Have you noticed more of your neighbors investing in a metal roof for their home? Roof technology has come a long way and there are some great benefits of metal roofing. The metal roofing industry is growing at 3% a year and now accounts for about 15% of new roof installations. But there are quite a few metal roofing myths floating around out there, too.
Moving away from standard composition shingles can be out of your comfort zone! New technology comes with new questions: will it be loud? How long will it last? How expensive is it?
With that in mind, here are the 4 most common myths we hear about metal roofing, along with the truth of the matter.
1. Is Metal Roofing Loud?
TRUTH: You’ll never notice the difference! As far as acoustics, putting a metal roof on your house is no different from a tile or composition roof.
When you think about a metal roof, the first image in your mind might be similar to an old corrugated tin barn roof (like the picture above), rather than today’s attractive stone coated steel options (like the pictures below).
But never fear! Today’s metal roofs are installed over an underlayment of insulation and sheathing, just like standard composition roofing, which insulates and muffles sound. Additionally, the attic itself serves as an insulating barrier, so you really shouldn’t hear any difference.
2. Is Metal Roofing Ugly?
TRUTH: Metal roofs have come a long way from corrugated tin on top of a barn! Stone coated steel roofing, in particular, comes in just about every style and color you could imagine.
Today you have a massive variety of options. Standing seam metal roofing comes in an array of colors and gives a house a sleek, modern, minimalist look. Stone coated steel roofing, on the other hand, mimics traditional roofing materials like asphalt, slate, and wood shake, but at a fraction of the weight and three times the durability.
We have a complete Design Guide For Metal Roofing that shows how different metal roof tile profiles work with all kinds of house styles, from ranch-style to a new modern home.
3. Does Metal Roofing Block Cell Phone Signals?
TRUTH: Designer Roofing has specialized in installing metal roofs for the past ten years, and we have never once had a customer complain to us about poor cell phone reception.
Metal roofs just aren’t substantial enough to block a cellular signal. After all, you probably already use your phone without any problem in plenty of metal-roofed buildings — like churches, offices, and shopping centers — without even noticing.
If you want to know more, we have plenty of information on how construction materials affect cellular service in your home and what you can do to improve your phone signal indoors.
4. Is Metal Roofing Expensive?
TRUTH: While there’s definitely an up-front investment in metal roofing, it will save you money over the course of its life!
A metal roof typically costs twice as much as a standard composition roof, and we know that’s a big investment on what’s usually considered a “boring” part of your home. But it’s important to realize that metal roofs can routinely last from 40 to 70 years or even more. A typical composition roof would need to be replaced at least 4 times during that same length of time.
There are other financial benefits too:
- Due to its durability, fire resistance, and low weight, metal roofing increases the value of your home.
- Its insulating properties help reduce your energy bills.
- It can lower your homeowners insurance premiums.
So what are you waiting for? Give us a call for a free consultation, and we’ll answer any further questions about metal roofing that you may have.