We listen carefully to all our clients and have come up with a list of concerns about metal roofing we hear over and over. These range from complete urban legends to just needing a bit of extra information to fill in the gaps. We will dispel myths and clarify some other components so you can feel confident in your metal roof selection.
Concern: Cost
Peace of Mind: Metal roofing tends to have a higher upfront cost compared to other, inferior roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. It also lasts MANY times as long and offers superiority in myriad ways. Factor in the following and add up the savings:
– Longevity
– Reduced Maintenance Costs
– Energy Efficiency
– Increased Home Value
– Insurance Discounts
– Lower Lifetime Costs
And even up front costs on systems using metals like PVDF painted galvalume are within the scope of most budgets.
Concern: Noise
Peace of Mind: There is a perception that metal roofs can be noisy during rain or hailstorms. While this concern can be valid for ANY roofs installed without proper insulation, metal roofs are neither more nor less noisy than any other kind of roof.
Concern: Denting
Peace of Mind: Metal roofs can be susceptible to denting if hit by large hailstones or heavy objects, but there are easy fixes and the protection against leaks and damage has no match. There’s a lot to be said about denting. Check out this post on why our systems are the best for hail prone areas: https://finemetalrooftech.com/the-best-roof-for-hail-prone-areas/
Concern: Aesthetics
Peace of Mind: Some people may have concerns about the appearance of metal roofs, particularly if they have a more traditional or rustic architectural style. However, our metal roofing systems come in a variety of styles, finishes, and colors to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences. We offer systems as perfectly suited to rustic country cottages as to sleek high rises. There is so much more to the metal roof and cladding world than just standing seam! If you are seeking a particular look, give us the opportunity to wow you with the perfect design!
Concern: Heat retention
Peace of Mind: There is a common misconception that metal roofs absorb and retain more heat, leading to higher indoor temperatures during hot weather. With proper insulation and reflective coatings, metal roofs can be energy-efficient and help reduce cooling costs.
Yes, metal gets hot to the touch, but the material is very thin. Metal roofs typically don’t conduct as much heat energy as thicker systems like slate due to several reasons:
Thermal Conductivity: Metal roofs have a lower thermal conductivity compared to materials like slate. Thermal conductivity refers to a material’s ability to conduct heat. Metals, such as steel or aluminum used in metal roofs, generally have higher thermal conductivity than non-metallic materials like slate. This means that heat transfers more slowly through metal, reducing the amount of heat conducted into the building.
Reflectivity: Metal roofs often have higher reflectivity, which means they reflect more of the sun’s energy rather than absorbing it. This reflective property helps to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the interior of the building. In contrast, materials like slate may have lower reflectivity, causing them to absorb more heat and potentially conduct it into the building.
Thermal Mass: Thicker materials like slate often have higher thermal mass, meaning they can store and retain heat for longer periods. While this can provide some benefits in terms of regulating interior temperature, it can also result in more heat being conducted into the building. Metal roofs, being thinner and lighter, generally have lower thermal mass and are less prone to transferring heat from the outside to the inside.
Wood is typically used as a substrate for metal roofing and is one of the best insulating materials in existence. There is some discussion on how OSB and composite materials lessen the insulation effect as the glues and such are more susceptible heat conductors. You see the results of use of this effect on materials where the morning dew collects on the outside of the roof where the rafters are placed below, but generally, even this has minimal impact on the overall efficiency of a metal roof. Compared to other systems, metal roofs are the least heat conductive systems out there.
Concern: Lightning risk
Peace of Mind: Some individuals may express concerns about metal roofs attracting lightning strikes. However, the truth is that metal roofs do not attract lightning any more than other roofing materials, and they are designed to safely disperse the electrical charge. Particularly, consider the extra protection they offer as a Faraday Cage:
Metal roofs can act as a Faraday cage due to their conductive properties. A Faraday cage is a structure made of conductive material that blocks external electromagnetic fields from entering its interior space. It works by redistributing the electromagnetic energy around the exterior of the cage, effectively canceling out the field inside.
Here’s how a metal roof can act as a Faraday cage:
Conductivity: Metals, such as aluminum or steel, have high electrical conductivity. When an external electromagnetic field, such as radio waves or lightning strikes, interacts with a metal roof, the metal’s conductivity allows it to effectively conduct and redistribute the electrical charges.
Shielding Effect: The metal roof forms a continuous, unbroken surface that encloses the space below it. When an external electromagnetic field encounters the metal surface, the charges in the metal redistribute themselves to neutralize the field. This redistribution effectively shields the interior space from the external electromagnetic radiation.
Reflection and Absorption: Metal roofs can reflect and absorb electromagnetic radiation. When a radio wave or other electromagnetic signal hits the metal surface, some of it is reflected back, while a portion is absorbed by the metal. This further reduces the amount of electromagnetic energy that can penetrate the interior space.
By acting as a Faraday cage, a metal roof provides protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) that could otherwise affect electronic devices and systems within the enclosed space. It is worth noting that for a metal roof to provide an effective Faraday cage, it must be properly installed and grounded to ensure continuity and allow the dissipation of any electrical charges that accumulate on its surface.
If you have a metal roof that is properly applied and grounded, you’ll never have a fried appliance even if you live in the most lighting prone area on Earth. You’ll be safe. Full stop.
Concern: Lack of knowledge
Peace of Mind: We’ve built in as much intuition into our systems as we possibly could. On top of that, we can recommend qualified installers, or if you are an installer, we can be as hands on as you require. And once you’re up and running on our methods, we can recommend you, too! If you’re an architect, we’re here for you in the same way. We’ll gladly assist with planning or even provide full on seminars or project-specific education. You won’t be alone. We’ll be with you every step of the way and walk you through this process.
Is your concern listed here? Do you have questions or concerns that are keeping you from feeling 100% confident in your choice of metal for your roof? Contact us here, or feel free to call us 801-462-5264 any time to resolve any outstanding questions you still might have.