Your home’s roof is a big investment. Not only does it serve as one of your home’s biggest protectors, but you’ll likely have to look at it for the next 20-30 years. Your home’s roof needs to last a long time, add curb appeal to your property and most importantly, keep you and your family warm and dry.
When it comes time to replace a roof, or put a roof on a new build, it’s smart to consider all the materials available to you. Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners everywhere, and for good reason!
If you’re considering a residential metal roofing option, here are some important things to know before making your purchase.
What are the Pros of Residential Metal Roofs?
- Lifespan: With an expected lifespan of 40-70 years, one of the biggest pros of metal roofs are their ability to last longer than other roofing materials. Most metal roofs also come with a lengthy warranty, making them even more attractive.
- Strength: Metal roofs are often chosen because of their strength and durability. They can withstand the elements, don’t corrode or crack and don’t require costly, periodic maintenance like other roofing materials.
- Energy Efficient: By saving homeowners up to 25% in monthly heating and cooling costs, a metal roofs ability to reflect solar radiant heat rather than absorb it makes them an energy-efficient choice.
- Lightweight: Metal is lighter than other roofing materials, making installation much easier.
- Style: With increasingly available colors and styles, there is a metal roofing option for every homeowner. Different finishes, hues and even custom-made metal roofs allow for flexibility and plenty of variety in roofing options.
What are the Cons of Residential Metal Roofs?
- Higher Upfront Cost: Metal does have a higher upfront cost compared to materials like shingles, however because of its lifespan, the investment is worth it.
- Noise Level: Although this falls under a con, the noise level of a metal roof can be minimized dramatically with proper insulation. The sound of rain and hail on a metal roof is soothing to some, but if not, insulation and proper underlayment can solve this issue.
- Dents: This con can also be avoided, depending on which metal roofing material you choose. Metal roofs can be susceptible to dents from objects or hail, but impact can be lessened depending on the design and material used for your roof.
What are the Different Types of Metal Roofs?
Corrugated Metal Roofs
Corrugated residential metal roofs are one of the most popular types across the country and have been used for over a hundred years. A corrugated roof is made up of corrugated panels using a repeating wave pattern in their design, which provides unmatched structural stability, usually secured with exposed fasteners (meaning the screws that hold these panels together). Corrugated roofs are popular among homeowners because their patterns hide small imperfections that happen over time or from the weather more easily than other types.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam residential metal roofs use a raised, interlocking seam that joins each panel to one another. The panels are secured to the layer beneath the roof with hidden clips and screws. These features make standing seam roofs extremely durable, long-lasting and require little maintenance. Another attractive feature of standing seam roofs is they can use longer panels, which allows for a seamless look.
Box Rib Metal Roofs
Box rib residential metal roofs have a repeating box-shaped pattern. Their bold, strong lines make them an attractive option, especially because of their sharp-edged angles. Box rib roofs use exposed fasteners (so you are able to see the screws that hold the panels together). These roofs are installed easily, durable and have a unique look that making them more and more popular for residential roofs.
All Purpose Metal Roofs
All purpose residential metal roofs are designed with the homeowner in mind. They’re affordable, sturdy and strong. All purpose panels are designed for general use and easy installation, so they’ve become a favorite among DIYers. All purpose metal panels are easily adapted to fit any homeowners vision of their perfect residential metal roof.
There are different materials that can be used with these types of metal roofs, you can read about them here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing
When considering a residential metal roof, you may have some questions. Here are a few frequently asked questions about metal roofs:
1. Are Metal Roofs Loud?
While some homeowners may find the sound of rain hitting their metal roof soothing, others may not. However, metal roofs are not as “noisy” as you think. When properly insulated, metal roofs decrease and almost eliminate noise. This myth comes from rain on tin roofs, which is hardly relevant anymore. The underlayment that goes between the metal and your old roofing surface itself serves as a noise protector.
2. Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning?
One of the biggest myths about metal roofs is that they attract lightning. Metal roofs are a conductor of electricity and a non-combustible material, actually making them less susceptible to lightning strikes. Lightning looks for the path of least resistance, meaning its more attracted to whatever is closest to the sky rather than the material. You can read more about this myth here.
3. Are Metal Roofs Fireproof?
Metal roofs provide exceptional protection against fire and are considered to be fire-resistant up to a certain point. There are different Class systems that rate roofing materials and fire resistance, and metal roofs are considered to be Class A (one of the most fire-resistant options). However, metal roofs are not completely fire-proof and damage can be done to your roof depending on how long and how hot the fire burns.
4. Are There Any Hail Resistant Metal Roofing Options?
There are no completely, 100% hail resistant roofing options, however there are some steps you can take to add some extra protection to your metal roof. You should consider the thickness of the panel, the tensile strength (how brittle or not the metal is) and the method used to bond panels together to create a strong roof that stands up to hail. It’s important to remember that most metal panels are hail resistant, meaning they won’t be punctured, rather than hail proof, meaning the will dent.
5. How Long Do Metal Roofs Last?
One of the biggest reasons homeowners are attracted to metal roofs is their ability to last longer than other roofing materials. You can expect your residential metal roof to last an average of 50 years with proper care and annual maintenance. Depending on which type of material you use, like copper, you can expect the roof to last even longer. Compared to other materials, like shingles that only last for an average of 12-20 years, metal roofs last about 3-7 times longer.
Residential metal roofs offer homeowners years of protection, strength and resistance to the elements. With bold color options, tons of styles to choose from and sleek, modern lines, there is a metal roof option for every homeowner’s taste.
If you have questions about anything related to residential metal roofs, get in touch with the experts at Bridger Steel. We can match you to the perfect style, color and material for your metal roofing project.
