When we installed our first metal roof in 1984, most South Carolina homeowners thought metal roofing belonged on barns, not homes. Fast forward four decades, and metal roofing has become one of the most requested upgrades we offer—and for good reason.
At Hixon’s Roofing, we’ve installed metal roofs on everything from historic Charleston townhomes to modern Columbia estates, coastal beach houses to industrial warehouses across the CSRA. We’ve watched metal roofs we installed in the 1990s outlast two generations of asphalt shingles on neighboring homes. We’ve seen which installations thrived and which faced problems. We’ve learned what works in South Carolina’s unique climate—and what doesn’t.
This isn’t a sales pitch. Metal roofing isn’t right for every home or every budget. But if you’re considering metal for your South Carolina property, four decades of hands-on experience has taught us exactly what you need to know.
Understanding Metal Roofing Types: Not All Metal Roofs Are Equal
“Metal roof” covers a surprisingly wide range of products, each with distinct characteristics, costs, and applications.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
What it is: Vertical metal panels (typically 12-18 inches wide) that interlock with raised seams. The fasteners are hidden beneath the seams, creating clean lines and superior weather protection.
Materials: Aluminum, steel (galvanized or Galvalume), copper, or zinc
Appearance: Modern, sleek, commercial-looking (though increasingly popular for contemporary homes)
Cost: $8-14 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 40-70 years depending on material
Best for: Modern architectural styles, commercial buildings, coastal properties (aluminum resists salt corrosion), homes prioritizing longevity over aesthetics
Our experience: Standing seam performs exceptionally well in South Carolina’s climate. The hidden fastener system means no exposed screws to leak or corrode. We’ve seen 30-year-old standing seam roofs still performing perfectly—outlasting three asphalt shingle replacements on neighboring homes.
Metal Shingles
What it is: Individual metal pieces designed to mimic traditional shingles, slate, or clay tiles. They install similarly to traditional roofing materials.
Materials: Usually steel or aluminum with protective coatings
Appearance: Can closely replicate traditional roofing materials while offering metal’s benefits
Cost: $7-12 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 40-50 years
Best for: Homes in historic districts or HOAs with aesthetic requirements, homeowners wanting metal’s performance without the industrial look, properties where traditional appearance matters
Our experience: Metal shingles solve the aesthetic challenge for homeowners who want metal’s durability but live in neighborhoods where standing seam looks out of place. Charleston’s historic districts have approved many quality metal shingle installations that preserve period appearance while dramatically improving longevity.
Corrugated/R-Panel Metal
What it is: Wavy or ribbed metal panels typically seen on agricultural and industrial buildings, though increasingly used on modern homes
Materials: Usually galvanized or Galvalume steel
Appearance: Utilitarian, industrial aesthetic that works for modern farmhouse or industrial design
Cost: $4-8 per square foot installed
Lifespan: 30-45 years
Best for: Barns, workshops, modern industrial-aesthetic homes, budget-conscious commercial applications, homes prioritizing function over form
Our experience: Corrugated metal offers excellent value for outbuildings and commercial roofing applications. While less expensive than standing seam, it has exposed fasteners that require maintenance and eventual replacement—adding long-term costs standing seam avoids.
The Real Cost of Metal Roofing: Beyond the Price Tag
The #1 objection we hear: “Metal roofing costs too much.” Let’s examine the complete financial picture.
