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