Metal has been used for roofing and siding for thousands of years, and with good reason. Metal is strong and withstands weather exceptionally well, making it lasting and a good investment. As with anything that has been around that long, however, misconceptions and myths have grown up around the material. Some of these ideas are based in the past while others may look logical on the surface but are in fact inaccurate when actually studied. Read on to discover the truth about the following 10 metal roofing myths.
- Metal Roofs Rust. The old “tin roofs” of the past did rust, but the technology of metal panel coatings has come a long way, even in the past decade. The metal of today is coated with polymers that resist rust and retain color. Not only does modern metal resist rust, it even comes with a limited lifetime paint warranty!
- Hail Damages Metal Roofs. Again, the improvements in coatings and fabrication of the metal have led to stronger materials than what was used in the past. Hail damage is inevitable on any roofing system if the hail is large enough. However, the strength and durability of metal translates into less damage overall when compared to shingles when those large storms hit.
- Metal Roofs are LOUD. Noise depends on the substrate underlying the metal roofing. Metal application without decking is indeed noisy. When metal roofing is applied with decking and insulation, however, metal roofing is actually comparable to the noise level of asphalt shingles.
- Lightning Strikes Are More Likely with Metal Roofs. This one makes sense on the surface, yet the facts indicate the exact opposite. Lightning strikes are more likely to occur based on the position of the building, while the conductivity and non-combustibility of metal make buildings less likely to have lightning strike issues.
- A Metal Roof Will Make My House Hot. Color makes a difference in reflectivity, or bouncing the sun’s rays back instead of absorbing them. Colors and finishes with a high SRI (Solar Reflectivity Index) number do a great job of shielding a home from the heat of the sun.
- A Metal Roof Will Make Affect Wi-Fi and Cell Phones. This is another myth that sounds very plausible on the surface, but does not stand up to everyday life. Think of how many buildings people use these devices in, many of which have metal roofing or siding. There are many factors that affect Wi-Fi and cell phone reception, and a metal roof is likely not the main culprit.
- Metal Roofs Are Heavy. Appearance can be deceiving, especially when one compares a long metal panel to a single shingle. In actuality, metal roofing is about half the weight of asphalt shingle, based on pounds per square foot. Metal is the lightweight option!
- Metal Roof Fasteners Leak. The lowly screw has come a long way, with modern sealing washers and thread patterns.
- Metal Roofs Look Old-Fashioned. Metal roofing is very versatile– it looks great on historic homes, country farmhouses and yet manages to look sleek and modern on the right building.
- Metal Roofs Are Expensive. Metal may be more costly up front, but the durability of metal means it may not have to be replaced for fifty years, a statement that cannot be made about shingles, which need to be replaced about every 20 years on average, depending on the shingle. Longer lifespan means savings in the long run.
As can be seen from the 10 metal roofing myths above, there are many misconceptions surround metal. Looking beyond, one finds that metal roofing is a versatile, durable choice for your next project!
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