Metal roofing is increasingly popular with people who understand its beneficial properties. Developers, builders, contractors, project and materials managers, and others appreciate metal roofs for their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
However, some common misconceptions about metal roofing persist, causing some building owners to dismiss it as an option. That is unfortunate since they are ignoring the roofing solution that could have the best long-term value for their project.
This article illuminates several common metal roofing myths, exposing them so stakeholders can make informed decisions about metal roofs.
MYTH 1: METAL ROOFING IS NOISY.
A storm with fat raindrops or hail will generate sounds when the precipitation hits any type of roof. That’s just physics. You surely have been in a home or commercial building with asphalt shingles during heavy rainfall and heard the drumming or thumping sounds of drops striking the roof.
Moreover, you’ve heard precipitation hit trees, lawns, sidewalks, and other landscaping features. The point is that weather events are never silent. However, metal roofs do not amplify the sound of rainfall or hail, as some people believe. The standard underlayment and insulation with a metal roof dampen sound significantly, potentially making this type of roofing quieter than others.
Being in a warehouse, barn, or backyard shed with a thin metal roof during a storm can be an energizing auditory experience! But if you’re in a structure with a professionally installed stainless steel roof, the rain won’t disturb you. You may even want to open the windows to enjoy the patter of raindrops on the trees.
MYTH 2: METAL ROOFING ATTRACTS LIGHTNING.
This myth was born from the fact that metal conducts electricity. While that is true, no evidence supports the idea that metal roofing attracts more lightning strikes than other roofing materials. So, we should remove the image of a metal roof crackling with electricity after being hit by a bolt of lightning from our collective consciousness. It is fiction.
In addition to not attracting lightning, metal roofs handle strikes better than other roofs — a vital factor in fire prevention. Metal roofing is non-combustible and won’t burst into flames when lightning strikes. Its properties also enable it to dissipate energy efficiently. In a storm with lightning, one of the safest places to be is in a structure with a high-quality metal roof.
MYTH 3: METAL ROOFS ARE EXPENSIVE.
When installing a roofing system or replacing an existing system, it’s vital to consider the long-term cost. Some roofing materials cost less than metal, so your initial expense with asphalt shingles or other materials may be lower.
However, metal roofs can meet your needs (and those of the person who owns the structure after you) for several decades with minimal maintenance, repair, or replacement costs. Traditional roofing systems require regular maintenance, are susceptible to many types of damage (from storms, pests, and other factors), and have much shorter lifespans.
Nothing makes building owners or decision-makers happier than having their metal roof installed and knowing they can cross “roof” off the list of building features they must concern themselves with. Their investment in a metal roof is a wise one, and it also protects their much bigger investment in the building itself.
MYTH 4: METAL ROOFS RUST.
Like the myth about metal roofs attracting lightning, this one also stems from one of metal’s physical properties: It can rust. Rusted metal roofing or siding on a dilapidated building, which can be a common sight in high-humidity areas, may amplify the awareness of this risk in owners considering a metal roof.
The difference with a high-quality metal roof is that it’s made from materials developed to withstand environmental factors and resist rusting. From the base materials to specialized coatings, metal roofs are engineered to be highly durable.
Imagine a type-lapse video of a metal-roofed building surrounded by other metal objects (fence posts, a wheelbarrow, tools, etc.). The other items would gradually degrade and decay, while the metal roof would remain unchanged and virtually impervious to the elements.
MYTH 5: METAL ROOFS ARE PRONE TO DENTING.
Again, people who believe this myth are understandably extrapolating from their knowledge of other metal items. For example, drive your car around for just a few minutes, and you’re likely to see another vehicle with an ugly dent — your car may even have one! Consequently, it’s reasonable to assume that large hailstones, falling branches, or other objects striking a metal roof will dent it.
However, metal roofs are highly impact-resistant. Their materials and the methods teams use when installing them mitigate the risk of denting or damage.
MYTH 6: METAL ROOFS MAKE BUILDINGS HOT IN THE SUMMER.
You’re not alone if you envision a metal roof on a hot summer day looking like a frying pan. However, that image is not accurate. In fact, metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays and deflect the energy much more effectively than other roofing materials.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb and retain heat. Often, shingled roofs are many degrees hotter than surrounding surfaces. That’s one of the reasons that spaces within buildings with traditional roofs usually continue to feel uncomfortably warm after the sun sets.
So, not only is this myth busted, but the opposite is true. Metal roofs reflect energy and heat. They also cool faster once the sun goes down. Those characteristics help keep a building comfortable on hot summer days and can reduce cooling costs.
MYTH 7: METAL ROOFS LEAK AROUND THEIR FASTENERS.
Like any roofing system, metal roofs are made from sections fastened to wood. Installers insert screws into holes to attach panels to specialized wood framework mounted on a roof’s decking material.
It’s reasonable to wonder if water will seep through holes and cause damage. However, that doesn’t occur with proper installation. Each screw is paired with a neoprene washer that serves to create a watertight seal. Neoprene is a remarkable material that isn’t affected by sun or weather and is virtually ageless.
MYTH 8: METAL ROOFS ARE INHERENTLY “INDUSTRIAL” IN APPEARANCE.
A common theme in this article is that today’s metal roofs are the product of ongoing design and development. That work has changed the functional properties and aesthetics of metal roofs. A metal roof from a decade ago likely would bear little resemblance to one installed on the same building today.
Metal roofs, in their many shapes, styles, and colors, can protect a structure and enhance its appearance. Are you looking for something with a wave-like pattern? Do you want a roof with a ribbed finish? You have many options when installing a metal roof.
MYTH 9: MOST ROOFS ARE SHINGLED, SO THAT MUST BE THE BEST SOLUTION.
The predominance of one product over the other isn’t always a sign that it’s the better choice. Sometimes, the issue is that people tend to “go with what works.” Shingles have a long history of providing adequate performance. Consequently, an entire industry has developed around producing, selling, and using them.
Unsurprisingly, building owners, service providers, and other stakeholders can be reluctant to switch to metal roofing. We see the tide shifting, but that change isn’t necessarily apparent to others, so they may not consider anything other than shingles.
However, roofing systems are a significant investment and an essential element in protecting a structure, so it makes sense to consider all your options. Perhaps comparing various shingle materials to metal roofing leads you back to traditional roofing. But you’ll likely identify some distinct advantages of metal roofing. If the benefits prompt you to talk with the owner of a metal-roofed building, the conversation may generate even more momentum toward a metal roof. What’s crucial is getting past the myths and basing your decision on science.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The use of metal roofs dates to early civilizations when copper and lead were the top choices. Over time, manufacturers developed lighter, more robust metal roofing solutions. Advances eliminated the flaws of earlier designs, leading to today’s high-performance products. While perceptions of metal roofing continue to evolve, they still lag behind the facts. That’s due, in part, to the persistent myths we’ve dispelled in this article.
Ultimately, the decision on roofing systems comes down to whether you’re investing in fact or fiction. A shingled roof can meet a building owner’s needs and may last for several years under the right conditions. If that’s your goal, shingles might be the way to go.
However, building owners are increasingly seeing their roof as an investment with many benefits, including:
- Protecting the structure
- Creating a comfortable environment for occupants
- Saving money on cooling costs
- Keeping the shingles from subsequent reroofing projects out of landfills
- Eye-catching aesthetics
If you’re open to installing a metal roof, it’s worth your time and effort to do some research. There is a compelling case for forgoing shingles and using stainless steel roofing instead.
Should you decide to install a metal roofing system, an excellent next step is to contact CMI to learn about our products. We’re happy to answer any questions about metal roofing and help you find the right solution for your needs.