Things to Know About Metal Roofing – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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Things to Know About Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has entered the mainstream and is a viable option for nearly all homes, except those with very flat roof pitches.  Not all metal roofs scream “metal.” There are now shingle-style metal roofing products that are almost indistinguishable from traditional asphalt shingle roofs.  If you are wondering about the merits of metal roofing, here are things to know.

Metal Roofs Are Not Just a Novelty

Once, metal roofing was found only on high-end, architect-designed homes.  That’s no longer true.  Metal roofing is found in conventional houses, thanks to increasing availability and improved manufacturing processes.  According to industry statistics published in 2017, market share for metal roofing increased at a rate of roughly three percent each year for a few years and about 15 percent of all roofing installations used metal roofing materials.  At the same time, the market share for asphalt shingle roofing fell, and accounted for about 59 percent of the total roofing installed.

Metal Roofs Are No Noisier Than Asphalt Roofing

Although it’s a common misconception that metal roofs are noisy when rain or hail falls on them, the reality is that when properly installed, metal roofing is no noisier than any other type.  Metal roofing is typically installed over a solid substrate.  Additionally, the attic and insulation provide a sound barrier. From interior living spaces, inhabitants rarely notice any increase in sound levels when a metal roof is installed.

Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning

You might think that a metal roof will attract lightning, but this is not borne out by facts or statistics.  Not only that but also if metal roofing does happen to get struck by lightning, it is less combustible than conventional roofing materials such as shingles. The reason that metal roofs do not attract lighting is simple: lighting seeks a path to ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other such structures tend to attract lightning.  Metal roofs are isolated structural components, with no direct path to ground inherent in their design.  Hence, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it strikes an asphalt shingle roof.

Metal Roofing Can Be More Cost-Effective

Although most metal roofing products carry warranties comparable to the very best asphalt shingles (about 30 years), in practice, metal roofs have been known to last 50 years or more.  Metal roofs routinely have a longevity of 40 to 70 years.  It is therefore very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she lives in the home.  By contrast, a homeowner will likely replace an asphalt shingle roof two or even three or four times over a 50-year period.  Overall, while the cost of a metal roof is more expensive than asphalt roofing (about double), it can save money over a long period.

Metal Roofing Is Impervious to Fire, Rot, and Insect Damage

One of the principal reasons metal roofing has exploded in popularity is that it is virtually fireproof.  With the dangers of wildfire on the rise, metal roofing has become the roofing material of choice in many parts of the country. And not only that:

  • Insects such as termites can never eat metal roofing.

  • Metal roofing is impervious to rot and mildew.

  • Since it conducts heat quickly from the sun, snow slides off more quickly than with conventional roofing.

Metal Roofs Are More Energy-Efficient

Industry studies show that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent.3 In climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating can maximize the reflective capacity of the roof and improve energy savings.

Metal Roofing Can Work on Roofs With Low Slopes

It’s often believed that metal roofing is suitable only for roofs with a steep slope, but standing seam metal roofing can work fine on gently pitched roofs.  This type of roofing is installed in large sheets with seams that are raised and sealed tightly together to resist water.  While some slope is necessary to ensure water run-off, most homes can accept metal roofing.

Metal Roofs Are Recyclable

Although metal roofs are very long-lasting, when the time comes to replace one, the old metal is readily accepted at metal recycling outlets.  Old asphalt roofing, on the other hand, is usually destined to take up space at a landfill.

Why Coat Your Metal Roof?

Metal roof coatings improve the look of a metal roof while also providing a thick, durable barrier that prevents rust and corrosion.  But factory-applied metal roof coatings can wear over time, losing some of their protection against rust or corrosion.  Re-applying metal roof coatings can solve this problem, while improving the roof’s appearance and, in some cases, boosting its energy efficiency.

Types of Metal Roof Coatings

The right roof coating for a metal roof will depend on the local conditions and the specific type of metal roofing.  For example, reflective coatings are often used on metal roofs in warm climates to help minimize heat gain through the roof, while corrosion-inhibiting coatings are popular in coastal regions that have high humidity or salty sea air to protect against rust and corrosion.

The most common types of roof coatings:

  • Acrylic coatings provide excellent UV protection and help to prevent rust and corrosion.  Their elasticity is an excellent attribute for holding up well with metal’s expansion and contraction.

  • Silicone coatings, a favorite, have excellent thermal stability and elasticity, so they are ideal for roofs in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.  They are also highly resistant to moisture and can help prevent leaks.

  • Polyurethane coatings are very durable and provide excellent protection against abrasion and impact.  They are great for metal roofs that are subject to foot traffic or are exposed to harsh environmental conditions (or, for commercial roofs, where industrial chemicals or oils are present).

  • Asphalt coatings offer basic protection affordably.  They help to prevent rust and corrosion.

  • Elastomeric coatings, in the same family as asphalt, are a step up because of their elasticity—they hold up well with the metal’s expansion and contraction. They are excellent for metal roofs because they expand and contract with the metal, and most are light colored for maximum energy efficiency.

  • Reflective coatings, designed to reflect sunlight, can help to reduce cooling costs in hot climates. They are available in a range of colors and can be applied over other types of roof coatings.