Metal roofing sector sees growth opportunities

The Portland, Oregon-based Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) cites several reasons why it thinks steel and other metals can gain market share from asphalt shingles in the United States roofing market.

In a list of questions and answers prepared this month by the MRA, the organization cites recyclability as one of several advantages it allocates to metal roofing materials.

“Beyond lasting longer, metal can be recycled at the end of its very long life rather than being dumped into the landfill,” states the MRA. Adds the group, “It is estimated that more than 13 million tons of asphalt shingles get dumped in landfills each year.”

The group says metal “is one of the only materials in the world that can be recycled again and again, without compromising its qualities, and that metal roofing often can “be installed right over asphalt roofs that are still in decent shape but need [to be] replaced,” preventing tear-off and landfill costs.

The MRA also cites resistance to severe weather as another factor in favor of metal roofing, and points to a recent quote by a Florida insurance regulator questioning the future viability of asphalt shingles in that state.

At a December 2024 insurance sector meeting, Michael Yaworsky, commissioner of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, questioned the future of insurability of new asphalt shingle roofs in the Sunshine State, according to a Palm Beach Post article.

“It’s probably time to look past asphalt shingles,” Yaworsky said, according to the Post, adding, “Maybe it’s time to start writing them out of the plot in Florida.”

The MRA ranks metal roofing as second in roofing market share in the U.S. and Canada, but says “its popularity is popping,” in part because of “devastating climate events ranging from hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf coast, to wildfires in California and the Western states.”

Adds the trade group, “In hurricane, tornado and thunderstorm regions, metal roofs are the gold standard for protecting a home,” with some “rated to stand up to F2 tornado wind speeds.”

In wildfire prone areas, says the MRA, properly installed metal roofs “offer Class A protection against ignition, the highest possible rating.”

In wintry weather, adds the group, metal roofs “naturally shed snow and ice while helping prevent ice damming, and they have the strength to support heavy snow loads.”

What do demolition contractors and metals recycling companies encounter when metal roofs reach the end of their lives?

The MRA says metal roofing can be made of steel, aluminum, copper and zinc, with galvanized steel including a zinc layer.

“Aluminum also is a great choice especially for coastal climates, and copper and zinc are stunningly beautiful, often used for high end projects and to highlight architectural details,” states the MRA.