Question: Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?

Answer: Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your roof to cost roughly twice what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable to in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less.

Question: How much longer will a metal roof last than common roofing like asphalt or wood shingle?

Answer: You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. To put it in context, the average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of the roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose. Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more nothern climates. All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.

Question: Does my home's present roof have to be removed before a metal roof is installed?

Answer: In most applications over asphalt, our metal roofs can be applied directly over the old roof, saving money and eliminating a great deal of mess. In addition, because there is no old roof to dispose of, landfill space is spares, helping to protect our environment.

Question: Won't a steel roof attract lightning?

Answer: No, steel roofs do not attract lightning, but they can be hit by it. Lightning is attracted to the highest object in the area, not necessarily to metal. But should lightning strike, a steel roof may be safer for your household. A metal roof will help conduct and dissipate the electrical charge. Also keep in mind that a steel roof is non-combustible so if it were hit, there is less danger of fire.

Question: Does the roof need to be grounded?

Answer: Grounding of any exterior metal siding or roofing is not recognized as necessary by any major building code organization. Occationally, certain municipalities or local building codes may require it. Detailed grounding instructions are available.

Question: Can I walk on my metal roof?

Answer: Yes, but since a metal roof requires virtually no maintenance, there should be no reason to do so. Like any roof, care should be exercised. You can discuss specific details about walking on your roof with your installation company.

Question: Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather than asphalt, cedar shake, tile and slate roofing?

Answer: When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather as well, if not better than any other roofing material.

Question: Is a metal roof noisy whan it rains?

Answer: Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains. In fact, according to one study, metal roof's noise levels are about the same as other products like asphalt shingles, wood shingles or clay tiles.

Question: How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?

Answer: A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 120-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 120 miles per hour - equal to an F2 tornado. In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds the snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof. Metal roofing can eliminate ice damming at the eaves of the roof so water can't back up and collect under the roof then leak into your home. If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof.