By Julianne Calapa, Sheffield Metals.
Editor’s note: Share this article with your customers who are considering having a metal roof installed and want to know the facts about metal.
Metal roofing is gaining a lot of popularity for its durability and lifespan. It hosts a myriad of benefits but has gained a lot of myths as it has gotten more and more attention. It’s important to stay ahead of these myths and know the facts about metal roofing materials. Though they don’t know the origin of most of these myths, the experts here at Sheffield Metals want to set the record straight on the common metal roofing myths they hear, separating fact from fiction and helping readers know what to expect from a metal roof.
We are taught at a young age to never hold anything made up of metal during a thunderstorm because “metal objects attract lightning.” But did you know this is actually another myth?
The idea that metal attracts lightning is partly because most lightning rods put on top of buildings are made of metal. But these rods don’t actually attract lightning strikes; instead, the metal rod acts as a conductor of electricity and channels the electricity safely to the ground, so it doesn’t damage the building.
So, what does this mean? Metal roofing does not increase the risk or likelihood of lightning strikes. It has the same possibility as any other material to be struck by lightning. According to the Metal Construction Association, the probability of a lightning strike is determined by several other factors, such as:
In reality, metal is one of the most preferred roofing materials when concerned with lightning safety. Metal is non-combustible (unlike shingles or wood), meaning it’s incapable of igniting or burning. This is a huge advantage if a metal roof were to be struck by lightning because it wouldn’t explode or catch on fire and could protect a structure from damage.
Additionally, if you want to help eliminate the threat of lightning striking your home or building, there are lightning protection systems that can be installed on a home for further safety.
There is a common misconception that all types of metal roofs make a lot of noise during rain or hailstorms. While it is true that some systems and profiles of metal roofing can experience noise in certain circumstances, most metal roofs are designed and installed to be no louder than any other roof type. Some can even be quieter.
That being said, there are home or building owners who want to hear the noise of rain/hail. Luckily, you can have metal roofing installed in a way that makes noise as loud or as quiet as you prefer. Let’s dive a little deeper into ways to ensure a roof doesn’t experience unnecessary noise:
It’s true that most metals rust or develop a patina over time when in contact with oxygen and water, also called oxidation. However, not all metals rust with the reddish-brown color that we typically associate it with. While rusting is an inherent characteristic of most metals, the metal coils and sheets that become metal panels are engineered, coated and tested to prevent rust formation for as long as possible. To easily understand why this is, let’s go through each popular metal material individually:
In addition to metals used for coils and sheets, the paint systems applied on top of the metal are designed to help prevent rusting and corroding. Plus, if any of these paint systems or metals do rust or fail before promised, most reputable manufacturers offer some type of paint or substrate warranty to buyers.
Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing is actually very difficult to dent and even more difficult to puncture. Consumers are always concerned that the first time a wave of hail rolls through, there will be dents all over a metal roof. In actuality, the average hailstorm is very unlikely to cause damage or dent a metal roof. The possibility for denting increases as the size and quantity of the hailstones increase, but it would take a huge storm with extremely large pieces of hail to create any significant denting or penetration points.
Luckily, an industry guideline called the Standard for Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials (or UL 2218), exists to test a metal panel’s resistance to hail and other items it could come into contact with. The products tested are rated on a scale from Class 1 to 4, with Class 4 being the toughest and least likely to dent and/or fail when in contact with items such as hail. For an example of a UL 2218 certification, view Sheffield Metals 1.5″ SnapLock 550 Class 4 documentation.
If you live in an area where hailstorms occur, consider a metal roof with a rib roller or striation in the flat part of the panel because it could help hide any denting that could show up after a large hailstorm.
It’s important to note that many home insurance companies offer hail damage waivers, which lower premium prices but waives the insurance company from covering a claim for repairs or replacements caused by hail. Just be aware that these kinds of waivers exist and make sure to do your research ahead of time before signing.
This is another myth we attribute to what we learn when we are young: Metal in the sun holds heat for a long time. While this is a true statement, it doesn’t always apply to panels used in metal roofing anymore.
Advancements in metal roofing technology and sustainability have contributed to the creation of cool metal roofing, which are highly emissive metal panels with a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI). For reference:
In addition to a longer lifecycle and other metal roofing benefits, this cool roofing is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The best part for consumers is that these cool metal roofs come in various colors, finishes, profiles and slope applications.
So, not all metal roofing holds on to heat during hotter months. If you have questions or concerns about the temperatures associated with the metal used on your roof, have a conversation with the coil or sheet manufacturer to determine the best choice for your building application.
Myths will always exist with metal roofing, but becoming an educated and informed consumer helps you determine fact from fiction. And if you know the facts, you’ll be fully equipped to make the best decision. Keep in mind:
Original article source: Sheffield Metals
Learn more about Sheffield Metals International in their Coffee Shop DIrecotry or visit www.sheffieldmetals.com.
Comments
Leave a Reply
Have an account? Login to leave a comment!
Sign In