Roofing Options
Subject: More Than Shelter: Roof Choices
Preview: Shingles, metal, polycarbonate — three paths, three very different outcomes.
Hi [First Name],
Once you have settled on a structure type, the next decision changes the way the whole thing feels: what goes on top. Roofing affects the weight the structure has to carry, the engineering required to support it, the look from every angle, and the long-term maintenance you are signing up for.
The Comparison
Three Paths, Side by Side
Shingles — the most familiar option. Easy to match to your home, widely available, lowest material cost. But they require a solid roof deck underneath, which adds significant weight the structure must support. Lifespan: 20–30 years.
Metal — standing seam or corrugated panels. Lighter than shingles, sheds snow efficiently, and lasts 40–70 years. Costs more upfront, and rain on metal is not quiet.
Polycarbonate — translucent panels that let light through while blocking rain and UV. The lightest option by far. Does not provide full shade, and has a modern, almost commercial aesthetic.
| Shingles | Metal | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heaviest | Moderate | Lightest |
| Lifespan | 20–30 yrs | 40–70 yrs | 15–25 yrs |
| Light | Full shade | Full shade | Filtered light |
| Cost | Lowest | Higher | Moderate |
The roofing material does not just sit on top of the structure — it changes what the structure underneath needs to be.
One Thing Most People Miss
Roofing is sourced and installed locally — it is not part of the timber frame kit. Your local roofing contractor handles the material and labor. We engineer the structure to support the roofing you choose, and your roofer finishes it on site.
Local roofing always costs less than shipping roofing materials cross-country. Your roofer knows local codes, local weather, and local pricing — and they warranty their own work.
The questions to ask any builder: “What roofing material is this structure engineered for? If I change the roofing later, does that change the engineering? Is the roofing included in the kit price or sourced locally?”
The best approach is to decide on roofing early in the design process, not after the structure is engineered. Reply with your project details and I will walk you through which option makes sense for your structure, your climate, and your budget.
To great outdoor living,
[Name]
Western Timber Frame
[Phone] | [Email] | westerntimberframe.com
Western Timber Frame, Inc.
2026 U.S. Small Business Administration
Utah Manufacturing Small Business of the Year
