Metal roofs are growing in popularity each and every year, but there are still a lot of myths floating around about metal roofs, their durability, price, and safety. SPC Construction & Roofing loves installing metal roofs and wants our community to know the facts about this durable and stand-out option.

Let’s look at 7 of the most common metal roof myths and where the truth lies, so you can be fully informed the next time you’re looking for a new roof for your home or business.

Myth: Metal Roofs Increase the Likelihood of Lightning Strikes

Metal might be a conductor, but this doesn’t mean it attracts electricity. In fact, the simple fact of lightning is that it strikes whatever its closest to (whatever’s tallest) not the closest metal object.

So actually, your home’s chance of having a run-in with lightning is increased by having the tallest house on the block, not a metal roof.

Let’s say you do have the tallest building on the block, and you have a metal roof – then your roof will actually help safely disperse the energy in the case of strike, making it the better choice over traditional roofs.

Myth: Metal Roofs Are Noisy When It Rains

Maybe you want a metal roof so you can hear the rain tinkering down – or maybe you don’t want a metal roof because you think even a light sprinkle will sound like a rolling thunderstorm. But the truth is that metal roofs are just as quiet as other roofs, because you still have a roof deck and insulation between the top layer and you, muffling the sounds from the outdoors.

Whether you were hoping for loud rain or dreading it –this is a myth and shouldn’t be a deciding factor when it comes to your roof material choices.

Myth: Hail Can Damage Your Metal Roof

Did you know that metal roofs are actually more durable than asphalt roofs?That’s one of the reasons they are so popular for both commercial and residential properties.

Of course, hail can damage any roof if it is strong or large enough, but it won’t dent or damage a metal roof any more than it would to asphalt roofing. And because asphalt roofs have weatherproofing that can be easily lost by even small hail or extreme weather, many individuals in Texas prefer metal roofs and the peace of mind they provide.

Myth: You Can’t Walk on a Metal Roof

To be fair – you shouldn’t walk on any roof, ever, as you never know the strength, weak spots, of unseen damage beneath your feet. It’s better to leave roof-walking to the professionals, and this is the same for metal roofs and asphalt roofs.

Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way - it is possible that walking on a metal roof can damage it, just like walking on any other roof type can damage it. And though it isn’t as easy as denting the hood of your car, there is always the possibility of denting your roof if you walk between the supports or aren’t careful.

Key takeaway? Don’t walk on your roof, regardless of its material.

Myth: Metal Roofs Will Make Your Home Hot in the Summer

This is 100% false, and actually, the opposite is true!

One of the biggest cost-saving features of metal roofs is heat conduction. The metal reflects the heat from the sun, keeping your home or business cooler, not hotter. At the hottest part of the day, when your roof and home are reaching their maximum absorption, you will notice a cooler environment because of your metal roof.

The reflective trait of metal roofs can lead to big savings in cooling costs, especially in Texas’ summers.

Myth: Metal Roofs Rust After Getting Wet

Nope, this isn’t true and hasn’t been for decades.

If your roof rusted when it got wet, and the point of your roof is to protect you and make sure you don’t get wet, then what would the point of your roof be?

Metal roofs used to be sheets of regular old metal, which meant they did rust, but this is no longer the case and hasn’t been for a very long time. Modern metal roofs have a galvanized coating of advanced alloys that fully resist rusting. They’re also painted so they withstand weathering, which means your metal roof will be rust-free for decades to come.

Myth: Metal Roofs Are Overpriced

Upfront, one-time costs may be higher with a metal roof than other materials, but what you should be focusing on is the lifetime cost of your roof.

Let’s say you install an asphalt roof every 20 years, even if we ignore the shingle fixes you’ll need within those years like blown off shingles or curled/cracked shingles, you’ll still go through 2-3 roofs before you would have to replace your metal roof again.

Metal roofs are often guaranteed for up to 60 years and can last even longer. Additionally, they require no maintenance and rarely any repairs, saving you money throughout the 60 years, as well as lasting longer than the traditional 20-year rule.

Let SPC Construction & Roofing Inspect Your Roof & See if a Metal Roof is Right for You!

Do you think a metal roof could be right for your home or business? Call the specialists at SPC Construction & Roofing to learn more.

We have 30 years of experience in the roofing business, and we’re happy to guide you in choosing your next roofing system, whether it’s metal, tile, slate, asphalt or something else – we’re here to help!

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