Throughout 2019, metal roofs grew in popularity all across Austin.
Most people who choose metal residential roofing find that it exceeds their expectations. There are many reasons it’s perfect for Central Texas. From energy savings to low maintenance, to its ability to withstand harsh weather -- it does what other roofs can’t.
Unfortunately, there’s still some misinformation about metal roofing.
Time and again, 5 metal roof myths come up in conversations with homeowners.
For the most part, these 5 metal roof myths are left over from years ago, when the idea of metal for a home roof was new. Back then, galvanized steel was used almost exclusively for barns and industrial buildings. These roofing systems didn’t need the same performance qualities people expect from a home, so they had some drawbacks.
These days, however, metal roofing for homes is highly sophisticated. The 5 metal roof myths are either totally false or very misunderstood. We’re here to set the record straight.
MYTH 1: Metal Roofs Act Like Lightning Rods
This might seem to make sense at first – after all, metal is more conductive than most other materials. But it misunderstands how lighting works: Taller objects attract lightning, since it follows the path of least resistance to the ground. Even if your metal roof is struck by lightning, it is more likely to disperse energy harmlessly than a shingle roof.
MYTH 2: Metal Roofs “Rumble” When It Rains
This is another one that comes from the time when much simpler metal roofs were used on barns and grain silos. If you’ve been inside a barn with a metal roof, you’ve noticed the echo. But your home’s metal roof has a decking system underneath that adds support and reduces noise. While it does sound different from a shingle roof, it isn’t louder.
MYTH 3: Metal Roofs Are Easy to Dent With Hail
Metal roofing is incredibly resistant to weather. Rain runs right off of it and most hail also bounces away. The biggest hailstones can leave superficial dents in metal panels. Standing seam construction safeguards against this, and the dents are less likely to cause maintenance issues than with shingle roofs.
MYTH 4: Metal Roofs Break If You Walk on Them
If at all possible, homeowners should avoid getting up on the roof. If you need to check for damage, use binoculars from ground level. Still, it’s not true that you can’t get on the roof. You just need to wear the right shoes and use the right techniques as you move around.
MYTH 5: Metal Roofs Make Your Home Colder in Winter
This one is the weirdest, because the opposite is true. Metal roofs tend to keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Since the roof reflects solar radiation, your heating and cooling systems don’t need to work nearly as hard to maintain your ideal temperature. It’s even fireproof -- great during hot, dry summers.
To find out more or get started with a new metal roof, contact Longhorn Roofing today.
