Top 10 Commercial Metal Roofing Benefits in Oklahoma City

With modern designs, better coatings, and smarter installation techniques, metal roofs have become a top option for businesses. Maupin Roofing shares the top 10 commercial metal roofing benefits below, discussing the reasons why Oklahoma City business owners are making the switch—and why you should consider it, too.

1. Built to Last

A well-installed commercial metal roofing system can easily have a service life of 40-70 years. Compare that to the popular asphalt shingles, which usually tap out after about 20 years (and often less with storm damage), and you can already see the difference. You’re getting twice, even three times the lifespan.

In Oklahoma City, that kind of durability matters. A metal roof stands up to high winds, heavy snow loads, rain, hail, and even intense sun exposure better than most materials. And since most metal roofing panels are interlocking panels or are mechanically fastened, they create a tighter seal against wind-driven rain and flying debris.

2. Energy Savings

It’s no secret that OKC summers can be intense. Metal roofs help with that. Its metal panels or metal shingles reflect sunlight, and this solar reflectivity helps reduce heat absorption. This high solar reflectance is one of the most notable benefits of metal roofing, helping keep your building cooler in summer.

Many commercial metal roofing systems are also coated with cool roof coatings that boost reflectivity and energy efficiency even more. That means commercial properties stay cooler inside, which takes pressure off your air conditioning systems and reduces cooling costs in the summer.

3. Way Less Maintenance

Aside from saving on energy bills, you can also enjoy more savings with metal roofs due to their minimal maintenance requirements. Generally, you won’t need to constantly call a roofer to patch leaks or replace cracked materials, unlike traditional roofing materials. Once your metal roof is installed right, you can expect it to function well.

You’ll still want to schedule inspections every now and then to prevent unexpected, costly repairs, especially after big storms. But generally speaking, you only need minimal maintenance. You’re mostly watching for debris buildup, checking seams and exposed fasteners, and keeping an eye on the coating. It’s nothing like the maintenance schedule you’re stuck with on an aging tar-and-gravel or shingle roof.

This is especially helpful for property owners who manage large buildings like warehouses, office parks, and retail centers, where the roof spans thousands of square feet. After all, less maintenance means less downtime and lower operational costs.

4. Fire Resistant

For commercial properties, especially those with expensive equipment or customer-facing operations, fire resistance is a big deal. Metal roofs are non-combustible and often come with a Class A fire rating, which is the highest one possible.

This matters in areas near wildland-urban interfaces, but also in cities like OKC where electrical fires, rooftop HVAC malfunctions, or lightning strikes can pose serious threats. Compared to other materials, fire has a harder time spreading on a metal roof. This gives firefighters more time to respond, preventing more serious losses.

Additionally, some insurers may offer better rates for buildings with fire-rated roofing systems, especially in commercial insurance plans.

5. Can Handle OKC’s Weather

With proper installation and maintenance, metal roofs can withstand high winds, torrential rain, hail, and other harsh weather conditions. Metal roof panels are designed to withstand high wind speeds, some tested up to 140 mph or more. They don’t crack in freezing temperatures, and they don’t peel apart and expose the roof deck during hail. Additionally, they’re less prone to pooling and leaks during heavy rain, especially when installed with proper drainage systems.

This level of weather resistance helps business owners avoid frequent repairs and emergency services during peak storm seasons.

6. Environmentally Smart

If your business cares about its environmental impact or you’re working toward green building certifications like LEED, metal roofs check a lot of boxes.

First off, many commercial metal roofing systems are made from recycled materials. Steel and aluminum roofing panels, in particular, often contain 25-95% recycled content. At the end of their (very long) lifespan, they’re fully recyclable too. That’s a major difference from traditional roofing materials, which usually end up in landfills.

Don’t forget about the savings you get from lower energy consumption thanks to metal roofs’ solar reflectivity. Combine that with the potential to install solar panels directly onto the roofing system and using sustainable building materials for your property, and you’ve got a solid step toward a greener business footprint.

7. Lots of Design Options

Gone are the days when metal roofs were just silver panels on waterhouses. Now, you have plenty of options that fit just about any architectural style.

Commercial metal roofing comes in standing seam panels (with concealed fasteners), corrugated metal styles (with exposed fasteners), and even options that look like genuine shingles or tiles. There are dozens of color finishes, coatings, and custom designs available, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal to get great performance.

This is especially helpful for customer-facing businesses, like retail stores, restaurants, or office buildings where curb appeal matters. You can have a sleek, modern design that still performs extremely well in OKC weather.

8. Lightweight But Strong

Metal roofs provide many benefits, and one of them is their lightweight nature. Metal is one of the lightest roofing materials available, significantly lighter than tile, wood shake, or even multi-layer flat roofing systems.

In contrast, heavier roofing loads can add stress to your building’s structure, especially older buildings that weren’t engineered for heavy storms. Lighter weight also means easier (and often cheaper) installation, since less structural reinforcement is needed in most cases.

Despite its lighter weight, metal roofs are still incredibly strong, especially when installed with proper fasteners and framing. You’re getting both strength and efficiency.

9. Quick Installation

No business wants to shut down or deal with construction delays. That’s one area where metal roofs shine—they’re quick to install, especially when using prefabricated panels or modular designs.

Roofing crews can cover large areas in less time, especially when the weather cooperates. Since many commercial buildings already have flat or low-slope structures, crews can work efficiently without complicated scaffolding or staging.

10. Adds Long-Term Property Value

Buyers and investors see a well-installed metal roof as a huge benefit. They know it’s going to last, will likely need fewer repairs over the years, and that it promotes energy efficiency. That makes your property more attractive and often easier to sell or lease.

It also shows that you care about long-term decisions, which matters in business-to-business relationships, especially in multi-tenant spaces or properties with corporate leases.

Metal Roofing Maintenance Tips from the Pros