Address: 2404 E State St, Hermitage, PA 16148, United States
Phone Number: (724) 877-7380
Email Address: donkovac018@gmail.com
Business Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM To 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Metal roofing has moved far beyond the old barn-roof reputation. Today it is one of the fastest-growing residential and commercial roofing categories in the country, and homeowners across Mercer, Lawrence, Butler, and Beaver counties are choosing it for a simple reason: it lasts. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, a properly installed metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, compared with roughly 15 to 20 years for a standard asphalt shingle system. That lifespan matters in Western Pennsylvania, where heavy lake-effect snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and strong summer storms put steady pressure on every square foot of a roof.
At Big River Roofing, we install standing seam, metal shingle, and stone-coated steel metal roofing systems engineered to handle the conditions homes face from Hermitage to Cranberry Township. Our crews are trained on manufacturer specifications, our panels are roll-formed to the exact length of your roof to eliminate horizontal seams, and every project is backed by a written workmanship warranty. Whether you are replacing a failing shingle roof, building new, or upgrading a commercial building, we help you select the right metal system, color, and profile for your property.
If you are still comparing materials, our residential roofing team can walk you through how metal stacks up against asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, luxury shingles, and slate on cost, lifespan, and performance.
Metal roofs used to be reserved for agricultural and industrial buildings. That changed as manufacturers developed attractive residential profiles, better paint systems, and concealed-fastener designs. The U.S. Department of Energy notes in its ENERGY STAR cool roof guidance that reflective metal roofs can reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent, which matters during July and August when attic temperatures in Western PA can climb above 130°F.
A few specific reasons our customers in Hermitage, Sharon, New Castle, and Cranberry Township choose metal:
If your current roof is showing wear, we can also help you document the condition before you commit to a replacement. Our leak detection and roof repair teams frequently handle evaluations that determine whether a repair, a missing shingle replacement, or a full roof replacement is the right next step.
Not every metal roof is the same. The profile, gauge, fastener type, and finish all affect how the roof performs and how it looks from the street. Below is a breakdown of the systems Big River Roofing installs most often across the Shenango Valley and Beaver Valley.
Standing seam is the premium residential and commercial metal roofing category. Vertical panels run from ridge to eave and are joined by raised seams, with no exposed fasteners on the field of the roof. Panels are roll-formed to exact length on site or at our shop, which eliminates horizontal seams where water could collect. Typical panel widths are 12, 16, or 18 inches, and 24 gauge steel is the most common residential thickness. This is the system we recommend for most homeowners who want the longest service life and the cleanest appearance. It pairs well with modern, farmhouse, and traditional architecture.
Metal shingles are stamped panels designed to mimic the look of slate, cedar shake, or architectural asphalt while delivering the durability of steel. Stone-coated steel adds a layer of crushed stone granules bonded to the panel with an acrylic finish. The result reads as a traditional shingle or tile from the ground while providing the wind, fire, and hail performance of metal. These systems are a strong fit for homeowners in historic neighborhoods like downtown Sharon or Grove City who want a traditional appearance without giving up longevity.
Exposed-fastener panels, sometimes called R-panel, 5V crimp, or corrugated, are the most economical metal roofing option. Fasteners pass through the face of the panel into the roof deck, secured with neoprene washers that seal out water. These systems are common on outbuildings, pole barns, garages, agricultural buildings, and some commercial projects across Mercer and Lawrence counties. Properly installed, they deliver 30 to 45 years of service, though the washers do require inspection and eventual replacement.
For flat and low-slope commercial buildings, we install mechanically seamed standing seam systems along with coordinated flashings, curbs, and snow retention. Metal roofing is often specified on warehouses, retail centers, and municipal buildings because of its combination of long service life, hail resistance, and compatibility with rooftop equipment. If your building has a very low slope, we can also discuss alternative commercial systems that may be a better fit.
Most of our metal roofs are finished with PVDF (Kynar 500) paint systems, which carry 30 to 40 year finish warranties against fading and chalking. Color options run from traditional matte black, charcoal gray, and barn red to weathered copper and standing seam greens that complement Western PA’s mix of Colonial, Victorian, and modern farmhouse homes. We bring physical samples to every consultation so you can see the color in natural light on your property.
Choosing between standing seam, stone-coated steel, and exposed-fastener metal comes down to budget, architectural style, and how long you plan to stay in the home. The table below summarizes how the three most common residential metal systems compare on the factors our customers ask about most.
Feature | Standing Seam | Stone-Coated Steel | Exposed-Fastener (Corrugated) |
Expected lifespan | 50–70 years | 40–60 years | 30–45 years |
Fasteners | Concealed | Concealed | Exposed, with neoprene washers |
Wind rating (typical) | Up to 140+ mph | Up to 120 mph | Up to 110 mph |
Appearance | Modern, clean vertical lines | Mimics shake, slate, or tile | Utilitarian, ribbed profile |
Best applications | Residential, commercial, high-end retrofits | Historic and traditional homes | Outbuildings, barns, budget projects |
Relative cost | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Warranty range | 30–50 year paint, lifetime substrate | 40–50 year limited | 20–40 year limited |
Maintenance | Very low | Low | Moderate (fastener checks) |
Every Big River Roofing quote includes a written breakdown of the system, gauge, finish, and warranty so you can compare apples to apples if you collect multiple bids.
