Metal Roof: What's True and What's False

FALSE:

If it's raining, the metal roofs can be very loud.

TRUE:

Metal roofs do not make noise. This myth is about the sound that rain makes on old buildings and barns with iron roofs. There's a distinction between the metal roofing materials that are used on barns as opposed to the residential roof. The foundation or base to which the roofing material is connected to is called decking. The decking that is attached to a residential structure or roof is sturdy and, together with the underlayment beneath the metal, helps reduce sound, leading to an unintentionally quiet roof. More or less loud than a tile or shingle roof.

FALSE:

Metal roofs are very heavy.

TRUE:

Metal roofs aren't heavy. The average metal roof is around half the weight of asphalt shingle and 75 percent less weight than concrete tiles.

FALSE:

It's impossible to walk through a metal roof.

TRUE:

Of course, you can walk across a metal roof. All it takes is the roof deck. If your deck is strong and sturdy, like the other types of roofs, the steel is strong and can withstand the weight of your body.

FALSE:

Metal roofs can get very hot.

TRUE:

In fact, the reverse is actually the case, but it's not quite the same. Metal roofs can get hot. However, certain metal roofs possess reflective properties which help keep your home cooler in summer. For a lengthy explanation, here's the short version: Asphalt shingles absorb heat and keep it hotter for longer. Metal is able to reflect heat and light due to its lower thermal mass. Therefore, when the temperature cools, and the roof is cool, it cools down.

FALSE:

Metal attracts lightning, and so the roof will be struck much more quickly.

TRUE:

Nope. Lightning is at the top, which means that even if your roof is made of asphalt or tile, it is at a similar risk of being struck by lightning as a metal roof.

FALSE:

Resales of homes are lower due to the fact that people do not appreciate metal roofing.

TRUE:

If the environment is right and with the right home, a metal roof enhances the value of your home by anywhere from 1 to 6 percent over homes that has asphalt shingles.

FALSE:

Metal roofs don't come with the design or colors concrete or asphalt tile do.

TRUE:

The color that your roof is made of needs to be in harmony with the design of your house. There are many options for achieving this goal! Color options. Style options. Style choices. However, your choices are endless!

FALSE:

Metal roofs are less robust.

TRUE:

What? You can't! After doing some research, we discovered that the metal roofing is extremely robust. The price is higher; however, the lifespan is 60 years or more, with no major wear and tear. If installed correctly, the roof of a metal structure will stand up to hail, wind or rain, rodents, mildew, etc. Metal roofing is noncombustible, which means that the fire-resistant properties are the best level that is possible.

FALSE:

The price for metal roofing is about the same as a top-quality metal shingle.

TRUE:

We'd like that to be the case, but metal roofing is usually 2 to 3 times more expensive than an asphalt roof. It's a good investment, but, if installed correctly, a metal roof should last more than 60 years.