What is a Metal Roof?
A metal roof is simply a roofing system made using metal pieces, tiles, or panels. A metal roof is a part of the roofing envelope which is the physical separator between the inside and outside of the building and is designed to provide resistance to air, water, heat and sound. The roof also contributes to structural support and is a significant contributor to the overall aesthetic appearance of a building.
Types of Metal Roofing:
- Exposed fastener panels
- Standing seam panes
- Retrofit systems
What are Exposed Fastener Panels?
Exposed fastener panels offer immense versatility because of the wide range of panels offered. Customers can select from 12 different panel styles. Exposed Fastener panels are not just utilized on exterior applications. They are also commonly used for interior applications, like liner panels and architectural elements.
Exposed Fastener panels offer outstanding technical properties and can be utilized for both new construction and retrofit projects.
What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam metal roofing panels are a product family of metal roofing. In the purest form, they are panels with male and female legs that are engaged and installed with clips to the roofing substructure. As panel options have grown however, it is common to see clipless panels included in this product family as well.
Regardless of the attachment method, it can consistently be maintained that standing seam panels do not use exposed fasteners in the plane of the panel during panel installation. Depending on project specifics, exposed fasteners may or may not be utilized for trim applications.
Metal Roofing is Packed full of Benefits:
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Life Expectancy
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Durability
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Energy-Efficiency
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Recyclable
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Aesthetically Pleasing
While metal’s 50-60 year life expectancy often signals a once and done approach that owners love, there are still situations where a metal roof needs to be replaced. When that occurs, we can help with one of several different recover systems
Why Metal Roofing is Gaining Popularity:
Longer life span, improved energy efficiency and a reduced environmental impact are just a few of the key benefits homeowners consider when choosing a metal roof.
The initial cost is often more than a traditional asphalt roof; however, that cost is more than offset by its increased lifespan. Metal roofs can last 40 to 60 years saving significant money (and hassle of replacement) over the long-term. Besides longevity, metal roofing typically uses a reflective solar coating designed to minimize heat buildup and reduce air conditioning costs.
And if all of that isn’t enough, metal weighs less and installs more quickly than traditional shingle products. And for homeowners tired of constant asphalt shingle replacement, metal can often be installed over existing shingles which saves the cost/labor of shingle tear off as well as disposal/landfill fees.
More about the Benefits of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing stands toe-to-toe against Mother Nature.
Metal roofing consistently outperforms shingles when it comes to resisting harsh elements. In addition to being fire and hail resistant, metal roofs are also effective against extreme winds. Many insurance companies recognize the durability of metal roofing, offering discounts for structures with metal roofs.
Is metal roofing a better long-term value than shingles?
While the upfront costs of installing a metal roof are often higher than shingles, a metal roof lasts longer and will be replaced or repaired far less frequently. A typical shingle roof lasts anywhere from 12 to 20 years, depending upon how well it’s maintained and weather elements it may encounter. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last between 40 and 60 years while also requiring less maintenance, making them a more cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the roof.
A metal roof can actually lower your energy costs.
Thanks to a combination of ASV (Above Sheathing Ventilation) and special coating designed to reflect the sun’s energy and release absorbed heat, metal roof panels can reduce energy costs by as much as 20% compared to asphalt shingles.
Does metal roofing attract lightning strikes?
The odds of a lightning strike hitting a metal roof are the same as any other roof, regardless of material. In the event that there is a lightning strike, however, metal roofing will not ignite and catch fire since it is not combustible.
Is all metal roofing created equal?
Definitely not! Like most building materials, metal roofing is available in varying levels of quality.
Are metal roofs energy efficient?
Metal roofing is an energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing material that offers cost savings and a long lifespan.
Metal Roofing Pros and Cons:
As metal roofing gains in popularity more and more homeowners are choosing a metal roof when it comes time to replace their shingle roofs. So, why are so many homeowners opting for a metal roof? Let’s break down the metal roofing pros and cons:
Pro: Aesthetically Pleasing
Gone are the days of dull, boring metal roofs. Modern metal roofs come in all types of styles and colors, and they offer outstanding curb appeal.
Like the look of slate or shake? There’s a metal roof for that. Spanish tiles more your thing? Metal roofs have you covered.
Take a look at some of these applications to get an idea of the versatility of metal roofing.
Pro: Long Service Life
Long service life compared to shingles is another big advantage for metal roofing. No one expects a shingle roof to last longer than 15-20 years. Yet a properly installed metal roof can last 50-60 years or more. That’s a big difference!
Pro: Lower Utility Expense
Metal roofing offers homeowners lower utility expenses, and that means money savings year over year To maximize utility savings, homeowners should choose a cool roof pigment and Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV).
Cool roofs have highly reflective pigments added to the coating, and metal roofing panels that use these paint systems are referred to as Cool Metal Roofing. Cool Metal Roofing is highly reflective and can help save homeowners as much as 20% in their cooling energy costs.
Pro: Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofing is an environmentally friendly roofing option because it is not only made from a high percentage of recycled materials, but it can also be recycled when it is replaced. And who doesn’t want to leave this place a little better than we found it!
Pro: Fire, Hail, and High Wind Resistant
Metal roofing is naturally fire, hail, and wind resistant. For homeowners in areas that experience extreme weather, metal roofing is an excellent investment.
Metal roofs are also more resistant to hail than shingles. It’s not uncommon for hail to damage a shingle roof. In the most severe cases of hail, a metal roof might show some cosmetic dents but is typically still weather tight and continues to protect your home from mother nature’s fury.
Con: Up Front Cost
Nothing in life is all good right? Metal roofing is no different. The single greatest con for metal roofing is that it often requires an upfront investment greater than asphalt shingles.
The upfront price of metal roofing might seem daunting, especially if you are comparing it to your basic 3-tab shingles, but with a life expectancy three times longer, greater resistance to mother natures fury, and the ability to reduce your energy costs, metal roofing is considered a “value” to many over the life of their roof.
Shingles might look less expensive initially, but they end up costing more over time.
Is a Metal Roof Noisy When It Rains or Hails?
The good news is that metal roofs with a roof assembly (decking, insulation, and underlayment) are no noisier than any other type of roof.
How Do Metal Roofs Hold Up to Hail?
No doubt about it, choosing the best roofing material can be overwhelming. But for building owners in hail prone areas, it has grown difficult to deny the enhanced durability, longer life-expectancy and increased overall cost-effectiveness offered by metal roofing.
Not surprisingly, the damage caused by hail has been on the rise in the US with $8 to $10 billion in hail damage reported annually. Insurance carriers and homeowners alike have begun to look for ways to reduce (and even eliminate!) hail-related claims. Since storms can’t be eliminated, roofing product selection seems to be taking center stage.