A metal roof is one of the most economical choices for a new home or re-roof. Once only seen on industrial and agricultural buildings, metal roofs are now stylish, durable, and energy-efficient. Today, metal is an increasingly popular solution for residential homes.

However, many misconceptions exist about metal roofs, as with any product. And with so much information online, you must know what is fact and what is fiction when considering a metal roof. 

Below are seven common misconceptions about metal roofing.

1. Do Metal Roof Attract Lightning?

This is perhaps the biggest myth about metal roofing. While metal is a conductor of electricity, it does not draw electricity. Lightning is an excess of electricity in search of the nearest possible discharge. It will strike the tallest object in the area, like treetops or a power pole.

A metal roof poses no additional risks of a lightning strike. As a matter of fact, as a non-combustible material, metal roofs are a smart option for lightning-prone regions. A metal roof disperses electricity from lightning safely through the structure of your home. If an asphalt roof gets struck by lighting, there’s a potential for a fire.

2. Are Metal Roofs Noisy in the Rain?

You shouldn’t expect racketing from a house with a metal roof. Modern metal roofing has a roof deck with insulation that helps muffle the noise. The quiet is due to the under panel insulation that absorbs most sound waves from rain and hail on a metal roof.

3. Are Metal Roofs Hot in the Summer?

Metal is a good conductor of heat, but this myth can’t be further from the truth.

Metals conduct heat but retain very little compared to asphalt roofing. Metal roofs reflect heat rays from the sun to keep your home cooler in the summer. An asphalt roof stores heat in the form of thermal energy. The energy is usually visible after cooling rain leaving as steam.

Metal roofing does not affect your room temperature. The insulation under your attic keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The energy efficiency of metal roofing means your home maintains a consistent temperature saving on heating and cooling costs.

4. Do Metal Roofs Rust?

Metals do rust. However, metal roofing has come a long way, and the metals used today are not pure sheets of steel or iron. Manufacturers use rust-resistant alloys to render metallic roofs corrosion-resistant.

Manufacturers apply an aluminum or zinc coating, allowing the roof to serve you for decades. Manufacturers treat raw roofing panels to create a steel alloy that prevents rusting for as long as possible.

The new formulas combine the corrosion resistance of zinc and aluminum with the strength of steel to create a durable roof. The key to achieving the factory-estimated lifespan is to have a licensed contractor install your roof correctly.

5. Are Metal Roofs Too Heavy For Most Roofs?

Metal roofing is not as heavy as you may think. Except for a few metal forms like copper, metal roofs are no heavier than conventional roofing. On average, a metal roof is 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof.

The secret to the metal roof’s lightweight design is the panels. Metal roofs consist of lightweight interlocking panels covering a large area yet weighing very little individually.

Metal roofing is one of the least understood and most underutilized roofing types. Hopefully, the list above has given you a better understanding and cleared up some of the myths and confusion surrounding metal roofs. What is important is that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your roofing.

If you have any roofing questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to providing you with a roof you can appreciate for years to come.

6. Is Metal Roofing Prone to Hail Damage?

Yes, metal objects can be prone to hail damage. But the amount and size of hail needed to damage a metal roof would also cause damage on other types of roofing, including asphalt shingles.

Hail damage is also often covered by your homeowners insurance.  If you do experience hail damage, check with them about reimbursement or replacement of your metal roof. 

7. Do Metal Roofs Hold Up in Wind?

Metal roofing may seem flexible and light (see above), but when properly installed as a part of a larger metal roofing system, metal roofing is highly wind and weather resistant. In fact, after a hurricane, metal roofs are some of the best surviving roofs. However, the roof’s wind rating depends on what kind of metal roof is installed. 

Myths About Metal Roofs – Debunked

Hopefully, the list above has given you a better understanding and cleared up some of the myths and confusion surrounding metal roofs. What is important is that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your roofing.

If you have any roofing questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to providing you with a roof you can appreciate for years to come.