Greenawalt Roofing installs standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal roofs on homes in Lancaster County and Central Pennsylvania. The metal roofs we sold from November 2024 to October 2026 had a median price of about $18,200, with the middle half between $8,100 and $25,100. Metal roofs carry our 12-year workmanship warranty on the installation, plus the metal manufacturer’s 35-year film warranty on the paint finish.
Last updated October 2026.
How much does a metal roof cost in Lancaster County?
The metal roofs we sold from November 2024 to October 2026 had a median price of about $18,200, and the middle half ran from about $8,100 to $25,100. We sell far fewer metal roofs than shingle roofs, so treat those figures as a rough guide. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels, and roof size, pitch, chimneys and trim details set the rest.
How long does a metal roof last?
A properly installed metal roof typically lasts 40 to 70 years, depending on the metal, the panel system and the paint finish. Standing-seam systems last longest because the fasteners are hidden under the seams and are not exposed to weather.
What is the difference between standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal?
Standing-seam panels lock together at raised seams and are fastened with hidden clips, so the panels can expand and contract and no screw heads face the weather. Exposed-fastener panels are screwed through the face; they cost less, but the screw washers need checking and eventually replacing. Exposed-fastener panels are common on barns and outbuildings, and standing-seam on houses.
What warranty comes with a metal roof?
Metal roofs carry our 12-year workmanship warranty on the installation, plus the metal manufacturer’s 35-year film warranty on the paint finish. The CertainTeed shingle warranties described on our shingle pages, including the 4-Star and 5-Star coverage, do not apply to metal roofs.
Are metal roofs noisy in the rain?
Not when installed over solid decking and underlayment, which is how we install them on homes. The noise people remember comes from barns where panels sit on open purlins with nothing underneath.
Can metal go over my existing shingles?
Sometimes. Metal can go over a single layer of shingles if the decking is sound and your municipality allows it, which saves tear-off and disposal cost. We recommend a full tear-off when there are two layers or signs of decking damage, and we pull the permit either way.
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
No. Lightning strikes the highest point in an area regardless of what it is made of. Metal is also non-combustible, so it will not catch fire from a strike the way wood or asphalt can.
Metal vs. architectural shingles
| Metal (standing-seam or exposed-fastener) | Architectural asphalt shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 40 to 70 years | 25 to 30 years |
| Price, jobs we sold from November 2024 to October 2026 | Median about $18,200 per roof | Median about $12,900 per roof |
| Warranty | Our 12-year workmanship warranty plus the metal manufacturer’s 35-year film warranty on the paint finish | CertainTeed material warranty plus our 12- or 25-year workmanship warranty |
| Snow | Sheds snow readily; snow guards may be needed over doors and walkways | Holds snow longer |
| Fire | Non-combustible | Class A rated shingles available |
| Upkeep | Periodic inspection; exposed-fastener screws need checking | Periodic inspection; repairs are simple and inexpensive |
Related pages
Metal Roofing for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware Homes
Metal roofing has become one of the fastest-growing choices for homeowners across the mid-Atlantic region. A metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years and needs little maintenance, so it costs more up front but can outlast two asphalt roofs. Our metal roof jobs over the last two years had a median price of about $18,200. Greenawalt Roofing installs standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing systems engineered to handle everything our region’s weather delivers.
Standing-Seam Metal Roofing
Standing-seam panels feature raised interlocking seams that run vertically from ridge to eave, creating a clean, modern appearance with no exposed fasteners. This concealed-fastener design eliminates the most common failure point in metal roofing (fastener-hole leaks) and allows panels to expand and contract with temperature changes without stress. Standing-seam systems are available in a wide range of colors with Kynar 500 finishes that resist fading, chalking, and corrosion for decades.
Why Homeowners Choose Metal
Longevity: A properly installed metal roof lasts 2 to 3 times longer than asphalt shingles, with many systems carrying 40-year or lifetime warranties. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term, metal roofing eliminates the cost and disruption of one or two additional shingle replacements over the same period.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it, reducing attic temperatures and lowering cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent during Pennsylvania’s hot summers. Many metal roofing colors qualify for ENERGY STAR certification.
Storm Resistance: Metal roofing systems are tested to withstand winds of 120 to 150 mph, well above the threshold for most severe thunderstorms and nor’easters that affect our service area. Metal is also non-combustible (Class A fire rating) and sheds snow and ice more effectively than asphalt, reducing ice dam risk.
Low Maintenance: Unlike asphalt shingles that lose granules, curl, and crack over time, metal roofing requires minimal maintenance beyond periodic inspections and gutter cleaning. There are no shingles to replace, no moss to treat, and no granule loss to monitor.
Metal Roofing for Every Home Style
Today’s metal roofing is available in profiles that complement colonial, farmhouse, craftsman, and contemporary architecture. From traditional ribbed panels for rural properties to sleek standing-seam profiles for modern homes, our team helps you choose the system and color that enhances your home’s curb appeal while delivering decades of weather protection.
Greenawalt Roofing’s metal roof installations include proper underlayment, ventilation detailing, and trim work, the details where poorly installed metal roofs usually fail. Every project is backed by both manufacturer material warranties and our own workmanship guarantee.
Related Services
Exploring other options? Compare metal with our asphalt shingle roofing services or learn about flat roofing systems for low-slope applications. Need a repair first? See our roof repair services. We also offer siding and gutter installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a metal roof last?
A properly installed metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years depending on the material and coating system. Standing-seam steel with Kynar 500 paint finish offers the best combination of longevity and aesthetics, with manufacturer warranties of 40 years or more on both the panels and the finish.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
Metal roofing costs 2 to 3 times more than asphalt shingles upfront, but lasts 2 to 3 times longer and requires virtually no maintenance. When you factor in avoided replacement costs, lower energy bills (10-25% cooling savings), and increased home resale value, metal roofing often has a lower total cost of ownership over the life of your home.
Are metal roofs noisy when it rains?
No. Modern metal roofing installed over solid decking and underlayment is no louder than asphalt shingles during rain. The solid substrate and attic insulation beneath the panels absorb sound effectively. The perception of noisy metal roofs comes from agricultural buildings where panels are installed directly on open purlins without insulation.
Can you install a metal roof over existing shingles?
In some cases, yes. Metal roofing can be installed over a single layer of existing asphalt shingles if the decking is in good condition and local building codes allow it. This saves on tear-off costs and disposal fees. However, a full tear-off is recommended when there is underlying decking damage or two layers of existing shingles.
Do metal roofs attract lightning?
No. Metal roofing does not increase the likelihood of a lightning strike. Lightning strikes the highest point in an area regardless of material. In fact, metal roofing is safer during a lightning event because it is non-combustible: it disperses the energy across the structure rather than catching fire like wood or asphalt materials can.