storm.

Absolutely. We make it easy and pressure-free. Just provide your name, address, and phone number, and we’ll use satellite imagery to assess your roof’s size and shape. You’ll receive a free ballpark estimate for your new metal roof. From there, we’ll discuss your needs, answer any questions, and if the pricing fits your budget, we’ll schedule a convenient time to meet. It's that simple—clear, helpful, and commitment-free.

Snow blocks (also called snow bars, snow guards, or snow retention systems) are devices installed on metal roofs to prevent large amounts of snow and ice from sliding off all at once. They’re typically installed in rows across the lower portion of the roof and placed above entryways, driveways, walkways, or landscaping. Snow blocks or snow bars are essential safety components for metal roofs in snowy climates. They manage snow loads by keeping snow in place until it melts or slides off safely in smaller amounts. If you live in a region with significant snowfall, installing a snow retention system on your metal roof is a smart, often a necessary, investment.