Metal roofing has become a popular option for many homeowners in the last few years. Aside from the fact that metal roofing has great curb appeal, it also protects your roof against harsh weather. Its durability is one of the reasons it has become increasingly popular for residential and commercial buildings. This article will explain 12 things you should know if you’re considering metal roofing for your home or business.

1. Metal Roofing Isn’t Just a Novelty

In the past, metal roofing was only found in high-end homes. Today, metal roofing can be found in conventional homes as well, thanks to an increase in availability and improved manufacturing methods. According to reports from the industry, about 15% of all roofing installations were made with metal roofing materials in 2017.

2. Metal Roofing is Easily Installed Over Your Existing Roof

Metal roofs can be placed over your existing roof without having to remove shingles. Shingle removal can be expensive and messy. Before installing a metal roof over your existing roof you will need to check to make sure what your local building codes permit. Typically, metal roofs can be installed over one layer of shingles.

3. Metal Roofs Aren’t Noisy

Despite the popular belief that metal roofs are noisy in rain and hail, metal roofing is quieter than other types of roofing. Metal roofing is installed over a solid substrate. In addition, the insulation and attic of your home or business provide a sound barrier so many homeowners rarely even notice any sound increases when a metal roof is installed

4. Metal Roofing Doesn’t Attract Lightning

You may think or have heard that a metal roof will attract lightning. However, this isn’t the case. If a metal roof is struck by lightning it is less combustible than ordinary roofing materials such as wood shakes or shingles. Lightning seeks a path to the ground, which normally is why trees, telephone poles, and other structures tend to attract lightning. Since metal roofs are isolated structural components with no direct path to the ground, there is no scientific reason for lightning to strike a metal roof.

5. Metal Roofing Is Cost-Effective

Typically, metal roofing products are covered by a warranty of 30 years. However, metal roofs have been known to last for 50 years or more. It is very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof in their home over the time he or she lives in the home. With an asphalt shingle roof, a homeowner will likely have to replace their roof two or three times over 50 years. Although the cost of a metal roof is initially slightly more expensive than an asphalt roof, it could end up saving you money over a long period. If you live in an area where hail or wildfires are a possibility, then your insurance company may offer lower rates for homeowners with metal roofs. This will reduce your overall costs even more.

6. Metal Roofing is Impervious TO Rot, Fire, and Insect Damages

One of the many reasons that metal roofing has become increasingly popular is due to it being virtually fireproof. The dangers of wildfires are on the rise, and because of this metal roofing has become the main choice in many parts of the country. Additionally, metal roofing:

• Can’t be eaten by termites or any other insects.
• Is resistant to rot and mildew.
• Absorbs heat from the sun, which makes snow much easier to be removed.

7. Metal Roofs Are More Energy-Efficient

Studies show that metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, which could reduce your cooling costs by up to 25%. If you live in a climate where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, then getting a metal roof could improve your energy savings.

8. Metal Roofing Can Be Used On Low Slope Roofs

Many people believe that a metal roof is only suitable for a roof with a steep slope. However, standing-seam metal roofing works just as well on gently pitched roofs. The roofing is installed in large sheets that have seams that are slightly raised and tightly sealed together to resist water. While it is necessary to have some slope to ensure water run-off, many homes can accomadate metal roofing.

9. Severe Hail Could Easily Damage a Metal Roof 

Even though metal roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles, they are still susceptible to weather damage. A particular weather condition that can damage a metal roof is large-sized hail. Aluminum and copper are vulnerable to denting when hail reaches a golf-ball size. Normally, pea-sized or even dime-sized hail isn’t a problem, but some larger hailstorms have been known to destroy some metal roofs. Any hail storm has the potential to destroy any roof, so it is a good idea to have a homeowner’s insurance that will cover such damage.

10. A Professional Is Normally Required For Installation and Repairs

There have been some DIYers that have tried to install and repair their metal roof, but it isn’t advised. Generally, metal roofing is only available through select retailers, and the required techniques that are used for installation and repairs require a professional with a certain set of specialized skills. If you select a metal roof, then you will more than likely be calling a professional if any problems should occur. Luckily, problems with metal roofing are rare.

11. Ridged Vents Are More Noticeable

In most homes today, attic ventilation is provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. With a shingled roof, the continuous ridge vent is a strip of shingle-like material that stretches the entire length of the peak of the house, which masks outflow holes on the ridge sides. You have probably seen this numerous times, but it’s not likely that you have noticed it due to the CRV lying very flat and blending perfectly with the surrounding roof. The CRV on a metal roof is also made of metal and it is more noticeable because it stands out further. These ridges give a metal roof a more distinctive look.

12. You Can Recycle a Metal Roof

Old asphalt roofing is more than likely going to end up taking up space at a landfill or cluttering your yard. Whereas metal roofing can easily be recycled. Even though metal roofing is very durable and long-lasting, if the time comes to replace one, you can easily discard the old metal at a metal recycling outlet to be recycled.

Summary

There are many things to learn about metal roofing. If you want to learn more, contact Mighty Metal Roofing today and we can answer any questions you may have. With an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and over 25 years of metal roofing experience, we are known as one of the top mid-south metal roofing experts. Call us today to get a free estimate and roof inspection!