Residential Metal Roofing Tips
According to the National Roofing Contractor's Association residential metal roofing has become a great deal more popular over the last decade. No, it isn't that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. New types of durable, light weight, and fire resistant metal roofs that look great are now on the market. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on on homes.
Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They're quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun. It's a common misconception that because it is hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But that heat is reflected away from the home. If it is hotter on top, it is cooler down below the roof.
Metal roofs are made for the most part from aluminum and steel, but alloys such as copper are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some architects stick to a commercial look because of its clean lines.
Surely it is not all peaches and cream for metal roofs. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must judge in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. but unless the plan is to sell within a few years this cost will be recovered in the long run and a metal roof aids to save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. In a rain storm having a metal roof can be a little like living inside a drum. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation aids minimize this noise.
Just like it can a car, hail can dent softer metal roofs such as copper and aluminum roofs. Some metal roofs, however, are guaranteed against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Another issue is marring, including chipping, peeling and chalking, but many metal roofs are guaranteed against these.
Don't be concerned about lightning strikes with metal roofs. Metal roofs do not attract lightning even though metal conducts electricity. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.
In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal roofing is for certain to give, a homeowner a great roofing experience.