The sound of rain on a metal roof is soothing enough to be featured in white noise machines and meditation apps, but that’s not the only reason why more homeowners are choosing metal for their new construction and replacement projects.
But metal roofing is not for DIYers, and proper installation is essential to prevent issues like wavy appearance and loose fasteners.
Metal roofing is used on commercial and industrial buildings, and its durability makes it a good choice for homes located in areas that experience frequent storms. It can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour, and its long lifespan (40 to 70 years) means that it will not need replacing as frequently as traditional asphalt shingle roofs do.
It is also more fire-resistant than shingles, which can be helpful for homeowners who live in wildfire-prone areas. And unlike shingles, metal roof sheets are impervious to insects and mildew.
Like other types of roofing, metal is available in a wide range of styles and colors, making it possible for homeowners to find the ideal roof sheet that will blend with their home’s architectural style. Some styles of metal roofing are characterized by their corrugated appearance, while others have a more sleek and modern look. Many manufacturers offer photo galleries or tools that allow homeowners to see what their homes would look like with different types of metal roofing.
Another benefit of metal roofs is their energy efficiency. When properly insulated, they can keep a house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which can save on utility bills. They can even help prevent the formation of ice dams, which can be harmful to a roof and cause leaks.
Depending on the type of roof sheet and profile chosen and the accessories and finishes applied to it, a metal roofing system may be eligible for various warranties. These can include weathertight warranties that cover any leaks in the roof as well as paint warranties that provide coverage for a specified number of years against degradation of the finish.
Because metal roofing starts out as metal coils or sheets, it can be processed into a variety of shapes and profiles. This versatility allows architects and contractors to create aesthetically pleasing designs that will enhance the beauty of any building.
If you are considering installing a metal roof on your home, it is best to consult with a professional roofing contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. Installing this type of roof requires skill, as the panels must be carefully connected and fastened to the underlying structure. Some installers have specialized equipment that helps them achieve the desired look. For those who choose to do the work themselves, careful research and preparation are essential to ensuring a successful outcome.
Energy Efficiency
In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, many homes are moving away from traditional asphalt shingles and toward other roofing materials. One of the best choices is metal. Metal roofs can reduce a home’s energy costs and help save money in the long run. Aside from their durability and longevity, they provide superior protection and require minimal maintenance to stay in great shape.
One way that a metal roof helps lower energy consumption is through solar reflectance, which decreases the amount of sunlight that enters a home or commercial structure. A white metal roof reflects up to 67 percent of the sun’s rays, while asphalt shingle roofs have a reflectivity of about 22 percent.
Another way that a metal roof can improve energy efficiency is by increasing the insulation in a building. This keeps heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from entering during the summer. A metal roof is also a good choice for reducing energy bills because it has superior resistance to intense weather conditions like snow and hail.
In fact, a metal roof is so strong that it can be used as a barrier to protect a building from damage caused by severe weather. Its durable construction withstands winds up to 120 mph, and the panels are held together by raised seams that create air gaps that prevent heat from passing into a home.
As a result, a metal roof is a good option for those living in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes. Additionally, metal roofs are an excellent option for those looking to minimize the risk of roof damage from falling trees or debris during a storm.
The hard surface of a metal roof is also more resistant to damage from large hail than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. While pea-sized or even dime-sized hailstones can damage a shingle roof, they will only bruise and dent a metal roof.
Many people assume that metal roofing is only appropriate for industrial or commercial buildings, but it can also be installed on residential structures. The roofs are available in a wide range of styles and colors, so homeowners can choose a finish that complements their architecture. For the best results, a professional should be hired to install a metal roof. Those who plan to DIY should be very careful because it is a complex project that requires precision and attention to detail.
Style
Metal roofing may have a reputation for being used on industrial or commercial buildings, but this type of roof is also gaining popularity among homeowners who want to give their home an energy-efficient makeover. Metal roofing is available in a variety of styles to suit almost any architectural design, from traditional shingles to tile and shakes. It’s also extremely durable, resistant to corrosion, and can save you money on your electricity bill by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it.
Most metal roofing begins its life as coils or sheets of steel or aluminum. The material is then formed into the roofing style that a homeowner wants to use. It can then be painted with a coating that resists rust and comes in a wide range of colors. It can also be coated to mimic the look of shingles, wood, stone, or clay. For example, corrugated panels that once looked like they belonged on sheds and barns are now being used in homes to add a touch of character. Standing-seam metal roofs, which have a more sophisticated appearance, are another choice.
Many different types of metal can be used in residential roofing, including galvanized or galvalume steel, copper, and zinc. The metal that is best suited for a particular location will depend on the environment and climate. For instance, aluminum has the advantage of being able to resist corrosion in salty coastal areas. Steel, on the other hand, is a better choice for high-stress areas such as hurricane zones because it can be made to withstand very strong winds and extreme temperatures.
A major drawback of a metal roof is that it can be noisy during rainstorms and hailstorms. This is because the metal can rattle against the inside of the house. Adding more attic insulation can help reduce this problem, but it won’t eliminate it entirely.
Choosing the right roofing contractor is important when installing a new metal roof. It’s wise to ask roofing contractors if they purchase their roofing materials from the manufacturer or if they mark them up from a distributor. This will allow you to compare prices and choose the most cost-effective product for your home.
Noise
A common concern with metal roofing is the noise generated during rainstorms and other inclement weather. Many homeowners are worried that living under a metal roof will be noisy and that it will make it hard to sleep during stormy weather. Others are excited about the sound of raindrops on a metal roof and recall fond memories of the pinging sounds of their grandparents’ barn and porch roofs as kids. Whether or not the sound of raindrops on your metal roof is therapeutic or annoying will depend on your perspective and how sensitive you are to such sounds.
The good news is that the current generation of metal roofing is quieter than ever. The strong sheathing that goes between the metal roof and your existing roofing material helps to muffle the noise of heavy rainfall, hail, and other extreme weather conditions. In addition, most homes with metal roofs are insulated, and that extra layer of protection works to reduce the sound even more.
If you live in a pole building or garage with a metal roof that doesn’t have a solid plywood deck, sound-deadening underlayment, or insulation, then it can be quite loud during rainstorms. However, in general, metal roofs are significantly quieter than shingle roofs when they are installed over a solid deck, with sound-deadening underlayment, and with an insulated attic space between the ceiling of your home and the metal roof.
The type of metal roof can also play a role in the noise level. Corrugated metal tends to be louder than flat or standing seam metal roofs, which lie flush with the underlayment and are therefore less likely to move or shake during extreme weather. The thickness of the metal roof can also impact noise. Thicker metals are generally quieter than thinner metals, and the thickest options are even quieter.
Of course, adding additional insulation in your attic can help with both reducing metal roof noise and improving the energy efficiency of your home. This great investment will provide the double benefit of keeping your house at a more comfortable temperature without overworking your HVAC system and cutting down on energy bills.
