Know About Metal Roofing | Metal is increasingly becoming a popular choice for homes with sloped residential roofing. This is a good thing because it means more and more homeowners are realizing the benefits that metal roofing has to offer. What exactly are these benefits? There’s a lot you should know about metal roofing.
It’s Not As Noisy As You Think
Some homeowners may be hesitant about metal roofing due to the assumption that they’re noisy when rain or hail falls on them. However, when it’s properly installed, the metal is hardly any noisier than other roofing materials. This is because metal roofing is typically installed over a solid substrate, with the attic and insulation providing an additional sound barrier. People indoors usually don’t notice any increase in sound levels after having a metal roof installed.
It’s Cost-Effective
Having a metal roof over your home will be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, you won’t have to worry about re-roofing for many years to come. A metal roof has proven to last as long as 50 years, and often beyond their expected lifespan when properly maintained. In fact, State Farm Insurance Statistics has proven that some metal roofs can have a longevity of 40 to 70 years. Even when compared to other residential and commercial roofing material options such as high quality asphalt, it won’t last as long, as they only have a lifespan of around 30 years at best.
It is Resistant to Fire, Rot, and Insect Infestations
Another major reason why metal roofing has become increasingly popular is that it’s virtually fireproof. The dangers of wildfire will always be on the rise, making metal roofing the material of choice in many parts of the country. Insects such as termites can never eat metal roofing, and it’s impervious to mildew and rot. It also quickly conducts heat from the sun, and snow slides off more quickly than with conventional roofing systems.
It Doesn’t Attract Lightning
It’s not surprising that some homeowners still assume that metal roofing attracts lightning, but the likelihood of that actually happening is just as high as any other roofing system. What factors into having lightning strike your roof still depends on where you live and the climate you usually have. Keep in mind that lightning will still strike the tallest object in any area.
Even when lightning does strike a metal roof, it won’t catch fire as easily compared to other materials. As we’ve pointed out earlier, the metal itself is a non-combustible material, and it also helps safely dissipate the electrical charge from a lightning strike.
It’s Energy-Efficient
Industry studies have proven that a metal roof effectively reflects solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10% to 25%. This is especially useful in climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, wherein coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating can maximize the reflective capacity of the roof and improve energy efficiency.
It Has More Distinctive Ridge Lines
A modern home is typically designed to have their attic venting provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. On a shingled roof, this continuous ridge vent, or CRV, is a strip of shingle-like material that runs the entire length of the peak of the house, which masks the outflow holes on the sides of the ridge. You may have likely noticed this on some roofs, but the CRV usually lies very flat and blends in perfectly with the surrounding roof.
However, on many metal residential roofing systems, especially standing-seam roofs, the CRV is also metal, which makes it stand out further and much more noticeable. The thick and prominent ridges are what make metal roofs more alluring and distinctive.
It Works Well on Roofs With Low Slopes
Another misconception that some homeowners believe is that metal roofing only works on roofs with a steep slope. In reality, standing-seam metal roofing can work fine even on gently pitched roofs. This is done by installing large sheets with seams that are raised and sealed tightly together to resist water. Some form of slope is still necessary to ensure water run-off, but most modern homes are compatible with metal roofing.
It Can Be Installed Over Existing Roofs
This means you can install a metal roof without tearing off your old shingles, so long as the local building codes allow it. Of course, shingle removal is more preferable, but the tear-off can be messy and adds to the overall cost of the replacement.
With this type of installation, you’ll also need to consider trapped water vapor. If moisture gets trapped between the metal roofing and old roofing, it can build up over time and cause mold and rot. To solve this, roofers may install a vented metal roof or install the new metal roof over furring strips, which will raise the metal and provide a ventilating air pocket between the layers.
Just make sure to consult the local building codes before having a metal roof installed directly over old shingles, as some jurisdictions may require the old roof to be teared off before installing a new one.
It’s Recyclable
While it’s true that a well-built residential or commercial roofing system is long-lasting, when the time comes to replace one, the old metal can still be accepted at metal recycling outlets. Meanwhile, old asphalt roofing is usually destined to take up space at your local landfill.
It’s More Practical and Affordable
The first metal roofs were only found on high-end and expensive homes, but have become more affordable and practical ever since. In fact, it’s increasingly found in modern homes, thanks to increasing availability and improved manufacturing processes. Industry statistics show that the market share for metal roofing has been increasing at a rate of around three percent each year over the past few years, with the current roofing installations using metal roofing materials making up around 15 percent. Know About Metal Roofing
When it comes to professional metal roofing, Atrium Roofing is one of the best companies in the area. Whatever your requirements, you can count on our experts to deliver the results you’re looking for exactly and more. To get started, just give us a call at (210) 806-7171 or fill out our online request form. Talk to us today!