Interlock® Roofing Systems
Metal Shingles: Types, Cost, Lifespan — and How to Choose
Metal shingles are stamped steel or aluminum panels that give a roof the look of slate, shake or cedar. This guide covers the three kinds, what they cost installed, how long each lasts, and where Interlock's aluminum shingles fit.
Product overview
At a glance
Metal shingles are individual roofing panels stamped from painted steel, aluminum or stone-coated steel to look like slate, wood shake or cedar. Installed cost in North America runs about $6 to $14 per square foot ($600 to $1,400 per 100 sq ft), against $4 to $8 for asphalt. Painted steel is the lowest-cost and most common option; aluminum costs more and cannot rust; stone-coated steel trades a painted finish for a granule surface. Service life is 40 years or more for steel and 50 or more for aluminum, versus 15 to 30 for asphalt.
Overview
What Are Metal Shingles?
A metal shingle is a small formed panel — usually 12 to 48 inches wide — pressed from sheet metal into the profile of a traditional roofing material. Shingles go on course by course and are fastened or interlocked to their neighbours, so the finished roof reads as slate, wood shake, cedar shingle or tile rather than as long vertical metal panels. Because each piece is small, metal shingles handle hips, valleys and dormers more easily than standing seam, and a damaged shingle can be replaced on its own.
There are three kinds. Painted steel shingles are galvanized or Galvalume steel with a baked-on paint finish; they are the most common and the least expensive. Aluminum shingles are formed from aluminum alloy and finished with a PVDF (Kynar-type) coating; they cost more and do not rust, which matters at cut edges and in coastal or high-humidity climates. Stone-coated steel shingles bond ceramic granules to a steel base in place of paint, for a textured, matte look.
Metal shingles vs. standing seam
Standing seam uses long vertical panels joined at raised seams with concealed clips; it suits simple, low-detail roofs and modern designs. Metal shingles suit traditional homes, complex rooflines and neighbourhoods with strict design rules, and they go over an existing asphalt roof more often than standing seam does. Cost overlaps: standing seam typically runs $9 to $16 per square foot installed, so a metal shingle roof is often the less expensive metal option.
Table of Contents
Who It's For
Built for Your Project
If you've replaced an asphalt roof once, you already understand the pain: disruption, cost, landfill waste, and the nagging knowledge that you'll do it all again in 15 years. Interlock aluminum metal roofing ends that cycle permanently. Our Guardian Lifetime Transferable Warranty means your investment is protected for the life of your home — and can be transferred one time to the next owner (a $300 transfer fee applies), making it a genuine selling advantage when you list. With Class 4 hail protection, Class A fire resistance, and wind uplift resistance to 120 mph, Interlock is built for the climate reality of the 2020s and beyond.
See Profiles & Colors →Interlock Metal Roofing carries ICC-ES ESR-1790 — a code-compliance evaluation report that simplifies municipal permit approval in virtually every North American jurisdiction. Profiles are available in both aluminum and copper, enabling material continuity across low-slope accents, vertical cladding, and primary roof plane. Alunar® PVDF coatings comply with AAMA 2605, with spectral reflectance data available for energy modeling under ASHRAE 90.1. Full DWG/PDF technical drawings, cut sheets, and CSI MasterFormat specifications (Section 07 61 00) are available through the Interlock Architect Resource Center.
Download Architect Specs →Interlock metal roofing panels are engineered for efficient installation on slopes of 3:12 or greater with ½" minimum sheathing and synthetic underlayment. The integrated clip-fastening system eliminates exposed fasteners and accommodates thermal expansion across all climate zones without field modification. A complete color-matched trim suite — ridge caps, hip caps, rakes, eaves, valleys, and step flashings — requires no field-fabricated flashing at any transition. Installation training and dealer certification is available through Interlock's North American dealer network.
Contractor Resources →Key Advantages
Pros and Cons of Metal Shingles
Pro: 40 to 70 years of service
Painted steel shingles are generally rated for 40 years or more; aluminum shingles for 50 or more, because there is no steel to rust once the finish is scratched. Asphalt is replaced every 15 to 30 years, so a metal shingle roof usually outlasts two asphalt roofs and their tear-offs.
