<![CDATA[Island Metals - Blog]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:41:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Popular Metal Roof Colors and Styles for Island Homes]]>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:07:19 GMThttps://www.islandmetals.com/blog/popular-metal-roof-colors-and-styles-for-island-homesPicture
When you picture a home in Hawaii, you probably imagine bright sunlight, lush greenery, and bold blue skies. The roof you choose plays a huge role in how your home fits into this tropical landscape. For many island homeowners, metal roofing has become the preferred choice—not only for strength and durability but also for the wide variety of colors and styles available.
At Island Metals, we’ve seen how the right roof design transforms a house into a true island home. Here are some of the most popular color and style choices across Kauaʻi and the Hawaiian Islands.

Why Color Matters in Hawaii
Metal roofing isn’t just about protection from salt air, rain, and high winds. The color you choose also affects:
  • Curb appeal: Your roof can complement plantation-style homes, modern builds, or beachside cottages.
  • Energy efficiency: Lighter shades reflect more heat, keeping homes cooler in the tropical sun.
  • Longevity of beauty: High-quality paint finishes resist fading, chalking, and corrosion, even in coastal conditions. (See how our coatings are the best in the market)
Popular Metal Roof Colors on the Islands
  1. Cool Whites & Light Grays
    • Reflect sunlight and reduce cooling costs.
    • Work well with modern homes or island-style cottages near the beach.
    • Mauna Kea White is one of our most popular colors overall because of its versatility and off-white hue that goes well with most home designs.
  2. Classic Greens
    • A favorite across Kauaʻi, blending with lush mountain backdrops.
    • Perfect for plantation-style homes and rural properties.
    • Patina Green is a favorite light green color that helps reflect sunlight and goes well with the Garden Isle background of the wonderful trees and greenery of the island,
  3. Earthy Browns & Bronzes & Reds
    • Complement wood, stone, and natural landscaping.
    • A popular choice for upcountry or mountain-view homes.
    • Tahitian Bronze is a very popular color choice because of its neutral earth tone that complements the home and surroundings.
  4. Ocean Blues
    • Inspired by Hawaii’s waters, blues create a striking look that stands out without feeling out of place.
    • Often chosen for coastal homes and homes that want to add more color.
    • Slate Gray and Regal Blue are often chosen to showcase the blue style found on many homes in Hawaii.
  5. Traditional Silvers & Galvalume
    • Offer a clean, timeless look.
    • Practical, highly reflective, and cost-effective.
    • Going natural with the metal look offers a modern yet classic feel that matches very well with many home styles in Hawaii.
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Styles That Fit Island Living
  • Standing Seam Panels: Sleek, modern lines that shed heavy rain quickly. Ideal for hurricane resistance and solar panel installation. This low profile and modern look is the most popular choice on Hawaii.
  • Corrugated Panels: A classic look with wave-like ridges, widely used on both homes and agricultural buildings.  This style is often chosen to reflect the historic look and feel of Hawaiian plantation style homes but with the diversity of colors to give the right look.
  • PBR-Panel (4-Rib): Strong, practical, and cost-friendly—often chosen for carports, barns, and commercial projects. Has a similar look to Standing Seam, but easier to install and overall more cost effective, though it will have fasteners visible – screws).


Tips for Choosing Your Roof Color & Style
  • Consider your home’s surroundings: ocean, mountains, or town.
  • Think about long-term maintenance: high-quality coatings keep colors vibrant despite salt air.
  • Factor in energy efficiency: lighter colors can help reduce cooling costs year-round.
  • Look at your home’s architecture: modern homes pair well with standing seam, while plantation-style homes often shine with classic corrugated
Bringing It All Together
Choosing the right metal roof color and style is about more than looks—it’s about creating a home that reflects island living while withstanding Hawaii’s unique climate. Whether you’re building new or replacing an old roof, Island Metals is here to help you find the perfect fit.

