You’ve replaced the shingles once already, and after another spring of hail you’re not excited to do it again. Or you’re putting up a shop or a barn and want a roof you won’t have to think about for a long time. Steel roofing in Springfield, MO keeps coming up, but so do the questions: Will hail dent it? Is it loud? Which kind should you even be looking at?
Those are fair questions, and the answers depend on the type of steel roof. A steel roof can be a great long-term choice, as long as it’s the right system for your building and it’s installed with care. You deserve the details before you decide.
APC Roofing has been in business since 2017. We’re GAF Certified, licensed and insured, and your inspection is free.
Most metal roofs are steel
When people talk about metal roofing around Springfield, they’re almost always talking about steel. It’s strong, widely available and comes in more styles than most homeowners realize. If you’re comparing metal options in general, our metal roofing in Springfield page covers the full range.
Steel on its own would rust, so roofing steel is protected in layers. The base metal gets a thin protective layer of metal, usually zinc (galvanized) or an aluminum-zinc blend often sold as Galvalume. Painted panels then get a factory paint finish on top, which adds color and another layer of protection from sun and weather.
The main types of steel roofs
Exposed-fastener panels. Ribbed or corrugated sheets screwed straight through the panel into the framing. They’re common on shops, barns, garages and some homes. They go up quickly and cost less up front, but the screws and their rubber washers age in the sun and need attention over the years. Our corrugated metal roofing page goes into this style.
Standing seam panels. The fasteners are hidden under raised seams and held with clips, so nothing pierces the face of the panel. The clips let the steel expand and contract freely. It’s the cleaner look for a home and needs less fastener upkeep, though it costs more to install.
Stone-coated steel. Steel panels covered in stone granules and shaped to look like shingles, shakes or tile. It gives a house the look of a traditional roof with the strength of steel underneath.
Steel roofs and Springfield hail
Hail is the first question most Springfield homeowners ask. Steel can dent, especially in a big storm, but a dent usually isn’t a leak. Thicker panels (a lower gauge number means thicker steel) hold up better, and some steel roofing products carry a Class 4 impact rating, the highest rating under the common UL 2218 test.
Stone-coated steel and textured finishes tend to hide small dents better than smooth, flat panels.
One thing to check before you buy: some homeowners policies treat dents that don’t cause leaks as cosmetic and don’t cover them. Read your policy or ask your agent so you know where you stand.
Is a steel roof loud?
Over a solid roof deck with underlayment, rain on a steel roof is usually not much louder than on shingles. The loud “barn roof” sound comes from panels installed over open framing with nothing beneath them. On a shop or barn, that may not matter. On a house, a solid deck and underlayment make the difference.
Heat, cold and condensation
Springfield swings from hot, humid summers to below-freezing winter nights, and steel moves with every swing. A good installation allows for that movement with the right clips or fastening pattern, so panels don’t buckle or work screws loose.
Lighter-colored finishes reflect more summer sun, which can help keep an attic cooler. In winter, warm, moist air can condense on the underside of cold metal, especially on shops and barns. The right underlayment, or a vapor barrier on an open-framed building, keeps that moisture from dripping onto what’s stored inside.
Over the old roof, or a tear-off?
Some steel roofs can go over a single layer of existing shingles, depending on local code and the condition of the deck. A tear-off lets you see and repair the decking, which matters if the old roof has been leaking. The right answer depends on what the inspection finds.
How it works
- Book your free inspection. Call 913-398-5020 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll get photos of the existing roof and deck, a recommended steel system with the reasons behind it and a written estimate.
- Get your steel roof installed and the site cleaned up. The crew finishes the installation and cleans up before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance if you’d like to spread out the cost.
If your current roof is leaking, waiting for the perfect time to switch can cost you. Water damage to the decking adds to the job, so it’s worth getting a clear picture now even if the new roof comes later.
Steel roofing questions
Does a steel roof attract lightning?
No. Metal roofs don’t make a strike more likely, and steel isn’t combustible, so it won’t catch fire if lightning hits nearby.
How long does a steel roof last?
It depends on the panel, the finish, the installation and how well exposed fasteners are maintained. Ask about the manufacturer’s finish and material details for the product you’re considering.
Can you repair my steel roof instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. Loose screws, worn washers, open laps and damaged panels can usually be fixed. See our metal roof repair in Springfield page.
Is steel a good choice for a shop or barn?
Yes. Exposed-fastener steel panels are one of the most common roofs on outbuildings because they’re durable and go up quickly.
Talk to someone about steel roofing in Springfield, MO
Call 913-398-5020 or start your free estimate online. For more on the installation itself, see our metal roof installation page.
The goal is a roof you can stop worrying about every time the forecast calls for hail, a building that stays dry and a decision you feel good about years from now.
