Are Metal Roofs Dangerous?
Midland, Texas isn’t any stranger to the changes in weather that come through all year. From the blistering sun of southern summers to the brittle cold winters, peppered with hard rains and hailstorms. That is why more businesses and homeowners are going with a metal roof installation today.
For those that haven’t made that upgrade though, there are concerns and questions. One of the most common questions asked is, “Do metal roofs attract lightning?” Ah, this is a huge concern and why many people don’t give a metal roof installation any consideration. This belief is a falsehood though. According to the National Lightning Safety Institute and other organizations that have studied this matter, there is a one in two hundred likelihood of your business or a home being struck by lightning.
Lightning follows the path of least resistance and in most cases, it strikes an object that is at a higher level. It strikes the ground where it has a direct path. A metal roof installation that isn’t grounded has little chance of being struck by lightning.
Do metal roofs attract heat?
This is another common question for business owners and homeowners considering a metal roof installation. The fact is a metal roof installation will not make your home or business structures any hotter than other roofing materials. A metal roof is an excellent energy-efficient material and will actually keep a structure cooler during the summer months.
Because metal is reflective, the UV rays of the sun reflect back out into the and lightweight nature, metal reflects the sun’s rays off its surface and into the atmosphere. Other roofing materials absorb those UV rays, heating the roof and that radiates into the structure, heating the interior up, and making the HVAC system work harder, increasing the cost of utilities.
There are two things that can assist in this energy efficiency: color and insulation. What color metal roof is best? When considering a metal roof installation for a structure in Oklahoma, you want to choose which metal roof color is best for reflecting heat, which is a lighter color. Going with a light version of blue, green, or grey will reflect those UV rays better than a darker color.
And when it comes to insulating a metal roof installation, a common question that roofing contractors are asked is, “Is it recommended to insulate under a metal roof?”. Absolutely! No matter where you’re located, having insulation added to a metal roof installation will help energy efficiency, keeping the interior structure cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Many business owners and homeowners will try to cut expenses on a metal roof installation by requesting the roofing contractor not to install a vapor barrier. This can be a mistake because that vapor barrier stops moist air from getting through the insulation, creating condensation on the roof. You don’t want to cut costs by requesting the contractor not put down any plywood either. Plywood provides a layer of protection for the insulation too and helps with soundproofing.
How long does a metal roof last?
The average lifespan of a metal roof installation is between 40 and 70 years, with some metal materials lasting over 100 years, like copper. That lifespan is just one of the benefits of metal roofing including:
- Light Weight
Metal roofing is lighter than other roofing materials, making metal roof installation easier and faster. When you choose a material like concrete tile, the weight requires a structural engineer inspection to insure the building is strong enough.
- Roof Pitch
A standing-seam metal roof installation is ideal for a low-slope roof.
- Rain and Snow
Yukon, Oklahoma may be in the southern area of the country, but it gets its share of heavy rains and snowfall. A metal roof installation will give your business or home a hard, slippery surface that makes it hard for ice, snow, or water to grip onto.
Maintenance and upkeep will help extend the lifespan of a metal roof installation too, including keeping it clear and clean. It is important for the owner to know how to clean a metal roof, or schedule routine maintenance for a professional roofing contractor to clean the roof once a year.
Which type of metal roof is best?
There are two different types of metal to choose from:
- Standing seam
- Screw down panels
Both are excellent choices in metal roof installation, but for a residential structure, the standing seam is the best choice. For commercial structures, exposed fastener metal roof and wall panels are the most popular choice because it is the more economical option for large spaces like commercial structures.
Comparison to Shingles
For a residential structure, asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice. But consideration of a metal roof installation is worthwhile when looking at long-term costs. How much does a metal roof cost compared to shingles?
The cost of a metal roof installation is more than the asphalt shingle installation. However, the price point shouldn’t be the deciding factor to consider. You want to compare the quality of the asphalt shingles to a metal installation when deciding which type is going to be the best in your situation. Metal roofing has a longer lifespan which means you won’t be replacing the roofing as soon. Metal roofing is more eco-friendly also and will improve the resale value too. If you have more questions about metal roofs, give our team a call at 432-522-1117.
