While metal roofs are growing in popularity thanks to their exceptional durability, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding metal roofs. One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that metal roofs are subject to excessive noise from rain. Some people hear the term “metal roof” and imagine raindrops falling on their houses and echoing like thousands of drums. If this concern is preventing you from considering a metal roof for your home, you’ll be happy to know that this is only a myth. Here, we’ll explain why, and debunk other common myths about metal roofing systems.
If a metal roof is installed incorrectly there will be sound. However, there are no longer people using the outdated method of installing sheets of metal directly on wood boards. Today’s metal roofing is designed with sheathing that attaches to the underlayment. Not only does this help improve the energy efficiency and performance of your metal roof, but it also helps to silence the noise of extreme weather, rain, hail, or anything else that might wake you at night. In fact, many metal roofs are actually quieter than asphalt roofs.
Myth: Metal Roofs Are More Likely to Have Lightning Strikes
Many homeowners believe that because metal conducts electricity, a metal roof will therefore attract more lightning strikes. However, the conductive properties simply mean that electricity easily flows through metal from one place to another. Metal roofing does not attract electricity from outside sources, and electricity is not drawn to large amounts of metal. Therefore, the chances of a house with a metal roof and a house with an asphalt roof being struck by lightning are exactly the same. Further, metal roofing is fire resistant.
Myth: Metal Roofs Will Dent
A golf ball can dent a car, and extreme hail can dent a metal roof; however, Erie Home offers dent-proof metal roofing that carries a Class 4 impact rating. This allows our roofs to withstand light and medium hail without any problems. Some people worry about denting the roof when walking on it, but metal roofs require very little maintenance so the need to make repairs on your roof will seldom arise. If it is necessary to walk on the roof, your roofers can tell you how to walk on the roof without causing damage. Metal roofing is actually a highly durable and impact-resistant roofing option to consider for your home.
Myth: Metal Roofs Will Make the House Colder
While the roof will cool the house down in the summer, the insulation in the attic is what determines whether the house will be cold or warm in the winter. A metal roof will not allow more heat to escape the home than any other roof, but it will prevent external heat from entering the house, which will make the air conditioning unit’s job easier in the hot months. An insulated metal roof will help you maintain a comfortable and consistent internal temperature throughout your home, no matter what the temperature is like outside.
Myth: Metal Roofs Are Heavier Than Other Options
Metal roofing is surprisingly lightweight. Per 100 square foot area, metal roofing only weighs about 50 to 150 pounds. For comparison, tile roofing usually weighs about 750 pounds. As a lighter roofing option, a metal roofing system can reduce the weight and strain on your home’s structure.
Learn More About Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is in fact one of the best options to consider if your home needs a new roof. Once you get past the myths and common misconceptions about metal roofs, it’s easy to understand why these roofing structures are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, their performance can easily outstrip most other types of roofing, and metal roofs offer a lasting investment for your home. To learn more about the features and benefits of metal roofing, contact Erie Home today.
While it's true that a standing seam or corrugated metal roof can be noisy during heavy rain or a hail storm, Erie Home uses stone-coated steel shingles that are as quiet as traditional asphalt shingles.
The short answer is: It depends. Metal roofs without much else, such as an open frame roof on a barn or warehouse, would be WAY louder than an asphalt shingle system. But, with a modern metal roofing system, properly installed, rain noise would be much more comparable to what we see in an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal roofs are indeed slippery when wet or when covered with snow. It is never a good idea to climb on a metal roof when it is moist or covered with snow. They are so slippery that snow "avalanching" off the roof is a definite hazard in areas that experience heavy snowfalls in winter.
Not only is metal roofing, on average, more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal roofs also add a lower percentage of their value to an appraisal. In the end, you're spending more money on a metal roof, but getting less of your investment back.
Today's metal roofing is designed with sheathing that attaches to the underlayment. Not only does this help improve the energy efficiency and performance of your metal roof, but it also helps to silence the noise of extreme weather, rain, hail, or anything else that might wake you at night.
Shingled roofing is significantly cheaper, although not nearly as durable. Metal roofs aren't good for coastal homes because salt can cause rust. Not everyone likes the sound of rain on metal, and they can be noisy during harsh storms.
Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.
Longevity. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years. Durability.
Metal roofing materials can be heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, and when combined with the weight of the existing shingles, it can put excessive stress on the roof's structure. This can compromise the integrity of the roof and potentially lead to structural issues over time.
Metal roofs don't require a lot of maintenance, but they should be cleaned and inspected once a year. If you're concerned about safety or don't know what to look for when inspecting your roof, your best bet is to call a local professional roofing contractor.
Standing seam roofing can be walked on pretty much anywhere without damaging it. Metal tile roofing (ribbed panels that resemble ceramic tile or shake) should be walked on in the lower spots, closer to the roof decking. Corrugated panels are also safe to walk on as those are screwed right onto the roof decking.
Since most humans can't distinguish between sounds less than eight decibels apart, the noise difference between metal and shingle roofs is undetectable. So, the short answer is, no, they aren't any noisier than other types of roofing. Surprised? You aren't alone.
A metal roof installed over open framing, such as on a barn or shed, is around 61 dBA in the rain. Since most humans can't tell the difference between sounds that are less than 8 decibels apart, the noise difference between a metal roof and an asphalt shingle roof is undetectable.
It's known by many names, including felt paper, tar paper, and asphalt-soaked felt. But no matter what you call it, felt underlayment is the most common underlayment material used for steeper-sloped metal roofs.
In conclusion, while metal roofs may be noisier than other types of roofing materials, there are ways to minimize the noise level, such as using thicker metal, installing insulation, or choosing a steeper pitch.
Because metal roofs have a low thermal mass, they reflect light and heat rather than absorbing it like asphalt shingles. This means that rather than making your home hotter during the summer months, metal roofing actually helps keep it cool, increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
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