Panel size and roof coverage
Oxford shingles are made in a large 12″ x 60″ format, and it takes only 20 panels to cover 100 square feet. Each Oxford shingle also includes a custom molded foam insert underneath, which the competitor does not offer. The competitor’s shingle is much smaller at about 9.5″ x 18″, so it takes many more pieces to cover the same area. More pieces means more seams, and more seams mean more opportunities for water to enter the roof system. The competitor’s shingle also has a punched hole in the bottom right corner, which adds even more openings across the roof surface.
Thickness and durability
Oxford is made from .024 aluminum, which is about 26% thicker than the competitor’s .019 aluminum. That extra thickness gives Oxford more strength, better rigidity, and greater resistance to dents and damage. In simple terms, Oxford is the sturdier roof. For homeowners who want a roof that feels more substantial and holds up better over time, Oxford has the clear advantage.
Attachment and installation
Oxford uses an independent clip system spaced every 12 inches, along with a custom aluminum ring-shank roofing nail. The clips fasten into the panel locks and are then secured to the roof deck, allowing the roof to expand and contract naturally with temperature changes. Oxford also has about 35% more fastening points per 100 square feet, which means it is held down more securely across the entire roof. The competitor uses a much simpler method: one roofing nail through a tab in the upper right corner of each shingle. Oxford is a more engineered system that requires a skilled metal roofing installer, while the competitor’s system is simpler to install.
Performance in harsh weather
Oxford’s four-way interlock and clip fastening create a tighter, more integrated roof system. That design helps improve wind resistance, panel stability, and long-term performance while still allowing for natural movement in the metal. The competitor’s system may still perform adequately, but it is a less sophisticated design with fewer layers of protection. For homeowners concerned about severe weather, Oxford offers a stronger and more secure roofing solution.
The Oxford survived undamaged during a cat 2-3 hurricane, Melissa in San Salvador
This was another shingle that blew off in a 70 MPH wind burst; it belonged to a competitor and has the same .019 aluminum format (18.5 x 9) and a nail tab in the upper right.
Coating and finish
Both the Classic Metal Roofs Oxford shingle and the competitor’s shingle use a PVDF-based coating system, commonly known as Kynar. Kynar is the trade name for a high-performance PVDF resin used in premium exterior coatings, and it helps improve resistance to fading, chalking, cracking, and peeling. You can learn more about Kynar here: Kynar® PVDF Family.
MCA certification
Classic Metal Roofs’ Oxford shingle is also the only aluminum shingle in New England certified by the Metal Construction Association. The MCA is the industry organization that administers certification for certain metal roofing products, and the certification adds another layer of confidence for homeowners comparing roof systems. You can learn more about the organization here: Metal Construction Association.
Simple homeowner takeaway
If you want a roof with fewer seams, thicker aluminum, more secure fastening, a more advanced installation system, and MCA certification, Oxford is the stronger choice. Its larger panels, added foam insert, higher fastening count, and recognized certification all work together to create a roof that is built for better long-term performance and peace of mind.