Price is usually the first question. The honest answer is that metal costs more up front than asphalt, but the math changes when you extend the timeline. Over 50 years, a homeowner who installs a quality standing seam metal roof typically replaces it zero times. A homeowner who installs architectural asphalt shingles typically replaces them two to three times over the same period, paying for tear-off, disposal, and installation each time.
Factor | Architectural Asphalt Shingles | Standing Seam Metal |
Initial installed cost (2,400 sq ft roof) | $10,000–$16,000 | $22,000–$38,000 |
Expected lifespan | 20–25 years | 50–70 years |
Replacements over 50 years | 2–3 | 0–1 |
Average annual insurance impact | Neutral | Often a discount (fire/wind) |
Typical energy savings | Baseline | 10–25% summer cooling reduction |
Hail performance | Moderate | Class 4 impact rated available |
Salvage value at end of life | Landfill disposal | 100% recyclable |
The costs above are ranges based on regional figures from industry sources including the Metal Roofing Alliance and RSMeans data. We provide a project-specific quote after measuring your roof and discussing your goals.
A metal roof is only as good as the crew installing it. Panels that are cut in the field with the wrong tool, fasteners driven at the wrong torque, or flashings bent on the fly will leak no matter what the brochure promises. Here is how we install a metal roof at Big River Roofing:
If a storm has already damaged your existing roof, our storm damage roofing team can document the damage for your carrier, and our insurance claims assistance specialists will help you navigate the claim, including hail damage and wind damage scenarios.
Homeowners and HOA boards across Western Pennsylvania describe Big River Roofing as honest, on time and easy to work with, from the first estimate to the final cleanup. Reviewers often name sales pros Jeramey Norton and Patrick Conors and owner Don Kovac for clear communication and fair pricing, and several mention storm damage jobs and full roof and gutter replacements finished in a day or two. Many point out how clean the crew leaves the property.
AI-generated summary of customer reviews, updated October 13, 2026.
Big River Roofing provides expert metal roof installation and replacement services to homeowners and property owners throughout the entire Western Pennsylvania service area. Our service areas include: Mercer County, Lawrence County, Butler County, Beaver County, Cranberry Township, Harmony, Wexford, Slippery Rock, Butler, Beaver, Grove City, New Castle, Neshannock, Mercer, Sharon, Hermitage, Ellwood City, West Middlesex, Beaver Falls, Warrendale and surrounding communities. Explore our complete list of coverage zones on our Service Areas page.
Whether you are replacing an aging asphalt roof with a long-lasting metal system in Hermitage, installing standing seam metal on a new construction project in Cranberry Township, or upgrading to metal roofing for superior snow performance in Grove City, the team is locally based, fully licensed, and ready to deliver a metal roofing system backed by warranty.
Metal roofing is a long-term investment, and the installer matters as much as the material. Big River Roofing installs metal roofs across Mercer, Lawrence, Butler, and Beaver counties with factory-trained crews, written workmanship warranties, and financing options to fit the project. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation and we will measure your roof, walk you through system options and colors, and send a detailed written proposal within days.
Call (724) 877-7380 or request your free roof quote online. You can also review our manufacturer certifications before reaching out.
Address: 2404 E State St, Hermitage, PA 16148, United States
Phone Number: (724) 877-7380
Email Address: donkovac018@gmail.com
Business Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM To 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
A properly installed standing seam metal roof will typically last 50 to 70 years. Freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow in Mercer and Butler counties are hard on asphalt shingles, but metal panels handle those conditions without degrading. Our written workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s finish warranty spell out exactly what is covered.
This is the most common question we hear, and the answer is no. A metal roof installed over solid decking with modern underlayment sounds about the same as an asphalt shingle roof from inside the home. The old “tin roof in a rainstorm” sound comes from metal installed directly over purlins on barns and sheds, not residential construction.
Sometimes, but we generally recommend a full tear-off. Going over shingles can hide rotted decking and can void some manufacturer warranties. Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code also limits the number of roof layers on a structure. A tear-off costs a little more but gives you a cleaner, longer-lasting result.
No. The Metal Construction Association and the National Fire Protection Association both confirm that metal roofing does not increase the risk of a lightning strike. Because metal is non-combustible and conductive, if a strike does occur, the roof helps disperse the energy rather than igniting.
Often, yes. Class A fire ratings, Class 4 impact ratings (available on many stone-coated steel products), and UL 2218 hail performance can all qualify homeowners for insurance discounts. Ask your carrier for specifics.
Yes. We install standing seam and structural metal systems on warehouses, retail buildings, and municipal projects across the region.
Your roof protects everything underneath it. If it’s been a few years since your last inspection, or a recent storm rolled through your area, now is the right time to get a professional set of eyes on it before a small problem becomes a costly one.
Reach out to Big River Roofing and let a certified local contractor give you a straight answer about what your roof needs. No sales pressure, no inflated estimates, just clear information and honest recommendations from a team that has been serving Hermitage and Western Pennsylvania homeowners for 5+ years.
