Metal Roofing

When homeowners and business owners in Green Bay decide on a metal roof, the next question is always: which type? The term “metal roofing” covers a broad category of products that differ significantly in profile, fastener system, appearance, and price. Understanding the types of metal roofing available helps you match the right product to your building, aesthetic preferences, and budget. The three primary categories are standing seam, corrugated (exposed fastener), and metal shingles. Each has earned its place in the market for distinct reasons, and all three perform exceptionally well in Northeast Wisconsin’s demanding climate of heavy snow, wind, and temperature extremes. This guide breaks down each type so you can compare them side by side.

Standing seam metal roofing is the premium tier of residential and commercial metal roofing. The defining feature is the raised interlocking seam that connects adjacent panels, creating a continuous, weather-tight joint with no exposed fasteners. Every screw and clip is concealed beneath the seam, which eliminates the most common failure point on any metal roof — exposed fastener penetrations. Standing seam panels are typically fabricated from 24- or 26-gauge steel or aluminum in lengths that run the full distance from ridge to eave, minimizing horizontal seams. The panels are attached to the roof deck using concealed clips that allow the metal to expand and contract with temperature changes without stressing the fastener points — a critical advantage in Wisconsin, where roof surface temperatures can swing 150°F or more between winter lows and summer highs. Standing seam roofs deliver a clean, modern architectural line that suits everything from contemporary homes to commercial buildings. They shed snow efficiently, resist wind uplift to 140+ mph, and carry warranties of 30 to 50 years on the finish with a structural lifespan that often exceeds 60 years. The investment is higher than other metal options, but the long-term performance and virtually maintenance-free nature make it the top choice for homeowners planning to stay in their home for decades.

Corrugated metal roofing uses an exposed-fastener system where screws with rubber washers penetrate directly through the panel face into the deck or purlins below. The corrugated (or ribbed) profile provides structural rigidity that allows lighter-gauge material to span greater distances, making it one of the most material-efficient roofing options available. Corrugated panels are widely used on agricultural buildings, pole barns, workshops, and commercial structures throughout Northeast Wisconsin. In recent years, they have also become popular on residential projects where a farmhouse, industrial, or rustic aesthetic is desired. The cost advantage over standing seam is substantial — corrugated metal typically runs 30–50% less in installed cost. The trade-off is maintenance: the exposed rubber washers on each fastener degrade over time from UV exposure and thermal cycling, and they will eventually need to be resealed or replaced. In Wisconsin’s climate, expect to address fastener maintenance at the 15–20-year mark. Despite this, corrugated metal roofs routinely provide 30 to 40+ years of solid service when properly maintained. Visit our commercial metal roofing page for full details.

Metal shingle roofing bridges the gap between traditional roofing aesthetics and metal’s unmatched durability. Metal shingles are stamped from steel or aluminum into profiles that replicate the appearance of asphalt shingles, cedar shake, slate, or tile. When installed, they are virtually indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts at street level — but they last two to three times longer. Metal shingles use a concealed or semi-concealed fastener system that interlocks each panel with the one below it, providing strong wind resistance without the visible hardware of corrugated panels. They are lighter than natural slate or tile (which avoids structural reinforcement costs) and lighter than standing seam panels in many cases. For homeowners who want the longevity and weather resistance of a metal roof but prefer the look of a traditional shingle or shake roof, metal shingles are an ideal solution. They are especially well-suited for neighborhoods with homeowner associations or historic districts where a standing seam or corrugated look might not fit.

The standing seam vs corrugated question is one of the most common comparisons in the metal roofing world. The honest answer: neither is universally better — each serves different needs.

• Fastener system: Standing seam’s concealed clips eliminate the exposed fastener maintenance issue entirely. Corrugated’s exposed screws are the primary maintenance concern over the roof’s lifetime.
• Appearance: Standing seam delivers clean, modern lines. Corrugated has a utilitarian or rustic look that works well on agricultural, commercial, and certain residential styles.
• Cost: Corrugated metal roofing costs 30–50% less than standing seam for materials and installation. For large-footprint buildings like barns or warehouses, the savings are significant.
• Thermal movement: Standing seam panels float on clips, allowing free expansion and contraction. Corrugated panels are fixed through the face, which can cause fastener holes to elongate over years of thermal cycling — especially relevant in Wisconsin’s 150°F+ temperature range.
• Snow shedding: Both profiles shed snow effectively, but standing seam’s smooth surface allows snow to slide more freely. Snow guards are available for both types to control the release of accumulated snow.
• Lifespan: Standing seam: 50–70+ years. Corrugated: 30–40+ years with fastener maintenance.

For residential homes in Green Bay, Pierce Roofing most often recommends standing seam for its long-term value and maintenance-free performance. For commercial and agricultural buildings where cost-per-square-foot is the priority, corrugated metal delivers exceptional durability at a lower price point.

The best metal roofing choice depends on your property type, aesthetic goals, budget, and how long you plan to own the building. Standing seam is the premium choice for homeowners who want a roof they never have to think about. Corrugated metal is the practical choice for agricultural, commercial, and cost-sensitive projects. Metal shingles offer the perfect middle ground for homeowners who want metal’s durability with a traditional appearance. All three types outperform asphalt shingles in longevity, wind resistance, and fire protection. And all three handle Wisconsin’s heavy snow loads, ice, and temperature extremes far better than most alternatives. Pierce Roofing installs all three metal roofing types across our six-county service area. Call (920) 609-8304 for a free consultation, or request a free estimate online.