If you’re replacing a roof, you’ve probably noticed that most choices fall into two camps: affordable asphalt that needs replacing every couple of decades, or plain metal panels that look more like a barn than a home. Metal diamond shingles give you a third option: the durability of metal with a classic, distinctive look that’s been crowning European rooftops for centuries.
Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
What Are Metal Diamond Shingles?
Diamond shingles are metal roofing shingles shaped like a diamond, either an elongated 72-degree diamond or a classic 90-degree square set on point. Each shingle interlocks with its neighbors and is secured with concealed clips, so there are no exposed fasteners and no seams for water to find. The result is a roof surface that sheds water naturally and looks finely detailed up close and striking from the street.
They work on nearly any roof pitch and building style, from modern homes to historic restorations, and on walls as well as roofs.
Why Homeowners Choose a Diamond Metal Roof
It lasts. A properly installed metal shingle roof can last generations. Depending on the metal, our systems are designed to last for many decades or even centuries, and every system is backed by a lifetime warranty.
It stands up to weather. Interlocking shingles with concealed clips hold tight in high winds. In wind uplift testing, our interlocking diamond shingle system withstood 232 psf before the underlying substrate failed. Metal is also noncombustible and sheds snow and heavy rain efficiently.
It’s lightweight. Metal shingles weigh a fraction of what tile or heavy architectural asphalt does, which puts less load on your roof structure.
It looks like nothing else on the street. Diamond shingles create a rich, patterned texture that plain panels can’t match, especially on turrets, dormers, and curved surfaces.
It’s sustainable. Metal roofs are fully recyclable at the end of their life, and a roof you install once instead of three times keeps tons of shingles out of landfills.
Metal Diamond Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles
| Metal Diamond Shingles | Asphalt Shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | Many decades to centuries, depending on metal | About 15 to 30 years |
| Wind performance | Interlocking, clip-fastened | Can lift and tear in high winds |
| Fire | Noncombustible | Varies by product |
| Weight | Light | Heavier, especially architectural styles |
| Maintenance | Very little | Periodic repairs and replacement |
| Recyclable | Yes | Rarely |
Asphalt costs less on day one. A metal diamond roof often costs less over the life of the building, because you install it once.
Which Metal Is Right for You?
- Steel (painted Galvalume): Our most affordable option, available in a wide range of PVDF painted colors. A great choice when you want a metal roof’s performance at a more approachable price.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion resistant, ideal for budget-conscious projects and coastal settings.
- Copper: The timeless choice. Copper weathers to a natural patina and, properly installed, can last for centuries.
- Stainless steel: Highly resistant to salt spray and pollution, made for coastal and extreme-weather locations.
- Zinc, terne, and titanium: Premium metals for distinctive architecture and historic work.
Not sure which fits your home, budget, and climate? Talk to our team and we’ll walk you through it.
Sizes and Shapes
We offer both 72-degree and 90-degree diamond shingles as standard:
- 72-degree shingles, a taller, more elongated diamond, in sizes from about 5.6 by 10.2 inches up to 22 by 30.5 inches
- 90-degree shingles, a classic square diamond, in sizes from about 5.66 by 5.5 inches up to 25.4 by 25.4 inches
Smaller shingles suit turrets, domes, and fine detailing. Larger shingles cover broad roof planes efficiently. Custom sizes are available on request. See the full size chart and spec sheets.
Are Metal Shingle Roofs Noisy?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. Installed over a solid roof deck and underlayment, a metal shingle roof is typically no louder than other roofing types in rain. The “tin roof” sound people imagine comes from metal panels fastened over open framing, which isn’t how a diamond shingle roof is built.
How Long Do Metal Diamond Shingles Last?
It depends on the metal and, just as importantly, on how the roof is installed. A painted steel roof will last for many decades. Copper, stainless steel, zinc, and titanium can last for centuries. Installation quality makes all the difference, which is why we provide installation training with every system purchase.
What Does a Metal Diamond Shingle Roof Cost?
The price depends on the metal you choose, the size and complexity of your roof, the shingle size, and the details like ridges, valleys, and snow guards. Painted steel and aluminum are the most affordable options; copper and specialty metals sit at the top of the range.
The better question is what the roof costs over the life of your home. When you factor in decades of avoided replacements and repairs, a metal diamond roof is often the more economical choice. Request a quote for a price based on your project.
How Are Diamond Shingles Installed?
Each shingle interlocks with the ones around it and attaches with concealed clips, so the fasteners stay protected from the weather. Valleys, ridges, hips, and transitions are finished with matching trim and flashing made for the system.
It’s a precise system, and it rewards proper technique. That’s why every purchase includes installation training for your contractor, with support from our team throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can metal diamond shingles go over an existing roof?
In many cases a new roof is installed over a clean, solid deck after the old roofing is removed. Your contractor can assess your roof’s condition.
Do metal roofs attract lightning?
No. Metal roofs don’t increase the likelihood of a lightning strike, and because metal is noncombustible, it won’t catch fire if a strike occurs nearby.
Will a metal roof dent in hail?
Heavier metals and smaller shingle sizes resist denting better. Talk to us about your local weather and we’ll recommend the right combination.
Can diamond shingles be used on walls?
Yes. Diamond shingles make a striking wall cladding as well as roofing, and can carry a design seamlessly from roof to facade.
Do you work with my contractor?
Yes. We train and support your installer so the roof is done right.
Ready for a Roof You’ll Only Install Once?
Spengler Industries crafts metal diamond shingles in the European Spenglermeister tradition, made in-house at our Salt Lake City facility and shipped nationwide. Whether you’re planning a new home, replacing a worn roof, or restoring a historic building, we’ll help you choose the right metal, size, and finish.
Get a free quote or call 801-462-5264.