Top Metal Roofing in Honolulu, Hawaii Ranked

For homeowners in Honolulu, choosing a roof is a critical decision that must account for the island's unique environmental pressures. The combination of intense UV radiation, salty sea air, high humidity, and the potential for tropical storms demands a material that is exceptionally durable and resilient. Metal roofing has emerged as a premier choice for Oahu properties, offering a blend of longevity, energy efficiency, and storm resistance that traditional asphalt shingles struggle to match. With a lifespan often exceeding 40 to 70 years, a properly installed metal roof is a long-term investment that protects your home while reducing cooling costs by reflecting solar heat. This guide explores why metal is an ideal roofing solution for Honolulu and what you need to know about materials, styles, costs, and maintenance.

Kapili Roofing & Painting

94-221 Leonui St, Waipahu, HI 96797

Kapili Roofing & Painting is a licensed and insured roofing contractor serving Honolulu, HI. They specialize in roof installation, replacement, leak repair, metal roofing including standing seam, roof inspections, and certification services. The company holds certifications from leading manufacturers such as GAF and CertainTeed, ensuring expert installation and warranty-backed work. Kapili Roofing & Painting also assists clients with HOA approval processes and coordinates with solar panel removal and reinstallation when needed. Their services include roof coating applications to extend roof lifespan, tailored to Hawaii's unique climate conditions.

4.9

374 Reviews

Oahu Roofing & Repairs Honolulu

1138 Kamaile St #3, Honolulu, HI 96814

Oahu Roofing & Repairs Honolulu offers comprehensive residential and commercial roofing services in Honolulu, HI, and across the island of Oahu. Their expertise includes roof repair, replacement, new installations, leak detection, waterproofing, and roof inspections. They handle various roof types such as shingle, tile, metal, and standing seam, and specialize in commercial, hotel, and condo roofing projects. With over 25 years of experience, the company employs dedicated crews for both residential and commercial work, ensuring tailored service for each project. They provide 24/7 emergency roofing services and assist with insurance claims to support clients during urgent repairs.

5.0

84 Reviews

All Around Roofing & Waterproofing

honolulu

All Around Roofing & Waterproofing is a family-owned roofing contractor based in Honolulu, HI, serving residential and commercial clients throughout the area. With over 15 years of experience, they offer a full range of roofing services including installation, replacement, roof leak repair, metal roofing with standing seam, roof inspections, and certifications. The company provides storm damage restoration and emergency repairs, working directly with insurance providers to support clients after weather events. They are available 24/7 to address urgent roofing needs and emphasize fair, transparent pricing alongside quality workmanship.

4.9

107 Reviews

Voyager Roofing

2333 Alahao Pl, Honolulu, HI 96819

Voyager Roofing is a roofing contractor based in Honolulu, HI, specializing in roof installation and replacement with a focus on metal roofing and standing seam systems. They serve the Honolulu area, providing durable roofing solutions that enhance both the appearance and fire protection of homes. Their expertise includes installing aluminum standing seam roofs, known for their longevity and modern look. Customer reviews highlight their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the roofing process.

5.0

39 Reviews

ProBuilt Hawaii Roofing & Rain Gutters - Oahu

94-1388 Moaniani St #106, Waipahu, HI 96797

ProBuilt Hawaii Roofing & Rain Gutters - Oahu is a roofing contractor based in Honolulu, HI, offering a wide range of roofing services including installation, replacement, roof inspection, and certification. They specialize in various roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, tile, metal, and cedar, as well as seamless and copper rain gutters. The company provides islandwide coverage on Oahu and is experienced in handling insurance claims related to wind damage, helping homeowners navigate the process efficiently. With over 30 years of experience, ProBuilt Hawaii also offers solar ventilation solutions to improve home cooling and energy efficiency.

4.8

109 Reviews

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Why Metal Roofing Excels in Honolulu's Climate

Honolulu's environment presents specific challenges that metal roofing systems are uniquely equipped to handle.

