Metal Roofing Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

mountain home with metal roof
Metal roofing comes in different styles and colors to match just about any home’s architecture. (Credit: Drexel Metals)

Metal roofing’s long-term durability and low required maintenance are just a couple of reasons why many people prefer it to alternatives. But long-held misconceptions may be keeping some homeowners from giving it a try.

Listen to this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, brought to you by the Metal Roofing Alliance, for five common myths about metal roofs — debunked.

  • [0:46] The Truth About Metal Roofing
  • [01:42] Myth #1: Styles and colors are limited
  • [03:47] Myth #2: It’s not as energy efficient.
  • [06:13] Myth #3: It won’t perform well in extreme conditions.
  • [09:55] Myth #4: It’s not as sustainable as other materials
  • [11:33] Myth #5: It will be noisy

metal roof in shake style
Stone-coated metal roofing mimics the look of shake yet offers metal’s exceptional performance. (Credit: DECRA Metal Roofing)

1. Options are limited.

Gone are the days of metal just topping barns. The latest metal roof designs match the architectural style of just about any home. You can get the look of shakes, slate and clay tile, with the added durability and performance.

A wide range of color options is available, as are raw organic hues such as copper, titanium and bright stainless steel.


Rural home with metal roof
Even darker metal roofs are much more energy-efficient, thanks to high-performance coatings. (Credit: ATAS International)

2. They’re not energy-efficient.

To the contrary! Metal roofs are Energy Star-qualified “Cool Roofs.” Even unpainted metal roofs reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat.

Metal roofs with oven-cured, pre-painted organic coatings use “cool pigment” technology. So, even metal roofs with darker colors deliver high solar reflectance and high infrared emittance, cooling homes and saving energy.


medallion style metal roof
Metal roofing’s durability makes it popular in hurricane-prone areas like Florida and the southeast U.S. region. (Credit: McElroy Metal)

3. They’re less durable.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth! Metal roofs can withstand hurricane-force, 140-mile-per-hour winds and extreme storms.

Quality metal roofs stand up to hail better than other types of roofs and hold up under heavy snow and ice loads. Naturally, metal is a top choice for areas prone to severe weather and wildfires.


metal roof closeup
Asphalt shingles end up in a landfill — recyclable metal roofing does not.

4. They’re not environmentally friendly

Actually, quality metal roofing can last you more than 50 years (almost three times longer than other materials) and can be recycled rather than dumped into a landfill.

Quality metal roof coatings resist moss and fungus, which means lower long-term maintenance and fewer chemical treatments that can harm the environment.


Metal roof closeup
This metal roof was installed over an asphalt shingle roof and it won’t make more noise than the old roof.

5. They’re noisy.

(Especially on rainy days, right?) The truth is, a professionally installed metal roof is as quiet as an asphalt roof.

Of course, attic space, insulation and proper installation methods are key factors in reducing any roof’s noise transmission. Quality underlayment and tightened fasteners are crucial to noise management.

For more facts about metal roofs and to download a Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance website.

11 COMMENTS

  1. I am thinking about putting on a metal roof but wondering about the asphalt roof on my house .Should it be removed and ice and water shield be put on or is it better to leave on asphalt and will the asphalt roof start to melt under the metal roof and bleed over the edges of my trim boards or gutters .I have a ranch home in southside VA about 20 minute to NC .My house is cool in the summer but cold in the winter even with more insulation in the attic and 2×6 stud walls and insulated floors .I also had a new 16 seer heat pump put in and still feels chilly to us .My modular home was built in 2004

    • Hi, Betty!
      Whether you should roof over your shingles depends on a number of factors including their weight and the home’s size.
      The Metal Roofing Alliance connects homeowners with roofers to help them make informed decisions for a home’s unique needs.
      Here’s more information: http://bit.ly/34Qpois
      Good luck with your project. 🙂

  2. I would like a metal roof, but i would like for it to look like a shingles roof. I live in Georgia and they do not have metal shingles, just the long sheet type. I have talked to several companies in my area and they all said the same thing, no shingle just the traditional sheet roofing. They don’t seem to be interested in any other types of metal roof type . How can i get the other types of metal roof option without it costing me a small fortune. I know metal roofing cost is some what more that regular shingles roofs but still i don’t want to take out large loan to get one.

    • Roofs come in all kinds of materials, Sharon!
      That includes solar roof shingles, for homeowners who want their roof to also generate electricity.

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