Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Metal Roofs

Since a metal roof is considered a premium product for homes, it will cost you up to three times more than what you pay for an asphalt shingle roof. Compare the cost of a metal roof to a cedar shake or tile roof; it’s about the same. And, if you have a slate roof, you’ll pay less for the metal roof.

The great thing about metal roofs, regardless of the style you go with, is that they have a 30 to 50-year warranty with them. On top of that, you can feel secure knowing three things:

• You don’t have to spend more money on re-roofing the home.
• The home’s resale value increases.
• You spend less on your energy bills.

Metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, which is about three times longer than a standard roof. On top of that, you can have them repainted rather than replaced to give the home a new look.

Most asphalt roofs will last anywhere from 12 to 20 years, with weather and roof pitch factors in the lifespan. Since asphalt comprises of fiberglass or oil-impregnated paper, it starts deteriorating immediately upon exposure to weather. On the other hand, metal roofs won’t deteriorate. Shake, and wood shingle roofs usually must be replaced within 20 years. Concrete tile roofs that are frequently exposed to a freeze-and-thaw-environment will suffer cracking and warping.

A metal roof can last longer than every other roofing material. It will keep its aesthetics and durability for many decades to come.

One way to improve a home’s value is to replace the roof – and if you’re going to sell your home, this is something to consider. There is some misconception that a metal roof will decrease the home’s value, but the truth is that it can increase it by 6% over a home that’s been redone using asphalt shingles.

Reports show that metal roofs provide a 60 % return on investment. You’ll pay more initially for the metal roof, but due to its many benefits it can increase the home’s resale value which pays off in the long run. As long as it’s installed properly, your metal roof will increase the resale value of your house rather than diminishing it.

Metal roofs are made from all kinds of materials, such as aluminum, copper and steel. Only metal roofs that have iron in them, such as steel, will experience rusting. There is a copious amount of aluminum in the world, and it’s naturally resistant to rust, lightweight, recyclable and robust. That’s why it’s considered the most popular metal roofing material.

Steel must be galvanized to keep it from corroding and rusting. If you’re looking to get a steel roof, be sure it’s one that’s been galvanized. Copper and tin also do not have iron, so they naturally resist rust. The problem is the tarnishing aspect, which is often seen in coastal regions.

Metal roof sealant has a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years, but how long it lasts depends on the product itself. Sealants will not last the lifespan of a metal roof, meaning they will need to be changed eventually. Be sure to inspect your roof often to see if the sealant remains intact. If you don’t, your roof could develop a leak.

One myth that surrounds metal roofs is that they cause the living space to overheat because metal feels hot quickly when you touch it. But that is not true. A home’s interior is not negatively affected by having a metal roof installed on it. Quite the opposite, a metal roof can help maintain a cool home in the summertime, due to its energy efficiency and its ability to reflect the sun.

As one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available, metal roofing systems will help lower your energy bills. Instead of absorbing the incoming energy, metal roofs reflect the sun rays which will reduce the work your air conditioner has to do. This is especially true for lightweight metal roofs in light colors.

Although there are many advantages to a metal roof, there are some negative aspects to keep in mind as well:

• Price – Metal roofs cost about three times more than other types of roofs, but it’s their long lifespan that makes them so worthwhile, especially if you’ll be living in the home for many years afterward.
• Noisy – In rain or hail storms, metal roofs can sound noisier, but this does depend on the kind of decking used in the installation process. Additional insulation in the attic can also muffle the outside sounds.
• Color Match Inconsistencies – When you need to repair your roof or add another section to the home, you may find that the color you have on your roof is no longer available.
• Expanding and Contracting – Extreme weather temperatures can affect the assemblies of the metal roofing material, and these assemblies all have their own lifespan. In some cases, you may find that the screws and washers are no longer in their right places or have degraded. This effect can be countered with proper metal roof maintenance though.

Metal roofs are much better at withstanding severe weather conditions such as heavy snow, high winds, wildfires and hail storms than most other roofing systems. According to metal roof manufacturers, this roof type can withstand 140 miles per hour winds.

For places where wildfires are common, a metal roof will protect the home from becoming ablaze due to falling embers.

Metal roofs will not increase the chances of a lightning strike but can help to lower the impact. Lightning comprises negatively-charged electrons that look for the least resistance towards the positively-charged ground. Metal is a great electricity conductor, so if lightning hits the roof, it’s transferred to the ground or another conductor in the impact area quickly through the metal roof.

On top of that, metal is a non-combustible material and will protect the home from a fire getting caused by the highly intense heat of a lightning strike.

Metal is considered an eco-friendly material because it can be completely recycled even when it’s been used for many years. The Home Innovation Research Lab said every year, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are thrown into U.S. landfills.

Talk about wastefulness. When you want a metal roof, it can be installed on your asphalt roof, decreasing the amount that goes into landfills annually and reducing the waste.

When it’s raining or hailing, metal roofs can be a little noisier than other roofing materials. However, this also greatly depends on the decking type used in the installation process. When attic insulation is done properly, the sound is muffled and absorbed by the insulation materials.

Though a metal roof sounds heavy, it’s actually about 50% lighter than asphalt-shingle roofs, and around 75% lighter than slate, concrete tile and fiber cement shakes. As such, it can be used on any structure – large or small.

No, a metal roof will not interfere with a cell phone’s service. It’s the utility tower nearby the home or business that leads to the disruption in service. When there is a suspension in cell phone radio frequency, the cause is the tower.

Metal roofs do not affect Wi-Fi service, especially if that connection is received through satellite service. When you have a good phone signal going into the home or business, the metal roof will have no effect on the service.

Where the signal is poor, a metal roof will have some effect on the messaging and call service. If you live in an area with a poor signal, you’ll want to use Wi-Fi calling or messaging.

Californians are all about energy efficiency, and this goes for their roofs. When homeowners and business owners realize how energy-efficient metal roofs are, they often choose them for their buildings. Since a metal roof has reflective properties, it will help lower energy costs by nearly 25%.

Coastal communities can solidly use metal roofs, despite the harsh environment. Still, some metal options are better for these areas than others in durability and protection. If your home or business is more than 1,500 feet from the coast (saltwater), you can choose a standard metal roof. The closer your building is to the cost, it’s best to use metal roofs with unique paint finishes to protect it from corrosion.