According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the popularity of metal roofing products has increased dramatically over the past decade, a clear sign that homeowners and builders are growing more and more aware of this product's benefits.

In fact, a whole new genre of metal roofing materials has hit the market. These are a far cry from the corrugated "tin" barn roofs that leap to mind at the mention of metal. They are high-tech answers to the need for durable, fire-resistant, lightweight roofing that looks at home on a house.

Metal roofs are favored for their speed and ease of installation, fire-resistant qualities, and expected longevity. They are also surprisingly lightweight and are great at reflecting heat from the sun.

During the past 20 years, an entirely new genre of metal roofing products has emerged to rival more-conventional materials. They are highly durable, lightweight, fire-resistant, and—in most cases—quick for professionals to install.

These roof materials are made primarily from aluminum and steel—but other materials such as copper and alloys are also used. Some sheet-style materials—notably “standing seam roofing”—have a decidedly commercial look that is favored by architects for the clean, contemporary appearance.

Other products are formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tile, wood shakes, or slate, and they’re given multi-layer factory finishes that include granulated-stone topcoats to complete the realistic effect.

Metal roofing typically runs from $150 to $600 per square, making it a fairly expensive choice. But most products carry very long-term warranties.

Drawbacks? There are a few. In most cases, metal roofing requires professional installation, and, because of this, repairs and modifications can be trickier than with more common DIY roofing materials such as asphalt-fiberglass or wood shingles.

In this section, we'll look at the pros and cons of metal roofing, materials used for metal roofing, popular brands, how to choose a metal roofing contractor, and basic roofing terms.

More about Buying Metal Roofs:

• Metal Roofing Materials
• Metal Roofing Contractors: How to Choose One
• Metal Roofing: The Benefits
• Metal Roofing: The Drawbacks
• Metal Shingle Roofing
• Sheet Metal Roofing

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