Standing Seam Metal Roofing in Berkshire County
Drexel certified crew. Homes, barns and garages.
New standing seam metal roofs for houses, outbuildings and low-slope sections, measured, flashed and installed by CBR's own crew.
Why Berkshire owners choose standing seam
A standing seam roof is made of long metal panels that run from the ridge to the eave, joined by raised seams with the fasteners hidden underneath. With no exposed screws to back out and no shingle edges for wind to lift, there are far fewer places for water to get in.
Snow is the other reason. A smooth metal panel lets snow slide off in a storm or two rather than building up all winter, which matters in the hill towns where one storm can drop a foot or more. We have installed metal roofs from Pittsfield to Great Barrington for exactly that reason.
Metal costs more than asphalt to install, so it makes the most sense when you plan to stay in the house, the roof is steep, or you would rather not replace shingles again in twenty years.
Houses, barns, garages and porches
Standing seam works on main house roofs, and it is just as common on the buildings around them: barns, detached garages, sheds and workshops, where a metal roof suits the building and rarely needs attention.
It also fixes low-slope trouble spots. Porch roofs and shed dormers that are too flat for shingles are a frequent source of leaks, and a standing seam panel made for low slopes handles them well. The red porch roof pictured on this page is one example.
Mixing materials is fine. Plenty of Berkshire homes have an asphalt main roof with metal over the porch or a bay window, and both can be installed in the same job.
How we install a metal roof
Most metal roof problems start under or around the panels, so that is where most of the work goes.
Check the deck and pitch
We look at the roof deck, the pitch and every chimney, skylight and vent, then choose a panel and seam that suit the slope.
Underlayment and edges
The old roof comes off, damaged boards are replaced, and underlayment, drip edge and eave trim go down first.
Panels and seams
Panels are laid out square to the roof and seamed, with the clips and fasteners covered by the seam itself.
Flashing and ridge
Chimneys, skylights, walls and valleys get metal flashing and trim, and the ridge is capped.
Thinking about metal for your house or barn?
Get a metal roof estimateWhat affects the price of a metal roof
Metal roof estimates depend more on the roof's shape than on its size alone. The main things that move the price:
Roof complexity. A simple gable goes fast. Hips, valleys, dormers and intersecting roof lines need more cutting, trim and flashing.
Panel and finish. Panel gauge, seam type and color all change the material cost.
What is underneath. Removing old layers and repairing the deck add labor, and they are worth doing so the panels sit on a flat, sound surface.
Penetrations. Vent pipes, skylights, chimneys and solar mounts each break the panels and need trim cut to fit.
When you compare metal bids, check the panel gauge, the seam type and whether the old roof is coming off. Those three explain most of the difference between prices.
Metal roofing questions
Asked at almost every metal roof estimate.
Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?
On a house with solid roof decking and an attic, rain on a standing seam roof sounds much like rain on shingles. The loud barn-roof sound comes from metal fastened over open framing with no deck underneath.
Will snow slide off all at once?
Snow does slide off metal, sometimes in large sheets. If a roof edge is over a door, walkway or deck, bring it up at the estimate so we can plan for where the snow will land.
Can you put a metal roof on my barn or garage?
Yes. Barns, garages and sheds are common metal roof jobs, and they are often quicker than a main house roof.
Do you install metal over the old shingles?
We take the old roof off first. That lets us repair the deck and put the panels on a flat, sound surface.
How long does a metal roof last?
A standing seam metal roof lasts for decades, well beyond a typical asphalt roof, which is a big part of why owners pay more for it up front.
Is metal better than asphalt?
Metal lasts longer and sheds snow better, and it costs more up front. Asphalt costs less and works well on most houses. We'll go over both at the estimate based on your roof and how long you plan to stay.
Are you certified to install metal roofing?
Yes. CBR's crew is Drexel certified for metal roofing, and we are licensed in Massachusetts (LIC #101201, HIC #160959) and insured.
Get a free estimate for a metal roof
Send us a few details about the roof. We'll measure it and price the panels, trim and flashing in writing.