Common Questions About Metal Roofs

The COVID-19 pandemic has moved the majority of work and school tasks into the home for the near future, causing homeowners across the country to make significant changes to their spaces. Converting basements and garages into luxury family rooms, building sheds to use as home offices or classrooms, and expanding backyard living spaces to transform them into summer sanctuaries are some of the most popular projects, completed at record levels. If you are interested in making a solid investment in your home, the absolute best decision you can make to add value to your home is to replace your aging roof with a new metal roof. To help you navigate this process, we outline the most commonly asked questions regarding how metal roofs work and what you can expect from having a metal roof installed on your home.

How Does a Metal Roof Withstand Extreme Weather?

Metal roofs offer superior protection for your family, even in the most intense weather conditions. They offer resistance for wind and uplift forces in gusts up to 140 miles per hour, making them the number one choice for areas with regular tornado and hurricane activity. Compared to other roofing materials that can be punctured, damaged, or even completely torn off from the force of a hailstorm, metal roofs can be designed to include ribs that effectively deflect hail. They can be constructed at a slope to reduce surface area vulnerable to damage. Heavy snowfall is no match for a metal roof, as it quickly sheds the snow rather than allowing it to build up, melt, and intrude into your home. Burning embers from a wildfire can travel up to a mile away from the source, so metal roofs can help protect your home from catching fire during nearby wildfires by preventing embers from staying lit when they fall on the surface of your roof.

How Noisy Is a Metal Roof During Bad Weather?

People often believe that metal roofs cause excessive noise during rain and hailstorms, often because they’ve been in barns with metal roofs and no insulation during rainstorms. However, extensive research demonstrates no difference in noise production between metal roofs and roofs constructed of other materials. Unlike barns where the underside of the metal roof is visible to the interior, residential homes have metal roofs installed on top of a solid substrate that absorbs the sound of impact. Insulation and attic space provide further barriers to bad weather noise. You are much more likely to hear noise from other areas of your home, such as your walls and windows.

How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

When properly installed and regularly maintained, a metal roof can last two to three times longer than a roof made of traditional roofing materials. It will retain its full functionality and attractive appearance for decades, sometimes the entire life of your home. Asphalt, wood shingle, and concrete roofs each feature vulnerabilities that can cause them to wear down and require replacement years before you expect.

Asphalt roofs are composed of paper or fiberglass penetrated with oil, meaning although they come with an average lifespan of 12 to 20 years, they begin deteriorating almost immediately after installation. Even when constructed with the highest quality materials, wood shingle and shake roofs rarely remain functional longer than 30 years. They are seriously vulnerable to damage from exposure to the sun, weather, debris from overhanging trees, and shade that can promote the growth of moss or mildew. Concrete is expected to last up to 50 years but can warp and crack during annual freeze-thaw cycles and requires immediate repair to prevent moisture damage from impacting your home.

In contrast, a metal roof is extremely durable, fire-retardant, essentially weatherproof, prevents the accumulation of moss and mildew, and creates a formidable barrier against infestation from pests, like termites, rodents, and raccoons. It will never deteriorate like other materials and can last up to 50 years when constructed of aluminum or over 100 years when made of top-quality metals zinc or copper. When it begins to look dull from age and wear and tear, you can repaint it rather than being forced to pay for an expensive replacement.

Can a Metal Roof Be Installed Over My Existing Roof?

Because metal roofing weighs so little, experienced roofers can install it directly on top of your existing asphalt or shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons that metal roofs have exploded in popularity, as they do not require the expensive, time-consuming, and headache-inducing process of removing the old roof, meaning you can begin enjoying the benefits of your new roof much quicker. In many cases, this method serves as the preferred solution because the extra layer of roofing materials can provide increased insulation, trapping warm air during the winter and cool air during the summer.

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

While metal roofs include a higher up-front cost than traditional roofing materials, this cost is quickly offset by the long-term advantages they offer, both now and decades into the future. The expected lifespan of a metal roof means the initial expense provides decades of protection for triple the length of time as other materials. Few homeowners want to replace their roof every eight to 12 years, so a metal roof is the perfect option for maintaining a functional, highly attractive appearance with minimal maintenance. In most situations, you can reduce the cost of home insurance by installing a new metal roof, and most roofing companies offer warranties ranging from 25 years to full lifetime guarantees.

Make a Wise Investment in Your Home

With interest in home improvement projects skyrocketing over the past year, many homeowners are curious about how they can improve their homes with smart investments that carry long-term benefits. Metal roofs are unbelievably durable, providing your family with unparalleled protection in extreme weather and lasting up to three times longer than roofs made of traditional roofing materials. They can also add significant value to your property, as well as upgrading the appearance of your home with a variety of design and color options to complement your home’s architecture. Forego the trendy home improvement projects and upgrade your home with the most valuable investment you can make.