Roofing FAQ: What Are the Benefits of a Metal Roof?

Choosing the material for your new roof is one of the most important decisions you can make. A new roof is a big and exciting home improvement project, but as the saying goes: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Choosing the right roof for your specific needs and budget is the best preparation you can undertake for your new roof. 

The right roof will not only add value to your home, but it will save you money, increase the lifespan of your roof and overall give your home a nicer aesthetic appeal based on your personal style. In this article, we will specifically be looking at metal roofs and the pros of choosing a metal roof for your roof replacement project. 

The Benefits of a Metal Roof

Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of choosing a metal roof: 

• Long life-span: Metal roofs have great longevity, lasting between 40-70 years depending on the specific material. On the other hand, traditional asphalt roofs last about 12-20 years.
• Durability: If you live in a particularly windy region, metal roofs are the ideal choice due to their durability. They are highly wind-resistant, and will not corrode or crack. 
• Low maintenance: Metal roofs do not need as much maintenance as other roofing materials. In saying that, you should be periodically checking your roof, no matter what kind of material it is made from. 
• Safe: Metal roofs are incredibly safe as they will not spark or ignite during wildfires or a storm.
• Energy-efficient: Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials as they reflect the sun’s UV and infrared light rays, which can result in significant reduction in energy bills. 
• Eco-friendly: If you are looking for an eco-friendly roofing material, you cannot go past metal. With a high recycled content rating, metal roofs are also 100 percent recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

Now that we know some of the great benefits of a metal roof, let us take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about metal roofs. 

Are Metal Roofs Expensive?

While it is true metal roofing is one of the more expensive roofing materials, the eventual financial benefits outweigh the initial upfront cost.  Metal roofing provides high thermal/solar reflectance and incredible durability, lasting on average nearly twice as long as wood or asphalt.  

Not to mention metal roofs can give you the aesthetic look you desire, with a decent price, and eco-friendly material. Due to the popular nature of metal roofs, if the time comes for you to sell your place, a metal roof can add value to your overall home.

But it is Metal, Will it Attract Lightning?

No, that is a myth. A metal roof will not attract lightning or be likely to be hit by lightning anymore than an asphalt roof. Lightning is attracted to the highest point of a home, and not the material. In fact, metal roofs can actually act as a barrier against lighting strikes by discharging the electricity evenly across the roof to prevent significant damage in one spot. And, because metal can dissipate electrical charge, a metal roof will in reality prevent a fire to your home caused by a lightning strike. 

Metal Dents Easily, Right?

The good news is modern metal roofs are designed to resist wind gusts of up to 120 miles per hour.  For example, 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. 

What is the Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof?

As mentioned previously, metal roofs have great longevity, with some lasting up to 70 years. Metal roofs provide high thermal and solar reflectance, making them incredibly durable materials. They last on average almost twice as long as wood or asphalt roofs. 

Will My House Be Hot with a Metal Roof

The short answer: no! Metal reflects a significant portion of the sun’s energy rather than absorbing the heat. Research from the Florida Solar Energy Center indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to an increased R-11 insulation on top of the roof during sunny conditions.  So in the end, metal roofs actually keep your home cooler.

How Noisy are Metal Roofs?

Another common misconception about metal roofs is that they are noisy and will sound like an old barn when rain hits. In reality, metal roofing material is no noisier than an asphalt or tile roof. This is because metal roofing is installed over a solid substrate, and this installation material combined with your home’s attic and insulation, create enough of a sound barrier to reduce any noise from the outside.