Metal Roofing in South Lake Tahoe
Standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofs installed for the South Shore's snow loads, ice, and high-altitude sun. Residential and commercial, with a free on-site estimate.
Why is metal the roof most Tahoe homeowners ask about?
Because it handles snow better than anything else we install. South Lake Tahoe averages well over 200 inches of snowfall in a normal winter, and a metal roof sheds that load instead of holding it. Snow slides off a standing seam panel long before it can pile up, compact, and start the freeze-thaw cycle that pushes water under shingles. Metal also does not absorb water, so there is nothing for ice to expand inside of. At 6,200 feet the summer UV is intense, and a factory-finished metal panel holds its color and coating far longer than an asphalt product baked by the same sun.
The trade-off is simple: metal costs more up front than shingle, and it takes more care to install correctly. Panel layout, clip spacing, expansion allowance, and the details at every valley, chimney, and vent are what separate a roof that lasts decades from one that leaks in its second winter. That detailing is the work we do.
What does a Trejo metal roof installation involve?
We start by inspecting the existing roof and the deck underneath it. On most re-roofs we tear off the old material down to the sheathing, replace any soft or delaminated decking, and lay a high-temperature synthetic underlayment with ice-and-water shield at the eaves, valleys, and around every penetration. Panels are then cut to length on site so there are no horizontal seams on the main runs. Standing seam panels are fastened with concealed clips that let the metal expand and contract with Tahoe's daily temperature swings; exposed-fastener panels use gasketed screws set on a layout we mark out before the first panel goes up. Ridge caps, eave trim, gable trim, and sidewall flashing are all shop-formed metal to match. Snow guards are placed where sliding snow would otherwise land on walkways, decks, meters, or a neighbor's fence.
Standing seam or exposed fastener?
Standing seam is the premium choice for a Tahoe home: concealed fasteners mean no screw heads to weather, no gaskets to age out, and a clean vertical line that suits cabins and modern mountain architecture alike. Exposed-fastener (through-fastened) panels cost less, install faster, and are a sound choice for garages, sheds, workshops, and many commercial and agricultural buildings where budget matters more than a seamless look. Both shed snow; both come in Kynar-type painted finishes. We will show you samples of each and explain which one fits your roof pitch, your budget, and how long you plan to own the property.
Wildfire and insurance
Metal is a non-combustible roof covering and, installed as a Class A assembly, it is one of the best choices for ember resistance in the Tahoe Basin's wildland-urban interface. Many homeowners find that a metal roof helps with insurance conversations, and it can be a factor in defensible-space inspections. Ask us to include the assembly details on your written estimate if you need them for your insurer.
Materials we use on metal roofs
Standing seam panels
Concealed-clip panels, typically 24-gauge steel, in 12- to 18-inch widths. No exposed screws on the field of the roof; clips allow thermal movement.
Exposed-fastener panels
Through-fastened ribbed or corrugated panels with gasketed screws. The economical option for outbuildings, shops and many commercial roofs.
Kynar-type finishes
Factory-applied PVDF paint systems that resist fading and chalking under high-altitude UV. Dozens of colors, including dark greens, browns and charcoal that suit the Basin.
Underlayment and ice shield
High-temperature synthetic underlayment over the full deck, with self-adhering ice-and-water membrane at eaves, valleys and penetrations.
Flashing and trim
Matching-color shop-formed metal at every transition: ridge, hip, eave, rake, sidewall, chimney and pipe boots rated for metal.
Snow retention
Pad- or bar-style snow guards, laid out for your roof's pitch and where the snow would otherwise fall.
Signs it's time to consider metal
- Shingles that are curling, cracking or shedding granules after a few Tahoe winters
- Ice dams forming every year at the eaves, with water stains inside
- Snow that sits on the roof for weeks and has to be shoveled off
- A cabin or A-frame with a steep pitch where sliding snow already does the work
- You plan to own the home long term and want the last roof you buy
- Your insurer or a defensible-space inspection has raised the roof covering
How it works
Free inspection
We walk the roof, check the deck and attic ventilation, and photograph problem areas.
Written estimate
Panel profile, gauge, color and flashing details spelled out, with pricing in writing.
Install
Tear-off, deck repair, underlayment and panels, usually a few days for a typical home.
Walk-through
We inspect every seam and flashing with you and hand over the manufacturer warranty paperwork.
From our recent work
Questions we hear most
Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
Not when it is installed over a solid deck with underlayment, which is how we install every residential metal roof. The sound is comparable to a shingle roof. The loud metal roofs people remember are usually barn roofs on open framing.
Will a metal roof shed snow onto my deck or walkway?
It can, which is why we plan snow guards as part of the layout. Guards hold snow in place so it melts off gradually instead of sliding in one sheet. We place them above entries, decks, meters and anywhere a slide would cause damage.
Can metal be installed over my existing shingles?
Sometimes, but we usually recommend a full tear-off in Tahoe so we can inspect the deck for rot and install proper ice-and-water shield. We will tell you honestly which option makes sense for your roof after the inspection.
How long does a metal roof last in Tahoe?
Properly installed standing seam roofs commonly last 40 years or more, roughly twice the life of an architectural shingle roof in our climate. The panel finish carries a manufacturer warranty; we go over the terms with you at the walk-through.
Can you put a metal roof over an existing metal roof?
Sometimes. If the existing panels are flat, dry and well fastened and the deck underneath is sound, a new standing seam roof can go over them on a sub-framing or a slip sheet, which saves tear-off cost. If the old roof has rusted panels, failed fasteners, trapped moisture or a soft deck, roofing over it hides the problem. We inspect first and will tell you which case you are in; in Tahoe we more often recommend removing the old metal so the deck and ice-and-water shield can be done properly.
Will insurance cover a metal roof?
It depends on your policy, so ask your insurer. Many carriers offer a discount for a Class A fire-rated metal roof because of its ember and hail resistance, and some require a roof upgrade in high-wildfire-risk areas. If a storm damages your current roof, a claim usually pays to replace it with a roof of like kind and quality; upgrading to metal is often possible if you pay the difference. We do not speak for insurers, but we provide the assembly details, photos and written estimate your agent will ask for.
Ready for a roof that's built for Tahoe?
Get a free inspection and written estimate. Call (530) 314-1913 or send us a message.