The Most Common Problems With Metal Roofing (And How to Avoid Them)

Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing roofing options in the United States. Homeowners love it for its modern look, exceptional durability, and energy efficiency.

For all its benefits, metal roofing isn’t perfect. Like any material, it comes with potential pitfalls that homeowners should understand before investing thousands of dollars into a new metal roof. 

At Hoel Roofing, we’ve installed metal roofing on homes all across East Central Indiana over the last nine years. With that hands-on experience, we’ve encountered just about every scenario: from homeowners thrilled with the results, to those who previously had metal roofs installed improperly or didn’t fully understand what to expect.

That’s why we believe it’s our responsibility to be upfront, not just about the benefits, but also the potential drawbacks of every roofing option we offer. Metal roofing is an incredible solution for many homes, but like any material, it’s not without its challenges. 

We believe it’s critical to go in with your eyes wide open to make the best long-term decision for your home. So, here are the most common problems with metal roofing and how to avoid them.

1. Oil Canning

Oil canning is a visible waviness or rippling in flat metal panels. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the roof’s performance, but it can be a big disappointment when you’ve spent extra for the clean, sleek look of a metal roof.

Oil canning often happens because of:

• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Improper installation techniques
• Manufacturing inconsistencies
• Stress from fasteners or structural movement

How to avoid it:

• Choose thicker metal panels, which are less prone to rippling.
• Work with an experienced installer who knows how to handle expansion gaps and fastener placement.
• Consider ribbed or textured panels, which help disguise any minor waviness.

Tip: At Hoel Roofing, we always discuss oil canning risks upfront and recommend panel profiles that minimize the chance of visible distortion. Before getting your roof installed, we recommend discussing panel profiles with your preferred roofing company to ensure a seamless installation.

2. Noise From Rain or Hail

People often worry that metal roofs will sound like a drum in a rainstorm. While modern installation practices have significantly improved things, a metal roof can be louder than asphalt shingles, especially during heavy rain or hail.

If installed directly over open framing without proper underlayment or insulation, the noise can be quite noticeable.

How to avoid it:

• Install solid sheathing underneath the metal panels.
• Add high-quality insulation in your attic space.
• Use sound-deadening underlayments designed explicitly for metal roofing.

If you’re replacing an existing asphalt shingle roof, it’s also possible to install a metal roof over the shingles (if local codes allow), which adds a built-in noise buffer.

3. Higher Upfront Cost

Metal roofing is expensive, often two to three times the price of standard asphalt shingles. Homeowners can face sticker shock when they see estimates ranging from $9 to $14 per square foot installed (source).

While metal roofs can last 40–70 years, compared to 15–30 years for asphalt shingles (source), the long-term value wouldn’t likely be beneficial to homeowners who plan to move within the next decade.

How to avoid it:

• Weigh the long-term cost of roof replacements over your expected time in the home.
• When comparing metal options, steel and aluminium tend to be more budget-friendly than copper or zinc.
• Explore financing or home improvement loans to spread the cost.

4. Denting From Hail or Falling Debris

Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing can dent. Soft metals like aluminium or copper are especially vulnerable to hail or falling branches. Even steel can sustain cosmetic dents under large hailstones.

How to avoid it:

• Choose a steel roof with a higher gauge (thicker panels) for better dent resistance.
• Look for panels rated Class 4 under UL 2218, which signifies the highest impact resistance.
• Trim trees near your roof to reduce debris risk.

Tip: A qualified roofing contractor can help you select the appropriate metal and profile, taking into account your local climate and associated risks.

5. Expansion and Contraction

Metal naturally expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Since this is a natural phenomenon that occurs in response to heating and cooling, other roofing materials are also prone to this. For example, Asphalt shingles are also prone to expansion and contraction; however, it is much less than in metal roofs and occurs only in extreme temperature shifts. Over time, this constant movement in metal roofing can:

• Loosen fasteners
• Cause panels to warp or shift
• Lead to leaks around seams or penetrations

How to avoid it:

• Proper installation is crucial. Panels must be allowed to “float” slightly to accommodate movement without buckling.
• Use floating clip systems that allow controlled panel movement.
• Hire installers experienced in metal roofing systems.
• Perform regular inspections to catch any loose fasteners early.

6. Color Fading or Chalk

Over decades, metal roofing paint can fade under UV exposure. Some coatings may also develop a chalky residue. This doesn’t compromise waterproofing, but it can make your roof look aged or patchy.

The problem is more pronounced in dark or bright colors and areas with intense sun exposure.

How to avoid it:

• Choose high-quality Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® coatings, which resist fading significantly longer than cheaper paints (source).
• Verify the paint warranty length (some warranties last 30–40 years).
• Clean the roof periodically to remove chalking residue.

So, Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

Here’s the bottom line: With proper maintenance, metal roofs are worth it. They are excellent, durable systems, but they’re not trouble-free.

Many of these issues arise because of:

• Poor installation practices
• Choosing the wrong metal type for your region
• Unclear expectations around aesthetics or cost

At Hoel Roofing, we believe metal roofing is a fantastic option for many homes, but only if installed correctly and with honest conversations about pros and cons.

Before deciding on a metal roof, see how the costs compare to your other material options in. Check out our guide on How Much a New Roof Costs in East Central Indiana for real-world pricing insights.

Already have a metal roof and dealing with problems? Let Hoel Roofing help. From inspections to repairs, we’ll make sure your metal roof protects your home for years to come. Contact us for an inspection or estimate.