Best Metal Roof Shake Shingle Materials and Protection Options
If you are planning a metal shake roof, the listed products are supporting materials rather than metal shake shingles themselves. The Grip-Rite and ApxRoufin rolls are underlayment options for beneath metal roofing; RotoMetals Zinc Armor and the LOSTRONAUT zinc strip are roof treatments or accessories. Choose underlayment for deck protection, and consider zinc products for compatible roof maintenance. No metal shake panels are included in this product list.
| Product | Best suited for | Product type |
|---|---|---|
| Grip-Rite ShingleLayment | Roofers seeking underlayment with stated 180-day UV exposure | Synthetic underlayment |
| ApxRoufin Underlayment | Projects needing a 1,000-square-foot roll and stated vapor permeability | Synthetic underlayment |
| RotoMetals Zinc Armor, 3-inch | Roof maintenance across several listed roof types | Zinc strip |
| LOSTRONAUT Zinc Strip | DIY moss-control projects | Zinc strip |
| RotoMetals Zinc Armor, 2.5-inch | Projects where a narrower strip is preferred | Zinc strip |
Grip-Rite Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Best for: Roofers who need a synthetic layer beneath metal roofing and value a longer stated temporary-exposure window. The product is a 4-by-250-foot polypropylene roll covering 1,000 square feet. Its features describe water-shedding protection, resistance to tearing and cracking, and UV treatment for up to 180 days of exposure.
It is selected because the listing specifically names metal roofing among its applications, alongside shingles, slate, wood shake, and other coverings. It is a roof-deck underlayment, not a visible metal shake panel.
Limitation: The listed use is for steep-slope roofs, and the product is temporary protection during installation; confirm the roofing system’s requirements before choosing it.
ApxRoufin Synthetic Roof Underlayment
Best for: Buyers comparing synthetic underlayment for a metal roof and wanting a stated roll coverage of 1,000 square feet. The listing describes a 48-inch-by-250-foot polypropylene membrane for metal, shingle, and tile roofs. It also states vapor permeability of 0.12 perms and resistance to tearing, UV exposure, and wind.
Choose this if vapor permeability and installation markings are important selection criteria. The listing says the membrane has coverage guide lines and nail-fixing marks, and allows up to 90 days of exposure. It is included as a directly relevant underlayment option, not as a metal shake shingle.
Limitation: The stated slope guidance is 2:12 or steeper. Check the roof design and local installation requirements before use.
RotoMetals Zinc Armor, 3-Inch
Best for: Roof owners considering a zinc accessory for a metal shingle roof or other listed roof types. The product is 3 inches wide and made from 99%-plus pure zinc. Its listing says it works on composite, flat tile, metal shingle, and cedar shake roofs, and that one exposed inch protects 10 feet of roofing.
It is selected because the listed application includes metal shingles, making it relevant to maintaining a metal shake-style roof. The seller describes it as easy to install and says the finish dulls over time to blend in.
Limitation: This is a zinc strip, not a roof covering or replacement panel. Follow product installation directions and confirm its suitability for the specific roof assembly.
LOSTRONAUT Zinc Strip For Moss Control
Best for: DIY buyers looking for a zinc strip intended to help limit roof moss and organic growth. The roll is 55 feet long and 2.5 inches wide. Its listing says rain spreads material from the exposed zinc and describes use with metal roof panels and shingles.
Choose this if moss prevention is the goal rather than roof-deck waterproofing. The listed installation approach uses roofing nails with neoprene washers and construction adhesive. The seller notes that additional rows may be needed for broader coverage, particularly in shady areas.
Limitation: The listing describes coverage as dependent on range and roof conditions; it does not provide a guaranteed treatment area for every roof.
RotoMetals Zinc Armor, 2.5-Inch
Best for: Buyers who want the Zinc Armor product in a narrower listed width. Like the 3-inch version, this strip is made from 99%-plus pure zinc. The product information says it can be used on composite, flat tile, metal shingle, and cedar shake roofs, and gives the same stated protection ratio of 10 feet of roofing per exposed inch.
It is selected as a width alternative for shoppers comparing zinc roof accessories. Choose this if 2.5 inches better suits the planned installation; compare the roof layout and manufacturer guidance rather than assuming the two widths are interchangeable in every application.
Limitation: It is not a metal shingle or underlayment, and the listing does not provide project-specific installation measurements.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Materials For A Metal Shake Roof
Do you need panels, underlayment, or a maintenance accessory?
Start by identifying the missing part of the roof system. Metal shake shingles are the exterior roof covering. Underlayment lies beneath the covering and provides secondary water-shedding protection. Zinc strips are accessories associated with roof maintenance or moss control. The five products above do not include metal shake panels.
Which underlayment details should you compare?
Check the roof’s slope, the covering manufacturer’s installation specifications, roll coverage, and allowed exposure time before the final roof covering is installed. Grip-Rite lists up to 180 days of UV exposure; ApxRoufin lists up to 90 days. These are product claims, not a substitute for confirming project-specific requirements.
How should you compare zinc strips?
Compare intended use, width, installation method, roof type, and placement. The RotoMetals listings name metal shingles among compatible roof types. LOSTRONAUT specifically describes moss control and notes that shady sections may require extra rows. Do not treat a zinc strip as a substitute for a damaged panel or a waterproof underlayment.
What should you verify before ordering?
Measure the roof area and account for overlap, cuts, and waste when estimating underlayment. Confirm that the listed material suits the roof assembly and local building requirements. For zinc products, check the manufacturer’s guidance on placement and attachment. If you need actual metal shake shingles, shop for roof panels separately and verify their profile, dimensions, finish, and installation instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these products metal shake shingles?
No. The products listed are synthetic underlayments and zinc strips. None is a metal shake roof panel.
Can synthetic underlayment be used beneath metal roofing?
Both underlayment listings name metal roofing as an intended application. Confirm slope, exposure limits, and installation requirements for your roof system.
Which underlayment lists the longer exposure period?
Grip-Rite lists UV treatment for up to 180 days. ApxRoufin lists up to 90 days of exposure.
Are zinc strips the same as roof flashing?
No. These listings describe zinc strips for roof protection or moss control. They should not be assumed to perform the same function as flashing or roof panels.
Can zinc strips replace damaged metal shingles?
No. A zinc strip is an accessory, not a replacement roof covering. Replace or repair damaged panels using materials and methods appropriate for the roof system.