Metal Roof
Metal Roof Benefits
Metal beats out conventional roofing materials in several ways:
Metal Roofing Lasts A Long Time
A properly installed quality metal roof should last from 40 to 50 years, sealing out water, surviving high winds and easily shedding snow. The fact that metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot pays off in longevity.
How long does a metal roof last?
Metal roofs can last 50 years, depending on climate conditions, workmanship, or unforeseen damage. About the same as:
- Simulated slate—50 years
- Real slate—50+ years
Most major metal roof manufacturers back their products for 20 to 50 years. Products with painted finishes typically have a 30-year limited warranty. Materials finished with extremely durable resin-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings have 50-year Kynar* warranties.
Metal Roofing Is Lightweight
Metal roofing weighs from 1 to 3 pounds per square foot, depending upon the thickness and profile of the material. It is one of the lightest of all roofing materials. By comparison, here are typical weights of other roofing materials:
- Conventional asphalt shingles — from 2 to 3.5 pounds per square foot
- Textured (architectural) asphalt shingles— from 3.5 to 5 pounds per square foot
- Wood shingles and shakes—from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds per square foot
- Clay or concrete tile—5.5 to 10 pounds per square foot
Because metal roofing is lightweight, you can save on the engineering and building the supporting structure.
Can Metal Roofing Go Over Existing Shingles?
MJT don’t usually recommend this method.(blog on why metal roof should not be install over existing roof) As long as the existing roof surface and the decking beneath it are sound, flat, and free of rot, metal roofing could be applied over the top of one old layer of asphalt shingles. Check local codes and the manufacturer’s specifications before doing this.
Of course, tearing off the old roof so you can start with flat, sound sheathing certainly gives you a much cleaner starting point. But leaving the old roof in place also has advantages. For example, it:
- Decreases labor and haul-off expense of stripping the old roof
- Leaves an extra insulation barrier for increased energy efficiency
- Minimizes the debris and disruption to your home and yard during the project
Metal Roofing Doesn’t Catch Fire
Because metal roof materials are noncombustible, they typically have a Class A fire rating (the most fire-resistant rating). Flying sparks and embers will not set them on fire.
Just be aware that part of a roof’s overall classification depends on materials beneath the surface that could ignite in intense heat, too.
Metal Surfaces Reflect Heat
Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. This reflective characteristic means you save energy needed for air conditioning during the day. In fact, federal rebates are offered for metal roofing that has appropriate pigmented coatings that meet EnergyStar requirements.
Regarding the insulation value of metal roofing in both heat and cold: Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, metal roofing can be applied over foam insulation that has very high R-values. In addition, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal surface and roof deck beneath it to minimize heat transfer, increasing energy efficiency.
Metal Panels Can Go On Low-Pitched Roofs
Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs (low Slope) without leaking. Minimum roof pitch for metal shingles is typically 4-in-12—this means the roof rises 4 inches for each horizontal foot. Some standing-seam roofing can be used on 2-in-12 roof pitch or, in some cases, even as low as 1-in-12.
Metal Is Great At Shedding Snow & Rain
Metal roofing is practically impervious to rain and snow because of the way the panels interlock and because the surfaces are hard and slippery. In addition, dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm to the sun, encouraging snow melt.
Metal roofing is great in snow country because it is fire resistant, lightweight, and excellent at shedding snow.
For more information on your metal roof, please call us today at (860) 942-8000 or CLICK HERE.