FAQ About Metal Roofing

Most metals can rust or develop a patina over time when in contact with oxygen and water. If the roofing is older, made of tin and steel and not properly protected, you may see rust form. Any steel roof can rust quickly if it is scratched, punctured or not properly maintained. Rust will form where edges are cut without proper hems.

Popular metal materials used in roofing products:

• Galvalume® – These steel panels are coated with a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy.
• Aluminum – Aluminum is one of the best materials for coastal areas because it defends against rusting for longer periods of time.
• Copper – A metal roof made of copper will not rust but you will see it develop a protective covering from exposure and oxidation.
• Zinc – When zinc is exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide in the air, it will also form a protective patina layer called zinc carbonate.
• Stainless steel – This roofing material is rust-resistant.

Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. However, the color of a metal roof can fade overtime. This is because the chemicals in the paint start to break down from excessive exposure to the sun. While sun is a major contributing factor that causes fading, other factors include moisture, salty air, chemicals in the atmosphere and pollution.

Installing a metal roof is complex. It is best to hire a professional roofing company that can help you pick the right roof for your home. Plus they understand how best to install the roof for your situation. Roofing can be dangerous if you lack the proper fall protection equipment.

Most metal roofs are safe to walk across without the worry of damaging the roof. Metal roofs are more able to handle you walking on them than ceramic tiles or other roofing systems. However, you might mark or scuff the finish or paint on your metal roof, but average foot traffic shouldn’t significantly impact the longevity or performance of your metal roof.

Metal roofs are an environmentally friendly roofing solution because they have superior energy-saving features, unmatched longevity and are highly recyclable.

• Energy efficient – Cool metal roofs have been shown to reduce interior cooling costs by as much as 20%. The reflective properties of steel roofs help diminish the warming effects of the sun’s rays during the hot summer months.
• Smaller carbon footprint – Most metal roofs are made of recycled content and they can be recycled again at the end of their lifespan. This decreases the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
• Longevity – Residential metal roofs have a long lifespan and can last up to 50 years or more. Metal roofs can withstand everything from rain and sleet to snow and hail. You will not need to repair or replace your roof as often. Maintenance is important to ensure a long life as well.

Metal roofs do not interfere with cell phone service. Many commercial buildings have metal roofs and you normally get decent reception. However, if you currently have weak or spotty cell phone reception inside of your home, a metal roof may interfere with any signal you may get. However, most cell phones now can work over your wireless network. Check your phone settings to add your mobile devices to wi-fi calling.

Yes, metal roofs need ventilation. Attic ventilation helps avoid unhealthy high moisture levels which can result in condensation and even mold. The options for venting metal roofs are similar to those of other common roofing systems, with some special considerations.

Yes, any type of roof can incorporate skylights. However, when installing a skylight on a metal roof, there are a few additional considerations to make. Metal roofing skylight installation needs careful planning. You should hire an experienced roofing contractor who knows what they’re doing. If you don’t properly mount a skylight or don’t install flashing correctly, your roof could be vulnerable to leakage, roof damage and other issues.

Metal roofs do not require gutters but gutters are still important to prevent water damage to your property. However, you need to install gutters properly to avoid damage due to harsh weather. Gutters on a metal roof should attach to the fascia board, not the roof deck. As rain slides off a metal roof faster, the gutters need to be stronger than traditional systems. 

The cost to install a new metal roof is higher than the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. However, given the durability of a metal roof, the overall cost of installing and maintaining it is much lower. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 15 to 30 years.

Metal roofing is very difficult to dent and even more difficult to puncture. Many consumers wonder if a hail storm will cause dents all over a metal roof. An average hail storm is very unlikely to cause damage or dent a metal roof. Larger size and quantity of the hailstones could possibly dent the roof, but it would take a huge storm with extremely large pieces of hail to create any significant denting or penetration points. That type of storm does not happen often in New England.