In the past, metal roofing was mostly seen on commercial buildings. But lately, metal roofing has been gaining popularity in residential settings. Some people prefer the look of metal roofs, and there’s a common belief that metal roofs last longer. Before you decide that a metal roof is the right choice for your home, however, there are important factors to consider.
For starters, regarding longevity, customers should understand that metal roofing generally has a 40-year paint warranty, but there is often no warranty on the metal itself. And even the paint warranty doesn’t cover chalking or fading. You also should consider that the rain falling on your metal roof will sound different than it does on other types of roofing. Some people like the noise, but others think it sounds like they’re living in a drum.
Next, you may have heard that metal roofing is preferred by insurance companies because it is fire resistant and stands up better to hailstorms. While that may be true, it’s important to note that homeowners insurance handles hail damage differently than car insurance. Your metal roof may be able to withstand a hailstorm better – meaning it won’t leak – but what that really means from an insurance standpoint is that if your roof isn’t leaking and the life expectancy of the roof hasn’t been compromised, then the insurance company won’t pay for any hail damage. Therefore, many homeowners end up disappointed that all the dents in their metal roof aren’t covered because their insurance won’t pay to repair any aesthetic damage. In the insurance company’s eyes, the roof still functions properly.
And finally, because metal isn’t as pliable as asphalt shingles, homeowners should make sure the flashing is installed properly. The more protrusions you have in your roof, such as chimneys, vents, skylights, wall transitions, etc., the more susceptible your roof is to future leaks if the flashing is improperly installed.
Make Sure Your Metal Roof Is Installed Properly
Another mistake some homeowners make is trying to save a few dollars on the installation by installing their new metal roofing over their existing roofing materials. We strongly recommend tearing off existing shingles, down to the bare decking, before installing a metal roof. Leaving the asphalt shingles underneath will cause them to deteriorate over time, and the rough granulated surface will scratch the back of the metal roofing, causing it to rust.
Furthermore, the heat absorbed by metal roofing will cause it to expand and contract. If metal roofing is installed over existing shingles, the metal roofing will move even more, causing the screw holes to expand faster. There are so many screws in a standard metal roof that once your roof starts leaking, finding the problematic screws is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
When the GlennStone team installs a metal roof, we do it right and use a high-heat ice and water shield or a high-quality synthetic underlayment over the existing roof decking before we install the metal roof. This helps reduce potential leaks down the road. Other roofing companies might suggest saving a few dollars on installation by avoiding these steps, but this will leave you penny-wise and pound-foolish.
If a customer is adamant about installing a new metal roof over their existing shingles, the use of a moisture barrier and wood battens to get the new roof off of the existing shingles is recommended to avoid future problems.
Types of Metal Roofing
The least expensive and most common type of residential metal roofing is AG panel or raised seam exposed fastener metal roofing that is screwed into place. Every exposed fastener has the potential to leak as time passes. The neoprene washers underneath the screws tend to deteriorate over time in the sun and harsh weather environments, and they typically need to be replaced after 10 years.
Standing seam hidden fastener metal roofing is the most durable style and refers to long panels of colored metal, 12 to 24 inches wide, with raised seams running vertically up the face to create a sleek, modern appearance. There are NO exposed fasteners. Standing seam metal roofing is better suited to the Springfield, Missouri, area, since snow and ice slide easily off the smooth surface. Maintenance is practically nonexistent if the pitch of the roof is fairly steep.
Decorative metal refers to small panels that are formed into the shape of tile roofing and interlocked in much the same way as tile. The surface has bonded colored granules, allowing for a variety of looks. Again, there are no exposed fasteners with this style of metal. Decorative metal is a great choice if you want the look of tile but the structure is not designed for a heavier cement tile. Please contact us for information on warranties from the various manufacturers. We are happy to discuss the various options available for using metal on your building.
Central States Panel-Loc Plus™ is a low rib (3/4 inch) panel that provides durable performance with an added striation on top of the rib, giving it even more strength. Panel-Loc Plus gives agricultural and light commercial projects, as well as residential roofs, the protection of steel with an attractive appearance.
Central States Horizon-Loc™ is a durable, concealed fastener roof system with easy snap-together installation. This architectural panel system uses minimally visible fasteners, giving your building a clean, attractive finish. The panel’s simple snap-on ribs attach rapidly with no hand seaming, making installation less expensive than traditional standing seam roofing.
