MRA Metal roof on a home
Metal is one of the best materials to choose from when you need a new roof.

In this special episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, I’m talking with Renee Ramey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance.

We’re discussing the 10 most common myths when it comes to metal roofs. Get ready for some surprising information!


About the Metal Roofing Alliance

The Metal Roofing Alliance is a nonprofit trade association that helps homeowners make educated roofing decisions and connects them with expert metal roofing professionals.

Like Renee says, “We’re all about spreading awareness and making sure that people have the right information!”


10 Myths About Metal Roofs

Red metal roof, as seen on white house

1. Style and Color Options are Limited

When many people think of metal roofing, they envision a classic barn metal roof — which is one option, but there are many others.

Metal roofing can look like any other material out there, like shake, tile, asphalt or shingles. As far as colors go, there are thousands of color options out there to fit your home or aesthetic!


metal roof in shake style
Roofs don’t last forever, but you can lengthen their lifespan with some simple maintenance.

2. They’re Not Energy-Efficient

Because of the make and the coatings, it’s completely possible to have a ‘cool metal roof.’ This means that the coatings on the metal roof help emit heat and keep your home cooler in warm climates. And you’ll save money on your energy bill!


Hurricane winds blow palm trees as flooding takes over streets
(©Satoshi Kina – stock.adobe.com)

3. They Won’t Withstand Extreme Weather

Metal roofs actually test well against hurricane-type winds and are resistant to fire embers. They also remain solid against hail and snow.


Metal roof, as seen on a beautiful two-story home

4. They’re Not Sustainable

Metal is a recyclable product and a lot of the roofs today are made of recyclable material. Not only is recycling utilized in making the roofs, the roof can be 100% recycled at the end of its life.


Metal roof as seen in Cut Off, Louisiana

5. They’re Noisy

If quality metal roof systems are installed correctly, they can actually be quieter than other roofing systems.


Metal roofing
(MRA member Boral Steel)

6. They’re More Expensive Than Other Materials

As mentioned, metal roofing comes in a variety of colors and styles and the price range can vary. The price of one quality metal roof is equivalent to two or three asphalt roofs. And a metal roof will probably last many decades longer than its counterpart.

Down the road, this adds up and a metal roof becomes the cheaper option!


(©Kara, Adobe Stock Photos)

7. They’re Too Shiny

A quality metal roof comes in a variety of glosses and finishes. Shininess is mitigated by the color and gloss you pick for your roof!

Metal roofing, as seen overhead in the mountains
(Image courtesy of MRA member EDCO Products)

8. They’re Too Heavy

MRA has data that dispels this myth. In fact, metal roofs are more light in weight compared to other products out there.


A lightning storm surrounds a suburban neighborhood

9. They’re Likely to Get Struck by Lightning

If lightning does strike your metal roof, the hit of the lightning will mitigate it in a manner so it will not reach anyone or anything. A metal roof also has the highest — class A — rating against catching on fire.


Solar panels on two-story home
(©Slavun, Adobe Stock Photos)

10. It’s Difficult to Install Solar Panels or Solar Systems

Metal roofing is the best platform for solar panel systems. That’s because solar energy outlasts the life of an asphalt roof and there’s a risk of dismantling the system.

A metal roof should outlast the lifespan of solar panels and there are clamps for this very purpose. Even more, the clamps do not require you to puncture the surface to have solar panels on your roof!


Want More?

If you’re ready to upgrade to a metal roof, or just want more questions answered when it comes to a metal roof, check out metalroofing.com.

Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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