Upfront Costs
Asphalt Shingles (2,000 sq ft home):
- Material and installation: $8,000-12,000
- Lifespan: 20-25 years in South Carolina’s climate
- Cost per year: $320-600
Standing Seam Metal (same home):
- Material and installation: $18,000-28,000
- Lifespan: 50-70 years
- Cost per year: $257-560
Metal Shingles (same home):
- Material and installation: $15,000-24,000
- Lifespan: 40-50 years
- Cost per year: $300-600
The Lifetime Value Calculation
Most homeowners replace asphalt shingle roofs 2-3 times during homeownership. Here’s a 50-year comparison:
Asphalt Route:
- Initial roof: $10,000
- Replacement #1 (year 22): $12,000 (inflation-adjusted)
- Replacement #2 (year 44): $14,500 (inflation-adjusted)
- Total: $36,500
Metal Route:
- Initial roof: $22,000
- Replacements: $0
- Total: $22,000
Savings: $14,500 over 50 years—and that’s before considering:
- Energy savings (metal reflects heat)
- Insurance discounts (many insurers offer 10-30% reductions)
- Increased home value
- Avoided emergency repair costs
- Zero maintenance headaches
Hidden Costs People Miss
Asphalt disadvantages:
- Periodic maintenance and repairs
- Emergency fixes after storms
- Stress and disruption of future replacements
- Lost time coordinating contractors
- Potential water damage during replacement delays
Metal advantages:
- One-and-done installation
- Minimal maintenance (annual inspection recommended)
- Peace of mind through hurricanes and storms
- No future replacement during ownership
For South Carolina homeowners planning to stay in their homes 15+ years, metal roofing almost always delivers superior value.
Busting Metal Roofing Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction
Forty years of metal installations means we’ve heard every myth imaginable. Let’s address them with real-world evidence.
Myth 1: “Metal roofs are loud in rain”
The Truth: Modern metal roofs installed over solid decking with proper underlayment are actually quieter than asphalt shingles during rain. The key factors:
- Solid roof deck (not skip sheathing) deadens sound
- Synthetic underlayment provides sound dampening
- Attic insulation absorbs noise
- Metal doesn’t amplify sound—improper installation does
We’ve installed hundreds of metal roofs and never had a noise complaint when proper installation techniques were followed. The “loud metal roof” reputation comes from poorly-insulated agricultural buildings with metal over open rafters—nothing like a residential installation.
Myth 2: “Metal roofs attract lightning”
The Truth: Metal doesn’t attract lightning—height, shape, and isolation do. A metal roof is no more likely to be struck than an asphalt roof. In fact, if lightning does strike, metal is safer:
- Metal is non-combustible (won’t catch fire)
- Metal disperses electrical energy safely
- No risk of shingle ignition
Charleston’s frequent thunderstorms make this a common concern. In 40 years, we haven’t seen increased lightning strikes on metal roofs versus asphalt—but we have seen metal roofs protect homes better when strikes occur.
Myth 3: “Metal roofs rust quickly”
The Truth: Modern metal roofing materials have sophisticated protective systems:
- Galvalume coating: Aluminum-zinc alloy prevents rust for 40+ years
- Kynar/PVDF paint systems: Industrial-grade finish resists corrosion and fading
- Aluminum roofing: Doesn’t rust at all (ideal for coastal properties)
- Copper/zinc: Develop protective patina that prevents corrosion
The “rusty metal roof” image comes from old agricultural roofing without protective coatings. Quality residential metal roofing carries warranties specifically guaranteeing against rust perforation for 40-50 years.
We’ve inspected 25-year-old metal roofs in humid Charleston without a single rust spot.
Myth 4: “Metal roofs make homes hotter”
The Truth: This is backwards. Metal roofing with proper coatings actually reduces cooling costs:
- Reflectivity: Light-colored metal reflects 70% of solar energy vs. asphalt’s 20%
- Emissivity: Metal re-radiates absorbed heat quickly, while asphalt holds it
- Above-deck ventilation: Many standing seam systems allow air circulation beneath panels
Studies show metal roofing can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% in hot climates. In South Carolina’s brutal summers, this translates to $200-400 annual savings.
The confusion stems from uninsulated metal buildings that feel hot—but properly installed residential metal roofs dramatically improve energy efficiency.
Myth 5: “Metal roofs look commercial/industrial”
The Truth: This was accurate in 1984. Today’s metal roofing offers:
- Stone-coated shingles indistinguishable from asphalt
- Metal shingles replicating slate, cedar shake, or clay tile
- Wide color ranges including traditional roof colors
- Textured finishes that break up reflectivity
Charleston’s historic districts have approved numerous metal installations that preserve period aesthetics while meeting modern performance standards.
Metal Roofing and Insurance: Real Discounts, Real Savings
Most South Carolina insurers offer discounts for metal roofing—though few homeowners know to ask.
