Myths/FAQs

DISBANDING THE MYTHS. KNOWING THE FACTS.

Q. Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?

While metal roofs cost roughly twice as much as asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs also last 3 to 4 times longer. If you already own a tile roof or cedar shake roof, metal roofs' costs are comparable. But with metal roofs, you can rest assured that you have a premium home product.

Between its long-lasting durability and energy efficient qualities (which could save you money on energy bills), metal roofs are a great lifetime investment. Plus, most metal roofs come with a 30 to 50 year warranty. That means you won't have to worry about your roof ever again!

Q. Are metal roofs more susceptible to lightning strikes?

A. No, metal roofs are no more likely to get struck during a lightning storm than an asphalt roof. However, if a metal roof is struck, it can disperse the energy safely throughout the structure.

Q. Will my metal roof rust?

A. Not likely, metal roofs are specially designed with a metallic coating comprised of aluminum and zinc hot dipped over carbon steel, pure aluminum, zinc or copper, to prevent rust from forming. In addition, paint is factory applied over steel or aluminum to maintain a clean, healthy sheen for many years.

Q. Aren't metal roofs really noisy compared to other types of roofing?

A. Actually, it’s quite the contrary. When installed with solid sheeting, metal roofs can silence noise caused by rain, hail and other weather conditions.

Q. How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?

A. A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 120-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 120 miles per hour - equal to an F2 tornado. Under high wind conditions, says architect Rich Carroll, "Metal roofing systems have wind resistance and uplift resistance that is above the new building code requirement. That gives us a sense of relief in that we can use the best material to meet those criteria."  In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof. And it can eliminate ice damming at the eves, so water can't back up and collect under the roof then leak into your home.

If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof.

Q. Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?

A. Not only is metal roofing great for your home, it's great for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse - far superior to asphalt.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago. That’s a lot of wasted asphalt. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what's already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.

Q. Would a metal roof be too heavy for certain types of homes, or for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch?

A. You'll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue.