Here are five misconceptions you may have heard about metal roofs:
- Metal Roofs are expensive. FALSE. Metal is actually comparable in price to wood shakes, tile, and heavy weight composition shingles, and may be less expensive than slate. While it may be true that metal might initially cost more than a basic composition roof, over the life of the roof metal will actually save you money. Money is saved due to metal being virtually maintenance free, more energy efficient, and longer lasting. The actual lifespan of a metal roof may be 4-5 times that of a basic composition roof.
- Metal roofs are susceptible to rust. FALSE. Galvanized metal with advanced paint finishes such as Kynar are warrantied for 50 years against rusting or even fading of the color.
- Metal roofs are noisy in the rain. FALSE. This misconception likely comes from the old metal panels used years ago on older building and barns. Today modern construction including solid decking and insulation result in metal roofs being no noisier than other type of roofing.
- Lighting is more prone to strike metal roofs. FALSE. Metal conductions electricity but does NOT attract it.
- You can’t walk on a metal roof. FALSE. You can walk on a metal roof if done the right way. Check with the specific manufacturer to for more information.
For information about metal roofing see what Bob Vila has to say in the article, Metal Roofs on the Rise.