Typical Discount Ranges
Wind resistance: 10-20% premium reduction
- Metal roofing resists hurricane-force winds better than shingles
- Standing seam systems rated to 140+ mph wind speeds
- Impact-resistant ratings reduce hail damage claims
Fire resistance: 5-15% reduction
- Metal’s Class A fire rating (highest available)
- Non-combustible material can’t ignite from embers
- Reduces wildfire risk (relevant for rural CSRA properties)
Hail resistance: Additional 5-10%
- Quality metal dents less than people assume
- Class 4 impact-rated systems available
- Reduces frequency of storm damage claims
Real Example
$2,000 annual home insurance premium:
- 15% metal roof discount = $300/year savings
- Over 50 years = $15,000 saved
- This alone nearly covers the premium over asphalt shingles
Important: Get quotes from multiple insurers. Discount amounts vary significantly between companies. Some coastal insurers offer larger discounts due to hurricane exposure.
Charleston Historic Districts: Metal Roofing That Preserves Character
Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) carefully regulates roofing changes in historic districts—but metal roofing is absolutely possible with proper planning.
BAR-Approved Approaches
Metal shingles matching original materials: High-quality metal shingles that replicate slate, clay tile, or wood shake appearance typically gain approval when they:
- Match the original material’s profile and dimensions
- Use appropriate colors for the period
- Maintain authentic shadow lines and texture
Standing seam on appropriate buildings: Some historic structures, particularly those with industrial heritage or simple vernacular architecture, can use standing seam when:
- The building type historically used metal roofing
- Color selection respects the historic context
- Seam orientation matches original roof lines
Our Charleston Experience
We’ve successfully navigated BAR approval for dozens of metal roof installations by:
- Providing detailed product specifications showing historical authenticity
- Submitting professional renderings of the proposed installation
- Demonstrating how metal meets preservation goals (longevity, authentic appearance)
- Working with preservation consultants when needed
Key insight: The BAR prioritizes appearance and historical accuracy—not materials. A metal roof that authentically replicates original materials often gets approval over cheap asphalt shingles that look nothing like the historic roof.
Installation Differences: Why Experience Matters
Metal installation differs significantly from asphalt shingles. Critical factors include:
- High-temperature synthetic underlayment (standard felt paper fails)
- Thermal movement accommodation (metal expands/contracts with temperature)
- Metal-specific flashing (shingle techniques don’t work)
- Proper valley treatments (water flow differs from shingles)
- Correct fastener selection and torque (critical for exposed fasteners)
- Substrate preparation (metal reveals any imperfection)
Why professional installation matters: Manufacturers void warranties on DIY installations. We’ve repaired countless DIY metal roofs with improper overlaps, wrong fasteners, inadequate thermal expansion accommodation, and flawed valley construction.
Professional installation ensures your expensive metal roof performs as designed for decades. Our crews receive manufacturer-specific training on each system we install.
Understanding Metal Roofing Warranties
Material Warranty Components:
- Paint/finish (20-40 years): Covers fading. Look for Kynar 500/PVDF finishes.
- Substrate (25-50 years): Covers rust perforation. Stronger warranties indicate better coatings.
- Full system (20-30 years): Covers weathertightness when installed by certified contractors.
What warranties don’t cover: Walking damage, falling debris, building movement, subsequent construction, normal weathering.
Hixon’s workmanship warranty: Our 25-year installation warranty protects you from workmanship issues beyond manufacturer coverage. Learn more about warranty options.
Best Applications for Metal Roofing
Ideal candidates: Coastal properties (corrosion resistance), low-slope roofs (1:12 minimum), commercial buildings (longevity and low maintenance), modern architectural designs, high-end homes, investment properties (eliminates re-roofing), eco-conscious homeowners (100% recyclable, energy efficient).
Where metal excels in South Carolina: Hurricane zones (wind resistance), high-heat areas (reflective properties reduce cooling), homes with solar panels (seamless integration), large roof areas (maximum maintenance elimination benefit).
When NOT to Choose Metal Roofing
Honesty matters. Metal isn’t always the right answer:
Situations Where Asphalt Makes More Sense
Very tight budgets: If $8,000 for asphalt is manageable but $20,000 for metal isn’t, asphalt is the practical choice. Don’t strain finances for an upgrade—handle immediate needs first.
