What Homeowners in Eastern North Carolina Need to Know

Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity across Hampstead, Wilmington, Leland, Surf City, Topsail, St. James, New Bern, Swansboro, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and the entire Eastern North Carolina coast. But while many homeowners search for “metal roof installers near me,” few realize how drastically metal roofing systems can differ.

Here’s the truth:

Not all metal roofs are created equal — and the difference between a budget system and a true high-performance metal roof can determine how your home withstands hurricanes, salt corrosion, and decades of coastal weather.

At Fortitude Roofing, we educate first and install second. Quality is non-negotiable. This guide breaks down the four components that define a metal roof’s longevity, performance, and value.

1. Metal Roof Profiles: Standing Seam vs. 5V vs. AG Panel

Homeowners searching for standing seam roofing in New Bern, metal roofing Swansboro, or best metal roof for Emerald Isle often don’t realize that the profile — the shape and engineering of the metal panels — is the foundation of the entire system.

AG Panel (Exposed Fastener)

Cheapest option
Thousands of exposed screw penetrations
Higher leak risk
Not ideal for high-wind or coastal environments

5V Crimp Roofing

Popular historic and coastal look
Still uses exposed fasteners
Lower long-term performance

Standing Seam Roofing (Concealed Fastener)

The premier option for durability, beauty, and storm resilience — especially in high-wind areas like Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and Topsail.

Three Types of Standing Seam

Mechanical Lock – strongest but unnecessary for most homes
Nail Flange – budget option. Installed without clips.
Snap Lock – ideal for residential performance and longevity

The Fortitude Standard

We install only:

1.5” Snap Lock Standing Seam
Clip-based concealed fastening system

This system delivers exceptional wind resistance for hurricane-prone areas from Wilmington to New Bern and down through Swansboro and Emerald Isle.

2. Metal Gauge: Why Thickness Matters in Eastern NC

When homeowners search for 24 gauge metal roof Wilmington NC or best roofing for coastal climates, they’re really asking about panel strength.

Gauge Options

29 Gauge – thin, low-cost, not suitable for coastal homes
26 Gauge – better, but not the industry’s premium
24 Gauge – structural-grade steel, ideal for storms
Aluminum (.032, .040) – corrosion-proof for oceanfront homes

The Fortitude Standard

24-gauge steel for superior strength
.032 aluminum for high-salt environments like Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Surf City, Topsail, and Swansboro

Homes near saltwater require the right metal to avoid premature rust — and we never compromise on that.

3. Paint Systems: SMP vs. PVDF

The wrong paint system is one of the most common reasons homeowners replace metal roofs prematurely.

SMP Paint (Budget Option)

Fades faster
Chalks under heavy UV
Not ideal for oceanfront or high-sun exposure

PVDF (Kynar / Fluropon – Premium Option)

Industry-leading fade resistance
Superior color retention
Best for intense sunlight
Recommended for all coastal areas

The Fortitude Standard

Every metal roof we install — from Wilmington to New Bern, Emerald Isle to Leland — uses PVDF paint systems only.

Your roof should look as good in year 20 as it does on day one.

4. Underlayment: The Most Overlooked Component

Most roofing failures happen below the metal — not above it. Proper underlayment is critical in climates with heat, humidity, and storm exposure like Eastern North Carolina.

Underlayment Options

Synthetic felt — entry-level
Ice & water shield — good, but not heat resistant enough for metal
High-temperature ice & water shield — engineered for metal roofing movement and heat

The Fortitude Standard

Full-coverage, high-temperature ice & water shield
No shortcuts. No partial coverage. Ever.

This protects your home during hurricanes, high humidity cycles, and rapid temperature swings — common from New Bern to Morehead City and up through Hampstead.

Why Fortitude Roofing Is the Premier Metal Roofing Contractor Serving the NC Coast

Homeowners searching for “best metal roofer in Swansboro,” “standing seam roof New Bern,” or “metal roofing Emerald Isle” consistently choose Fortitude Roofing for one reason:

We install the highest-performing, longest-lasting metal roofing systems on the market. No exceptions.

Our Metal Roofing System Includes:

1.5″ Snap Lock Standing Seam
Clip-Based Concealed Fasteners
.032 Aluminum or 24-Gauge Steel
PVDF Resin-Based Paint
Full-Coverage High-Temp Ice & Water Shield

Why Homeowners Trust Us

We refuse to cut corners
We build roofs engineered for 50–70 years
We protect homes with the same system we’d install on our own
We serve with integrity, craftsmanship, and community commitment

From Wilmington to New Bern, Hampstead to Emerald Isle, and Swansboro to Morehead City, Fortitude Roofing is Eastern NC’s trusted leader in premium metal roofing.