​Ready to explore your options? Visit our Custom Metal Buildings page or stop by our Kauaʻi location to see color samples and talk with our team at 808-246-6600 or email us at info@islandmetals.com. 
]]><![CDATA[Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Tropical Climates]]>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:24:52 GMThttps://www.islandmetals.com/blog/metal-roofing-vs-asphalt-shingle-roofing-in-tropical-climates
Ever wonder why there are so many different types of roofs in Hawaii, but there seems to be a dominance of metal roofs?  When it comes to roofing in tropical climates like Hawaii, homeowners and contractors often weigh the pros and cons of metal roofing versus asphalt shingles. Both options have their advantages, but in a place where sun, salt air, heavy rains, and high winds are part of daily life, choosing the right roofing material is crucial.
The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing
Pros of Metal Roofing
✅ Durability & Longevity – Metal roofs can last 40–70 years, significantly longer than asphalt shingles, which typically last 15–30 years (sometimes much shorter due to the climate). Their resistance to rot, insects, and fire makes them ideal for tropical environments.  See our blog post about Copper and Aluminum roofs which can last hundreds of years!
✅ Weather Resistance – In hurricane-prone regions like Hawaii, metal roofing stands out for its superior wind resistance. Many metal roofs are rated for winds of 140 mph or more, making them a reliable choice during storms.  See our blog post about extreme weather and how metal roofs hold up.
✅ Energy Efficiency – Metal reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, reducing heat buildup in homes and lowering cooling costs—a major advantage in a warm climate. Some metal roofs are even coated with reflective materials to enhance this effect.
✅ Sustainability – Made from recyclable materials, metal roofing is an eco-friendly choice. Unlike asphalt shingles, which contribute significantly to landfill waste, metal roofs can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Cons of Metal Roofing
❌ Higher Initial Cost – Metal roofing has a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles. However, its longevity and energy savings often make up for the initial investment.
❌ Noise Factor – Without proper insulation, metal roofs can be noisier during heavy rain, which is common in tropical regions. However, modern installation techniques minimize this issue.
❌ Potential for Dents – While metal roofing is highly durable, softer metals like aluminum can dent from heavy debris or hail. However, many high-quality metal roofs are designed to withstand impacts.

The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
✅ Lower Upfront Cost – Asphalt shingles are generally more affordable than metal roofing, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
✅ Easier Installation & Repairs – Shingles are simpler to install and repair compared to metal roofing, which requires more expertise.
✅ Variety of Styles & Colors – Asphalt shingles come in a range of styles, offering more aesthetic flexibility for homeowners.

Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
❌ Shorter Lifespan – In Hawaii’s humid and salt-laden environment, asphalt shingles tend to deteriorate more quickly, requiring replacement more often.  You may have to replace a shingle roof 3 times before replacing a metal roof.
❌ Lower Wind & Weather Resistance – Asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to wind uplift, rain penetration, and mold/mildew growth in tropical conditions. Strong storms can cause shingles to tear or blow off entirely.
❌ Heat Absorption –Shingles absorb heat, which can make homes warmer and lead to higher cooling costs in hot climates.

Why Metal Roofing is the Preferred Choice in Hawaii
While asphalt shingles remain popular nationwide, metal roofing has gained significant traction in Hawaii due to its superior weather resistance, longevity, and energy efficiency. The island environment presents unique challenges—constant UV exposure, salt-laden air that accelerates material degradation, and the potential for strong winds during hurricane season. Metal roofs stand up to these challenges better than asphalt shingles, making them a more reliable long-term investment.
Additionally, Hawaii’s focus on sustainability aligns well with metal roofing’s recyclable materials and energy-saving benefits. Homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact and utility costs often find metal roofing to be the ideal solution.

​Conclusion
Both metal and asphalt shingle roofing have their pros and cons, but in tropical climates like Hawaii, metal roofing emerges as the preferred choice for durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term benefits make metal roofing a smart investment for homeowners looking to protect their homes from the elements.

    Want to Learn More about a metal roof in Hawaii?
]]><![CDATA[Copper and Aluminum Metal Roofing]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:57:00 GMThttps://www.islandmetals.com/blog/copper-and-aluminum-metal-roofingCopper Roofing PictureHildesheim Cathedral
Copper has been used for centuries for statues, art, tools, and roofing.  There are so many examples but I just want to share a couple to illustrate the longevity and durability of copper. 

​The first great example is the Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany.  It was built in 1020 with the copper roof installed around 1280. The roof maintained it's beauty and strength until 1945 when the building was destroyed by an air raid during WWII.  665 years on a roof and I'm sure it could have lasted even longer!  Today the rebuilt church has a great copper roof with a natural aged patina that will last for another century.
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Kronborg Castle
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Christ Church in Philadelphia
Another great example of copper roofing is the Kronborg Castle in Denmark. It was constructed in the 1420's and was expanded to the iconic castle in 1585 where it received it's copper metal roof. In 1629 much of the building was destroyed by a fire but was rebuilt. In 2009, it completed a modern restoration where part of the roof was replaced with copper. 380 years for a roof is pretty good and I'm sure it will last for hundreds of years to come.

