Top Metal Roofing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ranked

For Milwaukee homeowners, choosing a roof is a decision heavily influenced by the city's demanding climate. A metal roof stands out as a premier, long-term investment specifically engineered to handle the heavy snow, ice, high winds, and significant freeze-thaw cycles that define a Wisconsin winter. Unlike traditional materials that can crack and degrade, metal roofing offers exceptional durability, weather resistance, and longevity, making it an increasingly popular choice for protecting homes in Brew City. This guide explores why metal is an ideal roofing material for Milwaukee, the best options available, and what to consider for your home.

Smart Roofing & Sheet Metal Company

4985 S Sunny Slope Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151

Smart Roofing & Sheet Metal Company is a family-owned roofing contractor serving Milwaukee, WI, and the surrounding areas. With 70 years of experience, they specialize in residential and commercial roofing, including installation, replacement, and repair of asphalt shingles, rubber, and metal roofs. They are certified installers for major manufacturers like CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning, and offer standing seam metal roofing panels manufactured on-site to custom specifications. The company also provides roof inspections, certifications, gutter installation, and maintenance services. Their work includes complete tear-offs to identify underlying issues such as decking or ventilation problems. Smart Roofing backs their craftsmanship with a 10-year workmanship warranty and strong manufacturer warranties.

5.0

237 Reviews

Mighty Dog Roofing of Milwaukee Metro

W220N1500 Springdale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53186

Mighty Dog Roofing of Milwaukee Metro provides a range of roofing and exterior services in Milwaukee, WI. Their offerings include roof installation, replacement, and repair, as well as gutter, window, siding, and skylight services. They serve both residential and commercial properties, focusing on roofing systems suited to Wisconsin's climate, such as asphalt shingles and metal panels. The company uses modern inspection technology to assess roofs and offers detailed evaluations to help clients make informed decisions. As part of a national franchise, they combine local expertise with premium materials to meet building codes and industry standards. Their process includes thorough inspections, clear communication, and careful installation with attention to safety and warranty compliance.

5.0

148 Reviews

Four Leaf Roofing & Windows

2875 S Moorland Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151

Four Leaf Roofing & Windows is a roofing contractor based in Milwaukee, WI, offering services such as roof installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, roof inspection, and certification. They specialize in various roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, slate tiles, and metal roofing with standing seam options. The company emphasizes quality workmanship with a lifetime workmanship warranty, thorough 50-point inspections, and annual roof assessments to maintain roof condition. They are fully licensed and insured, equipped with specialized tools, and follow strict safety protocols to ensure compliance with building codes and permit requirements.

4.9

150 Reviews

Infinity Exteriors

16600 W Cleveland Ave, New Berlin, WI 53151

Infinity Exteriors is an exterior remodeling company serving Milwaukee, WI, and the surrounding areas. Since 1997, they have completed over 16,500 projects, specializing in roofing, siding, windows, doors, and gutters. Their roofing services include installation, replacement, and repair using materials such as asphalt, wood, slate, and metal, including standing seam metal roofing. They also provide roof inspections and certifications. Infinity Exteriors uses high-quality products from well-known brands and offers a lifetime workmanship warranty on their installations.

4.8

2.3k Reviews

Great Lakes Roofing Corporation

W194N11055 Kleinmann Dr, Germantown, WI 53022

Great Lakes Roofing Corporation is a family-owned commercial roofing contractor based near Milwaukee, WI, serving Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest states since 1983. They provide a range of roofing services including installation, replacement, repairs, inspections, and certifications for various commercial buildings. Their expertise includes specialized capabilities such as metal roofing fabrication, skylight installation, and safety system integration. The company offers 24/7 availability for commercial roof repairs to address urgent needs promptly.

4.9

98 Reviews

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Why Metal Roofing Excels in Milwaukee's Climate

Milwaukee's weather presents a unique set of challenges for any building exterior. The primary advantage of a metal roof system is its ability to meet these challenges head-on, offering performance benefits that asphalt shingles simply cannot match.

• Superior Snow and Ice Management: The slick, hard surface of a metal roof allows snow and ice to slide off more easily than from asphalt shingles. This significantly reduces the risk of ice dam formation, which can cause water to back up under roofing materials and lead to costly interior damage ¹. By shedding snow load efficiently, a metal roof also minimizes structural stress on your home's framing.
• Exceptional Durability Against the Elements: Metal is highly resistant to the forces that degrade other roofs. It won't crack, curl, or become brittle from the constant temperature fluctuations and intense solar radiation experienced in the Midwest ¹. It also stands up to high winds, hail, and is non-combustible, offering added peace of mind.
• Long-Term Value: While the initial investment can be higher, the lifespan of a metal roof is a major selling point. A well-installed and maintained metal roof can last 40 to 70 years-two to three times longer than a typical asphalt shingle roof ^{1 2}. This translates to fewer replacements over the lifetime of your home, offering significant long-term savings.

