Picture this: A Sussex County thunderstorm drops golf-ball Hail that turns your neighbor’s asphalt roof into Swiss cheese, while your house stays dry and dent-free. That’s the power of metal roof installation. From Wilmington’s historic row homes to Rehoboth’s beachfront cottages, Delaware locals are opting for metal roofing that lasts 50 years or more. This 1,500-word guide walks you through why metal wins here, the entire metal roofing installation process, how to install metal roofing the right way, and actual costs in 2025. Let’s get your roof storm-proof.
Why Delaware Demands Metal Roof Installation
Our tiny state packs brutal weather: salt spray that rusts flashings in five years, 140-mph microbursts off the bay, and freeze-thaw cycles that crack shingles like eggshells. Metal shrugs it off. Galvalume coating blocks coastal corrosion within 10 miles of the Atlantic. Hidden fasteners lock panels against 160-mph gusts. Snow slides off in sheets instead of piling up and ripping gutters. Reflective paint reduces Dover AC bills by 25%. In 2024, 42% of our metal roof installation jobs replaced asphalt roofs shredded by hail or wind.
Fire, Flood, and Pollen? Metal Says No
Class A fire rating stops embers from beach bonfires. Elevated seams prevent floodwater from entering during nor’easters. Oak pollen rinses away, no black streaks like on shingles.
Metal Roofing Installation vs. Asphalt: Delaware Hard Numbers
| Factor | Metal | Asphalt |
| Lifespan | 40–70 years | 15–25 years |
| Weight | 1–1.5 lbs/sq ft | 4–6 lbs/sq ft |
| Wind Rating | 140–160 mph | 60–110 mph |
| Snow Load | Self-shedding | 30–40 psf |
| Install Cost (2,000 sq ft) | $20,000–$32,000 | $9,000–$15,000 |
| 30-Year Total Cost | $24,000 (one roof) | $36,000 (two roofs) |
| Energy Savings (annual) | $250–$450 | $0–$100 |
Bottom line: Metal costs more upfront but saves over $ 12,000 over three decades.
How to Install Metal Roofing: The Exact 12-Step Pro Sequence
Skip one step, and you’ll be calling us for leaks. Here’s how to install metal roofing the Delaware way. Every metal roofing installation we do follows this:
- Drone Survey – Map pitch, vents, and chimneys in 10 minutes.
- Deck Audit – Replace spongy plywood ($80/sheet).
- Ice & Water Shield – Full coverage on eaves + valleys (code in New Castle).
- Synthetic Underlayment – 30-lb felt alternative, nailed every 8 inches.
- Drip Edge – 26-gauge galvanized, screwed, not nailed.
- Starter Panel – Pre-bent hem, sealed with butyl tape.
- Chalk Lines – Every 24 inches for perfect rows.
- Panel Cuts – Electric shear only (no grinder sparks).
- Fastening – Neoprene screws at ribs, 12-inch spacing, 20 in-lb torque.
- Z-Closures & Flashings – Custom bent on-site for chimneys/skylights.
- Ridge Vent – Continuous slot with baffles for attic airflow.
- Touch-Up & Seal – Paint every screw head, caulk penetrations.
Email info@roofrepairexperts.com for the printable 12-step PDF with torque specs.
Over-Shingle Metal Roof Installation – Save $4,000
Are existing shingles flat? We strap 1×4 purlins every 24 inches, add vented closures, and lay panels on top. Done in one day. Over 300 jobs in Middletown and Bear, zero issues.
Metal Roof Installation Styles That Fit Every Delaware Home
- Standing Seam – Sleek lines, hidden clips. Best for coastal wind and rain. $11–$15 per square foot.
- 5V-Crimp – Classic farmhouse look. Budget metal at $7–$9/sq ft.
- Metal Shingles – Mimics the appearance of slate or shake. Perfect for Wilmington historic districts. $9–$13 per square foot.
- Corrugated – Barns, garages, sheds. $5–$8/sq ft.
- Stone-Coated Steel – Textured, quiet, 50-year color lock. $10–$14 per square foot.
Coastal rule: Standing seam within 8 miles of the bay, three out of four clients choose it.
