Have Metal Roofing Questions? Windows on Washington Has the Answers!

When the time comes to select a new roof, some important factors to consider include the type of material, style, color and investment. There are various materials available and they offer varying benefits like ENERGY STAR ratings, esthetic appeal, cost, life span and more. To help navigate you through these decisions, Windows on Washington takes on the six most common questions our clients have about one of those materials - METAL ROOFING.

Question #1: Is metal roofing worth it?  

Metal roofing is one of the more expensive roofing materials, but the future financial benefits may out way the initial up front cost.  Metal roofing provides high thermal/solar reflectance and incredible durability, lasting on average nearly twice as long as wood or asphalt.  With metal roofing, you can get the architectural style you want with the price you can handle in an environmentally friendly material you can feel good about.  In recent years, the positive attributes of metal roofing have made it highly desirable which will raise the resale value of your home.  The projected ROI in Northern Virginia for Roofing is 70% with resale alone. 

Question #2: Does metal roofing attract lightning?

A home with a metal roof is no more likely to be hit by lightning than a home with an asphalt roof because lightning is attracted to the highest point and not necessarily the metal roofing material.  Metal roofing can also act as a barrier against the electricity by discharging it evenly throughout the roof to prevent damage. Because it can dissipate the electrical charge it will help prevent a fire to your home caused by a lightning strike.

Question #3: Do metal roofs dent easily? 

Today’s metal roofs are designed and warrantied to resist wind gusts of up to 120 miles per hour.  Decra Metal Roofing is significantly lighter than most other roofing materials and is resistant to bad weather and wind lift, it is warrantied for Class 4 impact resistance during heavy rain and hailstorms. Tests show that metal roofs significantly outperform asphalt shingles in terms of durability and weather resistance. 

Question #4: Do metal roofs have a short life expectancy?

Metal roofing provides high thermal/solar reflectance and incredible durability, lasting on average nearly twice as long as wood or asphalt.  Metal Roofing Companies offer warranties up to 50 years compared to your standard asphalt roofing material with warranties of 15 years.

Question #5: Do metal roofs get hotter than other roofs?  

Actually, metal reflects 70% of the sun's energy rather than absorbing that heat. Research from the Florida Solar Energy Center indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to and increased R-11 insulation on top of the roof during sunny conditions.  One of metal roofings primary benefits — in the summer it prevents heat gain and helps to keep your home cooler while reducing your reliance on air conditioning.

Question #6: Are metal roofs is noisy?

One of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing is that they are noisy.  Many people think that a metal roof will sound like an old barn or a metal trailer when the rain hits it. Actually, research has shown that metal roofing material is not any noisier than an asphalt or tile roof.  Metal roofing is installed over a solid substrate, and this installation material, along with the homes attic and insulation, create enough of a sound barrier to dampen any outside noise.

A new roof system is a sizable investment in your home.  Windows on Washington offers our Roofing Services & Solutions Consumer Handbook, designed to guide you through the process.  For more information about metal roofing for your home, schedule a free estimate with one of our consultants.