The beautiful look of metal roofs is becoming increasingly popular across the country, as homeowners are beginning to realize the many benefits that they provide. If you are like many people who are in the market for a new roof, you may be intimidated by misconceptions about metal roofs. This quality product has come a long way since its early days, and it is quickly becoming the preferred choice of homeowners around the country. If you need to replace your roof but feel that you don’t know enough about metal roofing options to make the transition, consider the answers to these questions that many people have.
In This Article
1. Are metal roofs too heavy for certain types of homes?
The weight of a metal roof is never a problem for homes. Metal roofs are actually 75% lighter than slate, fiber cement, and concrete tile, and 50% lighter than asphalt shingle roofs.
2. Is metal roofing an eco-friendly choice?
The benefits of a metal roof to the environment stack high. They are typically made with recycled steel, and the product is completely recyclable when it reaches the end of its long lifespan. Asphalt shingles can be recycled for pavement, but metal is easier recycled. Not only is a metal roof recyclable, but it can also be installed over old roofing materials, which means less waste in our landfills.
3. How well do metal roofs stand up to harsh weather?
One of the greatest features of a metal roof is that it is very resilient in all types of extreme weather. From snow and hail to heavy wind gusts of up to 120 miles per hour and even wildfires, metal roofs can withstand decades of abuse from the elements. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy snows, metal roofs are a prime choice, as they are known to shed snow quickly, which protects your roof’s structure.
4. I’ve heard that metal roofs are noisy in inclement weather, is this true?
Noise from rain and hail is virtually non-existent on a metal roof. It is certainly no noisier than options like slate, tile, cedar, and asphalt. The fact of the matter is, most of the noise is absorbed by the insulation in your attic.
5. How long do metal roofs last?
The durability and longevity of a metal roof make them the best choice for homeowners. Most metal roofs will last up to 50 years, while architectural asphalt shingles will last up to 30 years. Read more about how long metal roofs last.
6. What if a metal roof doesn’t look right on my home?
Many people have a visual idea of what metal roofs look like, but don’t realize that modern metal roof products come in a variety of styles that mimic Spanish tile, Cedar Shake, and Asphalt Shingle styles. They don’t have that same old “metal roof style” that you picture in your mind. With all of the options available, you don’t have to worry about finding a perfect style to match your home and neighborhood.
7. Are metal roofs a lot more expensive than other roofing materials?
The answer to this question depends on the other options you are considering. When comparing the price to asphalt shingles, it is a higher-priced premium product. While you will pay more upfront for a metal roof, you must keep in mind that it will come with a limited lifetime warranty, and you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof again. The cost of a metal roof is similar to that of cedar shake and tile, but less expensive than slate. Other premium benefits that make a metal roof worth the cost include savings on energy bills and adding to the resale value.
8. Will a metal roof affect my cell phone reception?
The only chance you have of a metal roof affecting your cell reception inside your home is if you are currently in a location where you have a very weak reception. If your reception is good at the moment, it should not be affected by a metal roof. If you think about it, you probably use your cell phone in a lot of businesses that have metal roofs, such as banks, stores, and restaurants. Even if your home does have poor cell reception, you can often couple your new metal roof with a cell phone signal booster to improve your signal.
9. Is a metal roof more dangerous during lightning storms?
When lightning strikes, it will always hit at the highest object in its vicinity, but it doesn’t matter what that object is made from. There is no more risk of a lightning strike on a metal roof than there is on other roofing materials, as a metal roof will not attract lightning any more than other products.
10. Metal Roofs are Susceptible to Rust?
Modern metal roofing is made with galvanized steel or aluminum, both of which are highly resistant to rust. In addition, they are often coated with stone.
If you need a new roof but have been leery of metal roofing due to unanswered questions, rest assured that this product is superior to nearly any other available today. If you still have questions that aren’t covered here, your metal roofing contractor will be able to explain the benefits of metal roofs in detail and put your mind at ease.