Standing seam metal roofing, installed with care

Standing seam is the roof we are known for. It looks clean, sheds snow and rain well, and with proper installation it can outlast most other roofing materials by decades.

Brown standing seam metal roof running over a hip roof and covered porch with a roof-mounted skylight.

Overview

Metal roofing in Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia

A metal roof is judged by its details. How the seams are formed, how the panels meet at valleys and hips, and how skylights, chimneys and dormers are flashed all determine whether it looks right and stays watertight. That is where installation experience shows.

We have installed standing seam on farmhouses, barns, porches, additions and new builds, in greens, reds, bronzes and charcoals. The photos on this page are Stonewall projects.

Warning signs

Why homeowners choose metal

Long service life

Metal roofs are commonly expected to last 40 to 70 years or more with proper installation.

Weather resistance

Metal handles heavy rain, snow and high winds, and sheds snow readily.

Fire resistance

Metal is non-combustible, which matters on rural properties and homes near trees.

Energy efficiency

Metal reflects solar heat, which can help reduce cooling costs.

Low maintenance

There are no shingles to curl or lose granules, and the surface needs little upkeep.

Recyclable

Metal roofing is recyclable at the end of its life.

Options

Metal roofing systems and finishes

We install standing seam as our primary system, and also corrugated and metal shingle options.

Standing seam

Vertical panels that lock together along raised seams. Clean look, strong weather resistance, and our specialty.

Corrugated metal

Affordable and lightweight, commonly used on barns, sheds and larger agricultural and utility buildings.

Metal shingles

Metal made to resemble traditional shingles or tile, with the longevity of metal.

Galvalume steel

A coated steel that resists rust and suits most regions. The usual choice for residential standing seam.

Aluminum

Naturally corrosion resistant, well suited to coastal conditions.

Copper

A premium material that develops a natural patina and can last well over a century when cared for.

PVDF (Kynar) paint

A premium finish with strong fade and UV resistance, commonly backed by a long manufacturer warranty.

SMP paint

A more affordable finish, with less fade resistance than PVDF.

From Stonewall projects

Brown standing seam metal roof running over a hip roof and covered porch with a roof-mounted skylight.
Green standing seam metal roof with a cupola overlooking open farmland.
Two-story white colonial home with a dark standing seam metal roof and a front porch gable.
White home with red standing seam roofs over a porch and a bank of casement windows.
See all projects

How it works

What to expect, start to finish

  1. Free inspection

    We look at the roof and the areas around it, and talk through what we find before anything is priced.

  2. Design and estimate

    We talk through profile, color and finish, and review the roof geometry, including valleys, dormers and penetrations.

  3. Installation

    Old roofing comes off, the deck is prepared, underlayment goes down, then panels and flashing are installed.

  4. Finish and review

    We check seams, flashing and trim, and walk you through the result.

Honest considerations

Things worth weighing

  • Metal costs more up front than asphalt shingles. Its longer life is what makes up the difference.
  • Oil canning, a slight waviness in flat panel areas, is cosmetic and can be reduced by careful installation, but some can occur on any metal roof.
  • Metal is not noisy on a properly installed roof. With solid decking and underlayment, rain is not louder than on shingles.

Questions

Metal roofing: common questions

What type of metal is used for roofing?

Galvalume steel is the common choice for residential standing seam. Aluminum suits coastal areas, and copper is a premium option that can last over a century. Older terne-coated steel is no longer used.

What is standing seam?

Standing seam is a metal roof of vertical panels that lock together along raised seams, with fasteners hidden beneath. It is valued for its clean look and strong weather resistance.

Are metal roofs noisy in the rain?

No. A properly installed metal roof over solid decking and underlayment is not noticeably louder than asphalt shingles.

What is oil canning?

Oil canning is a visible waviness in the flat part of a metal panel. It is cosmetic rather than structural. Careful installation and the right panel choice reduce it.

What is the difference between PVDF and SMP paint?

PVDF (often sold as Kynar) resists fading and UV better and is the usual choice for high-end work. SMP is more affordable but fades more over time.

How long does a metal roof last?

Commonly 40 to 70 years or more with proper installation. Copper can last longer still.

Get a free metal roofing estimate

Inspections and estimates are free. Tell us what you are seeing, or call and talk to someone now.