April 05, 2026
Metal Roofing Performance at 115+ Degrees
Arizona's summers are brutal. Phoenix regularly hits 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and roof surface temperatures can exceed 170 degrees on dark materials. How does metal roofing hold up? Extremely well.
Surface Temperature Comparison
On a 115-degree Arizona afternoon with direct sun exposure, typical roof surface temperatures are:
Dark asphalt shingles: 160-170 degrees
Concrete tile: 140-155 degrees
Dark metal (unpainted Galvalume): 140-150 degrees
Light-colored metal (white or tan): 110-130 degrees
A white or light-colored metal roof can be 30-60 degrees cooler on the surface than dark asphalt shingles. That temperature difference translates directly to reduced heat transfer into your building and lower air conditioning costs.
Thermal Expansion
All materials expand when heated. Metal expands more noticeably than other roofing materials. This is why installation technique matters. Standing seam panels use floating clips that allow the panels to expand and contract freely without stress. Properly installed exposed-fastener panels use slots rather than round holes to allow thermal movement.
CopperState Panel Co. uses correct thermal movement techniques on every installation. Improper fastening that restricts thermal movement is the number one cause of metal roof problems — and it is 100% preventable with proper installation.
UV Resistance
Arizona's UV index regularly reaches 11+ (extreme). Over time, UV degrades every roofing material. Asphalt shingles lose granules and become brittle. Tile can bleach and crack. Metal panels with Kynar/PVDF coatings resist UV fading for 30+ years. Even bare Galvalume holds up well because the aluminum in the coating provides natural UV resistance.
Attic Temperature Impact
A reflective metal roof can reduce attic temperatures by 20-30 degrees compared to dark shingles. Lower attic temperatures mean your air conditioning ducts (which often run through the attic) are delivering cooler air, and your AC system runs less frequently. This is where the 10-25% cooling cost savings come from.
The Bottom Line
Metal roofing is engineered for extreme environments. Arizona's heat is well within its performance envelope. The combination of high reflectivity, thermal movement accommodation, UV-resistant coatings, and decades-long durability makes metal the rational choice for Arizona's climate.
Get a free quote from CopperState Panel Co. at (928) 300-5781.
Call us at (928) 300-5781 or request a free quote online. We guarantee to beat any Arizona distributor's price.
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