In America, there are several great examples of copper roofs lasting hundreds of years. One of the most well know is the Christ Church in Philadelphia. It was built in 1744 (32 years before the birth of our country!). The copper roof continues today with a wonderful natural green patina; over 276 years old and going strong.

There are many other great examples but I think you get the point. Copper roofs are long lasting. Unlike iron, which corrodes and rusts as it ages becoming weaker, copper doesn't corrode. As it ages, it actually undergoes a chemical change that it coats itself and goes from the shiny bright copper color to brown to black and then to an oxide-sulfate patina green. Have you looked at a new penny and a really old penny, you can see that chemical change and color change. That chemical change actually helps continue to preserve the metal and give it the long lasting characteristic that many metals do not have. This process of changing color depends on many environmental factors (rainfall, sunshine, atmospheric pollutants, etc.)

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum also has a great history of success in roofing. This naturally occurring element is abundant in earth and is highly recyclable (think about soda cans). Like copper, it does not corrode and is can last an extremely long time. I'll share a couple examples of how aluminum is being used in roofing.

One of the earlier examples of aluminum being used for roofing is the Chief Secretary's Office in Sydney, Australia. The building was completed in 1880 and the dome covered in aluminum in 1896 becoming one of the earliest buildings to use aluminum this way. 124 years later and going strong. 

Another example is Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Israel. This iconic building was built around 692 and has undergone many different changes. The dome itself has been covered or painted many times over the years including gold plating. But what's better than gold, aluminum! In 1965, as part of the renovation of the building a new aluminum bronze alloy was used and then covered in gold leaf (super thin layer) which gives it the gold color appearance. Before 1959 the dome was covered in lead that turned black. A very drastic difference with aluminum creating the longevity, strength, and light weight needs of the buildings dome.

Today aluminum is manufactured in rolls (standard is 0.032 inches thick) and can be coated and painted and used in many different roofing applications. With the metal properties that don't allow aluminum to corrode, extremely long life, lower cost than copper, and flexibility to be coated/painted it is becoming a preferred metal for roofing. In coastal (near oceans, <1 mile) locations, aluminum is a choice that will endure salt air and the corrosive environment. 
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Chief Secretary's Office
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Dome of the Rock
]]><![CDATA[Extreme Weather - does metal roofing hold up?]]>Tue, 08 Oct 2019 13:46:46 GMThttps://www.islandmetals.com/blog/extreme-weather-does-metal-roofing-hold-up​Metal’s Resistance to High-Wind Events Picture
Metal Roofs are known for their durability, with warranties for 30 years and usability life of 50+ years.  But how do they perform in high wind storms like tropical storms or even hurricanes?

Metal roofs are designed for 120+ mph winds, with additional securing methods they can withstand winds in excess of 160 mph.  To put that into perspective, 120+ mph is like being hit with a Category 3 hurricane, and additional securing methods can go to Category 5 hurricane.  Compare that to asphalt shingles which are rate for 60-80 mph, a Category 1 Hurricane.  No wonder metal roofs are the preferred roofing in Hurricane and high wind areas of the United States.

To get the full benefit of the metal roofing you will want your contractor or installer to use the securing brackets and screws at the recommended intervals for your roof.  Going cheap on screws or brackets is one way to shorten the life and durability of your roof during high wind incidents.

Metal's Resistance to Sun, Rain, and Fire

Metal Roofs have a long history in Hawaii for a good reason, they last in our weather.  Our metal roofs are painted and coated with industry-leading ULTRA-Cool® heat reflective Kynar 500®coating, creating an energy efficient “Cool” metal roof, ideal for Hawaii’s environment.  The ULTRA-Cool® Kynar 500® paint system uses infrared reflective pigments that direct heat away from the roof, lowering the roof’s temperature, keeping the building cooler and reducing cooling costs.

This paint and coating helps protect the metal to last a long life in rainy conditions.  Corrosion occurs as water interacts with materials.  Slowing down this process helps maintain structural integrity and longevity.  No wonder metal roofs with Kynar coatings have become the industry standard and premium choice in Hawaii.  An additional benefit, metal roofs are fire resistant!  So protecting against natural fires and neighbor fires adds another level of protection for your home.

Fortunately you've come to the right place, Island Metals provides high quality metal that is coated in Kynar paint system to provide the highest protection from high-wind events, sun, rain, and fire.  Check out our selection and give us a call to see how we can provide the very best materials to last a long time in Kauai.
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