Our pros took the time to answer some of the top questions people Google when they get curious about what having metal roofing is like. Let’s get started!
Is a metal roof cost effective?
Metal roofing materials themselves are often way cheaper than shingles. However, installing a metal roof requires a lot more other materials (like screws, ridge caps, etc.), so the costs can add up quickly. Overall, installing a metal roof on a home is often more expensive than installing a shingle roof on a home. One thing to consider is that metal roofing often lasts over ten decades with the proper care, which can end up saving you money on roof replacements in the long run.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
- Initial Investment is High: Many homeowners frown upon the high cost of switching to metal roofing, but remember, it saves you many roof replacements over time.
- Noise: Storms, rainfall, and other weather events can be a bit loud in a home with metal roofing, but some people enjoy the sounds.
- Maintenance: It’s smart to pay close attention to a metal roof. If expansion and contraction fasteners or washers and screws break down over time, they need to be replaced before leading to more serious damage or leaks. If panels need to be replaced, it can be hard to get an exact color match. However, if you work with the same metal roofing company, repairs and maintenance should be a breeze!
Can you put metal roofing over shingles?
As a matter of fact, you can! If your shingle roofing doesn’t have significant damage or leaks, there’s no need to go through the costly process of ripping it up. Metal roofing can be installed right over the shingles. You’ll just need to ensure that your building or zoning department doesn’t have an issue with the layering. If you layer, your house will have an easier time maintaining internal temperatures.
Which is better, metal roof or shingles?
To put it plainly, a metal roof will outlast a shingle roof two to four times over. Not to mention, they’re stronger, more energy efficient, and easier to maintain! They may be a little more expensive on the front end, but you’ll only have to replace it once (maybe) in your lifetime!
Does a metal roof lower your insurance?
Since there’s proof in research that metal roofing takes on less damage after significant weather events and even fires, insurance companies love to see them! Think about it this way, insurance providers see homes with metal roofs as homes with less claims to pay.
Will lightning strike a metal roof?
According to The Metal Construction Association, lightning is “the flow of electrical current between earth and sky”. Lightning wants to connect with the ground, not your roof. Sometimes, in its attempt to connect its negatively charged ions with our planet’s positive ones, lightning can be unpredictable. Whether or not your home gets struck has less to do with what your roof is made of and more to do with where your home sits.
Since lightning wants to connect with earth ASAP, it usually strikes in areas of elevation! If your home is on a hill, it may eventually be struck, but it won’t be due to your metal roof. In fact, metal roofing can lessen the damage done by a lightning strike as the metal will conduct the electricity more quickly to the ground! Since metal can withstand high heat, your home will be less likely to catch on fire in the case of a lightning strike.
Do metal roofs make houses hotter?
Metal roofing materials can actually be cooler than shingles, depending on the color you choose. Colors that are lighter reflect more light and get less hot in direct sunlight. Some good colors to pick if you’re worried about the heat are white, beige, light blue or green, or even a light shade of bronze. In addition to being a great option for keeping your house cool in the hot months, metal roofs are often treated with a finish that helps less heat to be absorbed.
Do metal roofs rust?
When metal of any kind is exposed to weather, it is susceptible to rusting. You can’t buy metal roofing that doesn’t rust, but you can take preventative measures to keep it from rusting. Essentially, what you’ll need to focus on is the substrate. The most popular slow-to-rust substrates are those coated with things like zinc and aluminum. These coatings can protect the metal sheeting from weather and corrosion.
Does a metal roof interfere with cell phone service?
The short answer on this one is, no, metal roofing doesn’t mean poor cell service or interrupted wifi. Think about it – your grocery stores, your shopping malls, and your favorite restaurants all have metal roofing. Does your cell signal disappear when you enter those buildings? Having metal roofing on your home shouldn’t be the reason for poor cell service or wifi.
Do metal roofs get hail damage?
Hail storms can really damage or even destroy traditional shingled roofs. You can get major dents and holes that can create leaks into your home. Metal roofs on the other hand are very strong and can withstand hail a lot better. Sure, if a hail storm gets bad enough, you may have some dents in your roof. However, it is highly unlikely that hail would damage your metal roof to the point of defect.
Can you get a tax credit for a metal roof?
You sure can! There’s such a thing as a “federal energy-efficiency tax credit”. Since metal roofs are actually better at keeping homes cool in hot weather than traditional roofs, the government rewards people who install them with a tax benefit. Though metal roof installation isn’t quite tax deductible, you can get about a $500 tax credit. Make sure the material you choose qualifies for the credit, and make sure you obtain a copy of the manufacturer statement to send in as proof.
Have more questions about metal roofing? We’re here for you! Reach out to the Metal Roof Pros team any time for more information about materials, installations, quotes, and more.