Metal roofing is the most viable option for almost every home, except those with flat roof pitches, since it entered the mainstream. You will come across shingle-style metal roofing panels almost identical to traditional asphalt shingle roofs.
Let us check out 9 astonishing facts and different kinds of metal roofing in this industry today!
1. Metal roofs are more than just a novelty
There were times when metal roofing was only discovered on top-notch, architect-structured homes, which is no longer the truth. Metal roofing is now found across conventional homes thanks to the rise in its availability and improved manufacturing process.
According to industrial statistics, the market share for metal roofing gradually increased at a rate of roughly three percent each year for a few years, and about 15% of all roofing installations used metal roofing materials. The market share for every asphalt shingle roofing fell and accounted for about 59 percent of the installed roofs.
2. Metal Roofing Can Be Installed on top of an Existing Roof
Metal roofing will not cause any harm to the shingles as long as the local building codes allow it to be installed on top of your existing roof. Tear-off is quite messy, raising the cost involved with the job while shingle removal is the highly preferred route to take.
The trapped water vapor is the potential issue with such installation, and moisture builds up, leading to mold and rot trapped between the old and metal roofing. Roofers can, however, install a vented metal roof, eliminating any potential issues. Installation of a new metal roof over the furring strips will raise the metal and offer ventilated air pockets to form between layers.
Ensure to consult about the local building codes before installing the metal roof over the older shingle. A few jurisdictions may need a complete tear-off whenever a fresh roof is installed.
3. Metal Roofs Are No Noisier Than Asphalt Roofing
It is a common misconception that metal roofs are noisy when hail or rain falls on them, but the reality here is when they are installed properly; metal roofing panels are no noisier than any other kind. The metal roofing is mainly installed over the robust substance. Furthermore, the attic and the insulation also offer a sound barrier. Inhabitants can rarely notice any sound levels when metal roofs are installed in the interior living spaces.
4. Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning
You may think that a metal roof will attract lightning but statistics report that this is untrue. Metal roofing does not in any manner increase the risk of a lightning strike, according to a technical bulletin from the Metal Construction Association. Even though the roof gets struck by lightning, it is not combustible.
Metal roofing is both an electrical conductor and a non-combustible material that risks being associated with its use and behavior during any lighting event, making it the desirable construction material available.
Lighting always seeks a path to the ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other structures usually tend to attract lightning. The metal roofs are isolated structural components with no direct path to the ground inherent in the designs. Therefore, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it would be striking an asphalt shingle roof.
5. Metal Roofing Can Be More Cost-Effective
Metal roofs are also known to last for more than 50 years, although most metal roofing products mainly carry warranties compared to the best asphalt shingles. Metal roofs routinely have a longevity of about 40 to 70 years, according to the statistics of State Farm Insurance. It is, therefore, quite uncommon for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she is living in residence.
In contrast, the homeowner is more likely to be replacing an asphalt shingle roof about two to three times over 50 years. Overall, the cost of the metal roof is quite more expensive than the asphalt one as it can help save money over a longer period.
6. Metal Roofing Is Impermeable to Fire, Rot, and Insect Damage
One of the major reasons behind the growing demand for metal roofing is that it is practically waterproof. Metal roofing has become the roofing material choice across various parts of Houston, with the dangers of a wildfire rising today. It is also beneficial since:
- Insects like termites can never eat up metal roofing
- It is impervious to mildew and rot
- Snow slides off it more quickly than in any other conventional roofing as it conducts heat rapidly from the sun.
7. Metal Roofs Are More Energy-Efficient
According to the industry, it is seen that metal roofs reflect the solar radiant heat, reducing the cost of cooling it down to about 10 to 25 percent. Coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating will maximize the roof's reflective capacity and improve energy savings in climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs.
8. Metal Roofing Works on Roofs with Low Slopes
Metal roofing is mostly considered to have a steep slope, but standing seam metal roofing will work finely on gently pitched roofs. It is the kind of roofing installed in the larger sheets with raised seams, sealed tightly together, resisting water. Most of the homes can accept metal roofing, while a few slopes are required to ensure water run-off.
