Top Metal Roofing in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Ranked

For Wauwatosa homeowners, selecting a roof is a decision that must stand up to the unique demands of southeastern Wisconsin's climate. Metal roofing has emerged as a premier choice, offering a combination of exceptional durability, long-term value, and performance in the face of freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and temperature swings. While asphalt shingles remain common, the popularity of metal roofing is growing due to its ability to provide a protective, low-maintenance shield for decades. This guide explores the key considerations for metal roof installation in Wauwatosa, from material selection and styles to costs and maintenance, helping you determine if this robust roofing solution is right 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 Wauwatosa's Climate

Wauwatosa's weather presents specific challenges that make the inherent properties of a metal roof system particularly advantageous. The right roofing material must perform consistently through seasonal extremes.

• Superior Snow and Ice Shedding: The smooth, hard surface of metal roofing allows snow and ice to slide off more easily than with textured asphalt shingles. This characteristic significantly reduces the risk of ice dam formation, which is a common cause of winter leaks and water damage in older homes ^{1 2}.
• Exceptional Durability Against Temperature Swings: Metal panels are engineered to handle the significant expansion and contraction cycles caused by Wisconsin's temperature fluctuations, from hot summers to sub-zero winters. This reduces stress on the roof system over time compared to some other materials ³.
• High Resistance to Hail and Wind: A properly installed metal roof offers excellent impact resistance against hail and can withstand high winds. Many metal roofing products carry Class A fire ratings and high impact ratings, providing peace of mind during severe storms ^{2 4}.
• Longevity and Lifecycle Value: The most compelling argument for metal is its lifespan. Where asphalt shingles may last 15-25 years, a quality metal roof can protect your home for 40 to 70 years or more, making it a long-term investment ^{1 5}.

Choosing the Right Metal Roofing Material

The term "metal roofing" encompasses several material options, each with its own strengths. For Wisconsin homes, the primary choices are steel and aluminum.

• Steel (Galvanized or Galvalume®): This is the most popular and cost-effective choice for metal roofing in Wisconsin. Steel panels are coated with zinc (galvanized) or a combination of aluminum and zinc (Galvalume) to prevent rust. It offers an outstanding balance of strength, affordability, and weather resistance, making it a top recommendation for the region ^{6 4}.
• Aluminum: While often at a higher price point than steel, aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice, especially if you live near bodies of water. It is lightweight and also performs exceptionally well in harsh weather conditions ⁶.
• Copper & Zinc: These are premium, long-lasting metals often used for architectural accents or full roofs where budget is less of a concern. They develop a distinctive patina over time and can last over a century.

Popular Metal Roof Styles and Profiles

The style of metal roofing you choose affects the roof's appearance, performance, and cost. The three main types are:

1. Standing Seam: This is considered the premium, most durable installation method for residential metal roofing. The panels feature raised seams that interlock, with fasteners concealed beneath the seams. This design prevents water infiltration, allows for thermal movement, and creates a clean, modern look. It is the ideal profile for steep-sloped roofs in snow country ^{7 8 9}.
2. Corrugated Panels (Exposed Fastener): This is a more budget-friendly metal roofing option. The panels are fastened directly through the metal into the roof deck with screws and rubber washers. While effective, the exposed fasteners can be a point of potential maintenance over decades, as washers may need replacement to maintain a watertight seal ¹⁰.
3. Metal Shingles or Tiles: These products are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials like wood shake, slate, or even asphalt shingles. They offer the durability and longevity of metal while providing a more conventional or high-end aesthetic for certain architectural styles ¹⁰.

Understanding Metal Roofing Costs in Wauwatosa

The investment for a metal roof is higher upfront than for asphalt shingles, but it is calculated over a much longer service life. The final cost depends on the metal type, profile, complexity of your roof (steepness, number of valleys, chimneys), labor rates, and whether old roofing materials need to be torn off ^{11 12}.

Here is a general cost breakdown for a professionally installed metal roof system ^{11 13}:

*Costs are estimates and can vary. A detailed quote from a qualified contractor is essential.

Maintenance and Performance Considerations

A common misconception is that metal roofs require special care or are noisy. When installed correctly, neither is true.

• Noise: With proper insulation and solid roof decking, a metal roof is no noisier during a rainstorm than an asphalt shingle roof. The sound of rain is typically a muted patter, and most homeowners notice little to no difference ^{14 15}.
• Maintenance Needs: Metal roofs are famously low-maintenance. Routine care is simple and involves ^{16 17}:
  • Annual Inspections: A visual check, often from the ground, for any loose fasteners (mainly on exposed fastener systems), debris buildup, or damage after major storms.
  • Cleaning Gutters and Surface: Keeping gutters clear and occasionally rinsing the roof surface to remove dirt, pollen, and organic debris.
  • Addressing Scratches: If the painted coating is deeply scratched during installation or by a falling branch, applying touch-up paint provided by the manufacturer helps maintain the protective finish.

The Installation Process and Contractor Selection

Professional installation is critical to realizing all the benefits of a metal roof. Key steps in the process include:

1. Tear-Off: Removal of existing roofing layers down to the deck.
2. Deck Inspection & Repair: Ensuring the roof deck is solid, level, and free of rot.
3. Underlayment Installation: A high-quality synthetic underlayment is applied as a secondary water barrier.
4. Panel Installation: Precise measurement, cutting, and fastening of metal panels according to the manufacturer's specifications and local building codes.
5. Flashing & Trim: Installation of metal flashing around all penetrations (vents, chimneys) and edges to ensure a watertight seal.

When selecting a roofing contractor in Wauwatosa, look for a company with specific, proven experience installing the type of metal roof you desire. Check for proper licensing, insurance, warranties on both materials and labor, and a portfolio of local completed projects.

Frequently asked questions

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