Answers to Your Questions About Residential Metal Roofs

Does your home or commercial building need a new roof? If so, you may want to consider a material other than the standard asphalt shingles or tile. Metal roofing has come a long way over the years, and it now provides a stylish and durable alternative to other roofing options. Understand what metal has to offer before making any final decisions on your new roof.

How Does the Cost Compare to Other Roofing Options?

Metal roof costs range from perhaps $7.50 to $20.00 per square foot, compared to perhaps $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot for shingles or $7.00 to $18.00 per square foot for tile. An upgraded underlayment (something that will last longer than the minimum industry standard) will add to the investment. Of course, metal roofs are typically less prone to damage and require less maintenance over time longer than the alternatives, so the costs tend to balance out over time.

A properly installed and quality metal roof is likely the last roof you will need to buy for your property.

Does Metal Have Special Maintenance Concerns?

Metal is generally low maintenance. Like any roof, you do need to clean it once in a while to remove accumulated debris (particularly in valleys), although this isn’t as common on metal. As with any roof system, gutters also need cleaning to ensure proper drainage.

Beyond the above, maintenance primarily entails ensuring that penetrations remain sealed and making sure exposed fasteners haven’t worked loose over time or after high winds. Annual inspections ensure you catch these minor issues before they become big problems.

Is Noise a Concern With Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs have a reputation for being loud when it rains. Fortunately, this is a myth when it comes to modern metal roofs. When installed properly, you have a fully insulated attic, as well as a layer of roof sheathing, between your home and the roof. These layers ensure that a metal roof is no noisier than any other type of roof when it rains.

You can also have a noise reducing underlayment installed if you are still concerned about noise.

What Are the Design Limitations of Metal?

When it comes to metal roofs, you won’t run into many design limitations. Metal panels come in a variety of seam styles and profiles, which can vary the appearance. Metal tiles are also available, which can mimic the look of tile roofs or even asphalt shingles. As for color, you have just as large a range of color choices as you would with asphalt or any other roofing material.

In some cases, you may even have more options with metal, since you can choose from several different finish options to make the roof even more stylish.

Can Any Home Switch to Metal?

A metal roof tends to weigh less than a traditional shingle roof and much less compared to tile roof options. This means that a metal roof can be a good option for nearly any building regardless of the type of roof that was formerly on the structure.

Unlike upgrading your shingle roof to a heavier roofing option, like tile, metal roofs rarely require any truss work since the existing trusses can easily hold the weight of the new roof.

Does Metal Resist Fire and Storm Damage?

Metal roofing is rated Class A for fire resistance, which means it is the preferred roofing material in areas that are prone to wildfires. When combined with a combustion-resistant underlayment, a metal roof can save your home from fire.

As for storms, metal is less likely to suffer major damage from wind, hail, or falling objects like branches. Dents can occur in extreme cases, but you are not likely to experience a leak as you would with asphalt shingles.

Contact SUNVEK for more information on the available metal roofing options.