Central States metal roofing is a popular choice for homeowners and property owners who want long-term performance, strong weather protection, and modern curb appeal. The challenge is not whether metal roofing is a good idea. The challenge is choosing the right profile, choosing a roof color that looks right for decades, and understanding what actually drives price on a real project.
This guide is built to help you make that decision quickly and confidently, with practical guidance on Central States styles available through Top Tier Metals, how to pick colors that work for your climate and neighborhood, and which variables matter most when pricing a roof.
Quick links for reference (open in a new tab):
Central States Metal Roofing collection at Top Tier Metals
Panel Loc Plus metal roofing and siding panel details
Horizon Loc standing seam metal roofing panel details
Metal panel roofing systems collection
All metal roofing options at Top Tier Metals
What makes Central States metal roofing a strong choice
Most people choose Central States for a simple reason: they want a roof that holds up in tough weather while still improving the look of the property. The right profile can also reduce maintenance headaches compared to materials that require frequent replacement cycles.
From a practical buyer perspective, Central States is usually a good fit when you care about:
- Long-term durability and stable performance in harsh weather
- Modern curb appeal with profiles that range from classic ribbed panels to clean standing seam
- Color flexibility so your roof can match exterior finishes and neighborhood expectations
- Versatility across homes, shops, barns, garages, and light commercial buildings
If you are still comparing categories (panel vs shingle vs shake vs tile), use this page to browse every style in one place: Browse all metal roofing styles at Top Tier Metals.
Popular Central States metal roofing styles
Central States offers multiple panel families and design approaches. At Top Tier Metals, the primary Central States panel options you will see are Panel Loc Plus and Horizon Loc.
Panel Loc Plus: classic ribbed metal panel for roofing and siding
Panel Loc Plus ribbed metal roofing and siding panel is a traditional exposed-fastener panel profile. Buyers typically choose it because it delivers strong value, installs efficiently, and works well for both roofs and walls in many building types, including residential, post-frame, and agricultural applications.
Panel Loc Plus is a strong fit when:
- You want a durable, proven panel look that works on many building styles
- You want roof and wall panel compatibility for a shop, barn, or garage
- You want a value-forward option without sacrificing a clean finished appearance
Horizon Loc: standing seam look for a premium, modern finish
Horizon Loc standing seam style metal roofing panel is selected when the roof is a visual feature and you want a cleaner, more architectural look. Standing seam style profiles are typically favored on homes and higher-visibility projects where design and finish quality matter as much as function.
Horizon Loc is a strong fit when:
- You want a sleek modern roof appearance with strong curb appeal
- You want a premium panel aesthetic for a home or highly visible building
- You value a more refined finish and cleaner visual lines
Panel Loc Plus vs Horizon Loc: how to choose fast
If you only remember one rule, remember this: choose based on how the building should look from the street and how you want the system to behave over time.
| Decision factor | Panel Loc Plus | Horizon Loc |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Homes, shops, barns, garages, siding and roofing versatility | Homes and high-visibility roofs needing premium curb appeal |
| Look | Classic ribbed panel profile | Clean standing seam style lines |
| Typical buyer priority | Value and versatility | Premium appearance and architectural finish |
| Best match examples | Farmhouse, post-frame, utility buildings, mixed-use envelopes | Modern, transitional, upscale residential exteriors |
To compare both within the broader panel category, use the collection page: Explore metal panel roofing systems at Top Tier Metals.
How to choose the best Central States roof color
Roof color is not just design preference. It impacts perceived quality, heat management, HOA approvals, and resale appeal. The best approach is to choose a color that works in three contexts: from the street, next to your exterior materials, and across seasons of lighting.
1) Start with your exterior materials and permanent features
Choose roof color to complement items you are not planning to change soon:
- Brick, stone, siding, stucco
- Window frames and trim color
- Gutters, fascia, soffit, and garage doors
- Driveway color and landscaping tone
If you plan to customize trim and accessories to match or contrast your roof, this resource is helpful: Metal roof accessories and trim color matching guide.