Metal Roofing Installation Cost Breakdown (Delaware 2025)
| Item | Cost Range |
| 26-Gauge Panels | $6.50–$9.50/sq ft |
| Labor (tear-off + install) | $4–$6/sq ft |
| Underlayment & Flashings | $1.50–$2.50/sq ft |
| Permits (Kent County avg) | $300–$500 |
| Dumpster & Disposal | $600–$900 |
| Total 1,800 sq ft home | $22,500–$31,000 |
Add $2,000 for steep pitch (over 8:12). Subtract $3,500 for over-shingle install.
Financing That Actually Works
0% interest for 24 months or 5.99% for 10 years. No prepayment penalties. We file the paperwork.
Delaware Weather Hacks for Metal Roof Installation
Salt air eats away at cheap steel in seven years; upgrade to 0.032 aluminum (+$1.80/sq ft). Ice dams in Newark? Heat cables + soffit baffles ($900). Pollen stains in Hockessin? Annual 10-minute hose rinse. Permit waits: 4–6 days in New Castle, 2–4 days in Kent, and 6–9 days in Sussex. We obtain permits to ensure your job begins on schedule.
Standard Metal Roofing Installation Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Grinder cuts – sparks burn coatings, and rust starts within 18 months.
- Nails instead of screws – Pop out in the wind.
- Flat-panel fastening – Water pools under screws.
- No expansion gaps – Panels buckle in summer heat.
We train crews quarterly. Zero warranty claims last year.
Noise Myth Busted
“But won’t it drum in the rain?” Modern 30-lb Underlayment and attic insulation drops sound to a whisper. Clients say it’s quieter than asphalt gravel blowing off in the wind.
Maintenance After Metal Roof Installation: 15 Minutes a Year
Your to-do list shrinks to this:
- Spring: Hose panels to rinse pollen.
- Fall: Clear gutters of oak leaves.
- Every 5 years: Re-caulk vent boots ($150).
No painting, no sealing, no moss killer. Delaware’s pine needles slide off, no scrubbing.
Boost Resale Value with Metal Roof Installation
Zillow data shows that metal roofs add 6–8% to the value of homes in Delaware. A $28,000 installation on a $450,000 Middletown colonial increases the asking price by $27,000 to $36,000. Appraisers credit the 50-year warranty and energy savings. In Rehoboth’s hot market, metal-roof homes sell 14 days faster and for 3% more than the list price.
Solar-Ready Without Extra Cost
Standing seam clips hold panels, with no roof holes. Add solar later and save $1,200 in mounting hardware.
Storm Damage? Insurance Pays for Most Metal Roof Installation
Hail, wind, fallen trees: most policies cover complete metal roofing installation, minus the deductible. Our process:
- Email photos to info@roofrepairexperts.com – we circle claim items.
- File a claim within 48 hours.
- Adjuster meeting – we bring the engineer wind/hail report ($400 value).
- Supplement fight – we push for code upgrades (ice shield, wind clips).
2024 average recovery: $26,500. We’ve saved clients $2.1 million in out-of-pocket costs.
How to Install Metal Roofing on Complex Delaware Roofs
Dormers, turrets, and skylights scare DIYers. Our tricks:
- Custom flashings bent on-site with a 10-foot brake.
- Crickets behind chimneys to divert water.
- Step flashing woven with panels, not slapped on top.
- Skylight curbs are raised 2 inches for snowmelt.
We’ve done 47 Victorians in Wilmington’s Trinity Vicinity, zero leaks.
Green Bonus – 100% Recyclable
Old metal roofs are melted down to make new cars. Asphalt fills landfills. One metal roof = 12 tons diverted.
Your Metal Roof Installation Starts with One Email
Don’t wait for the next $20,000 water damage bill. A metal roof pays for itself in 14–20 years through zero repairs, lower energy costs, and a higher resale value. Roof Repair Experts has installed over 1,500 metal roofs across Delaware since 2015, in every county and every style.
Email info@roofrepairexperts.com with your address and 3–5 photos of your roof. We respond within 2 hours with exact pricing, digital color samples, and scheduling for the following week. Same-day drone quotes available. Mention “Blog1500” for a free heat-cable upgrade on eaves (up to $600 value).
Roof Repair Experts – Metal Tough, Delaware’s Trusted Choice.
