Metal roofing adds so much to the home (long service-life, better energy-efficiency, aesthetics, and more), but there are many “disadvantages” to metal roofing that are just not true. Here’s what the experts say to those myths.
Myth: Metal Roofing is Noisy
You’ve probably heard this one. We attribute this myth to pole buildings and open carports. Surely you know someone who loves “the sound of rain on a tin roof”. And if you’ve ever been in an open building with a metal roof during a rainstorm, you know the noise to be a factor. However, it’s not the same when metal roofing is installed on a home. Those types of buildings usually don’t have any of the decking or insulation that a home has.
When a metal roof is installed on a residential home, there are other layers such as the roof deck, insulation, and underlayment. These added layers diminish the noise of even the most intense rainstorm. A properly installed residential metal roof won’t be any louder than any other type of roofing material.
Myth: Metal Roofing Will Increase Energy Costs
The fact is; Metal roofing can actually lower your energy costs!
Metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% or more depending on the paint choice of the metal panels.
Solar reflectance (SR) is the most important characteristic of a roof product in terms of yielding the highest energy savings during warmer months. Available on our color cards are the SR values of each of the colors that we offer. (see sample below)
All of our available paint colors are Energy Star rated!
Even the basic, unpainted metal roof panels will reflect more solar energy than an asphalt roof, which holds and absorbs heat.
Myth: A Metal Roof Won’t Look Good on my Home
In all fairness, what one homeowner loves another might not. Aesthetics is personal and varies for each individual.
With that in mind, all metal roofing is different. There are many styles, finishes, and color options available today. Metal roofing isn’t as generalized as it once was. If you’re one of those who thinks metal roofing won’t apply well to their home, aesthetically, check out our photo gallery! There’s a style for everyone.
Myth: Metal Roofing Attracts Lighting
Although metal can conduct electricity, lighting isn’t necessarily attracted to metal roofing. The likelihood of a lightning striking your home, business, or agricultural building depends on its height and size rather than the building materials you use. Homes with metal roofs are no more prone to lightning strikes than homes with any other roofing material.
In fact, metal roofing is non-combustible, so if your roof is struck by lightning, it won’t catch on fire like other building material.
Myth: Metal Roofing Gets Easily Damaged by Hail or Wind
The truth in this myth is that any roofing material can be damaged from environmental factors like hail, debris in high winds, or forest fires. Metal roofing, however, offers some resistance to this type of damage.
Metal roofing is more resistant to hail than shingles, naturally resistant to fire, and (when properly installed) is resistant to high winds.
Want to see some proof? Check out this story about metal roofing: After the devastation Hurricane Irma caused in the Florida Keys, there are calls to make metal roofing mandatory in Monroe County.
Myth: Metal Roofing is Expensive
This myth is true, IF all you are doing is comparing upfront material and installation costs for metal roofing versus shingles.
However, metal roofing can far outlive a shingle roof, up to 7 times longer! Metal roofing can last 40 – 50 years, whereas shingles need to be replaced every 10 – 15 years.
With that taken into consideration, metal roofing very often actually costs “less” money over time.
You can learn more about the value of a metal roof versus a shingles roof here.
Myth: Metal Roofing is All the Same
Metal roofing has varying degrees of quality, longevity, and performance. It is important to understand substrate, gauge, paint system, and panel options when selecting a metal roofing for your home.
You can learn more about metal roofing types, the installation process, and our products by clicking here!
About Mid-Florida Metal Roofing
Mid-Florida Metal Roofing Supply has been in the business for 13 years. MFMRS manufactures a wide variety of metal roofing products including; Multi-Rib (AG), PBR/R, 5V and Standing Seam in a Galvalume mill finish, as well as, a wide variety of colors to meet all your preferences.
We also manufacture an extensive list of flashing profiles to meet any standard or custom application as needed. We specialize in custom profiles serving a wide variety of needs in the construction industry. Our profiles can also be ordered in custom lengths up to 21ft.
We are committed to producing quality products in a timely manner and pride ourselves with friendly personal customer service.
