Metal Roofing in North Reading & the North Shore
Standing-seam and metal panel roofs installed by a local contractor based on Elm Street in North Reading. We've been roofing North Shore homes since 2004.
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Is a metal roof worth it for a North Shore home?
For most homeowners who plan to stay put, yes. A properly installed standing-seam metal roof can last 50+ years, typically two to three times the lifespan of an asphalt roof. It sheds snow instead of holding it, needs very little upkeep, and comes in 60+ colors. It costs more upfront, so the payback depends on how long you'll own the home.
Greg's Construction Co has installed 500+ roofs in North Reading, Reading, Wilmington, Andover, Lynnfield, Wakefield and the rest of the North Shore. We install asphalt too, so we're not here to talk you into metal. When a homeowner tells us they never want to replace a roof again, though, this is what we recommend.
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Standing seam or metal panels: what's the difference?
Standing-seam roofing uses long panels that run from the eave up to the ridge. Neighboring panels join at raised seams that lock together above the flat of the roof, and the fasteners sit hidden under those seams. No exposed screws means fewer places for water to get in. It's the cleaner look and the longer-lived system, and it's what we put on most houses.
Exposed-fastener metal panels are screwed down through the face of the panel. They cost less and go on faster, which makes them a sensible choice for garages, sheds, barns and some porch roofs. The trade-off is maintenance: every screw has a rubber washer, and those washers age in the sun and should be checked over the years.
- Standing seam: concealed fasteners and raised locking seams
- Exposed-fastener panels: lower cost, good for outbuildings and accent roofs
- Metal systems for both steep-slope and low-slope roofs
- Class A fire rating
- High wind-uplift ratings (varies by panel system)
Not sure which fits your house? Greg will tell you on the estimate visit, and explain why.
Why does a certified Drexel Metals installer matter?
Greg's Construction is a certified installer of Drexel Metals standing-seam and metal roofing panels. A metal roof's long life depends on the details: panel layout, how the seams lock, how flashing meets walls and chimneys, and how the eaves and ridge are finished. Those details decide whether a metal roof lasts for decades or starts leaking, and they're the part of the job Greg watches most closely.
How many colors can you choose from?
Drexel Metals offers 60+ colors, from blacks and charcoals to lighter and bolder tones. Black standing seam has been a popular choice on our recent projects. You can try colors on a real house with our Color Visualizer before you decide.
Color affects more than looks. Lighter, reflective finishes bounce more summer sun off the roof, which helps keep the attic cooler and can cut cooling costs. Darker colors absorb more heat but hold up just as well.
Try the Color Visualizer
How does a metal roof handle snow and ice?
This is the most practical reason North Shore homeowners switch. Snow slides off a smooth metal surface instead of sitting on the roof for weeks the way it does on shingles. Less snow sitting on the roof means less meltwater refreezing at the eaves, and that refreezing is how ice dams form.
Metal isn't a cure-all. Ice dams start with heat escaping from the attic, so insulation and ventilation still matter on any roof. Our guide to preventing ice dams in Massachusetts covers the fixes that work.
Because snow comes off a metal roof in sheets, it can land hard on steps, decks, walkways and gutters. We look at where it will fall and talk through snow guards and gutter placement before the job starts. If your gutters need work at the same time, see our gutter services.
How much does a metal roof cost in Massachusetts?
Where your roof falls in that range depends on its size and pitch, the number of valleys, dormers, chimneys and skylights, whether old roofing has to come off first, and the condition of the decking underneath. Our Massachusetts roof cost guide breaks down what drives the price. For your actual number, Greg will look at the roof and give you a free written estimate.
Metal or asphalt: which is right for your house?
Metal costs more upfront, and the math only works in its favor over time. Asphalt makes sense if you're selling in the next few years, working to a tight budget, or matching the rest of the street. Metal makes sense if you plan to stay, want to stop thinking about your roof, or are tired of ice dams and shingle repairs. We lay out the full comparison in Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles, and you can see asphalt, rubber and our other systems on the all roofing services page.
What happens during a metal roof installation?
- Estimate visit. Greg looks at the roof, measures it, and walks you through panel type, color and trim.
- Tear-off. The old roofing comes off and is hauled away, and we check the decking underneath.
- Prep. Damaged decking is replaced, then underlayment goes down, with ice and water protection at the eaves and valleys.
- Panels and flashing. Panels, seams, trim and flashing go on, including around chimneys, skylights and vents.
- Cleanup and walkthrough. We clean the site and Greg walks the finished roof with you.
Already have a metal roof that needs attention? See our roof repair and storm damage page.
Where can you see our metal roofs?
Our gallery includes standing-seam metal roofs we completed in North Andover in 2024 and 2025, several of them black, plus a siding and metal roof package in North Reading in 2025. See them in the project gallery.
"Greg did a beautiful job on our new metal roof, 10/10 recommend! His team was awesome and super efficient!"
Erica Sandkist, Google Review
View the Gallery"I'm a contractor that's used Greg on several projects. His work is always top notch and he is very knowledgeable with all phases of roofing."
Rich Ohare, Google Review
Metal roofing questions
How long does a metal roof last?
A properly installed standing-seam metal roof can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance, typically two to three times the lifespan of an asphalt roof.
Is a metal roof loud when it rains?
On a house, metal goes over solid roof decking and underlayment, which quiets it a lot. The loud "tin roof" sound most people picture comes from panels fastened over open framing on barns and sheds.
Will a metal roof stop ice dams?
It helps, because snow slides off instead of sitting on the roof, so there's less meltwater to refreeze at the eaves. The root cause is heat escaping from the attic, so insulation and ventilation still matter. See our ice dam guide.
Can metal go on a low-slope roof?
Yes. There are metal systems for low-slope and steep-slope roofs. Greg will match the panel system to your roof's pitch on the estimate visit.
How many colors are available?
Drexel Metals offers 60+ colors. Preview them on a house with our Color Visualizer.
Which towns do you install metal roofs in?
We're based in North Reading and work across the North Shore and Greater Boston, including Reading, Wilmington, Andover, North Andover, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Burlington, Woburn, Stoneham, Peabody, Danvers and Salem.
A standing-seam porch roof
Photos from a recent job: a black standing-seam porch roof tied into the existing shingle roof, plus a short video of finished metal roofs.
Metal roofing guides
Read up on cost, materials and winter performance before you get an estimate.
How It Works
Getting started with Greg's is easy. Here's what to expect.
Call or Request Online
Call Greg at (978) 423-3581 or fill out our contact form. We'll schedule a visit — usually within a day or two.
Free On-Site Estimate
Greg personally inspects and gives you a detailed written estimate. No pressure, no upselling.
Professional Installation
Our experienced crew handles the full job. We protect your property and keep you updated throughout.
Final Walkthrough
Greg walks the completed job with you. No open punch list — your satisfaction is the final sign-off.
Ready to upgrade your roof?
Free estimates — call or request online. Licensed & insured in MA.