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
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.
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. 🙂
I wonder if a metal roof will block a Hot Spot from receiving a signal?
Great question! We recommend contacting the Metal Roofing Alliance for questions about applications and their impact.
Here’s where you can do that: https://www.metalroofing.com/about-metal-roofing-alliance/contact/
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.
Hi, Almeta,
One reason we love metal roofing is the wide selection of materials and styles.
Your best bet is to contact the Metal Roofing Alliance for questions about local options.
Here’s where you can do that: https://www.metalroofing.com/about-metal-roofing-alliance/contact/
Take care. 🙂
Nice idea I have always liked the idea of cement roof, but metal could be better, and when will tecnology apply solor into the design?
Roofs come in all kinds of materials, Sharon!
That includes solar roof shingles, for homeowners who want their roof to also generate electricity.
How does a metal roof (shingle-style) compare, on average, to a composition roof?
Hi, Barbara,
You can learn more about different roof types here: https://todayshomeowner.com/choosing-a-roof/
In addition, here’s more about composition shingle roofs: https://todayshomeowner.com/composite-roof-shingles-what-you-should-know/
And more about metal roofs: https://todayshomeowner.com/metal-roofs-offer-maximum-curb-appealand-more/
Thanks for your question!
I cannot have a metal roof to replace my flat roof. I cannot find a contractor to give me a metal roof.