St. Joseph MO Metal Roofing Installation Experts
Metal is the longest-lasting roofing material most homeowners will seriously consider. It costs more upfront than asphalt shingle and it is not right for every house, but on the right building it is often the last roof the owner buys. Epic Construction installs metal roofing in St. Joseph, Missouri and has worked in the area since 2010. This page covers the panel types, how metal compares to shingle, and what the process involves locally.
Why Homeowners Choose Metal
- Service life. Metal roofs commonly last 40 years or more, against roughly 20 to 30 for asphalt shingle.
- Snow and ice. Smooth panels shed snow rather than holding it, which reduces load and helps with ice buildup at the eaves.
- Wind resistance. Properly fastened metal handles high wind well, which matters in northwest Missouri.
- Low maintenance. No granule loss, no curling, and nothing to replace shingle by shingle.
- Fire resistance. Metal is non-combustible.
Types of Metal Roofing
Standing Seam
Vertical panels joined by raised seams, with the fasteners concealed underneath. Because nothing penetrates the panel face, there are no exposed fastener gaskets to degrade over time.
This is the premium option and the most common choice for a residential metal roof meant to last decades.
Metal Shingles and Tiles
Stamped panels that read as shingle, slate, or tile from the ground while performing as metal. Useful when the goal is metal durability without a modern panel look, which matters on older homes.
Exposed Fastener Panels
Corrugated or ribbed panels screwed through the face. Lower cost and faster to install, commonly used on outbuildings, shops, and barns.
The neoprene washers under the screw heads are the maintenance item. They break down over time and eventually need replacing, so this system needs more attention than standing seam.
Metal Compared to Asphalt Shingle
| Metal | Asphalt Shingle | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical service life | 40 years or more | 20 to 30 years |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Minimal on standing seam | Periodic repair as shingles age |
| Snow shedding | Sheds readily | Holds snow |
| Repair | Panel section replacement | Individual shingles replaced easily |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Noise in rain | Audible without adequate decking and insulation | Quiet |
Two honest drawbacks worth knowing. Metal costs more at installation, so the value depends on how long you plan to own the house. And a metal roof over solid decking with insulation is quiet, but over open framing it is not, which is why the deck detail matters.
Cost Considerations
Metal costs more per square foot than asphalt shingle. What moves the number on a specific house:
- Panel system, with standing seam costing more than exposed fastener
- Metal type and gauge, and the coating specified
- Roof complexity, meaning valleys, dormers, hips, and penetrations
- Whether the existing roof is torn off and whether decking needs repair
- Roof pitch and access
The comparison that matters is cost over the years you will own the building, not the quote alone. A metal roof that outlasts two shingle roofs can be the cheaper option on a house you intend to keep. On a house you plan to sell in five years, it may not be.
Financing is available to spread the cost into monthly payments.
Metal Roofing in Historic Districts
St. Joseph has historic areas where exterior changes may be subject to design review. Metal is not automatically ruled out. Metal shingle and tile profiles, and standing seam in an appropriate color and panel width, can suit older architecture.
If your home sits in a historic district, confirm the applicable design guidelines with the City of St. Joseph before selecting a profile and color. Doing that during design costs nothing. Doing it after materials are ordered can cost a great deal.
Epic Construction works on historic homes around Cathedral Hill as well as newer developments near Missouri Western State University.
Permits and Installation
A roofing permit is required in St. Joseph and is issued through the city’s Building Development department. Review time varies with the scope of the project and whether the application is complete.
The installation itself follows a predictable sequence:
- Inspection and estimate. Assessment of the existing roof, decking, and ventilation, then a written estimate.
- Panel and color selection. System, gauge, coating, and color chosen against budget and any design requirements.
- Permitting. Permit application handled before work begins.
- Tear-off and decking. Existing roofing removed and any damaged decking replaced.
- Underlayment and flashing. Underlayment installed, then flashing detailed at valleys, walls, and penetrations. This is where metal roofs succeed or leak.
- Panel installation and trim. Panels set and fastened, then ridge, eave, and gable trim completed.
- Cleanup and walk-through. Site cleared and the finished work reviewed with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a metal roof last?
Commonly 40 years or more, depending on the system, the coating, and installation quality. Standing seam generally outlasts exposed fastener panels because there are no face gaskets to degrade.
Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?
Not when installed over solid decking with underlayment and normal attic insulation. The noise people associate with metal comes from panels over open framing, as on a barn or shed.
How much more does metal cost than shingle?
Meaningfully more upfront, with the gap depending on the panel system and roof complexity. Over a long ownership period the comparison narrows, since a metal roof can outlast two shingle roofs. Ask for written estimates on both to compare on your actual house.
Can metal be installed over an existing shingle roof?
Sometimes, but it is not automatically a good idea. Going over existing shingles hides the condition of the decking and can complicate ventilation. An inspection determines whether it is appropriate on a given roof.
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
No. Metal roofing does not make a strike more likely. Metal is non-combustible, which is an advantage if a strike does occur.
Do I need a permit for a metal roof in St. Joseph?
Yes. Roofing permits are issued by the City of St. Joseph Building Development department. Epic Construction handles the permit as part of the project.
Can I put a metal roof on a home in a historic district?
Often yes, but the profile and color may be subject to design review. Confirm the applicable guidelines with the city before selecting materials.
What areas does Epic Construction serve?
Epic Construction serves St. Joseph, Missouri and surrounding communities in Buchanan, Andrew, DeKalb, Clinton, and Platte counties, including Savannah, Country Club Village, Agency, Cameron, Maryville, and Plattsburg. Service also extends into northeast Kansas, including Elwood, Wathena, and Atchison. The office is located at 4704 St Joseph Ave, St Joseph, MO 64505.
Areas We Serve
Epic Construction installs metal roofing throughout St. Joseph, Missouri and the surrounding communities.
Buchanan County
- St. Joseph, MO
- Country Club Village, MO
- Agency, MO
- DeKalb, MO
- Easton, MO
- Faucett, MO
- Rushville, MO
Andrew County
- Savannah, MO
- Amazonia, MO
- Cosby, MO
- Fillmore, MO
- Rosendale, MO
- Bolckow, MO
DeKalb and Clinton Counties
- Maysville, MO
- Stewartsville, MO
- Union Star, MO
- Clarksdale, MO
- Plattsburg, MO
- Gower, MO
- Cameron, MO
Platte County and Northwest Missouri
- Dearborn, MO
- Edgerton, MO
- Camden Point, MO
- Weston, MO
- Maryville, MO
Northeast Kansas
- Elwood, KS
- Wathena, KS
- Troy, KS
- Atchison, KS
Epic Construction
4704 St Joseph Ave
St Joseph, MO 64505
Phone: (816) 749-4168
Website: https://trustecc.com/
Business Hours
Monday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Request a Metal Roofing Estimate
Call (816) 749-4168 for a free inspection and a written estimate on a metal roof. You can also contact Epic Construction online.