2) Decide if you want the roof to blend in or stand out
- Blend-in colors usually include charcoal, black, dark bronze, weathered gray, and neutral earth tones. These often have broad neighborhood acceptance and resale friendliness.
- Statement colors can include brighter reds, greens, and saturated blues. These can look incredible on the right architecture, but they are more sensitive to HOA rules and neighborhood expectations.
3) Consider heat and energy comfort the right way
In hot climates or full-sun exposures, lighter and more reflective colors can reduce roof surface heat. In mixed climates, the difference is more about attic ventilation quality and insulation than it is about color alone. The best practical approach is:
- Choose a color you will like for decades
- Make sure the roof assembly includes good ventilation and insulation
- Use a finish and coating system that is built for long-term outdoor exposure
4) HOA and neighborhood rules: avoid rework and delays
If you are in an HOA, ask for written requirements before ordering. Many HOAs care about:
- Approved color families (often neutrals)
- Sheen or gloss limits
- Whether a roof must match neighborhood palettes
Tip that prevents headaches: select two acceptable colors and submit both, so you can pivot quickly if the first choice is rejected.
5) Use a simple color selection framework
When you are stuck between options, use this practical rule:
- Choose one dominant color for the roof field
- Choose one supporting color for trim, fascia, gutters, and soffit
- Choose one accent color for doors, shutters, or small exterior highlights
This keeps the exterior cohesive and reduces the chance your roof feels disconnected from the rest of the property.
Central States metal roofing cost: what actually drives the price
Metal roofing cost is not a single number. It is a bundle of decisions. The most important thing for buyers is knowing which levers move the final price so you can control the budget without compromising the outcome.
Major cost drivers
- Panel type and profile standing seam style panels typically price differently than ribbed exposed-fastener panels
- Metal thickness and material options gauge and substrate choices affect cost and application fit
- Coating and finish system premium paint systems can change price and long-term appearance stability
- Roof size and complexity valleys, dormers, skylights, and penetrations add labor and trim
- Tear-off vs overlay removing an old roof adds labor and disposal costs
- Underlayment and ventilation roof assembly quality affects long-term performance and comfort
If you are evaluating an overlay option, this guide is useful: Metal roof over shingles pros cons and code compliance guide.
Installation and planning considerations that protect your investment
The profile matters, but performance is won or lost at details. If you want your roof to stay watertight and look clean over the long term, focus on:
- Edge and transition detailing eaves, rakes, ridges, hips, valleys, and wall intersections
- Penetrations skylights, vents, chimneys, and plumbing stacks require clean flashing execution
- Ventilation strategy a well-ventilated assembly helps reduce moisture risk and improves comfort
- Condensation control especially for shops and post-frame buildings with temperature swings
- Fastener and trim discipline high-quality trim work changes how premium a roof looks
If you want to keep decisions simple, start by selecting the panel family first (Panel Loc Plus or Horizon Loc), then finalize color, then plan trim and accessories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Central States metal roof style for a shop or post-frame building?
Most shop and post-frame projects prioritize value, durability, and roof plus wall versatility, which makes Panel Loc Plus for shops and post-frame buildings a common fit. For a more premium, architectural roof appearance on a highly visible building, Horizon Loc standing seam style roofing can be a better aesthetic match.
Do darker metal roof colors make a house hotter?
Darker colors can absorb more heat on the roof surface, but interior comfort is heavily influenced by insulation and ventilation. If comfort is a concern, prioritize the roof assembly design and ventilation plan, then pick the color that best matches your home style and neighborhood.
How do I pick a metal roof color that helps resale?
In most markets, neutral colors that fit the neighborhood tend to have the broadest buyer acceptance. Charcoal, black, gray blends, and subtle earth tones are often the safest long-term resale choices, especially when they coordinate with brick, stone, and trim.
Where can I view Central States metal roofing options sold by Top Tier Metals?
You can see the current Central States options here: View Central States metal roofing options at Top Tier Metals.
If you want the fastest path to the right profile, the right color, and a clean project plan, schedule a quote consult:
Schedule a free metal roofing consultation with Top Tier Metals
