Residential metal roofing

According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association the popularity of residential metal roofing has skyrocketed over the last decade. Is it that the corrugated tin barn look has come into style, or did pixies and elves with metal roof stocks skew the results? No. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They’re quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun. It’s a common misconception that because it’s hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that’s why it’s hot above the roof. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.

Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some architects stick to a commercial look because of its clean lines.

This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. Metal roofs are expensive, between $150 and $600 a square (100 square feet). But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner remains in the home for a long time, and metal roofs help save money by minimizing the need for maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

When you wish upon a star, and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light, and be happy your choice was right.