9. Metal Roofing Can Be Ruined by severe hail
Metal roofs are not indestructible, although they are more maintenance-free and durable than asphalt shingles or any other form of roofing. Large hail is just one weather condition, particularly that bodes ill on metal roofing. Copper and aluminum distinctively are more susceptible to denting while hailstones approach the size of a golf ball.
If you are residing in regions where catastrophic hail occurs, be aware while considering metal roofing as your option, although steel is hard and stands better in hailstorms. Dime-sized or even pea-sized hail is rarely an issue, but hailstones larger than this are known to damage metal roofs.
9 Types of Metal Roofing Options
The term metal roofing covers a massive variety of different colors, sizes, materials, and styles. Let us now break down the types of metal roofs you should select from as we break down the benefits brought about by each so that you will know which one to select for your next roof replacement plan!
1. Standing Seam
It is mainly due to the sleek appearance, life expectancy, and weatherproof construction that makes standing seam metal roofing the most popular choice. Standing seam metal roofing offers a long list of benefits that you cannot get with any asphalt shingles or other natural roofing materials. At the same time, it is more of a premium roofing option. This type of roofing is also quite customizable to match the specific preference of every homeowner.
2. Shake-Inspired
Roofing shakes or wooden shingles are the most common kind of roofing style that has been used on homes across the globe for centuries. Several people are drawn to this style as it offers a more classic appearance compared to the modern aesthetics of a standing seam metal roof. Homeowners today can achieve this traditional look of wooden shakes with the additional benefits of metal roofing thanks to metal roofing panels.
3. Tile-Inspired
In regions with warmer climates, tile roofing is the other popular choice. There are metal roofing options available inspired by the design of tile roofing that is a lot more durable and easier to maintain, while tile roofing used to be composed mainly of natural materials like clay or concrete. The tile-inspired metal roofing tends to be a cost-effective option compared to a few other kinds of metal roofs for the home. In contrast, several metal roofing options will be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingle roofing.
4. Slate-Inspired
When it comes to natural stone, is quite a costly material, so traditional slate roofs often arrive at higher price points compared to other roofing materials. Slate is quite heavy, can impose a lot of stress on the roof, and needs reinforced rafters to extend the roof's lifespan. The slate-inspired metal roofing allows homeowners to get the luxurious appearance of natural slate roofing without any additional weight and strain on the structure of their home.
5. Corrugated
The corrugated metal roofing is made out of hot-dipped galvanized steel that is cold-rolled for creating corrugated patterns on the panels. The process of galvanization helps make the resulting material stronger, and more resistant to rust and has improved the aesthetics.
6. Zinc
You may not be familiar with zinc material if you reside in the US, as it is the most durable option. Zinc is a quite expensive roofing material that has lasted for over a century for a good reason. Zinc does not need a lot of maintenance after installation since it is durable and longer-lasting. It is even resistant to fire, preventing the growth of fungus, mold, and mildew naturally.
7. Aluminum
The other durable metal roofing option is aluminum. It will allow for a faster installation and offer great longevity benefits, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and prevention of pests. It is a lightweight metal that can resist rust naturally. Even to those situated near the coasts, this aspect helps to be the material of choice for several homeowners. It is a versatile and flexible material that matches well with the varied home designs and according to the homeowners' preference.
8. Copper
You need not look anywhere further if you search for a longer-lasting option. It is the most incredible roofing choice if you wish to last for several years. Copper has several benefits that are associated with it. The copper roof is resistant to fire, mildew, pets, hail damage, and several other common enemies of damage. It is quite lightweight. Thereby it will not be imposing a lot of stress on the structure of your home.
9. Galvanized Steel
The steel roof coated in a protective layer of zinc is the galvanized steel roof. Importantly, the base of the metal is hot-dipped into zinc, either making for a thick or a thin coat as it depends on a homeowner's preference in safeguarding the steel roof against rust, thereby improving the appearance of the roof.
Final thoughts
Always contact the professionals of Klein Roofing if you are keen to learn more about the type of metal roofing panels that makes the most sense out of your budget and home style!