Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing options for residential homes. Despite their growing popularity, there are still many misconceptions about metal roofs. So, if you were considering this option but were worried about any of the following metal roof myths, we’re here to tell you that they’re just that — myths. Let’s debunk them!
8 Metal Roof Myths Debunked
For years and years, metal roofs have been associated with industrial buildings and barns, making them a less popular choice for residential homeowners. Today, metal roofs are gaining popularity in the residential sector, and for good reasons! Let’s debunk some of the most common metal roof myths so you can make an educated decision.
Myth #1 – Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Lightning strikes whatever it’s closest to. Lightning is an excess of electricity that’s looking to discharge, and in the case of lightning that heads toward Earth, it’s looking to release into the ground. The quickest way to do that is to find the object closest to it. That’s why telephone poles and trees are struck the most often: they’re the tallest.
While metal is a conductor, it does not “attract” lightning, and the truth is that metal roofs are one of the best roofs to have if your home is struck by lightning. The metal works to disperse the energy safely through your home’s structure. More importantly, metal is noncombustible. If your home is struck by lightning, a metal roof will not catch fire — something that can’t be said for many other roofing materials.
Myth #2 – Metal Roofs Are Noisy When It Rains
Maybe you’ve been in an old barn when it’s raining, and you noticed the sound of the rain on the roof was just deafening. While that’s true, you shouldn’t expect the same from a house with a metal roof.
Metal roofing materials are paired with a roof deck that adds structure to your roof and insulates sound. The roof deck and the insulation that fills it are what work to muffle the noise on any roof. So, in reality, metal roofs are just as quiet, if not quieter, than any comparable roof system, whether asphalt or clay.
Myth #3 – Metal Roofs Are Easily Dented by Hail
Metal roofs are more durable than asphalt roofs, and while hail can damage any roof when it’s large enough, hail will only dent or damage a metal roof in extreme cases.
Metal roofs are a better choice for residential homes in areas where extreme weather conditions occur since they’re so durable. Asphalt roofs have weatherproofing granules that are easily knocked off by even small-sized hail, which can tarnish the appearance of your roof and affect its ability to keep out the weather. On the other hand, metal roofs will only be visibly damaged by uncharacteristically large hail, making them a better option for extreme weather.
Myth #4 – You Can’t Walk on Metal Roofs
Whether you need to clean out your gutters or want to chop down some overhanging branches, you shouldn’t be afraid to walk on your metal roof. While metal roofs tend to be slightly more slippery and are supported differently than asphalt roofs, they’re still safe to walk on for any home improvement project.
If you aren’t a roofing professional, you should talk to your roofing contractor or the manufacturer about safety precautions. Once you understand the differences, you’ll be good to go.
Myth #5 – Metal Roofs Heat Up Your House
This metal roof myth is just flat-out wrong. Metal roofs work to reflect the UV rays that most asphalt shingles absorb. Additionally, metal roofs release solar heat much more quickly than asphalt roofs, reducing the heat load on your house.
When you have a metal roof properly installed, it will maintain a more consistent interior temperature, and you can expect energy savings on heating and cooling costs of up to 40%!
Myth #6 – Metal Roofs Will Rust
Technology has come a long way in the roofing industry. Metal roofs used to be solid metal sheets and did experience rust, but this is no longer the case.
Today’s metal roof materials are made specifically for roofing, which means they’re constructed to withstand various types of weathering, including rusting. Today’s metal roofs are bonded with a galvanized coating formed from advanced alloys to resist rusting. They’re then painted with special roofing paint made to withstand the effects of weathering, which means that once you install a metal roof, it will remain rust-free for decades.
Myth #7 – Metal Roofs Are Too Heavy for My House
If you think metal roofs are heavier than other materials, you’ll be excited to learn that they’re around 50% lighter than a standard asphalt roof. That makes metal the most lightweight roofing option out there!
Often, when homeowners need their home re-roofed but don’t want to tear off their old asphalt roof, a metal roof is installed on top of the existing roof. This is done because metal roofs are considerably lighter and will maintain the weatherproofing qualities of the roof without threatening the home’s structural integrity. If you have ever been concerned about the structural integrity of your home’s roof deck or if your home is getting older, a metal roof may be your best option.
Myth #8 – Metal Roofs Are Too Expensive
If you’re just looking at upfront costs, a metal roof may cost more initially than an asphalt roof. However, this doesn’t account for the lifetime cost of either roof option.
When you install an asphalt roof, it may be cheaper upfront, but you also need to consider repairs to be made: shingles that blow off, curling shingles that expose your home, mold, and rot that occur when the shingles warp, and the inevitable re-roofing process that must occur after 20 years at the most.
Metal roofs are guaranteed to last 40-60 years and require little to no maintenance. There’s no upkeep, no shingles to replace, and no leaks to fix — just solid metal sheets guaranteed to last you for decades. So when you consider the lifetime costs of both asphalt and metal roofs, metal roofing is comparably cheaper.
Invest in a Metal Roof With Werner Roofing
Now that you know all the common misconceptions about metal roofing and its reality, you might be considering investing in a new metal roof for your home. If you’re looking into metal roofing or think it’s time for a new roof for your home, Werner Roofing is West Michigan’s first choice. Home of West Michigan standing seam roofs, we’re the local expert on metal roof installation, and we’d love to help you out!
Give us a call at 616-844-5382, or submit a request for a free estimate online!
