There are many presumptions when it comes to metal roofing. When chatting with a neighbour or friend about getting a metal roof, you may have heard these common misconceptions about metal roofs.
Fiction: Metal roofing is so expensive that we cannot afford it.
Fact: While it is true, metal roofing may cost more initially, the metal roof will only need to be installed one time. Whereas with shingles, they typically last only half the life span of the advertised claims. Therefore, the cost of shingles is far greater than metal roofing in the long run. Check-out this great visual showing the savings over time!
Fiction: Metal roofing will be very noisy when it rains.
Fact: With the current insulation requirements today, the sound of rain on metal roofing is marginally louder than conventional shingle roofing. Also, in most used home installs, the metal roof is installed overtop existing shingles, which further dampens the noise.
Fiction: Metal roofing is for barns only. Thus, the term “barn steel.”
Fact: The fact of the matter is that approximately 80% of the metal roofing we install is on residential housing.
Fiction: Metal roofs attract lightning.
Fact: Lightning does not necessarily target metal even though metal is a conductor. It targets the tallest structure in the area; therefore, it has a greater chance of striking trees and hydro poles than houses. If it does hit a house, the metal roof will disperse the power across the whole structure, allowing it to most likely survive the strike. Metal is non-combustible, making it unlikely to start burning in a lightning strike.
Fiction: A metal roof will add too much weight to the roof structure.
Fact: Metal roofing adds less weight per square foot than a shingle roof system. The average weight of a metal roof system is approximately 1-1/2 pounds per square foot.
