Busted! 10 Common Myths About Metal Roofing Dispelled

By Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) 

There are lots of misconceptions when it comes to metal roofing. Make sure you’re informed with the correct information.  

Metal Roofing has been gaining popularity for the past few years and is now the second most preferred type of roofing material, according to a Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) study of current U.S. homeowners roofing trends. Given metal’s long lifecycle, low maintenance needs and exceptional performance, it’s no wonder it’s growing in residential markets.  

However, there are still misconceptions and mistaken beliefs about metal roofs that need to be overcome, including these common myths: 

Myth 1 – Style and color options are limited. 

Truth: A lot of people are familiar with standing seam metal roofs, but may not realize there are a nearly endless number of other options and color choices, designed to fit with the architectural style of just about any home. Metal roofs that mimic the look of shakes, slate, clay tile and even asphalt, yet offer exceptional durability and performance, are examples of the many beautiful styles available. 

Myth 2 – It’s not as energy efficient. It may make my home too hot in the summer. 

Truth: Metal roofs have proven energy efficiency performance and are ENERGY STAR® qualified as “Cool Roofs.” Even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. Special metal roof coatings deliver high total solar reflectance and infrared emittance, keeping homes cool and saving energy by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed. 

Myth 3 – It won’t perform as well in extreme conditions. 

Truth: Metal roofs are the most durable choice for withstanding extreme storms and hail, heavy snow and ice loads, and severe, hurricane-force high winds. Metal roofs also carry the highest Class A rating against ignition, maximizing protection in wildfire prone areas. 

Myth 4 – It’s not as sustainable as other materials. 

Truth: Metal roofs are one of the most sustainable choices available today because they can last 50-plus years (nearly two to three times longer than other materials), be recycled at the end of their long life rather than dumped into the landfill and are energy efficient. Quality metal roof coatings also have lower maintenance requirements and reduce the need for strong chemical treatments for moss and fungus that can be harmful to the environment. 

Myth 5 – It will be noisy. 

Truth: When installed correctly, a metal roof is as quiet as an asphalt roof. A combination of attic space, insulation and proper installation methods are important to reduce noise transmission for any roof, no matter what the material type, and makes the biggest difference when it comes to sound. Make sure your installer uses a good quality underlayment and adds/tightens fasteners securely to help manage noise. 

Myth 6 – It’s a lot more expensive than other materials. 

Truth: When it comes to the best investment for your improvement dollar, metal roofs deliver a great return because they last three times as long as other roofs, prevent damage, reduce ongoing maintenance effort and costs and save energy year in and year out. 

Myth 7 – It will be too shiny. 

Truth: Metal roofs with high tech coatings are designed to protect against nonvisible sun rays, the kind that produce the most heat and are damaging to building materials. That means, homeowners do not need to worry about their rooftops giving off a shiny glare, even in bright sunlight. The invisible rays metal roofs reflect give them the ability to emit as much as 85 percent of solar heat gain to help keep homes cooler. 

Myth 8 – It will be too heavy for my roof. 

Truth: It’s understandable that some people may think of metal as heavy, but the truth is that metal roofing is much lighter per square foot as compared to other materials. As a super strong and impervious material, metal roofing punches well above its weight class when it comes to outstanding performance, yet it is so lightweight it can often be installed right over the top of an old asphalt roof to deliver great, long-term protection…no additional roof reinforcements needed. 

Myth 9 – It’ll make my home more likely to be struck by lightning. 

Truth: While it’s true metal conducts electricity, homes with metal roofs are no more likely to be struck by lightning than other homes or buildings. Attracting lightning has more to do with a home or building’s height and size rather than the materials used. The bottom line is that metal roofs do not attract lightning and are not struck any more frequently than other roofing materials. Fire is actually the biggest threat from lightning strikes and because metal roofing is non-combustible and carries the highest Class A rating against ignition, it is actually one of the safest and most protective materials you can use. 

Myth 10 – It will make it difficult to install a rooftop solar system. 

Truth: Metal roofing is perfect for residential rooftop solar systems, thanks to its strength and durability. Because metal roofs last up to twice as long as solar panels, homeowners are much less likely to have to suffer through the extremely costly process of needing to remove and reinstall their system in order to replace or repair their roof. It’s also very easy to install rooftop solar panels on metal roofs with special brackets and attachment mounts designed to protect the roof’s integrity and prevent the possibility of leaks and damage. 

For more facts about how metal roofs compare to other roofing choices on the market, visit the MRA website. 

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.

Original article source: MRA