Explore now >Pro: Impact, wind and fire performance
Most metal shingle systems carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, the highest class, and wind warranties of 110 to 120 mph when installed to the manufacturer's specification. Metal is noncombustible; a Class A fire rating depends on the full assembly, including the underlayment, so check the listing rather than the brochure.
Explore now >Pro: Light enough to go over the old roof
At roughly 40 to 150 lbs per 100 sq ft depending on the metal, shingles weigh a fraction of slate or concrete tile and can often be installed over one existing layer of asphalt where the local code allows it, which saves the tear-off labour and disposal fee. A roofer still has to confirm the deck is sound first.
Con: Higher upfront cost
Metal shingles cost roughly 50 to 100 percent more than a mid-grade asphalt roof up front. The math works if you plan to stay, or if the buyer values the transferable warranty — which is why the lifetime comparison below matters more than the first quote.
Explore now >Con: Dents and finish scratches
Aluminum is softer than steel and can dent under large hail or a dropped ladder; painted steel can scratch through to bare metal, which is where rust starts. Neither usually causes a leak, but both are cosmetic exclusions in most warranties, so read that section before you sign.
Con: Fewer trained installers
Interlocking metal shingles are less forgiving of poor installation than asphalt, and many general roofers have never laid them. Most manufacturers sell only through trained or certified crews. Ask who is actually installing, how many of this exact system they have done, and whether the manufacturer stands behind the labour as well as the panel.
Technical Data
What Metal Shingles Cost
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Installed cost per square | Across North America a metal shingle roof runs about $6 to $14 per square foot installed — $600 to $1,400 per roofing square of 100 sq ft. Materials are typically $3 to $6 per square foot and labour $4 to $8. Premium interlocking aluminum systems, including Interlock, sit at the upper end of that range. |
| By material | Painted steel shingles: roughly $5 to $13 per sq ft installed. Stone-coated steel: $7 to $13. Aluminum: $7 to $17. Copper shingles are a separate tier, often $20 per sq ft and up. |
| What moves the price | Roof size and pitch (steep or cut-up roofs take longer), the gauge and finish you choose, whether the old roof is torn off or the new roof goes over it, regional labour rates, and accessories — snow guards, valley metal, flashing, ridge and hip caps. |
| A worked example | A 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares) at $9 per square foot installed is about $18,000. The same roof in mid-grade asphalt at $5.50 is about $11,000. Over 40 years the asphalt roof is replaced at least once more, at future prices, plus tear-off and disposal each time; the metal shingle roof is expected to still be in service. |
| Cost vs. asphalt over the life of the home | Asphalt wins on the first invoice. Metal shingles usually win on total cost once a second asphalt roof is priced in, and they add the transferable warranty and impact rating that some insurers and buyers value. The metal roofing cost guide linked above walks through the full comparison. |
Available Colors
Interlock Aluminum Shingle Colors
The PVDF colours Interlock's Slate and Cedar Shingle profiles are made in.
Material Comparison
Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Stone-Coated Steel Shingles
The three families compared on the points that decide the purchase. Figures are typical North American ranges from 2025 cost surveys; get local quotes.
| Painted steel shingles | Aluminum shingles | Stone-coated steel shingles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per 100 sq ft | $500–$1,300 | $700–$1,700 | $700–$1,300 |
| Corrosion | Galvanized or Galvalume coating protects the steel; cut edges and deep scratches can rust over time | Cannot rust; forms its own oxide layer, so cut edges and scratches stay stable — the choice for coastal and humid sites | Steel base under the granules; same edge-rust risk as painted steel, hidden by the texture |
| Weight per 100 sq ft | About 90–125 lbs | About 40–50 lbs | About 140–150 lbs |
| Finish and warranty | Baked-on polyester or PVDF paint; 25–40-year finish warranties are common | PVDF finish; 30-year chalk-and-fade warranties are typical, with lifetime limited material warranties common | Ceramic granules on an acrylic base; 50-year limited warranties are common; granule loss is the wear mode |
| Best for | Budget-led inland projects where a painted finish is fine | Coastal, lakeside and high-humidity homes; anyone who wants this roof to be the last one | Homeowners who want an asphalt-like texture and a matte look in steel |
Real Installations
Metal Shingle Roofs: Interlock Slate and Cedar Shingle Installations
Aluminum shingle roofs photographed on the homes they were installed on.