Choosing the Right Metal Roofing Material

Not all metal roofs are the same. The material you choose impacts cost, appearance, weight, and performance. For Milwaukee homes, strength and corrosion resistance are paramount.

• Steel (Galvanized or Galvalume): This is the most common and recommended choice for Wisconsin ^{1 3}. It offers an excellent balance of strength, longevity, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for handling heavy snow loads. For enhanced durability, contractors often recommend a thicker 24-gauge steel over 26-gauge for residential applications in severe weather regions ⁴.
• Aluminum: A fantastic option, particularly for homes where weight is a concern or in areas near Lake Michigan where salt spray can accelerate corrosion. Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, lightweight, and durable, though it often comes at a higher price point than steel ^{5 6}.
• Copper & Zinc: These are premium, high-end materials known for their incredible longevity (100+ years) and distinctive aesthetic that develops a patina over time. They are typically chosen for historical restorations or luxury projects due to their very high cost.

Popular Metal Roof Styles and Profiles

Today's metal roofing isn't just corrugated barn siding. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of styles and profiles that can complement any architectural design, from historic bungalows to modern new builds ^{7 8}.

• Standing Seam: Considered the premium residential option, standing seam roofs feature vertical panels with raised seams that interlock. The fasteners are concealed under these seams, eliminating potential leak points and creating a sleek, modern look. This system allows for thermal expansion and contraction, making it perfectly suited for Wisconsin's temperature swings, and offers superior weathertightness ^{3 9 10}.
• Exposed Fastener (Corrugated/Ribbed): This is a more budget-friendly style where the screws that attach the panels to the roof deck are visible. While still very durable, these fasteners can require periodic inspection and potential replacement every 10-15 years as their seals age ^{2 11}. It's a popular choice for garages, sheds, and rustic or industrial-style homes.
• Metal Shingles and Shakes: For homeowners who love the look of traditional roofing but want the benefits of metal, this is the ideal solution. These panels are stamped and formed to beautifully replicate the appearance of wood shakes, slate tiles, or even clay tiles. They provide all the performance of metal with unparalleled aesthetic versatility ^{7 12}.

Installation, Maintenance, and Noise Considerations

A metal roof's performance is only as good as its installation. Proper techniques are critical for ensuring weather resistance, managing expansion, and maximizing lifespan.

• Professional Installation is Key: Metal roofing requires specific skills and knowledge. It's crucial to work with a certified contractor experienced in metal systems who uses the proper underlayment, flashing details, and fastening methods for Milwaukee's climate. A proper installation will include adequate ventilation and, often, the addition of a snow retention system to prevent large sheets of snow from sliding off all at once ^{13 14}.
• Myth-Busting: Noise and Maintenance: A common concern is that metal roofs are noisy during rain or hail. With a properly installed roof that includes solid sheathing and appropriate insulation, the sound level inside a home is comparable to any other roofing material ^{5 15}. As for maintenance, metal roofs are remarkably low-maintenance. An annual or seasonal inspection to check seals, flashing, and fasteners (on exposed fastener systems) is typically all that's needed to ensure decades of service ¹⁶.

Understanding Metal Roofing Costs in Milwaukee

The cost of a metal roof in Milwaukee varies significantly based on the material, style, complexity of your roof, and labor rates. While the upfront cost is higher than asphalt shingles, the long-term value proposition is strong. The table below provides a general cost overview for a typical 2,000 square foot roof, but obtaining detailed quotes from local, reputable contractors is essential for an accurate estimate ^{17 18}.

*Costs are averages and can increase for complex roof designs (multiple valleys, dormers, steep pitch) or if a full tear-off of the existing roof is required.

Key Factors for Milwaukee Homeowners

Before moving forward, consider these local factors:

1. Existing Roof Deck: The condition of your roof deck must be assessed. It may need repair or reinforcement to support a metal system, especially if switching from a lighter material.
2. Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is critical with any roof, but especially so in a climate with hot summers and cold winters. Your contractor should ensure your ventilation strategy is adequate to prevent moisture buildup and ice dams.
3. Snow Guards: For steep-pitched roofs, snow guards are highly recommended in Milwaukee. These devices help hold snow on the roof, allowing it to melt off gradually or be removed in smaller amounts, protecting walkways, landscaping, and lower roof sections from sudden snow slides ¹³.
4. Warranties: Look for strong warranties that cover both the materials (from the manufacturer) and the workmanship (from the installer). Understand what is and isn't covered, especially regarding finish/paint warranties.

Frequently asked questions

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