Metal Roofing Facts and Myths
Metal roofs are becoming more and more of a conversation piece. What comes along with this? Many myths, but also facts.
Here are some common metal roof myths — and the facts to dispel them.
Myth: Metal roofs will prevent ice dams
False. The root cause of ice dams is improper attic ventilation and inadequate attic insulation. If your attic space doesn’t have enough insulation and ventilation, ice dams can still form on a metal roof.
Ice dams result from a problem that could exist for any attic space and roof. Heat still rises, and with lack of insulation and ventilation, the snow on the roof melts, runs down and re-freezes at the eaves — even if it is a metal roof.
Myth: Metal roofs lower heating bills
This is not necessarily true. If your home has inadequate insulation, air leaks and windows that are not energy efficient, installing a metal roof will not likely lower your heating bills. It is important to remember there are many factors that contribute to your home’s overall energy usage.
Myth: Metal roofs offer no resale value
This is not true! Metal roofs are actually highly valued. Homes renovated with standing-seam metal roofing recoup on average 85.9-percent of costs nationally and up to 95.5% for homes in the Eastern states, according to Remodeling Magazine. These gains in resale value amount to 1- and 6-percent, respectively, over homes roofed with asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofing – Get The Facts!
Shingles were a longstanding staple in the material business for a considerable length of time. Almost certainly, one of the houses that you experienced childhood in had a shingled rooftop. Be that as it may, as time has passed by, purchasers have started searching for different kinds of materials to utilize. The issue with shingles is that they don’t keep going for over twenty years. Taking into account how costly and included introducing a material framework can be, you need to ensure that you don’t need to do a similar venture over again inside 10 years or two. Shingles start to split and the quality debases after some time, implying that you will in all likelihood need to do some minor fixes en route too. Furthermore, on the grounds that each shingle must be set by hand, the establishment procedure can be extremely monotonous and tedious. Interestingly, a metal rooftop sets aside almost no effort to introduce. This is on the grounds that it comes in boards that you can without much of a stretch slide into place and secure.
Another reward to introducing metal material is that, in a great deal of spots, you will have the option to show signs of improvement bargain on protection. Countless insurance agencies will offer property holders a sizable rebate on their mortgage holder’s protection premium on the off chance that they decide to introduce a rooftop made of metal more than one made of shingles or tiles. This is on the grounds that metal is substantially more tough than different types of roofing materials. Metal material is comprised of steel boards that have been covered with claim to fame rust-evidence paint. Both solid and adaptable, a they can without much of a stretch keep going for more than fifty years. What’s more, however it might appear as though they are a genuinely late pattern, metal rooftops have really been around for quite a while. For quite a long time, individuals have used rooftops made of metal for the long future and toughness that they offer. There is no other structure material utilized today that can coordinate metal material.
One of the fundamental objections with the manner in which metal material used to be done was that they ingested a lot of the sun’s warmth. This, thus, would make the house a lot more smoking, which caused vitality bills to be high as it took more work to keep the home cool. In any case, on account of advances in innovation, that is not, at this point an issue. Presently, it’s exceptionally intended to mirror the warmth from the sun, which has had a gigantic effect in how individuals see the material.
It’s long lasting
While it depends on the material and how the roof is installed, a metal roof is so durable that it has the potential to outlive you.
It can be installed over your existing roof
In most cases, a metal roof can be installed directly on top of your existing shingle roof. This makes metal roofing construction less of a hassle (and less of an expense).
Installation is quick and easy
Because of the way metal roofs are constructed, installing them is a pretty straight-forward process. Metal roof installation requires an expert, but someone trained in the process can install your metal roof in practically no time at all.
It can be installed in any season
Unlike shingle roofs, metal roofs can be installed during winter. Especially here in Tallahassee where snow is not an issue. We are happy to come install a new metal roof any time of year.
It’s snow, wind, and rain resistant
Dare we say they are even snow, wind, and rain proof? While things can always go wrong on the rare occasion, metal roofs are the most weather-resistant roofing material available.
The Facts vs. Fiction about Metal Roofs
For homeowners looking to re-roof, metal is becoming an increasingly popular choice and for good reason, thanks to the exceptional durability, long-lasting value and increased protection from metal roofs. Even so, there are still some misunderstandings about metal lingering among homeowners. Here are the facts vs. fiction about metal roofs:
Fiction: “I can’t have a metal roof because we get a lot of thunderstorms in our area, including hail and strong winds”
Fact: Metal roofs are by far the preferred and most durable choice for withstanding severe storms and weather. That’s why they are exceptionally popular in hurricane-prone areas such as Florida and the southeastern United States. Quality metal roofs have been proven to stand up to hurricane-force, 140-mile per hour winds, large hailstones and flying debris much better than other types of roofs. They also have the strength to hold up under heavy snow and ice loads, making them a truly durable, long-lasting choice in all season and regions.
Fiction: “Metal doesn’t give me as many style or color options, and probably won’t work with the architectural style of my home”
Fact: More than any other type of roofing materials, metal gives homeowners the widest variety of color and style options, designed to fit with the look of just about any home. There are metal roofing styles that mimic clay tiles, slate and shakes, and a vast array of colors, from rich earth tones to bright blues and reds, to choose from. Metal also is available in raw natural hues such as copper, titanium and stainless steel. From modern to tradition, the latest metal roof designs can not only complement, but enhance the curb appeal of nearly any home.
Fiction: “It gets really hot in the summer where I live. Metal will heat up my home.”
Fact: Metal roofs reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. Metal roofs with oven-cured, pre-painted organic coatings are called “Cool Roofs” and have proven energy efficiency performance. So much so, many are ENERGY STAR qualified. Even darker metal roof colors with “cool pigment” technology can deliver high total solar reflectance and high infrared emittance. That means your home will be cooler and you’ll save more energy, thanks to metal roofing’s ability to re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed.
Fiction: “It rains a lot in our region. I’m worried the sound will keep me up at night.”
Fact: A properly installed, well-insulated metal roof will be as quiet as an asphalt roof. Just like with any other type of roof, make sure your installer uses a good quality underlayment and adds/tightens fasteners securely to help manage noise. And, you’re sure to sleep even easier knowing that the long-lasting durability of metal roofs will perform well no matter what Mother Nature throws at it for many years to come.
Does a Metal Roof Increase Home Value?
What about non-shingle roofs? Metal roofs are often touted as a good way to boost home value, but research indicates they are not as cost-effective as laminate shingles.
The Remodeling Report for 2019 found that a metal roof, on average, cost homeowners $38,600 and increased home value by 60.9 percent. Compare this to their findings for asphalt roofs, where the average homeowner spent $22,636 and got a return of 68 percent.
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. If you install a metal roof, you’ll pay $38,600 and may get a $23,507 boost to home value. Therefore, you will have paid $15,093 that you may not get back in home value. If you pay $22,603 for an asphalt shingle roof, you may get a $15,392 boost to home value. Therefore, you will have only paid $7,244, which you may not get back in home value. These numbers are only averages. You may get a full return on investment. Even if you don’t, laminate shingles are a less-risky investment than a metal roof.
You should also consider how a homeowner will view a metal roof. Few homes have metal roofs, so they may seem unpredictable to homeowners who have never owned one before. As they are less common, homeowners may have too many questions about metal roofs to feel comfortable purchasing one.
As with other home improvements, if you want to maximize your investment, it is best to stick with familiar products in familiar styles that won’t raise the eyebrows of the typical home buyer.