Enviroshake vs. Metal

Side-by-side comparison of Enviroshake shakes and a metal roof

What Is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is a durable roofing material typically made from steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper. It is valued for its long service life, relatively low maintenance requirements, strong fire resistance, and good performance in severe weather. Depending on the system, metal roofing can last 40 to 70 years or more, with standing seam, exposed-fastener, and stamped metal profiles offering different looks and price points.

The main tradeoff with metal roofing is architectural appearance. Metal roofing has a clean, contemporary look that works well on modern homes, but it can feel less appropriate on heritage, cottage, Tudor, Craftsman, and other traditional architecture. Panels can also dent from hail or foot traffic, and coatings, fasteners, or sealants may require attention over time depending on the system and environment.

What Is Enviroshake?

Enviroshake is an engineered composite cedar shake designed to recreate the depth, grain, texture, and shadow lines of natural cedar while delivering long-term durability. Its profiles are molded from real cedar and are designed to preserve the character of traditional roofing without the maintenance demands of natural wood.

Enviroshake is third-party tested to 180 MPH, carries a Class 4 impact rating under UL 2218, and is available with a Class A fire-rated assembly. It will not rot, crack, peel, or blister, requires very little maintenance, and is manufactured using 95% post-industrial recycled materials. For homeowners who want premium durability without replacing the architectural character of the home with a metal aesthetic, Enviroshake offers a stronger balance of performance and appearance.

Enviroshake Metal Roofing
Aesthetics Authentic heritage cedar appearance with deep grain, texture, varied profiles and natural shadow lines Clean, contemporary appearance with visible panels, seams or stamped profiles depending on system
Architectural Fit Especially well suited to heritage, luxury, cottage, Tudor, Craftsman and traditional architecture Often better suited to modern, contemporary, agricultural or utilitarian design styles
Lifespan 50+ years with minimal maintenance Commonly 40-70+ years depending on metal type, coating, installation and environment
Maintenance Very low with no painting, sealing or preservatives required Generally low, but coatings, fasteners, sealants, corrosion points and panel damage may require attention over time
Impact Resistance Class 4 under UL 2218, the highest residential impact rating Can perform well in hail, but panels may dent even when the roof remains functional
Wind Performance Third-party tested to 180 MPH Strong wind performance is available, but ratings vary widely by panel system, attachment method and manufacturer
Fire Performance Available with a Class A fire-rated assembly Metal itself is non-combustible, with overall roof classification depending on the complete assembly
Moisture / Rot Resistance Will not rot, crack, peel or blister and is resistant to mold, mildew and insects Will not rot, but some metals can corrode if coatings are damaged or unsuitable for the environment
Walkability Walkable without damage Can be walked on carefully, but some panels can dent or deform if stepped on incorrectly
Noise Roof surface does not produce the pronounced rain or hail sound commonly associated with metal panels Rain and hail can produce more noticeable sound depending on decking, underlayment and insulation
Sustainability Manufactured using 95% post-industrial recycled materials Highly recyclable and often contains recycled content, though composition varies by product
Upfront Cost Premium roofing investment designed for long service life and architectural value Premium installation cost that can vary significantly depending on standing seam, exposed-fastener or specialty metal system
Long-Term Value Combines premium heritage aesthetics with low maintenance, severe-weather performance and long-term durability Excellent durability and longevity, particularly when a metal aesthetic is appropriate for the architecture
Warranty Fully transferable lifetime warranty Coverage varies by manufacturer and may include separate material, coating and workmanship terms
Best Choice When You want authentic cedar character without sacrificing durability, weather resistance or long-term performance You prefer the appearance of metal and prioritize longevity, non-combustibility and a contemporary roof profile

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