Cool Facts About Metal Roofs

Like most products that are in a growth stage and have yet to reach saturation, metal roofs are subject to a number of misconceptions.  Here are some facts about metal roofs you’ll be glad to know when it’s time to start thinking about adding a new roof to your home.

Appearance

When you think of metal roofing, don’t think of an old barn with a glaring tin roof on it.  Today’s metal roofs are sleek and attractive with a number of styles, finishes and colors available.  When professionally installed, metal roofs can make you do a double-take before you realize that it’s actually metal you’re looking at.

Sound investment

Metal is initially more expensive than other roofing materials, but you have to remember that a metal roof will provide excellent performance for 50 or more years.  It’s not uncommon for an asphalt shingle roof to need replacing after just 10 to 15 years.  Money is saved in the long run with a metal roof, while you avoid the life-disruption of multiple re-roofing projects.

Resale value

Metal roofs add real value to a home when it’s on the market.  Buyers like the idea of a long-lasting roof that requires little maintenance and virtually no repair.  Many buyers will see a metal roof as an important element of their investment and be willing to pay more.

The cooling factor

Under the blazing summer sun, metal roofs absorb only a fraction of the heat that asphalt shingles do.  The majority of the heat is actually reflected away from the roof, making the home’s interior cooler and thereby saving the homeowner money on cooling costs.

Rust-resistant

The aluminum and metallic paint that manufacturers add to metal roofing material make them highly resistant to rust across many decades of service.

Good in a hail storm

The weight and speed of hail that would be necessary to even slightly dent a metal roof would destroy a roof with asphalt shingles or decorator tiles.  Metal is simply the strongest, most durable roofing material available.

No problem with wind

A quality metal roof can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour, which is equivalent to an H2 tornado.  Traditional shingle and tile roofs can suffer severe damage in winds a lot slower than 150 mph.

Safe in lightning

Metal is not a lightning attractor, but it is a great conductor of it.  Lightning normally strikes the highest point in an area, meaning it will probably hit a tree before it hits a house.  If it does hit a house with a metal roof, the energy is spread throughout the roof.  If lightning hits asphalt shingles, the point of impact takes the full brunt of the energy and can easily lead to great damage or a fire.

Quiet

Metal roofs are usually installed over original roofs with a space between the two coverings.  This causes a significant reduction in interior noise during heavy rains or hail.

Now you know quite a bit about metal roofs.  If you’d like to know even more, the experts at Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, FL, will be happy to help.  We manufacture top-grade metal roofing used by leading contractors throughout our region.  Get your questions answered by calling (863) 648-5787.