Three Myths About Metal Roofs Dispelled

Posted on: 6 September 2017

Out of all the different types of material your roof can be made from, metal is possibly one of the best. Not only are metal roofs durable and long-lasting, they can help reduce your energy bills by reflecting sunlight and the associated heat contained in those rays. However, there are a number of misconceptions floating around about metal roofs that make many people hesitate to invest in them. Here's the truth behind these myths.

 Myth #1 – Metal Roofs are Loud

One pervasive myth about metal roofs is that they can get pretty loud when it rains or hails. It's understandable that people would be concerned about this particular issue, because noisy roofs can significantly interfere with their enjoyment of their home; not to mention the fact that a loud roof may also disturb the neighbors under the right conditions.

However, metal roofs can be quieter than an asphalt roof, as long as it's installed properly. Specifically, metal roofs that are constructed with solid sheathing—a type of barrier that is placed underneath the roof material—you shouldn't hear any noise from rain, hail, or other types of weather.

Additionally, the sheathing will help weatherproof the roof as a whole, reducing the risk of leaks and other issues caused by inclement weather.

Myth #2 – Metal Roofs are Expensive

Another common misconception is that metal roofs are much more expensive than other types of roofing materials. This is both true and false. Metal does have a higher upfront cost. You can expect to pay an average of $7 to $10 per square foot for a metal roof (the price may be higher or lower depending on the quality and type of metal). In comparison, asphalt roofs cost an average of $4 to $5 per square foot. On a 1,000 square foot roof, that's a difference of up to $6,000.

But it's important to look at factors other than price when comparing metal roofs to the different types of materials. First, metal roofs last a lot longer, capable of enduring up to 50 years compared to 17 years for asphalt. This means you won't have to replace it as often, if ever, while you're living in the home. Metal roofs also tend to require less maintenance, which means fewer calls to the handyman for repairs or weekends spent replacing or fixing shingles.

Lastly, metal is a recyclable material. When it comes time to replace the roof, you can earn some of your money back by selling the metal to a salvage yard. Not only can this provide you with some extra cash to spend on home improvements, but it's more environmentally friendly than using asphalt that's eventually thrown in the trash.

Myth #3 – Metal Roofs are Heavy

A third myth about metal roofs is that they're heavier and typically requires the home to be reinforced in some way to accommodate the extra weight. While it's true that a few metals are heavy, most are lightweight and don't require additional support. In fact, your home is more likely to require reinforcement using asphalt shingles, because this material can weigh up to 3.5 pounds per square foot. In comparison, metal roofs weigh about 1 pound per square foot.

This makes metal roofs appropriate for a variety of home types, including tiny houses. Additionally, even though they are lightweight, metal roofs are sturdy enough to withstand severe weather, such as heavy rains and high winds.

If it's time to replace your roof, a metal one is a good option that provide decades of service. For more information about metal roofs, help picking one out, or to make an appointment to have one installed, contact a roofing contractor. You can also visit websites like http://www.premiumpanels.com.

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