Why Omaha homeowners ask about metal roofing
The interest makes sense given the local weather history. Since 2000, hail one inch or larger has been reported somewhere in Douglas, Sarpy, or Pottawattamie County every year through 2025, on 165 separate days. Winter is part of the picture too: Omaha averages about 135 days a year with a low at or below freezing and about 27 inches of snow annually, according to NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
Metal comes up in those conversations as an alternative to asphalt shingles. Whether it's the right fit for your home depends on a number of factors a roofer can walk you through.
What the research says about metal and hail
IBHS ran a hail demonstration in 2013. Standing-seam metal roofing took dents but no punctures during that test. One important detail: dents were larger and deeper where metal was installed over old shingles, compared to metal installed on a clean deck.
IBHS also notes that asphalt shingles, metal, and tile are the three main residential roof coverings in America. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles use a scrim backing or polymer-modified asphalt to resist hail. Metal is one option; it is not the only one.
A roofer with experience on metal roofs can help you weigh the trade-offs for your specific situation, roof pitch, and budget.
Standing seam versus other metal options
Standing seam is one style of metal roof. Contractors also offer other metal styles, each with its own look and installation needs.
Each type has its own installation requirements, and not every roofer works with all of them. When you talk to a contractor, ask specifically about their experience with the style you are considering. IBHS recommends confirming that a roofer has worked on your roof type before you hire them.
The two-layer rule and what it means for your project
Under the 2018 residential code Nebraska uses, a new layer of roofing cannot go over a roof that already has two or more layers. If your home already has two layers of shingles, a full tear-off is required before any new roofing goes on, metal or otherwise.
Even if you only have one existing layer, installing metal over old shingles may affect performance, as the IBHS 2013 data on dent depth suggests. A roofer can assess your current roof and tell you what they recommend. Full roof replacements in Omaha usually need a city permit, so ask your roofer to pull it and show you.
Impact ratings and talking to your insurer
Ask whether the metal roofing you're considering carries a Class 3 or 4 impact rating. The Nebraska Department of Insurance says you may qualify for a homeowners insurance discount for impact-resistant roofing at those ratings. It is not guaranteed, so ask your insurer before you commit and keep proof of installation once the job is done.
What affects the cost of a metal roof
No two jobs are priced the same. Factors that typically influence cost include:
- The size and pitch of your roof
- The style of metal roofing you choose
- Whether a tear-off of existing layers is needed
- The complexity of the roof, including valleys, dormers, and penetrations
- Local permit fees
A written estimate from a contractor is the only way to know what your specific project would cost.
Choosing a roofer for a metal roof
IBHS recommends getting at least three written estimates, confirming liability and workers' compensation insurance, and looking for a contractor with a permanent local business presence. Ask specifically whether they have installed the type of metal roofing you want. Nebraska requires contractors to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, searchable at dol.nebraska.gov.
In 2025, some Omaha-area homeowners found their contractor never pulled permits for their new roofs, according to WOWT. Ask for proof of the permit before the job is considered finished.
Frequently asked questions
Is a standing seam metal roof worth the cost compared to asphalt shingles?
That depends on your priorities, your home, and your budget. A roofer can give you a written estimate for both options so you can compare them directly.
Can metal roofing go over my existing shingles?
It may be possible if you only have one existing layer, but under the residential code Nebraska uses, a new roof cannot go over two or more existing layers. The IBHS 2013 demonstration also found that dents from hail were larger and deeper where metal was installed over old shingles. Ask your roofer to assess your current roof before deciding.
Will a metal roof qualify me for an insurance discount?
The Nebraska Department of Insurance says a discount is possible for impact-resistant roofing rated Class 3 or 4, but it is not guaranteed. Call your insurer before the work begins, and keep your installation documentation afterward.
Talk to a local contractor
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