Metal vs. Composite Roof: Choosing the Right Material for Your Home

An image of a house with both metal and composite roofing.

A home featuring both metal and composite roofing, installed by Horn Brother Roofing.

When it comes to selecting the perfect roofing material, homeowners often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of metal roofs versus composite alternatives. Both offer unique advantages, but how do they truly compare in terms of durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and overall value?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between metal and composite roofing, helping you make a smart, long-term investment for your home.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Metal and Composite Roofs?

Before diving into a head-to-head comparison, let’s define what each roof type offers so you can better assess their unique advantages.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are typically made from materials like steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. They’re known for their strength, longevity, and ability to withstand fire and wind. Metal roofing is often favored in industrial or modern residential designs due to its clean lines and sleek appearance.

Composite Roofing

Composite roofing, like the high-performance products from CeDUR, is engineered using advanced synthetic materials to mimic the look of natural wood shakes, slate, or tile—but without the vulnerabilities. Designed for durability and resilience, composite roofs offer modern protection in a classic package.

Metal vs. Composite Roof: A Side-by-Side Comparison

 

Side by Side Comparison Chart of Metal Roof versus Composite Roof.

 

Regional Performance: Where Each Roof Excels

Not all climates and architectural styles demand the same from a roof. Here's how metal and composite roofs stack up in different regional conditions.

Metal Roofs

  • Ideal for fire-prone, dry climates

  • Best for homeowners seeking a modern aesthetic

  • Performs well in wind but may require rust-proof coatings near coastal areas

Composite Roofs

  • Outstanding in hail-prone, wildfire-prone, and high-UV environments

  • Suitable for a wide range of architectural styles from traditional to contemporary

  • Does not fade, crack, or corrode over time

When it comes to tile vs. composite vs. metal, composite materials emerge as a top contender due to their ability to bridge the gap between performance and beauty.

Why CeDUR Composite Roofing Outperforms the Rest

An image of a two-story house nestled in the mountains, topped with a rustic cedar shake roof.

Custom Utah home by Cambridge Home Company with a CeDUR Shiloh roof.

CeDUR’s synthetic shakes offer a true wood-like appearance with none of the drawbacks of natural materials. Designed for superior resilience, CeDUR products are:

  • Class A fire rated

  • Class 4 impact rated for hail and storm resistance

  • Tested to withstand winds exceeding 115 mph

  • UV-resistant and color-fade resistant

  • Lightweight, making them safe for older or historic structures

Plus, their aesthetic appeal is unmatched. Renovating a mountain lodge, updating a coastal estate, or building a modern farmhouse—CeDUR delivers unmatched beauty and performance.

Final Verdict: Metal vs. Composite Roof

While metal roofs provide durability and fire resistance, they can fall short in comfort, noise control, and coastal performance. Composite roofing, particularly solutions like CeDUR, offers a comprehensive roofing solution that blends beauty, resilience, and low maintenance.

If you’re looking for a roofing material that delivers in all climates and elevates your home’s appearance while withstanding the elements—composite is the smart choice.

Ready to Upgrade Your Roof? Experience the high-performance difference with CeDUR’s composite roofing. Request a sample or speak with our roofing specialists today to find the perfect solution for your home.