Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?
Not only is metal roofing a great choice for your home, it’s a great choice for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof can be as high as 35%. A metal roof can often be installed over your current roof without tearing off. Metal roofing keeps this excessive shingle waste from being dumped into a landfill. Metal roofs are extremely energy efficient, reducing the energy consumption of your home.
What are the advantages of metal over other types of roofing?
Prefinished metal roofing is available in a wide range of appealing colors with long-lasting coatings. Metal panels are lightweight but strong enough to withstand severe weather. Metal roofing is an excellent choice for areas that receive a lot of snow. If you live in an area of the country where wildfires are common, metal roofing can help protect your home if burning embers fall on it. Finally, metal roofing lasts longer, saves energy, and requires little maintenance.
Is metal roofing a good value compared to a typical roof?
Because metal roofing is a premium home product you can expect to pay more than what an asphalt shingle roof costs, however you will find a metal roof to be comparable in price to some other roofing materials. A metal roof will last 2 – 3 times longer than an asphalt roof. Metal roofing is more resistant to environment and weather related problems that lead to the breakdown of asphalt and wood roofing material. A metal roof will help reduce home energy bills. Annual maintenance and upkeep costs for a metal roof are far less than wood or asphalt.
Can metal panels be installed directly over my old worn-out shingles?
Possibly, because metal roofing is significantly lighter than an asphalt shingle roof you can often attach metal panels without tearing off your existing shingle roof. This eliminates tear off and disposal costs. It is also the environmentally friendly green thing to do because your old asphalt shingles won’t be dumped into a landfill. Make certain that your local building codes approve of this method.
How are metal roofing panels attached?
For a residential application metal roofing is typically screwed to solid sheathing. The type of screw can be specific to your application.
Can I add insulation under the metal panels?
Yes. Various types of insulation are available that will add to the energy efficient qualities of your metal roof and help further reduce your utility costs. Consult your local building code to determine which type of insulation is best for your location.
Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather than other types of roofing?
No more noisy than the soothing patter that you hear now. When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather as well – if not better than other roofing materials.
How long will a metal roof last?
You can expect a metal roof to last 2 – 3 times longer than regular types of roofing. It could very well be the last roof you put on your home, shed or barn – life expectancies can easily exceed 30 years. Corrosion resistant substrates and long-life finishes ensure long-term performance, minimal maintenance and life-cycle cost savings.
Will a metal roof make my house or building more susceptible to a lightning strike?
No, it does not. A metal roof will not make a structure more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Lightning will usually strike the highest object in a given area, regardless of its material. Because it is non-combustible, a metal roof can actually be advantageous in the event of a lightning strike.