Interlock Aluminum Cedar Shingle Metal Roofing – Hunter Green | University Place, WA (Aerial)
Interlock Aluminum Slate Metal Roofing – Black | Palmer, AK (Aerial)
Interlock Aluminum Cedar Shingle Metal Roofing – Hunter Green | Sylvan Lake, AB (Front elevation)
Interlock Aluminum Slate Metal Roofing – Black | Ocean Shores, WA (Front elevation)
Interlock Aluminum Cedar Shingle Metal Roofing – Tile Red | Anchorage, AK (Full roof overview)
Interlock Aluminum Slate Metal Roofing – Black | Wasilla, AK (Aerial)
Interlock Aluminum Shake Metal Roofing – Copper Penny | Wasilla, AK (Aerial)
Interlock Aluminum Slate Metal Roofing – Black | Wasilla, AK (After)Customer Reviews
What Owners Say
★★★★★After our third hail-damaged asphalt roof in twelve years, our insurance company actually recommended metal roofing. We chose Interlock shake and haven't looked at another hail claim since. The 28% insurance premium discount alone pays for a significant portion of the upgrade — and the roof looks better than anything in the neighborhood.
★★★★★I was replacing the original 1940s slate on our heritage-designated home and needed something that would satisfy the heritage board visually while meeting current fire codes. Interlock aluminum slate was the only product that cleared both hurdles. Seven years in, it looks exactly as it did when it was installed.
★★★★★We were primarily motivated by energy costs — our previous dark asphalt roof was cooking the house every summer. The Interlock standing seam in Classic White dropped our cooling load noticeably in the first season. The lifetime warranty and Class 4 hail rating were the bonuses that made it an easy decision.
FAQ
Metal Shingles: Frequently Asked Questions
Are metal shingles a good idea?
For a home you plan to keep, usually yes: they last two to three times as long as asphalt, carry Class 4 impact ratings, and often go over the existing roof. They are a poor fit if you are selling within a few years and the market will not pay for the roof, or if no trained installer serves your area.
Are metal shingles cheaper than asphalt shingles?
Not up front. Expect $6 to $14 per square foot installed against $4 to $8 for asphalt. Over 40 years the order usually reverses, because the asphalt roof is replaced at least once and each replacement includes tear-off and disposal.
What is the price of metal shingles?
Materials alone run about $3 to $6 per square foot ($300 to $600 per 100 sq ft) for steel and stone-coated steel, and $3 to $9 for aluminum; installed prices add $4 to $8 per square foot of labour. Get at least two quotes for the same system, and make sure both include underlayment, flashing and disposal.
What are the drawbacks of metal shingles?
Higher upfront cost, cosmetic denting from large hail or foot traffic, scratches that can expose steel to rust, and a smaller pool of installers who know the system. Colour-matching a repair years later can also be harder than with asphalt.
How long do metal shingles last?
Painted steel shingles are generally expected to last 40 years or more; aluminum shingles 50 years or more, because the base metal does not rust. Finish warranties of 25 to 40 years and material warranties of 50 years to lifetime are common. Asphalt lasts 15 to 30 years.
Steel or aluminum shingles — which should I choose?
Choose aluminum near salt water, on lakefront or high-humidity sites, or if you want the roof to outlast you; choose painted steel if budget is the priority and the site is inland and dry. Stone-coated steel is a look choice: a matte, granular texture rather than a painted one.
Are metal shingles noisy in rain?
No more than asphalt when installed over solid decking with underlayment, which is how residential metal shingles are installed. The loud tin roof is a bare panel on open purlins — a barn, not a house.
Can metal shingles be installed over my existing shingles?
Often, where the local code allows one existing layer and the deck is sound. Aluminum shingles at about 40 lbs per 100 sq ft are the easiest case; stone-coated steel at 140 lbs or more may need a structural check. A qualified roofer has to inspect first.
