Common Questions About Metal Roofing

This is the most common question we receive. Few homeowners realize that metal roofing can actually cost as little or LESS than traditional asphalt shingle roofing. Additionally, over the life of your home, metal roofing is the most economical roofing material saving you over 60% in total installation, maintenance, and energy costs.

This is the most common question we receive. Few homeowners realize that metal roofing can actually cost as little or LESS than traditional asphalt shingle roofing. Additionally, over the life of your home, metal roofing is the most economical roofing material saving you over 60% in total installation, maintenance, and energy costs.

Today’s metal roofing systems are built to last. Our prepainted metal roofing is much stronger and more durable than traditional asphalt shingle roofing as well as virtually maintenance free. Homeowners who invest in metal roofing can further decrease their roof’s life cycle cost by:

• Reducing energy bills by reflecting heat in the summer.
• Reducing insurance prices and chances of structural damage due to severe weather such as hail, high winds, and fires.
• Lastly, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of a long, useful life making them very environmentally friendly verses asphalt shingles. This reduces the burden on our local landfills.

No, this is a common misconception about standing seam metal roofing. Metal roofing is typically installed over a solid deck and underlayment and/or existing shingles. Additionally, attic space and insulation serve as added sound barriers. As a result, the noise levels of a metal roof during inclement weather are the same as an asphalt shingle roof.

Yes you can; however, like walking on any roof, you should use caution. You should discuss specific details about walking on your roof with your installation company.

Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage, much more so than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

Metal roofing products are extremely wind resistant and can withstand years of abuse from high winds. Wind warranties can be as high as 140 MPH on many styles of metal roofing.

Yes, a steel roof is the most fire safe roof and has earned a Class “A” fire rating (the highest level of protection). Because it is made of steel, our metal roof will not burn and is safe from exposure to airborne burning cinders.

Surprisingly, metal roofs are significantly lighter than other types of roofs. Typically they weigh less than one-third the weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles; and are as much as 75% lighter than clay, concrete or slate.

Galvalume coated steel roofing panels are protected by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Industry studies have repeatedly shown them to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. The corrosion resistance of our steel roofing is so exceptional, even our unpainted roof panels carry a 25 year limited warranty. We also use the same corrosion resistant steel with our 40-year paint system, providing you the highest level of corrosion protection you can get in the industry.

Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than any other roofing material. Actually, since standing seam metal roofing is non-combustible, it is a very desirable roofing option where severe weather is a concern, especially lightning.

Usually not if you’re installing the metal roof over existing asphalt, fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). It’s very common for metal roofs to be installed directly over the old roof. This saves on labor costs and disposal cost for stripping the old roof, not to mention reducing landfill waste.

Actually, a metal roof can save you money on your energy bills because it has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass shingles, wood, tile, etc. Studies have shown you can save up to 25% in energy costs compared to dark-gray asphalt shingles (ORNL, FSEC). During the summer it makes buildings cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted into the building. Likewise, it makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. Metal roofing meets the EPA Energy Star Roof Products Program performance criteria.

Galvalume is 55% Al-Zn (aluminum – zinc) coated sheet steel that is ideally suited for most types of roofing applications. An estimated 40 billion square feet of galvalume now covers buildings in all kinds of climates and environments throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. Galvalume is an ideal material for roofing because of its extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and resulting long life. It is extremely popular due to its versatility, ease of use, aesthetics and long-term performance.

You may be concerned that a metal roof will disrupt your cell phone reception. Rest assured that this isn’t the case. In reality, you probably use your cell phone in buildings with metal roofs all the time, whether it’s in restaurants you frequent, your bank, your church or temple, or school. For most people, this will not be an issue. That being said, a handful of people out of thousands may notice that their already spotty reception gets worse after metal roofing is installed on their home. If this does happen, adding a cell phone booster to your house may help you. That being said, if you already have good cell phone service in your house, a metal roof is unlikely to have an effect.

Attic ventilation is essential for most homes. This is because heat rises, making the attic the hottest place in your home, and the most likely to accumulate moisture due to humidity. Attic ventilation prevents mold growth by reducing the amount of humidity in the attic that causes condensation. This is particularly important in our climate here in Tennessee. So yes, you can install attic vents with your metal roof, and in most cases, you will want to do this. If you have questions about ventilation, we would love to help. Contact us and we can help you determine the best way to improve the ventilation in your attic and home.

You can install skylights when you have a metal roof. Skylights must be flashed and detailed correctly, but we can help installers with this procession. Skylights on metal roofs have to be curbed rather than flush-mounted. If you have an existing skylight that is more than 10 years old or is showing signs of wear, it’s best to install new skylights, as it doesn’t make sense to install your roof with a skylight that will soon need to be replaced.

Yes, metal roofs can and should be used with gutters. Most people will require heavy-duty gutters, ideally made from aluminum. We also recommend hanging the gutters high, with a proper pitch for optimal drainage. Gutters should also be installed with fascia-mounted brackets as to not obstruct the roof system. A roof system drip edge may be notched to accommodate the brackets. This drip edge must always direct water into the gutter. While there are a variety of gutter systems that can be used with metal roofs, we recommend a leaf control system.

Many homeowners fear that metal roofs will collect dirt, leading to an unpleasant appearance. Fortunately, quality metal roofs are coated with PVDF, which encourages dirt to wash off the roof. In the majority of conditions, metal roofs remain looking clean for a long time. That being said, in some environments, you may have a harder time keeping it clean. For example, if there are a lot of trees surrounding your house, leaves and twigs can fall on your roof, and this can be made worse by sap causing this debris to stick to the roof. Additionally, heavy pollen can fall and stick to the roof. Areas that are more prone to dew can also face this issue because it creates a gummy coating.

Depending on the aesthetics of the home, this can simply contribute to a rustic appearance. However, if homeowners are concerned, cleaning a metal roof is quite simple: all you need is a power washer and an afternoon to get it done.

There are so many different types of metal roofs out there, it can be overwhelming. If you’re paralyzed by all the choices available, we can help. As metal roofing experts in Nashville, we can recommend the best color, material, and style of metal roof for your home.

Yes, you can. Because metal roofing is so light (generally weighing less than 2 pounds), it will not overload your existing roof. In general, metal roofs can be installed over asphalt or fiberglass roofing, and this can provide additional insulation.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” look for metal roofing. There are so many different types of panel profiles to choose from, you are bound to find one that matches your home’s appearance perfectly. We can achieve such a wide variety of designs with metal roofs, whether you’re looking for bold colors, high slim rib panels to create shadow lines, or a low profile panel to spice up the design of your home.

If you’re looking to save money on your home insurance, a metal roof may help. Contact your insurance provider to get some information on how you may be able to save on the cost of insurance with a metal roof.

Metal roofs are made with a very environmentally friendly material; in fact, it may be the most eco-conscious roofing material. The recycled content of the steel making up  your metal roof is around 30% and once it’s time for a new roof, it is entirely recyclable.

About 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into landfills in the U.S. every year. Because metal roofs can be built over asphalt shingles, installing a metal roof doesn’t contribute to this waste.

One of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is that it lasts significantly longer than asphalt shingles. Precisely how long they last depends on the type of metal. While an aluminum or steel roof will last 50 years or more, a copper or zinc roof will last twice as long. Typically, metal roofs last about three-to-seven times longer than their asphalt shingle equivalents.