Snap-Lok or Exposed Fastener — What Roof Should You Choose?

One of the most common questions we get is: “Should I use an exposed fastener metal roof or a hidden fastener like Snap-Lok?”

Here’s the straight-up answer:

If you're roofing your home, and you want it to last basically forever with zero maintenance — Snap-Lok is your best friend. It’s a premium option, but it's clean, strong, and the fasteners are completely hidden, so there’s nothing exposed to wear out over time. As long as the metal lasts, that roof will last.

Just know it’s going to cost more. If an exposed fastener roof runs you around $30,000, Snap-Lok could be $40,000–$45,000. You also have to sheet the whole roof with OSB or plywood, which adds more material and labour cost.

But it’s worth it for a house. You’re going to be there a long time, and it’s basically a set-it-and-forget-it roof.

Now, if you're building a barn, shop, or other outbuilding...

Exposed fasteners are the way to go. You can install them straight to the purlins — no need for sheeting — and they go on fast, which saves you money in labour. The panels are cheaper too.

The trade-off is that, in 15 to 20 years, you’ll want to go over the roof, tighten fasteners, maybe replace a few. But even with that? Still way better than shingles.

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To sum it up:

• Snap-Lok: Lifetime roof, no maintenance, ideal for homes.

  
  

• Exposed Fastener: More budget-friendly, ideal for barns and shops, minor upkeep down the road.

  
  

Want Snap-Lok on your shop? No problem. Want exposed fasteners on your house? Also no problem. It all depends on how much you want to spend upfront vs how much you want to deal with later.

Either way, metal beats shingles every time.