• Corrosion Resistance: The salty, humid air is highly corrosive to many building materials. Modern metal roofs for coastal areas use corrosion-resistant metals like aluminum or steel coated with advanced zinc-aluminum alloys (such as Galvalume). These protective layers are specifically engineered to prevent rust and oxidation, ensuring the roof's integrity for decades ^{1 2 3}.
• Solar Reflectivity & Energy Savings: The constant Hawaiian sun can make attics unbearably hot and drive up air conditioning costs. Metal roofs have high solar reflectance, meaning they bounce a significant portion of the sun's radiant heat away from the home. This "cool roof" effect can lead to substantial savings on energy bills, a major advantage in Honolulu's warm climate ^{4 5}.
• Wind Resistance: Metal roofing panels, especially standing seam systems with concealed fasteners, are rated to withstand extremely high winds-often 140 mph or more. This makes them a robust defense against the strong gusts that can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes, providing superior protection compared to shingles that can be torn off ^{1 6}.
• Longevity and Durability: While asphalt shingles may deteriorate quickly under intense UV exposure, metal roofing materials are designed to last. A quality metal roof is a permanent or semi-permanent fixture on a home, outlasting many other components of the structure itself ⁷.

Material and Style Options for Island Homes

Selecting the right type of metal roof involves balancing budget, aesthetics, and performance. The two primary configurations are standing seam and exposed fastener systems.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

This is considered the premium option. Panels feature raised seams that interlock vertically, and all fasteners are concealed within the seam. This design creates a sleek, clean appearance and offers superior weathertightness. Because the fasteners are not exposed to the elements, standing seam roofs generally require less maintenance and have an even longer lifespan. They are an excellent, though higher-cost, choice for both modern and traditional Hawaiian homes ^{1 5}.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing (Corrugated or R-Panel)

This is a more economical and common style. The metal panels are attached with screws that penetrate directly through the panel and into the roof deck. While these fasteners have protective neoprene washers, they are visible and can be a point of maintenance over time. Exposed fastener systems, including classic corrugated metal, are a durable and cost-effective solution, widely used on residential and agricultural buildings across the islands ^{6 2}.

Common Metal Materials

• Aluminum: Lightweight and naturally rustproof, aluminum is an outstanding choice for coastal Honolulu homes. It is more expensive than steel but offers exceptional corrosion resistance without relying on a coating ^{1 3}.
• Galvanized or Galvalume Steel: Steel is strong and durable. To prevent rust, it is coated with zinc (galvanized) or a zinc-aluminum mixture (Galvalume). Galvalume offers superior corrosion protection and is highly recommended for Hawaii's salty environment ^{2 8}.

Addressing Common Concerns: Noise and Maintenance

Two frequent questions about metal roofing are about noise during rain and the required upkeep.

Is a metal roof noisy? This is a common misconception. When installed over a solid plywood or OSB roof deck (standard practice for most Honolulu homes), a metal roof is no louder than any other roofing material during a rainstorm. The solid sheathing dampens sound effectively. In fact, the drumming sound on an un-sheathed "purlin" frame is not typical for residential installations. Properly installed, the acoustic performance is excellent and should not be a concern ^{4 9}.

What maintenance is required? Metal roofing is famously low-maintenance. The primary task is periodic visual inspections, especially for exposed fastener systems, to ensure screws remain tight and seals are intact. For painted roofs, high-quality Kynar or Hylar coatings resist fading and chalking for many years. Eventually, after 10-20 years, a repaint may be desired for aesthetic reasons, but it is not typically required for waterproofing ^{1 2 10}.

Understanding Costs for Metal Roofing in Honolulu

The investment in a metal roof varies based on material, style, and project complexity. It's important to view this cost through the lens of its multi-decade lifespan and energy savings.

• Corrugated or Exposed Fastener Systems: These are generally the most affordable entry point, with installed costs often ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot for steel panels ^{6 11}.
• Standing Seam Systems: The premium concealed-fastener design typically ranges from $10 to $16+ per square foot installed ^{6 11}.
• Aluminum Roofing: Given its ideal properties for the coast, aluminum usually falls in the range of $8 to $14 per square foot installed ⁶.

These are base material and installation costs. The final project price will be influenced by several factors:

• Roof Complexity: Steep pitches, multiple valleys, dormers, and skylights increase labor time and material waste.
• Existing Roof Removal: The cost to tear off and dispose of old shingles or roofing.
• Structural Repairs: Any necessary repairs to the roof deck or underlying structure discovered during installation.
• Insulation and Ventilation: Adding or upgrading these components during a reroof can improve performance but adds to the cost.

A detailed, written estimate from a qualified contractor is essential to understand the full scope and investment for your specific home ¹².

Choosing the Right Contractor in Honolulu

The performance and longevity of your metal roof are directly tied to the quality of its installation. It is crucial to work with a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor who specializes in metal roofing systems. Look for a professional familiar with Honolulu's building codes, wind requirements, and best practices for preventing corrosion. They should be able to explain the advantages of different materials, provide clear warranties for both materials and labor, and show examples of previous metal roofing projects on the island.

Frequently asked questions

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