So What’s the Deal With Metal Roofing?

By Cayden Wemple. 

Metal roofs are trendy and durable, but how do they compare with more traditional roofing materials? Let’s break down the pros, cons and myths of metal roofing. 

As of late, you might have noticed the increase in metal roofs being constructed in your neighborhood. This is great news for the environment, as metal roofs have a longer life cycle than traditional asphalt roofs, and that keeps waste out of landfills. However, metal roofs also cost more than other traditional roofing materials. There are a number of facts, qualities and characteristics to know about metal roofing, and this article will act as a guide to break down the pros, cons and myths of metal. 

Pros 

Life cycle - The life cycle of a metal roof is significantly longer than that of an asphalt roof, lasting anywhere from 40-70 years as compared to 12-20 years.  

Durability - Metal roofs can take on hailstones that are over an inch in diameter and sustain wind speeds of up to 140 mph. However, they should still be checked up on for routine maintenance. 

Eco-friendly - Metal roofs are very eco-friendly, not only due to their lifespan, but also because of the way that they reflect UV rays. Metal roofs can deduct cooling and energy costs by 10-25% 

Cons 

Metal roofs are more expensive - Metal roofs can cost anywhere from 2-3x more than other roofing materials and higher-end metals can be upwards of 10x more expensive. Remember that long life cycle when you factor in this initial cost. 

Noisiness - Metal roofs can be very loud during rain and thunderstorms, but it’s nothing that an extra layer of solid sheathing can’t fix. 

Metal can be dented - Hailstorms can certainly dent metal roofs, which makes choosing the right metal even more imperative.  

Myths  

Metal roofs attract lightning - It is a common misconception that since metal conducts electricity, it also attracts it, but this is not the case. Lightning is far more likely to hit a higher object like a tree, than the roof.  

Metal roofs rust - Most metal roofs actually don’t rust, but it depends on the finish. Most of the time, metal roofs will resist rusting just as well as other materials. 

Metal roofs get too hot - As brought up in the “pros” section, metal roofs actually do the opposite. Of course, the metal can get hot, but this is why the roofs are painted with a reflective paint to reduce the effect of UV rays.  

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Photo credit: Gulf Coast Roofing Company