According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the popularity of metal roofing products has increased dramatically over the past decade, a clear sign that homeowners and builders are growing more and more aware of this product’s benefits.

In fact, during the last 20 years, a whole new genre of metal roofing materials has hit the market. These are a far cry from the corrugated “tin” barn roofs that leap to mind at the mention of metal. They are high-tech answers to the need for durable, fire-resistant, lightweight roofing that looks at home on a house.

Metal roofs are favored for their fire-resistant qualities, longevity, and speed of installation—in most cases, by a qualified metal roofing contractor. They are also surprisingly lightweight and are great at reflecting heat from the sun.

Metal roofing materials are made primarily from aluminum and steel, but other materials, such as copper and alloys, are also used. Some sheet-style materials—notably “standing-seam roofing”—have a decidedly commercial look that is favored by architects for their clean, contemporary appearance.

Other products are formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tile, wood shakes, or slate, and they’re given multi-layer factory finishes that include granulated-stone topcoats to complete the realistic effect.

Metal roofing typically runs from $150 to $600 per square, making it a fairly expensive choice. But most products carry exceptionally long-term warranties.

The drawbacks? There are a few. In most cases, metal roofing requires professional installation, and, because of this, repairs and modifications can be trickier than with more common DIY roofing materials such as asphalt-fiberglass or wood shingles.

Elsewhere in the Metal Roofing section, we look at the pros and cons of metal roofing, materials used for metal roofing, popular brands, how to choose a metal roofing contractor, and basic metal roofing repairs.