Aleksandr Biyevestskly- try spelling that five times fast- wrote an excellent article about myths of metal roofs- he cites 6 big ones:
Myth 1: Metal roof has a higher risk of getting struck by a lightning.
Reality; No metal roofing does not increase the chances of your house getting struck by a lightning. In fact, if your house does get struck, metal roof will help to dissipate the charge, and because metal is a non combustible material, your roof will not catch fire.
Myth 2: Metal roof makes a lot of noise when it rains.
Reality; You are probably thinking about that old cheap metal roof over the barn that used to sound like a machine gun burst when it is raining… Modern metal roofing is usually installed over a plywood, solid sheathing, or over your existing roof. It will make no more noise than a regular asphalt shingle roof. Oftentimes metal roof will be quieter than a non metal roof, and will shield the noise from rain and bad weather.
Myth 3: Metal roofing costs a lot of money.
Reality; It may seem like it does, but it really does not! You may be surprised, but metal roof will actually costs less than the asphalt shingle roof if you stay in your house long enough. Not only will it increase the value of your house, but it will also help you save money on cooling costs. Metal roofing can result in up to 50% savings in energy costs during summer months. And finally, metal roof may well be the last roof you will ever have to install on your house. Ever! Provided you get a quality installation from a qualified metal roofing contractor….
Myth 4: Metal Roof is susceptible to rust.
Reality; Modern metal roofing is built to last for decades. Steel metal roofing has a metal coating protection layer made with zinc or aluminum, which is bonded to the steel and then painted with a high quality paint designed to withstand the toughest abuse from bad weather, and provide the desirable color and looks that homeowners want.
Myth 5: Metal Roof is susceptible to dents.
Reality; Modern metal roofs are built to withstand years of abuse from severe weather such as hail, extreme winds, and snow. Hail will not dent a metal roof, and extremely high winds are not a threat either, as many modern metal roofing systems are rated for 120mph winds. In fact, metal roofs perform extremely well in the hurricane. It is not unusual to see the metal roof with no damage, next to naked regular roofs that have lost all its shingles and plywood in hurricane….
Myth 6: You cannot walk on metal roof without damaging it.
Reality; While you should definitely take all the necessary precautions before venturing out for a walk on your roof, metal roofs are completely walkable. I would recommend using running shoes…, because they will provide good traction for your feet when on the roof. Avoid walking on your roof when its raining as you could easily slip and fall. Rule of thumb is to stay of the roof whenever its surface is wet. Contact your roofing contractor for special techniques on how to walk on the metal roof they have installed.
And, of course there is the reality- that some people like the sound of rain on a metal roof- but, again, it all depends on insulation, sub-deck and other factors. When you realize that any additional costs of the metal are balanced out by the less expensive labor, the longer life, and that metal roofs don’t fill landfills- there are really no down sides to installing metal roofs.
Historically- metal roofs were sold as “fireproof roofs” and were often installed over wooden shakes- which were prone to catching fire. If you live in an area that’s susceptible to wildfires- a metal roof is a very good investment.
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