What Does Metal Roofing Involve?
Metal roofing replaces your old shingles with interlocking steel or aluminum panels that resist rot, decay, and granule loss. Unlike asphalt, metal doesn't flake or peel under UV exposure. It handles our hot, humid summers and Nor'easter winds without curling or buckling.
We start with a full tear-off of the existing roof. That's non-negotiable. Leaving old shingles underneath traps moisture, which seeps into the deck and wicks along the substrate. We inspect the plywood for sag or settle, replace any rotted sections, then lay a self-adhered ice-and-water shield along the eaves and valleys. That's your first defense against ice dams in January.
Panels go on with ring-shank nails at the starter course and field course, then we fasten the standing seams with hidden clips. Staggered courses keep water flowing downhill, not sideways. Every penetration — pipes, vents, skylights — gets flashed and hand-sealed. We back-nail the ridge caps and face-nail the gable trim. The result is a roof that doesn't just look sharp; it sheds water like a duck's back.
Metal roofing costs more upfront than asphalt — typically $12 to $18 per square foot installed — but it lasts three times longer. You'll never buy another roof. Energy savings are real, too: the reflective surface cuts cooling costs by 10–25% in summer.
Call (732) 466-1707 for a free estimate. We serve Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, Dayton, Franklin Park, and Kingston.
How We Install Metal Roofing Step by Step
Step 1: Tear-off and deck inspection. We strip all old shingles and underlayment. If the deck has rot or decay, we replace those sheets before anything else.
Step 2: Underlayment and flashing. We roll out a synthetic underlayment over the whole deck, then add self-adhered membrane in valleys and around chimneys. This is where most leaks start, so we spend extra time here.
Step 3: Panel installation. Panels are cut to exact length on site, then locked into place. We use staggered courses so no two seams line up. Ring-shank nails hold the clips, not the panels, which lets the metal expand and contract with temperature swings.
Step 4: Trim and ridge cap. The ridge cap gets back-nailed and hand-sealed. Gable trim covers the raw edges. We caulk every exposed fastener head, then walk the roof to check for overdriven nails or gaps.
Step 5: Cleanup and final walkthrough. We magnet-sweep the yard for stray nails, haul away all debris, and walk you through the work. You'll know exactly what we did and why.
Most metal roofs on a typical South Brunswick home take 3–5 days. We schedule around weather, so you're never left with an open deck during a storm.
Call (732) 466-1707 to book your installation slot.
When Does Metal Roofing Make Sense for Your Home?
Metal roofing is the right call if your current roof is showing end-of-life wear — widespread cracking, split shingles, or granule loss in the gutters. It's also a smart choice if you're tired of repairing the same leaks year after year. A metal roof stops the cycle of patching and repatching.
It's not the cheapest option, and we'll tell you that upfront. If you're planning to sell your home in five years, asphalt might make more sense. But if you're staying put, metal pays for itself over two decades. You'll also sleep easier during hailstorms — metal handles impacts that would dent asphalt.
We've installed metal roofs on 1960s ranches and new builds alike. The weight is lighter than tile, so most structures don't need reinforcement. We've done recover overlays over existing metal, but we prefer a full tear-off for a clean substrate. That's the honest answer.
Want to know if metal is right for your roof? Call (732) 466-1707 — we'll walk your property, check your deck, and give you a straight recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing
Is metal roofing noisy in the rain?
Metal roofing with solid decking and underlayment is actually quieter than you'd think. The combination of plywood, underlayment, and the metal panel itself dampens sound. In heavy rain, it's a low hum, not a drumroll.
Will metal roofing attract lightning?
Metal roofing does not attract lightning. It's non-combustible and actually disperses a strike safely if grounded properly. In 20 years of installing metal, we've never seen a lightning issue.
How long does a metal roof last in South Brunswick's climate?
Metal roofing lasts 40–70 years in our climate. The key is proper installation — hidden fasteners, sealed seams, and adequate ventilation prevent corrosion and thermal movement damage. Our work is backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty.
Ready to make the switch? Call (732) 466-1707 for a free estimate.
