Metal roofing in Los Angeles
A standing seam metal roof is made of long panels that run from the ridge to the eave and lock together at raised seams. The fasteners are hidden under the seams, so there are no exposed screws to work loose. Metal is light, does not burn and sheds water well on low slopes. It costs more than shingles up front and lasts considerably longer.
- Service
- Metal roofing
- Contractor
- LA General Builders, CSLB Lic #1044686
How a standing seam roof is built
Each panel is formed from a coil of coated metal and cut to the exact length of the roof plane, so there are no horizontal joints for water to get into. The panels are held down by clips hidden under the seams, which lets the metal expand and contract with the heat without working its fasteners loose.
The details decide how well a metal roof performs. The flashing at the eaves, valleys, walls and pipes is made from the same metal and has to be folded and lapped correctly. The underlayment has to be a type made for the high temperatures under metal. We measure and plan those details before the panels are ordered.
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Panels from ridge to eave
Each panel is cut to the full length of the roof plane, so there are no horizontal joints.
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No exposed fasteners
Panels (1) lock together at a raised seam (2) over a hidden clip (3) screwed to the deck.
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Underlayment made for metal
A high-temperature underlayment covers the deck under the panels.
Why homeowners choose metal
- The metal itself does not burn, which matters in fire-exposed areas
- Light weight, so it suits framing that could not carry tile
- Works on slopes too shallow for shingles or tile
- Reflective finishes reduce the heat the roof takes in
- No exposed fasteners on a standing seam roof
- A clean, modern look in a wide range of colors
How the job runs
The same steps on every job, from the first look at the roof to the final inspection.
Inspect and measure
Metal panels are made to length, so we measure every roof plane precisely and note each penetration.
Choose the panel and finish
You pick the panel profile, the metal and the color. We explain the differences in gauge and coating.
Tear off and repair the deck
The old roofing comes off and damaged decking is replaced. Metal needs a flat, sound deck.
Underlayment
A high-temperature underlayment made for use under metal covers the deck.
Panels, flashing and trim
Panels are clipped down and seamed, with matching metal flashing at the eaves, rakes, valleys, walls and penetrations.
Clean up and inspection
We clear all metal offcuts and fasteners from the property and meet the inspector for the final.
Metal roofing options
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Standing seam steel | Most homes | Coated steel panels with a factory paint finish. The standard choice. |
| Standing seam aluminum | Homes near the coast | Resists salt air better than steel. Costs more. |
| Cool-rated finishes | Hot inland neighborhoods | Reflective paint systems that reduce heat gain, available in many colors and not only light ones. |
| Metal accent roofs | Porches, bay windows and low-slope sections | A metal section alongside a shingle or tile roof. |
What sets the price
- Roof area and how many separate planes it has
- The metal, gauge and finish you choose
- The number of valleys, skylights and penetrations to flash
- Pitch and height of the roof
- Deck repairs found after the tear-off
Permits and inspections
Most full re-roofs need a building permit from your city or the county, and the rules differ from one building department to the next. We confirm what applies to your address, pull the permit and meet the inspector, so the finished roof is signed off.
Questions homeowners ask
Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?
Not on a house. The panels sit on a solid wood deck with underlayment and attic insulation below, which is very different from a metal roof on an open barn.
Does a metal roof make the house hotter?
No. Reflective finishes bounce much of the sun's heat away, and metal cools quickly after sunset.
Is a metal roof fire rated?
The metal does not burn. The fire rating belongs to the whole assembly, including the underlayment beneath the panels, so we confirm the rating of the system we propose.
Can solar panels go on a standing seam roof?
Yes. Solar mounts can clamp to the raised seams without drilling through the panels.
Will a metal roof rust?
Modern panels have a protective metallic coating under the paint. Near the ocean, aluminum is the safer choice.
Get a price for your roof
Tell us about the roof and we will call you to set up a visit. Or call now and talk to an estimator.
818-741-5451See a price range in about a minute
LA General Builders, 8728 Zelzah Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
CSLB Lic #1044686