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THERE IS A HOUSE IN OMAHA, NEB., that is unlike any other house in the state—perhaps the ountry. Built under HUD's Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), this “concept” house is loaded with 60 of the best technologies and products home building has to offer and is seen as a model for the future of home construction. The roof the agency chose to use on the house is made from metal.

“Given the PATH Concept Home's concern with sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility in an affordable-home format, a metal roof was a sensible design choice,” says Darlene F. Williams, HUD's assistant secretary of policy development and research, which supports PATH. Williams continues, “Along with its durability and fire resistance, the metal roof ensures the concept home will have beautiful, energy-efficient protection for generations to come.”

Long the material of choice for agricultural outbuildings and barns, metal roofing has become the darling of the architectural community. Architects who favor metal—such as Kaplan Thompson Architects in Portland, Maine, and Peter L. Pfeiffer, principal of Austin, Texas–based Barley & Pfeiffer Architects—like it because it is attractive, lightweight, fire resistant, and durable.

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance in Belfair, Wash., a metal roof will last two to three times longer than a traditional asphalt roof. Once apt to corrode, especially in seaside applications, metal roofs now come with specialized finishes and coatings to handle salt spray.

“Steel metal roofing has a ‘metallic coating' made of either zinc or a combination of zinc and aluminum ... [which] prevents rust from forming and is bonded to the steel at the factory,” the metal roofing association writes on its Web site. “Paint is then applied over the metallic coating to provide the long-lasting color homeowners desire.”

It is one of these coatings that Follansbee Steel says allows its roofing to last longer than any other type of metal roof—and longer than asphalt. “The roofing features a zinc-tin alloy so it provides a good coat for the coast,” says Lauren Ban, a public relations representative for the Follansbee, W.V.–based company. “We have conducted a test where roofing withstood up to 5,100 hours in a salt spray machine.” HUD's Williams agrees, which is why the PATH house is clad in Follansbee's product.

But if metal is so good, why aren't more production builders using the stuff on their houses? The asphalt roofing industry says the fact speaks for itself: Asphalt accounts for almost 70 percent of the yearly installed squares in this country, the group says, because it is better. The Washington-based Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says that its product offers all of the attributes—low maintenance, long life, high performance, and good looks—but does it better, for a lot less money.

“Asphalt costs significantly less than higher-priced rivals (including tile, wood, cedar, slate, and metal) while totally outperforming them,” the asphalt association says on its Web site. “But the savings don't end there. Because asphalt roofing is durable and requires little or no maintenance, it goes on saving you money throughout the life of your roof.”

The metal industry concedes that its products cost more, but the group counters (and architects such as Pfeiffer confirm) that the long-term financial benefits offset price. Because of metal's fire resistance, home buyers in almost 20 states can receive up to a 35 percent discount on their insurance premiums. Additionally, the metal industry says metal roofing can save up to 40 percent in annual energy costs, and some systems qualify for the 2006 Energy Tax Credit.

In short, it costs more initially, but the industry says the attributes and the long-term cost benefits make it more than worth it. Plus, they say, it will likely be the only roof a house ever needs.

For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, at www.builderonline.com or www.ebuild.com.

TIN MAN: KlassicKolors pre-painted Terne II metal roofing comes in a wide selection of colors that are designed to last, the company says. The tile's base sheet is coated with a zinc-tin alloy and then painted with solar-reflective coatings so the roofs offer energy-efficient properties. The company fabricates standing seam and corrugated panels. Follansbee Steel. 800-624-6906. www.follansbeeroofing.com. Circle no. 106.

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE: The manufacturer's metal-shake product lines have the appearance of wood with all the benefits of metal. The stone-coated product is weather resistant and low maintenance, lightweight—1.3 pounds per foot—and has a Class A fire rating, the company adds. Three lines are available in a variety of colors. Allmet Roofing/Metals USA. 800-265-9357. www.allmet.com. Circle no. 107.

PANEL MEMBERS: The company says its metal “tile panel” roofing system offers the beauty of traditional roof shingles without the weight. Tile construction seals out wind and rain and prevents blow-off in strong winds, the company says. It will not rot and is resistant to fire and termites. Each panel measures 3 feet wide and 2 feet to 20 feet long. Ten colors are available. Met-Tile. 800-899-0311. www.met-tile.com. Circle no. 108.

STEEL THE ONE: These stainless steel roofing tiles are made with 70 percent recycled content and weigh less than traditional materials such as asphalt or slate. Extremely corrosion resistant, the panel can be produced in its natural finish or in a colored prismatic process—not paint—that will not fade, chip, or discolor. Tiles measure 15 inches by 9 inches. Millennium Tiles. 262-723-7778. www.millenniumtiles.com. Circle no. 109.

HEAVY METAL: Billing itself as a “single source” supplier, the manufacturer offers a wide variety of metal roofing products that includes standing seam or corrugated panels, tiles, and shingles. Weather resistant, lightweight, and strong, the products come in different gauges and in a wide range of standard and “trend colors.” ATAS International. 800-468-1441. www.atas.com. Circle no. 110.