Questions most often asked about Metal Roofing

Is a metal roof more expensive than other roofing materials?

Yes, it costs more, but ordinary roofing materials have shorter life spans than metal and will need to be replaced regularly. Properly installed, a standing seam metal roof virtually never needs to be replaced, saving you money while adding value to your residential or commercial structure.

How much protection does a metal roof offer?

Unlike asphalt, wood, tile, cement and fiberglass roofing materials, a metal roof offers superior protection against the elements. For example:

FIRE: A metal roof will not burn or support combustion.

WIND: Experience at recent hurricanes has shown that metal roofs outperformed other roofing products.

WATER: Metal is impervious water absorption, greatly reducing damage to structure. And a metal roof cannot be penetrated by hail.

SNOW: Snow slides easily off a metal roofing system, and in areas such as doorways, metal guards prevent snow from falling onto entranceways.

What about the cost of energy, does it cost more to heat or cool a building with a metal roof?

A metal roof coated with Englert’s UltraCool low gloss paint finish, reflects the majority of the sun's rays, so it doesn't retain as much heat as wood, asphalt shingles, tile or cement. This means a metal roof could help your attic stay cooler longer - leading to a significant reduction in your building's energy bills.

Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?

Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains. Residential roofs are made of wood, covered by metal, asphalt or tile. The wood absorbs the sound of rain. In fact, according to one study, metal roof's noise levels are about the same as other products like asphalt shingles, wood shingles or clay tiles.

Can I walk on my metal roof?

Yes, but since a metal roof requires virtually no maintenance, there should be no reason to do so. Englert advises homeowners to use caution and discuss specific details about walking on your metal roof with your installation company.

Does my present roof have to be removed before a metal roof is installed?

In most applications over asphalt shingles, our metal roofs can be applied directly over the old roof, saving money and eliminating a great deal of mess and the cost of disposal. In addition, because there is no old roof to dispose of, landfill space is spared, helping to protect our environment.

How much do metal roofs weigh in comparison to other types of roofing?

Metal roofing materials are less than one-third the weight of asphalt, one-twentieth the weight of concrete, and add less than 10% to the weight of the existing roof materials.

Does a metal roof attract lightning?

No. Grounding of any exterior metal siding or roofing is not recognized as necessary by any major building code organization. Because metal roofing is both an electrical conductor, and a noncombustible material, the risks associated with its use and behavior during a lightning event make it the most desirable construction material available. Lightning strikes are more connected to the location of the building and other factors. Metal roofs actually protect buildings from lightning strikes.

How long will a metal roof last?

A metal roof won't dry out, split, curl, peel or flake like conventional roofing products. Metal roofing has been successfully used for centuries and it lasts substantially longer than any other roofing product on the market.

Can solar energy systems work on a metal roof?

Metal Roofing is an ideal platform for integrating solar electric and solar thermal renewable energy solutions onto and under the roof surface. In addition, a Metal Roof alone, can earn up to 25 U.S. Green Building Council LEED credits because Metal roofs have coatings that prevent 75 to 80 percent of the sun’s energy from being absorbed into the roof, and can reduce roof surface temperatures by 60 to 70 degrees.