Preconceived notions are dangerous for homeowners choosing a new roof.
For some, there is a common misconception they must forego safety over style.
Why not have both?
Today’s Homeowner debunks some of the most common myths about metal roofing. Plus, we nail down some interesting facts you may not have heard along the way.
Metal Myth 1.
A metal roof will make my home look like an industrial building or a barn.
Fact:
Metal roofing not only comes in a wide number of colors, but it can also fit just about any architectural style.
Metal roofs can mimic the look of shakes, slate and clay tile. This gives homeowners the flexibility to shape the home to fit their style, and still achieve exceptional durability and performance.
Once a style is chosen it can be customized with a wide range of color options.
Copper, titanium, and stainless steel are popular among homeowners looking for that one-of-a-kind look.
Metal Myth 2.
A metal roof will easily dent in extreme weather conditions.
Fact:
Metal roofs are the preferred and most durable choice for combating everything Mother Nature throws at a roof.
A metal roof can protect a home from hurricane-force winds, hold up under heavy snow and ice, and offer wildfire protection.
Metal roofing also performed best against hailstorms, withstanding even golf ball-sized hailstones without compromising performance.
Bonus Fact:
A common misconception is that metal roofs attract lightning more than others.
Actually, a metal roof isn’t any more likely to be struck by lightning than any other roof. If a metal roof home is struck, the electricity will be safely transferred to the ground so no occupants will be harmed.
can i have gutters with a metal roof or will the rain run off a metal roof faster and miss the gutter?
Hi, Jane,
Generally, we recommend homeowners to use gutters and gutter guards to prevent foundational problems.
However, we recommend contacting the Metal Roofing Alliance for questions about applications in specific geographic areas.
Here’s where you can do that: https://www.metalroofing.com/about-metal-roofing-alliance/contact/
Good luck!
i would like to get a estimate on a metal roof for my house,please.
can you direct me to someone in the Augusta Georgia area.
Hi, Dibenardo,
TodaysHomeowner.com features home improvement advice from the nationally syndicated TV show “Today’s Homeowner” and its experts.
We don’t offer information on individual home builders, repairers and suppliers, but we encourage checking your local phone listings for this information.
Thanks for your question, and good luck!
Will metal roofs help to block the new 5G radiation?
Hi, Cindy,
We recommend contacting the Metal Roofing Alliance for more information about metal roofing’s finer points.
Here’s where you can do that: https://www.metalroofing.com/about-metal-roofing-alliance/contact/
Good luck!
Yes you can have gutters with your metal roof. When I had my roof installed I also had gutters installed. I was told that the gutters needed to be larger in size than the standard home gutter because of the water runoff faster than with shingles.
My metal roof was installed in Sept. 2015. It is beautiful, my neighbor called and said she is in love with my roof. I have gutters and no issue as a result of metal roof. There are varying styles of roof, mine is stone coated steel not the corrugated style. It is a premium roof so if you are replacing a premium roof e.g. wood, with help of insurance company, know that you can afford this. Many installers try to charge a significant amount more $3k-$9K over an asphalt/composition shingle (?); this is because they do not install metal themselves and instead hire a subcontractor. This may change as more roofers gain experience installing these metal roof products.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the TodaysHomeowner.com community, Keri!
Take care. 🙂
How loud is a metal roof when it rains? I have a one level home.
Thank You
S.
Hi, Sheila!
When properly installed, metal roofs make just about the same noise as any other roofing material when it rains.
Metal roofing has changed over several decades — it’s no longer like the roofs we’ve all seen (and heard, during rain) on barns and storage sheds.
Thanks for your question.
Can a metal roof be installed on a steep roof that has foam insulation sprayed on the ceiling?
I understand that screws can back out or become loose with cold and heat. Is there any way to secure the screws? It is a real burden to tighten each one every year.
About 10 years ago a contractor who was acquired by my ex put a metal roof on my cabin. This is exclusively my property which I have owned since 1983. It seems to me that I am now colder in the winter and hotter in the summer, so much so that I have had central A/C installed. But that does not speak to the colder winters and increased amount of wood burned.
I am interested in your thoughts, please.
Thanks, bj
Hi, Bj,
Metal roofs are extremely energy efficient.
The amount of heat absorbed into the house is limited and, in most cases, less than other roofing materials.
In addition, what heat is absorbed will quickly dissipate, so you should require less heating and cooling.
If that’s not the case, we recommend checking for cracks around your windows and doors.
It sounds like your home needs additional insulation.
Here’s more information on how to do this: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/sealing-outside-cracks-on-your-home/
Good luck!
I have had a metal roof on my house that is now 20 years old. I would do this again. I chose to use French Drains instead of gutters because gutter guards are not 100% effective on deflecting leaves. I do have gutters and guards on my entrance porch to avoid being drenched by a waterfall when entering the house. I still have to remove some leaves periodically from the entrance porch gutters. I have a full basement that has never leaked.
I grew up with the old type of metal roof. When I bought my 1920’s craftsman in 1995 and it needed a roof, I went with metal. I have had it since 1997. Sturdy, beautiful. You also do not have to replace them as often. We recently replaced the one on the house where I grew up….only because my sister wanted a colored metal roof. My family has lived in that house since 1964..and the roof was there before we got there. I totally recommend them
I want to learn if Metal Roof can go onto Manufactured Homes?
Do the metal roofs “fust” as they age?
I live in a 55+ gate community over 400 + Manufactured Homes where we own our homes and lots. The HOA refueses to allow Metal Roofs due to the myth that they rust similar to old style mobile homes back in the 60s adn 70s. I failed to get info from any local Metal Roof Contractor.
Hi, Don,
Metal roof coatings naturally resist rust, moss, and fungus, keeping your roof in great shape for decades.
They last 50-plus years; that’s nearly two to three times longer than asphalt.
And it’s why, regardless of the type of home, we recommend metal roofing.
Thanks for your question.
We have a metal roof on our house. We also have trees around it that leave the roof with tree sap and dirt. We have had the trees trimmed. We need the roof cleaned. What is the best way to clean a metal roof.
Hi, Susan,
TodaysHomeowner.com hasn’t covered this topic yet.
We recommend contacting the Metal Roofing Alliance for questions about cleaning your metal roof.
Here’s where you can do that: https://www.metalroofing.com/about-metal-roofing-alliance/contact/
Good luck!
They are dangerous in areas prone to a lot of snow. When it starts to warm up, the snow will .avalance” off the roof and can be dangerous and can trap you inside because you can’t open the door. Not good!
Question in reference to metal roofs…
Is it true in a fire that metal roofs are a hindrance because it’s hard for them to vent them and how does that affect your homeowners insurance because of the fire Factor?