Want to give your home or business more curb appeal? Maybe you like the funky and chic style of metal roofing in the Austin area? Even if you love the look, you may have some questions about whether metal roofing in Austin is the best choice.
Here are some FAQs about Metal Roofing in Austin, Texas:
Do Metal Roofs Cost More?
Yes, a top-quality metal roof with standing seams will cost more than a traditional composition roof. How much more? It can depend on the pitch of the roof, the type of finish, and other factors. However, in general, a standing seam metal roof will cost about twice as much as an asphalt composition roof.
What is a Standing-Seam Metal Roof?
Standing-seam roofs conceal the screws that hold the roof down underneath metal panels.
They also have a clip system to hold the screws firmly in place. Although Longhorn Roofing does install screw-down metal roofs, we highly recommend standing-seam roofs.
How is a Standing-Seam Metal Roof Different from a Screw-Down Metal Roof?
A screw-down metal roof has a few drawbacks. A screw-down roof needs more maintenance and is much more likely to leak. Since the screws on these types of roofs are exposed and have neoprene washers, the screws can erode in 10-15 years.
Additionally, the first screws oftentimes need to be replaced with larger screws. But since there are only two sizes, the holes typically need to be caulked. The re-caulking can sometimes look messy and unattractive.
Why is a Standing-Seam Metal Roof a Better Option Than a Screw-Down Metal Roof?
There are usually thousands of screws on a metal roof, and any one of those on a screw-down roof could start to leak into the house. Standing-seam metal roofs eliminate this problem. A properly installed standing-seam metal roof can last up to 50 years with very little maintenance.
What is Galvalume Finish on Metal Roofing?
Galvalume is a blend of 55% aluminum and 45% zinc, which is used to coat the steel substrate of the metal roof materials in order to make them more durable. A small amount of silicon in the finish makes Galvalume adhere more evenly to the steel. Galvalume resists corrosion and has excellent fire resistance. In addition, Galvalume effectively reflects the heat, resulting in energy savings as well as superior interior comfort in your home. Most manufacturers include a 20-year warranty of Galvalume finished products.
Why are Painted Metal Roofs More Expensive than Galvalume?
A painted metal roof starts with Galvalume coated roofing, which is then painted with Kynar 500 paint. The two layers provide a double-protective finish on the roof. Most manufacturers give Kynar 500 painted materials a 30-year warranty.
Does a Metal Roof Require Much Maintenance?
Since a metal roof can last a long time, you might wonder if it needs lots of maintenance. The opposite is true. While a standard shingle roof should be inspected at least once a year, it’s safe to inspect a metal roof every other year. Metal roofs don’t experience the same wear and tear.
Any time a severe storm hits, you should check your metal roof for signs of damage. It’s safest to do this from ground level on a clear afternoon once all bad weather has passed. Metal roof damage is more likely to come from climbing up on the roof than from most weather conditions.
How Does a Metal Roof Affect the Temperature of a Home?
Your roof has a big effect on the temperature of your home since it influences the natural heat cycle of the building. Hot air should rise and then escape from the home through the attic. With a shingle roof, it’s much easier for ventilation problems to develop that keep heated air trapped.
A metal roof offers built-in advantages that you won’t enjoy with any other type of roof. One of the most vital of these is that it can reflect about 50% of solar radiation that strikes the home. This means you will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without having to run your air conditioner or heater nearly as much.
Are Metal Roofs Louder than Shingle Roofs?
One persistent myth about metal roofs is that they sound louder than other roofs when it rains. This isn’t really true. Metal roofs do sound different from shingle ones in rain and hail. However, you get used to it just as easily as you get used to the sounds of a shingle roof.
Does a Metal Roof Stand Up Against Harsh Weather?
If you are concerned about rough Austin weather, a metal roof is the way to go.
Metal roofing has some distinct advantages in bad weather. First of all, it is fireproof, a growing concern with hot and dry summer seasons. Modern metal roofs are designed to accommodate for the natural expansion and contraction that comes with changing temperatures, and the roof’s standing seams keep fasteners secure.
Second, metal roofing is highly resistant to the growth of mold and mildew. Mildew is usually harmless, but it discolors roofs and is no fun to wash away. Mold, on the other hand, can be very dangerous. Water damage elsewhere in the house can spur mold growth, but it is unlikely to spread onto the roof itself.
When it comes to seasonal weather woes like wind and rain, metal roofing may be the best investment you can make. A good metal roof is engineered so water will run off it harmlessly. Even intense, storm-force winds are much less likely to damage your metal roof than a shingle roof, which will often lose shingles.
Metal roofs are just as effective in winter. Even a direct hit from a large hailstone is unlikely to compromise the structural integrity of your roof. Superficial damage doesn’t affect the roof’s performance qualities. And a metal roof that’s designed for your home will also prevent the formation of dangerous ice dams.
How Are Metal Roof Repairs Done?
Metal roof repairs are relatively rare, but may be necessary in a few cases.
In the most extreme hailstorms, for example, it’s possible that multiple direct hits might crumple part of the roof. In a case like this, only the damaged panel needs to be replaced. A new sheet should be cut to the exact dimensions of the panel to be removed. This can usually be done very quickly.
Remember, a new metal panel should usually be fabricated right on site. The only exception is if the roofing company doing the repair is the same one that performed the original installation. If detailed measurements are on file, your roofer can make a new panel to the right specifications at their own metal shop.
What Is the Most Common Problem with a Metal Roof?
The biggest problem with any metal roof comes from poor installation practices.
If metal panels are not installed flush and measured to the exact dimensions of the home, leaks are sure to follow. This happens sooner rather than later – it could even crop up the very first time it rains! Depending on exactly what went wrong, you might need to replace several panels or the whole roof.
That’s why it’s essential to pick an Austin metal roofer who has the experience to do the job right. For a first-time metal roof installation, measurements are taken carefully and Galvalume-coated steel panels are cut right on site to ensure a perfect match. Proper installation is the key to decades of reliable service.
Is Metal Roofing in Austin Preferable?
With up to a 50-year life, little maintenance, energy savings, and insurance cost reduction, a metal roof in Austin makes sense. If you are interested in discussing standing-seam metal for your home or business with an experienced professional, contact Longhorn Roofing today.
