Metal roofs are more popular now than they’ve ever been. Beautiful and always on-trend, metal roofs can be customized to accommodate any design vision on a residential or commercial project. But are metal roofs more than just a pretty face? Absolutely. Strong, durable and resistant to the damaging effects of weathering, metal roofs make it possible for contractors and designers to deliver performance and lasting style overhead.
If you’re not convinced or have some lingering concerns, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) Chairman, Brian Partyka, answers five of the most commonly asked questions around metal roofing’s performance capabilities.
A: Metal roofing is safer than most roofing materials in the event of a lightning strike. This is because metal roofing panels offer a low-resistance path between the sky and the ground, potentially reducing damage if a building is struck by lightning. This protection is bolstered when metal roofing is paired with a lightning protection system (LPS).
When it comes to examining the fire performance of a roofing system, a metal substrate provides the first layer of defense against fire. Whether made from steel, copper or aluminum, metal roofs can achieve UL 263 Class A fire-resistant ratings, the highest ranking possible. This means metal roofs can effectively resist the spread of fire and will not contribute any fuel to the blaze.
A: Metal roofs reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat energy. In fact, some of them re-emit up to 90% solar radiation. This reduces the amount of heat transferred into the building and keeps the indoor temperature regulated, making it one of the most energy-efficient roof systems available.
A: At their core, metal roofs are a sustainable choice for more environmentally friendly projects. They are made mostly from recycled materials, are lightweight (allowing for a more efficient shipping process), and they offer a longer lifespan than traditional roofing materials.
A: The myth of the noisy metal roof may have originated from people standing in barns or metal warehouses during a storm. But the truth is that metal roofs are not any louder than other roofing materials on the market. This is because a metal roof is typically installed over a customer’s attic space complete with insulation, a roof deck and a proper underlayment.
A: No – in fact, it’s the opposite! On average, a metal roof is 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes, and slate.
Have additional questions that weren’t answered here? Reach out to us today.
