Having a new roof installed is a necessary investment that all homeowners are faced with eventually. Deciding what type of material you want your new roof to be is a big decision that must be made as well. One of the material options is metal, and while metal roofs have their perks, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of.
This article will talk more about metal roofs and some of the disadvantages that they have. By the end of this article, we hope you will be better able to determine if a metal roof is the best choice for your home.
Metal Roof Types
There are two main types of metal roofs, the first being a standing seam roof system. The standing seam metal roof is the preferred metal roof for homes and gets its name from how it’s built. A standing seam metal roof is a bunch of panels that meet together at their seams and lock into place. This type of connection allows the panels to move back and forth giving them the ability to both expand and contract.
The second metal roof type is a screw-down panel roof. This style of metal roof has each panel screwed down onto your roof, leaving no room for the metal to expand or contract as the standing seam roof does. A screw-down panel roof also requires the screws to be replaced roughly every 5 years to prevent damage. Screw-down panel roofs are best used for things such as garages, barns, or certain commercial buildings. This type of roofing system is not the best choice for a residential building.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs and the Disadvantages
The standing seam metal roof is a unique option that gives houses a more modern and sleek look. Some roofers even predict that metal roofing will one day be as popular as asphalt shingles are today. While standing seam metal roofs are the preferred metal roof option for homes, there are some disadvantages to them that we think are important to note before making any big decisions.
The Price of Materials
Price is often a huge factor that homeowners consider when deciding on what type of roof they want. A standing seam metal roof is rather expensive compared to other options. We have done several articles on asphalt shingle roofs in the past and while they are the most popular roof types among residential homes, they are also one of the most affordable options. A standing metal seam roof can be double or even triple the cost per square foot of an asphalt shingle roof. That means you can expect to pay roughly $14-$18 per square foot. There is a huge price difference between these two options, however, once a standing seam metal roof is installed it should last around 40 or 50 years compared to an asphalt shingle roof which would need to be replaced sooner and likely require more repairs.
Difficulties Repairing
Repairing a standing seam metal roof is more difficult than repairing other roofing types. While it is metal, various types of damage can still occur ranging from storm damage to rust. There is a lot more that goes into repairing a standing seam roof and more experience required. This also means that it will cost more money to have this type of roof repaired compared to other roofing options. This is definitely something to consider when deciding if a standing seam metal roof is right for you.
One of the most common types of damage found on metal roofs is scratches. The metal panels easily scratch and you can expect some type of scratch damage to occur throughout the lifespan of your metal roof whether it is from debris or snow. It is when these scratches get down to the metal that it becomes an issue. Sometimes these scratches can create holes or punctures that result in leaks or further damage. This is one of the reasons why metal roofs require routine inspections to help find problems before they worsen along with repairing anything necessary.
Noise Caused by a Standing Seam Metal Roof
Unlike other roofing options, a metal roof tends to come along with some noise. You can expect to hear echoes and sounds during storms or any rain. In fact, a metal roof is likely going to be at least 50 decibels louder than the common asphalt shingle roof. There are some ways to lessen this noise such as installing your roof over solid decking. Regardless, you can almost always hear at least some noise so keep that in mind.
The possibility of Oil Canning
The possibility of oil canning happening is also something to keep in mind while considering a metal roof. Oil canning affects your roof’s aesthetic, leaving your metal panels looking distorted and wavy. It is important to mention that oil canning does not cause any damage to your roof, but if appearance is important to you then a metal roof may not be the best option. Oil canning happens when the metal panels of a roof are installed too close together. When this happens there is no longer any room for the panels to expand sideways, resulting in a wavy appearance. Oil canning is possible with any metal material used.
Limited Installation
A standing seam metal roof cannot be installed on roofs that are flatter than others. If the rise is not tall enough, this type of metal roof may not even be an option for you.
The Importance of Being Informed
It is easy to get caught up in focusing on the positives of something, but sometimes it takes weighing the negatives of something to come to a decision. Metal roofs are great in some ways, but they definitely do have their downsides that are worth knowing.
Now that you know about the two common types of metal roofs, with standing seam metal roofs being the most popular, we hope you feel more informed on this topic as well as ready to make a decision about your home’s roof. All roofs have good and bad things about them. It’s about deciding what factors are most important to you and going with your gut. It’s your home!
We are here to help!
At Liberty Roofworks, we do it all! Our team of experienced, licensed, and certified roofers can help bring your vision to life. We are happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have as well as go over all of your options with you. No matter what your roof needs, Liberty Roofworks has you covered.
If you have any questions or are interested in working with us please contact us today and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Metal Roof FAQ’s
There is a lot out there to know about metal roofs and it’s okay to have questions. We hope that this FAQ section is helpful to you! Is your question not answered here? Contact us and we will be happy to answer it for you.
Is it ok to install a metal roof over existing shingles?
Technically, yes, you can install your metal roof over existing shingles but we really do not recommend doing that. Removing the existing shingles allows for a clean base and can limit the chance of installation flaws occurring.
How long will a standing seam metal roof last?
A correctly installed standing seam metal roof should last at least for 30 years. Assuming your roof is taken care of and doesn’t experience much damage, it can last up to 50 years before needing to be replaced.
Will my house be hotter with a metal roof?
No, not at all. Metal roofs are no hotter than shingle roofs so your home should not experience any drastic temperature change. However, it is important to note that like other roofs, a metal roof will still heat up when the sun is shining directly on it.
Does having a metal roof increase the value of my house?
Yes, a metal roof will increase your home’s value. In fact, a house with a metal roof can oftentimes experience up to a 6% increase in value.
Will hail dent a metal roof?
Yes and no. Hail easily damaging a metal roof is a common myth that people believe. Actually, most hailstorms can’t even produce hail that is large enough to impact a metal roof at all. The chances of hail damaging your metal roof are very low unless it is extreme weather.
What can cause damage to a standing seam metal roof?
All roofs can be damaged in some way. However, when it comes to different roof types, metal roofs are the most resistant to damage. Extreme hail has a slight possibility of causing a dent, but other than that there really isn’t too much to worry about. The biggest concern with metal roofs is scratches which can occur from debris, but with routine inspections, your roof will be fine.