Metal Roofing
- FAQ
Answers to the Most Commonly
Asked Questions About Metal Roofs
- How does the cost of a metal roof cost compare to other
roofs? Answer
- Can I walk on a metal roof? Answer
- Is a metal roof noisy when it rains? Answer
- Is a metal roof damaged by hail? Answer
- How about resistance to wind damage? Answer
- Is a metal roof fire safe? Answer
- How does the weight of a metal roof compare to other types
of roofing? Answer
- Will a metal roof rust? Answer
- Does the color fade? Answer
- What about lightning? Answer
- If I'm reroofing, do I have to remove the old roof before
installing the metal roof? Answer
- Will a metal roof make my house hot? Answer
- What is galvalume? Answer
Answers
How does the cost of a metal roof cost
compare to other roofs?
Metal roofs are a premium product and cost somewhat more than a 20 year warranty
asphalt/fiberglass shingle roof; however a metal roof can cost substantially
less than many of the high-end architectural shingles now being sold.
Additionally, metal roofs have many advantages and benefits over
asphalt/fiberglass shingle roofs.
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Can I walk on a metal roof?
Yes you can; however, like walking on any roof, you should be careful.
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Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?
No, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains. According to one study, the noise
levels of a metal roof are about the same as other roofing products such as
asphalt or wood shingles or clay tiles.
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Is a metal roof damaged by hail?
Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage... much more so
than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the
highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions
in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a
reduced rate for metal roofs.
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How about resistance to wind damage?
All metal roofing products are very wind resistant. Many styles have been tested
to withstand hurricane force winds; and wind warranties can be as high as
120mph.
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Is a metal roof fire safe?
A steel roof is the most fire safe roof. It is classified as a noncombustible
roofing material with a Class "A" rating - the highest rating given.
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How does the weight of a metal roof
compare to other types of roofing?
Much to many peoples surprise, metal roofs are significantly lighter than other
types of roofs. Typically they weigh less than one-third the weight of
asphalt/fiberglass shingles; and are as much as 75% lighter than clay, concrete
or slate.
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Will a metal roof rust?
Galvalume coated steel roofing panels are protected by layers of metallic and
polymer coatings. Industry studies have repeatedly shown them to outperform the
corrosion resistance of other coated metals. They are available with warranty's
as long as 50 years.
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Does the color fade?
Metal roofs are painted with high-performance polymers that have exceptional
weathering properties. Over time you might notice a slight change in color due
to the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or washing the
roof with a garden hose (from the ground) will keep the roof looking like new.
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What about lightning?
Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than any other roofing
material. Lightning most frequently strikes the highest point in any terrain;
and if your roof is at the highest point of the surrounding terrain, you can
install lightning rods.
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If I'm reroofing, do I have to
remove the old roof before installing the metal roof?
Usually not if you're installing the metal roof over existing asphalt,
fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). In most
situations, the metal roof can be installed directly over the old roof.
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Will a metal roof make my house hot?
Actually, a metal roof can save you money on your a/c costs because it has a
higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass
shingles, wood, tile, etc. During the summer it makes buildings cooler by
efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted
into the building. Likewise, it makes buildings warmer in the winter by
reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building.
This good thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing
cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter.
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What is galvalume?
Galvalume is 55% Al-Zn (aluminum - zinc) coated sheet steel that is ideally
suited for most types of roofing applications. An estimated 40 billion square
feet of galvalume now covers buildings in all kinds of climates and environments
throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe, Asia and
Australia. Galvalume is an ideal material for roofing because of its
extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and resulting long life. It is
extremely popular due to its versatility, ease of use, aesthetics and long-term
performance.
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