Common Myths About Metal Roofs Debunked
Ask the average homeowner about metal roofs, and they’re likely to reference industrial buildings and barns. Maybe it’s because asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option for homes in the US. Or maybe people are buying into metal roof myths. As a roofing contractor with years of experience in everything from tin to asphalt to wood shingles, we can tell you firsthand: metal roofs are a fabulous option for modern residences!
Let’s take a look at some of the myths we often hear:
Myth #1: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
The truth is, lightning strikes anything connected to the ground. That can be a tree, a telephone pole, or a building with wooden shingles. The purpose of a lightning strike is to discharge excess electricity into the ground, and that will happen regardless of whatever stands in its way.
While metal is a good conductor of electricity, metal is actually safer than any other roofing material during a lightning strike! The metal distributes the current throughout the entire roof, relieving the pressure at the point of contact. Most importantly, metal sheets are less combustible than other roofing materials.
Verdict: Metal roofs give you more protection from both lighting and fire than other roofing materials.
Myth #2: Metal Roofs Are Loud In the Rain
Most people assume metal roofs are loud in the rain, especially if they’ve ever been caught up in a barn when it’s raining. However, barns are not living spaces—and therefore they are not constructed with sound in mind.
Residential roofs typically have an underlayer of wood decking, and the final roofing material sits on top of it. This structure adds stability to the roof so it can withstand snow or nasty hail storms. The metal roof is fastened to the deck, and the result is a soundproof housetop that muffles noise… if it rains hard enough to hear, you would be hearing it on other roofing materials as well.
Verdict: Metal roofs on houses are built differently than other structures and will muffle sound.
Myth #3: They Stop Ice from Forming
Hate to break it to you, but while metal roofs get less icy than other types, you’ll still end up with “ice dams” on your eaves—when snow falls on a warm housetop, it melts and slides to the cold edge, where it refreezes. However, if your roofing contractor uses R-50s insulation between the roof deck and ceiling, it will reduce the amount of heat reaching the metal sheets. You should also get rid of other heat sources near the roof.
Verdict: Metal is better than most roofs in the snow, but you’ll still get ice
Myth #4: You Can’t Walk on a Metal Roof
Thanks to the decking we talked about earlier, walking on a metal roof shouldn’t be a problem. However, painted metal tends to be quite slippery, which makes it particularly dangerous when steep.
In most cases, you can hop on a metal roof to clean gutters, cut overhanging branches or complete whatever home improvement project you have going on. Still, it’s important to confirm the roof’s stability with the contractor before climbing on top of it.
Verdict: Metal roofs are usually fine to walk on, but use caution with painted metal.
A metal roof is a solid option for any type of building, including residential, barns, and industrial developments. The key is to get an experienced roofer, such as Quality Built Exteriors, to install it. Contact us today for a free metal roofing estimate.
Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way, Suite 109
Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519
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