Do metal shingles dent in hail?
Large hail can leave cosmetic dents in any metal roof, aluminum more readily than steel. UL 2218 Class 4 testing — a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet — is about the panel staying watertight, not about staying dent-free, and most warranties exclude cosmetic marks. Some insurers discount premiums for Class 4 roofs; ask yours.
Which metal shingles does Interlock make?
Interlock makes aluminum shingles in two profiles, Slate and Cedar Shingle, formed from 0.019-inch 3105-H24 aluminum with a PVDF Alunar® finish. They interlock on all four sides, weigh about 41 lbs per 100 sq ft, carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, and are installed only by certified Interlock installers under the Guardian Lifetime Limited Material Warranty. The aluminum shingles page has the specs, colours and a quote form.
At a Glance
Key Takeaways
- Three types: painted steel (lowest cost), aluminum (no rust, longest life), stone-coated steel (granular texture).
- Installed cost about $6–$14 per sq ft vs. $4–$8 for asphalt; aluminum sits at the top of the range.
- Expect 40 years or more from steel and 50 or more from aluminum, against 15–30 for asphalt.
- Class 4 impact and 110–120 mph wind ratings are standard; a Class A fire rating depends on the whole assembly.
- Light enough to install over one layer of asphalt where code allows.
- Weak points: upfront cost, cosmetic denting, and installer scarcity — vet the crew as hard as the product.
- Interlock's option is aluminum: Slate and Cedar Shingle profiles, Guardian lifetime limited warranty, certified installation.
| $6–$14 / sq ft installed | 40–70 yr service life | UL 2218 Class 4 impact | 3 material families |
Documentation
Metal Roofing Technical Resources
Explore More
Explore Interlock Metal Shingle Profiles
Interlock® Metal Slate Roofing
Interlock® Metal Slate Roofing is a lifetime aluminum system that captures the dimensional beauty of natural slate — ideal for Colonial and Victorian homes — without the weight, cracking, or reinforcement costs of stone. Rust-proof, Alunar®-coated for energy savings, and backed by a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Interlock® Metal Cedar Shingle Roofing
Interlock® Metal Cedar Shingle Roofing is an aluminum shingle stamped with authentic cedar wood-grain texture — the warmth of real cedar with none of the rot, splitting, or discoloration. Rust-proof, virtually maintenance-free, Alunar®-coated, and backed by a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Interlock® Metal Shake Roofing
Interlock® Metal Shake Roofing recreates the deep, hand-split texture of rustic cedar shake in rust-proof aluminum — rugged character for Cape Cod and Craftsman homes without the warping, rot, or fire risk of wood. Alunar®-coated and backed by a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Interlock® Metal Tile Roofing
Interlock® Metal Tile Roofing brings the elegance of Mediterranean clay tile to homes that can't bear — or pay to reinforce for — real tile's weight. Lightweight, rust-proof aluminum that resists cracking, hail, and fire; Alunar®-coated and backed by a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Interlock® Metal Standing Seam Roofing
Interlock® Metal Standing Seam Roofing is a mechanical-lock aluminum panel system with clean vertical lines — the signature look of modern and farmhouse architecture. Concealed fasteners, exceptional wind resistance, rust-proof, solar-compatible, and backed by a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Get Started
Free, No-Obligation Interlock® Consultation
Every Interlock® consultation is free and carries no obligation — for homeowners, architects, and roofing contractors alike. Contact Interlock and a certified local sales representative from your exclusive Interlock® dealer will reach out to schedule a Zoom call, office meeting, or in-home consultation. The conversation walks through profile selection, technical installation requirements (slope, venting, underlayment, fasteners, trim, snow management, solar), and project-specific pricing — in that order, never the reverse.
For homeowners →
Review profile options, color samples, and the Guardian Lifetime Transferable Warranty applied to your specific home.
For architects →
Walk through CSI MasterFormat 07 31 16 / 07 41 13 specifications, ICC-ES ESR-1790 documentation, and assembly options for your project submittal.
For roofing contractors →
Discuss certified-installer territory, training, technical support, and warranty registration through the Interlock® dealer network.
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