- By Trevor Underwood
- August 21, 2023
- Home Remodel
Barndominiums, also known as barndos, combine the rustic appeal of a barn with the comforts of a modern home. These barn-shaped residences feature open floor plans that are supported by a unique structural design that carries the roof's weight along the perimeter. This eliminates the need for load-bearing interior walls, creating a blank canvas for homeowners to configure and customize the interior space however they choose. This unique structure of barndominiums requires careful consideration when it comes to the roof. The roofing material must be compatible with the architectural design and support requirements of a barndominium. Since barndominiums are typically constructed with steel framing and metal siding, metal roofing is the perfect pairing. A metal roof on a barndominium creates a cohesive and robust building envelope that enhances the durability, longevity, and aesthetics of the entire building.
Keep reading to learn why barndominiums and metal roofing are the perfect pair, including:
- How metal roofing amplifies the benefits of a barndominium.
- Common barndominium challenges that metal roofing helps to solve.
- FAQs about metal roofing.
How Metal Roofing Amplifies the Benefits of a Barndominium
Barndominiums have become a fast-growing trend in residential housing. In fact, interest in barndo living grew seven percent from 2022 to 2023–and it’s easy to see why. These unique structures come with a long list of homeowner-friendly benefits, such as:
- Durability and resistance to severe weather.
- Customized interior configuration.
- Minimal maintenance.
When metal roofing is used on a barndominium, the benefits amplify. Let’s take a closer look at the synergy that happens when a barndominium is paired with metal roofing.
Durability
The steel framing and metal siding of barndominiums are extremely durable, and can withstand severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes and hail. Metal roofs can do the same and are considered one of the strongest roofing materials available since they are able to withstand:
- Hurricane-force winds.
- Hail impact.
- Fire.
- Earthquakes.
- Heavy snow loads.
This dynamic duo of durability results in a barndominium that can endure nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer. But a metal roof is more than just durable; it’s also lightweight.
Here’s why this matters.
Customized Interior Configuration
A lightweight roof is crucial for barndominiums because it allows the entire weight of the roof to be carried along the perimeter. This helps to maintain the building's integrity without putting undue stress on the supports, which can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to heavy snowfall or strong winds. It also results in an open, warehouse-like interior space with endless opportunities for custom configuration without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
Don’t worry, while a metal roof will enhance the durability and design versatility of a barndominium, it won’t add any extra maintenance.
Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional homes, the metal exterior of a barndominium is easy to clean and doesn’t require frequent repairs, maintenance or treatments. And since many barndominiums are located in rural settings where access to professional maintenance may be limited, choosing a metal roof provides a top-to-bottom solution for low-maintenance living.
Common Barndominium Challenges Solved by Metal Roofing
What makes barndominiums unique may be a downside to some. Because of their barn-like structure, barndominiums can cause concerns in the form of noise and limited exterior design options. Fortunately, metal roofing can help with these concerns.
Noise
Since barndominiums often feature open floor plans and high ceilings, this layout can amplify sound. Sound-dampening insulation can reduce most noise, but a stone-coated metal roof is essential to keep the home quiet during the rain.
The thicker and more irregular the texture of a roof, the more it will disrupt, dampen, and absorb sound from the rain. Stone-coated metal roofing features multiple layers of stone granules that reduce the sound of rain on the roof.
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Limited Exterior Design Options
Unlike traditional homes that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and architectural themes, barndominiums have limited exterior design options. Metal roofing allows homeowners to add distinctive design elements to the exterior of their barndominium to achieve their desired style.
Stone-coated metal roofing, for instance, replicates the aesthetics of traditional roofing materials–such as rustic wood shakes–and is available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles. See below.
DECRA Shake XD | Pinnacle Grey
DECRA Shingle XD | Source: 1CoolRoof.com
FAQs About Metal Roofing
Interested in a metal roof for your barndominium? Here’s answers to frequently asked questions about metal roofs.
How long does a metal roof last?
Metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Can I install solar panels on a metal roof?
Absolutely! Metal roofs are rated as one of the best types of roofing materials for solar panel installations due to their strength and longevity, which can easily support the weight of the solar panels.
Are metal roofs energy efficient?
Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market. In fact, a 2019 study by R&D Engineering compared the energy efficiency of DECRA metal roofs against conventional 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs, and found that DECRA metal roofs increased energy efficiency by up to 218%.The infrared-blocking color pigments in DECRA’s stone-coated granules block radiation and heat from the sun, saving homeowners on energy costs.
Do metal roofs attract lightning?
Metal roofing will not attract lightning more than any other type of roofing material. In fact, since metal is a non-combustible material, it’s actually one of the best types of roofing for homes in lightning-prone regions. Not to mention, DECRA Metal Roofs have the highest Class A material rating for fire.
>>>Related Resource: Read common metal roofing myths.
See and Feel DECRA Metal Roofing
As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofing, DECRA Metal Roofing products have withstood the test of time since 1957. If you’re in the market for a durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance roof that will achieve the look and feel of your barndominium, order a complimentary sample today.
