Metal roofing has joined the mainstream and is a suitable alternative for practically all houses, save those with extremely flat roof slopes. Not all metal roofs scream "metal." There are now shingle-style metal commercial roofer san antonio solutions that are practically indistinguishable from regular asphalt shingle roofs. If you are thinking about the virtues of metal roofing, here are 5 things to know.
Metal Roofs Are Not Only a Novelty
Originally, metal roofing was seen exclusively on high-end, architect-designed residences. That's no longer true. Metal roofing is prevalent in typical buildings, due to rising availability and better production techniques. According to industry figures released in 2017, market share for metal roofing expanded at a pace of around three percent per year for a few years and about 15 percent of all roofing installations utilized metal roofing materials. At the same time, the market share for asphalt shingle roofing declined, and accounted for around 59 percent of the total roofing installed.
Metal Roofing Can Be Placed Over Existing Roofs
Metal roofs may be put over your existing roof without taking off shingles, if local building rules allow it. Although shingle removal is the recommended option, tear-off is untidy and boosts the expense of the project.
A possible hazard with this sort of installation is trapped water vapor. If trapped between the metal roofing and previous roofing, moisture may build up and create mold and decay. But roofers may construct a ventilated metal roof that removes this possible hazard. Instead, placing the new metal roofing above furring strips (1 x 3s or equivalent) will lift the metal and offer a venting air pocket between layers.
Be careful you verify local construction rules before having a metal roof placed directly over existing shingles. Some jurisdictions may demand complete tear-off if a new roof is installed.
Metal Roofs Are No Noisier Than Asphalt Roofing
While it's a frequent misperception that metal roofs are loud when rain or hail falls on them, the fact is that when correctly built, metal roofing is no noisier than any other kind. Metal roofing is often laid over a solid base. Moreover, the attic and insulation offer a sound barrier. From interior living areas, people seldom perceive any increase in sound levels when a metal roof is erected.
Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning
You would imagine that a metal roof will attract lightning, but this is not backed up by facts or statistics. According to a technical bulletin from the Metal Construction Association, "Metal roofing does not in any way increase the risk of a lightning strike. Not only that but also if metal roofing does happen to get struck by lightning, it is less combustible than conventional roofing materials such as wood shakes or shingles.
As the advisory argues, "Since metal roofing is both an electrical conductor and a noncombustible material, the risks associated with its usage and behavior during a lightning strike make it the most desired structure possible."
The reason that metal roofs do not attract lighting is simple: lighting seeks a path to ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other such structures tend to attract lightning. Metal roofs are isolated structural components, with no direct path to ground inherent in their design. Hence, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it strikes an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roofing May Be More Cost-Effective
Although most metal roofing products carry warranties comparable to the very best asphalt shingles (about 30 years), in practice, metal roofs have been known to last 50 years or more. According to State Farm Insurance statistics, metal roofs routinely have a longevity of 40 to 70 years. It is therefore very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she lives in the home.
By comparison, a homeowner would likely repair an asphalt shingle roof two or even three or four times over a 50-year period. Overall, although the purchase of a metal roof is more costly than asphalt roofing (roughly twice), it may save money over a lengthy period.
The reason that metal roofs do not attract lighting is simple: lighting seeks a path to ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other such structures tend to attract lightning. Metal roofs are isolated structural components, with no direct path to ground inherent in their design. Hence, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it strikes an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roofing May Be More Cost-Effective
Although most metal roofing products carry warranties comparable to the very best asphalt shingles (about 30 years), in practice, metal roofs have been known to last 50 years or more. According to State Farm Insurance statistics, metal roofs routinely have a longevity of 40 to 70 years. It is therefore very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she lives in the home.
By comparison, a homeowner would likely repair an asphalt shingle roof two or even three or four times over a 50-year period. Overall, although the purchase of a metal roof is more costly than asphalt roofing (roughly twice), it may save money over a lengthy period.
No comments yet