search magnifier Breadcrumb Home Articles Metal Roofs Versus Other Roof Materials Metal Roofs Versus Other Roof Materials You’ll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue. And in cases where metal may be installed over an existing roof, it may be the only practical answer because other materials may add too much weight load for the existing roof to bear. Standing seam metal roof systems in most cases weigh between 1 to 3 pounds per square foot. The actual weight is dependent upon metal gauge and profile of the panel. Nonetheless, metal roof systems are considered a lightweight roof covering compared to their counterparts. The following illustrates the different types of other roofing materials and their respective weights per square foot: Asphalt Shingle: 2 – 3.5 pounds per square foot Textured Asphalt Shingle: 3.5 – 5 pounds per square foot Wood Shingles/Shakes: 3.5 – 4.5 pounds per square foot Clay or Concrete Tile: 5.5 – 10 pounds per square foot Steel standing seam will weigh about 85 – 120 pounds per 100 square feet of roof area. Aluminum standing seam weighs about 70 pounds per 100 square feet. In contrast, asphalt shingles weigh from 275 – 425 pounds per 100 square feet. Because standing seam metal roofing material is so light, some building owners assume you shouldn’t walk on it. Absolutely not true. The truth is that you can safely walk on any metal roof applied over plywood or metal sheathing without damaging it. But before you do, check with your metal roofing installer or the manufacturer of your metal roofing material (ask your contractor) for instructions for your specific roof. And of course, if you are walking on a roof, be careful! Related Articles Difference Between Galvalume And Galvanized In Met… Galvalume Versus Galvanized Englert’s nationwide team of… READ MORE VIEW ARTICLES ON METAL ROOFING AND GUTTER SYSTEMS Choose the Right Underlayment Material for Your Me… Roofing Underlayment Materials Underlayment products for use… READ MORE VIEW ARTICLES ON METAL ROOFING AND GUTTER SYSTEMS Company COMPANY About Locations Testimonials Careers Contact Solutions SOLUTIONS Contractors Architects Business / Home Owners Roofing and Panels ROOFING & PANELS Metal Roofing Metal Wall Panels Soffits Roofing Accessories Retrofit Framing Roofing Coil Gutters GUTTERS K-Style Series 56X MicroGuard SureGuard LeafGuard Gutter Coil Machines MACHINES Roofing Machines Gutter Machines Folding & Shearing Machine Repair Resources RESOURCES Resource Center Photo Gallery Visualizer Certifications & Courses Catalogs Articles Technical Details Center WARRANTIES Warranty Center CALL US 1.800.ENGLERT CONTACT US CONTACT AN ENGLERT SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE FOR HELP CONNECT WITH US COPYRIGHT 2021 - ENGLERT INC. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Accessibility StatementSitemapTerms & PrivacyCookie ListCookie Preferences By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Reject All Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings