WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT METAL ROOFS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT METAL ROOFS

For homeowners considering a modern, metal roof, it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to metal roofing myths.  From ice dams to installation, below are common misconceptions about metal roofing in the winter.  Winter weather can understandably be a big concern for homeowners.  After all, the typical homeowner spends anywhere from 1% to 4% of their home’s value on maintenance and repairs every year.  In many parts of the country, a bad storm or heavy snowfall can inflict major damage on a house’s roof.  While ice and snow are typically the enemy of roofs everywhere, residential metal roofs provide much better protection from winter weather damage than many other types of residential roofing.

Pros of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a practical and cost-effective option.  Metal roofs’ benefits often outweigh their disadvantages.

Life Span

One key difference between shingles and metal roofs is their life spans.  A traditional shingle roof  lasts 15–20 years.  Replacing it is troublesome, noisy, and expensive.  Installing a metal roof may be just as noisy and disruptive, but you won’t need to replace it as often.  A metal roof could last 40–70 years, making it a worthwhile investment.

Durability

Metal roofs come in strong metals, including tin, aluminum, zinc, and steel.  They’re more durable than asphalt or slate shingles, so they have longer life spans. They can withstand extreme weather, such as heavy snow and radiant summer heat.  Metal roofs can even endure winds of up to 140 miles per hour.  These roofs are sturdy, especially steel ones.

Aesthetics

Modern metal roofs have come a long way since their tin-plated iron predecessors.  Roofers didn’t always consider curb appeal, but metal roofs are much more attractive today.  There are several metal roofing styles that span a variety of colors and types.  You can choose standard metal shingles but also have other options, such as shake-inspired, tile, panel, and ribbed.  A metal roof system maintains its visual appeal because it experiences minimal damage, so your roof will look new for many years to come.

Sustainability

Asphalt shingles create a lot of waste, with over 12 billion square feet of shingles ending up in landfills every year.  Metal roofs offer a more eco-friendly option.  A roofer can install them directly over your existing roof, eliminating the debris associated with a traditional roof replacement.  Metal roofs also consist of 35%–95% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable if you need to swap them out.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are a good option if you want to save on your energy bills.  Traditional shingles trap solar heat and increase the need to cool your home by up to 15%. Metal roofs reflect the hot sun, so you don’t need to spend as much on your home’s cooling costs.  You also spend less on heating bills because most roofing companies insulate under metal roofs, keeping your home warmer in the winter.  Metal roofs improve your energy savings by approximately 10%–25%.  Plus, you can install solar panels on metal rooftops, making them even more energy-efficient.

MYTHS ABOUT METAL ROOFS AND WINTER WEATHER

Metal Roofs Are Colder In The Winter

Homeowners who have paid the utility bills to keep a warm home through a blustery winter know that heating costs are often higher than cooling costs.  So the myth that metal roofs are colder in the winter is an understandable concern that homeowners may have when choosing a roofing material.  The key to an energy efficient roof is essential airspace between the surface material and the roof deck.  Fact: Metal roofs actually keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Metal Roofs Are Prone to Ice Dams

When cold surfaces at the eaves (the part of your roof that hangs over the side) freeze before warm surfaces at higher points on the roof, ice dams work their way up the roof, and prevent accumulating snow from sliding off the roof.  The increasing weight of the snow load is cause for immediate concern, but ice working its way under asphalt shingles can cause damage to underlayments and even the roof deck itself.  This damage may not reveal itself until later on when the roof expands under warmer conditions and leaks become evident.

To prevent ice dams from forming, the entire roof needs to be the same temperature as the eaves.  Fact: Metal roofs can help prevent ice dams.

WILL SNOW AND ICE PILE UP ON MY METAL ROOF?

Unlike other types of materials, residential metal roofs are designed to keep the elements from damaging a home.  Snow and ice will literally slide right off your roof.  This means you won’t ever have to worry about ice dams, which can cause extensive water damage both inside and outside a home.  Because metal roofs are so durable, you won’t need to be concerned about ice and snow doing harm to your roof or gutters.

IF SNOW AND ICE SLIDE OFF SO EASILY, CAN THIS CAUSE DAMAGE TO AREAS DOWN BELOW?

You can actually equip your metal roof with snow guards or heating cables to eliminate the risk of sliding ice and snow.  It may seem odd, but if you have heat sources under your roof or in the attic, you can make sure that snow melts and is shed from the roof in an effective way without doing damage to anything on the ground.  You can also get custom metal roofing that’s tailor-made for your home, which can help eliminate any remaining safety concerns.

DO METAL ROOFS RUST?

Aluminum roofs are inherently resistant to rust.  Aluminum forms a protective layer when exposed to moisture, known as an aluminum oxide layer, that prevents further oxidation.  However, it can be more expensive than steel, and its appearance may not be ideal for residential properties.

Copper roofs are also inherently resistant to rust.  But they do undergo a similar process in the form of corrosion.  When copper is exposed to the elements over time, it reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a layer of copper oxide, which is a dull, dark brown color.  Then, as it continues to be exposed to the elements, this layer slowly transforms into copper carbonate, which is the green patina that is often associated with the Statue of Liberty.