The Interlock Blog
Engineering, case studies, and field-tested guidance on lifetime metal roofing.
Showing 1–12 of 42 articles
Free Sun & Golden-Hour Calculator: The Best Time to Photograph Any Property
Interlock's free Sun & Golden-Hour Calculator shows the best time — and the best day this week — to photograph any address. Enter a property, choose which way the front faces, and it maps sunrise, sunset, golden hour, sun direction, and a 14-day shoot forecast. No account, no cost.
Read article →How Much Does an Aluminum Roof Cost Per Square Foot?
Installed, a premium aluminum roof typically costs about $12 to $20+ per square foot — roughly $1,200 to $2,000+ per roofing square (100 sq ft). Lighter shingle, slate, shake, and tile profiles on simple roofs sit at the low end; standing seam and complex or specialty roofs sit at the high end. Aluminum costs more than steel because it won't rust, resists salt-air corrosion, weighs less, and is nearly 100% recyclable. Every figure here is a planning estimate — request a free on-site quote for your exact number.
Read article →Is a Metal Roof Worth It? A Data-Driven Answer for 2026
For most homeowners who plan to stay in their home more than seven years, a metal roof is worth it. Judged on lifetime cost of ownership rather than sticker price, a 50-to-75-year aluminum roof often costs less per year than re-shingling with asphalt two or three times, while adding resale value, insurance-discount potential, and energy savings. The honest exception: if you expect to sell within a few years, the premium rarely pays back in time.
Read article →How Long Does a Metal Roof Last? Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Asphalt
A quality aluminum roof can last 50 to 75 years or more, steel and Galvalume roofs last 40 to 70 years, and asphalt shingles last only 15 to 30 years. Lifespan is driven by corrosion resistance, coating quality, fastener design, and installation. Because aluminum cannot rust and Interlock pairs it with a fade-resistant Alunar coating and concealed-fastener interlocking design, an Interlock aluminum roof is engineered for a 50 to 75 year service life.
Read article →How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost in 2026?
In 2026, a metal roof typically costs about $9 to $14 per square foot installed for mid-grade metal and roughly $14 to $22 per square foot for premium architectural aluminum, versus $4.50 to $8 for asphalt shingles. The up-front price is higher, but a lifespan measured in decades often makes metal the lower lifetime cost. Get an in-person quote for numbers matched to your roof.
Read article →Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: The Complete Comparison
Metal roofing and asphalt shingles differ most in lifespan, upfront cost, and long-term value. Asphalt is cheaper to install and simpler to repair, making it the sensible pick for tight budgets or short stays. A premium aluminum metal roof costs more upfront but lasts 50-75 years, resists 120 mph winds, hail, and fire, weighs a fraction of asphalt, and usually wins on total cost of ownership if you plan to stay in your home.
Read article →Aluminum vs. Steel Roofing: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Steel (Galvalume) is harder and cheaper up front, making it a strong value in dry, inland and hail-prone climates. Aluminum is lighter, never rusts, and dramatically outperforms steel in coastal or salt-air environments, often closing the price gap over a multi-decade lifespan. Interlock builds every system from aircraft-grade aluminum with a PVDF Alunar finish for lifetime corrosion immunity.
Read article →The Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof: An Honest 2026 Breakdown
A premium metal roof costs more up front and needs a certified installer, and some flat-pan profiles can show minor oil canning. In return you get a 50-75 year lifespan, UL 2218 Class 4 impact and Class A fire ratings, 120 mph wind resistance, lower cooling bills, and a transferable Lifetime Warranty. It's the right call for homeowners who plan to stay and want to buy once.
Read article →Are Metal Roofs Loud When It Rains? Debunking the Noise Myth
The belief that metal roofs are loud in the rain comes from remembering bare panels on barns and sheds, not from experiencing a real home. A residential metal roof installed over solid decking, underlayment, and an insulated attic is about as quiet inside as asphalt shingles.
Read article →Will a Metal Roof Lower My Home Insurance Premium?
Often yes, but it varies. Many carriers offer a metal roof insurance discount for impact-resistant (UL 2218 Class 4) and Class A fire-rated roofing, especially in hail, wind, or wildfire regions. The amount is set by your insurer and is never guaranteed. You usually have to ask and provide manufacturer test documentation. This article is educational only, not financial or insurance advice.
Read article →Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles Cost: 30-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Asphalt shingles win on install day, but they last only about 12-20 years, so most homeowners pay for 2-3 replacements (roughly $15,000-$25,000 each) plus repairs across 30 years. A premium aluminum roof is installed once, lasts 50-75 years, and its front-loaded cost goes quiet after year 0. Over a 30-year window aluminum commonly matches or beats asphalt on total cost of ownership - unless you plan to move within a few years, in which case asphalt is the smarter buy.
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Interlock Adds Aluminum Metal Siding & Wall Cladding
Interlock now offers aluminum metal siding and wall cladding — the same lifetime panels, Alunar coating, and colors as its roofs, backed by a 50-year transferable warranty.
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