Short-term ownership (5 years or less): You won’t recoup the metal premium in resale value during a short hold period. The next owner gets the benefit of your investment.
Traditional neighborhoods: If every home on your street has asphalt shingles and local aesthetic norms matter to you, standing seam metal might feel out of place (though metal shingles could work).
Historic homes where authenticity is paramount: Some restoration purists prefer authentic materials. If you’re committed to perfect historical accuracy regardless of cost, original materials may matter more than practical benefits.
Homes with excessive roof complexity: Numerous dormers, valleys, and plane changes increase metal installation costs substantially. Sometimes architectural complexity makes metal economically impractical.
When to Wait
Don’t install metal roofing if:
- Your roof decking needs repair or replacement (fix substrate first)
- You’re planning major additions or renovations (roof should come last)
- You haven’t researched installers thoroughly (bad installation ruins good materials)
Hixon’s Metal Roofing Capabilities
As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, we install multiple metal roofing systems:
- Standing seam steel and aluminum systems
- Architectural metal shingles
- Stone-coated metal tiles
- Commercial metal roofing panels
- Custom copper and zinc installations
Our installation crews receive ongoing training from manufacturers, ensuring we stay current with evolving metal roofing technology. We’re certified to install systems from leading manufacturers, giving you options that fit your aesthetic preferences and budget.
More importantly, we only recommend metal when it makes sense for your situation. We’ve talked homeowners out of metal when their circumstances didn’t justify the investment—because long-term relationships matter more than any single sale.
Making Your Decision: What Matters Most
Installation Quality: Installer expertise matters more than material choice. Choose experienced contractors with certifications and reputation.
Your Timeline: Staying 15+ years makes metal valuable. Selling within 5-7 years may not justify the premium.
Aesthetic Vision: Don’t choose metal if you dislike the look. Metal shingles bridge performance and traditional aesthetics.
Total Cost of Ownership: Calculate lifetime value including energy savings, insurance discounts, and avoided replacements.
Climate and Location: Coastal properties benefit from corrosion resistance. High-heat areas benefit from reflectivity. Hurricane zones benefit from wind resistance.
Ready to Explore Metal Roofing?
At Hixon’s Roofing, we believe informed decisions are better decisions. That’s why we offer complimentary consultations where you can:
- See and touch actual metal roofing samples
- Compare standing seam, metal shingles, and stone-coated options
- Review color selections and finish options
- Get honest assessments of whether metal makes sense for your home
- Receive detailed quotes with multiple options
- Ask questions based on our 40 years of installation experience
- Review examples of our completed metal installations
We’ll never pressure you toward metal if it doesn’t fit your situation. Our goal is helping you make the choice that serves your home’s needs and your financial reality.
Schedule your metal roofing consultation today:
Call 803.991.3018 or visit hixonsroofing.com to book your appointment. We’ll bring samples to your home, assess your roof, and provide transparent pricing with no-pressure guidance.
Whether you choose metal, asphalt, or decide to wait, you’ll leave the consultation better informed about your options.
The Bottom Line After 40 Years
Metal roofing has evolved from a niche product to a mainstream choice—and for good reason. The technology has improved, costs have become more competitive, and South Carolina’s challenging climate makes metal’s advantages increasingly valuable.
Is it right for everyone? No. Does it cost more upfront? Yes. But for homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, prioritizing low maintenance, or dealing with challenging climates (coastal humidity, intense heat, hurricane exposure), metal roofing delivers value that’s hard to match.
We’ve watched metal roofs we installed in the 1990s outlast neighboring homes’ second and third asphalt replacements. We’ve seen homeowners eliminate roof worries entirely—no more storm anxiety, no more maintenance headaches, no more replacement costs.
That peace of mind is what 40 years has taught us metal roofing really delivers.
Hixon’s Roofing – Protecting Your Home With Innovation and Experience Since 1984
About Hixon’s Roofing: Family-owned and operated since 1984, Hixon’s Roofing provides complete roofing solutions including metal roofing installation, traditional shingle roofing, commercial roofing, and roof repair throughout South Carolina and Georgia. As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, we’re trained and certified on multiple metal roofing systems and backed by 40 years of installation experience. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship and honest recommendations.