If you're one of the many homeowners considering a metal roof for your home, you've probably started looking into the advantages and drawbacks of metal roofs. Unfortunately, despite their growing popularity in the United States—comprising roughly 18% of the total residential roofing market—there's quite a bit of misinformation out there surrounding this durable roofing material. Are they noisy? Do they attract lightning? Will they make your home hotter?
Naturally, you want to get to the bottom of these metal roof myths before making any big decisions. Well, you've come to the right place. Read on to uncover the truths behind seven of the most popular misconceptions about metal roofs to help you make the right decision for your home.
Myth 1: Metal Roofs Are Noisy
One of the more prevalent metal roof myths is that they're excessively noisy when it's raining or hailing. The gentle pitter-patter you'd expect with a traditional asphalt roof, for example, supposedly turns into blaring percussion that echoes through your home when you have a metal roof.
The Truth
This myth originates from a persistent belief that stems from improperly installed metal roofs. These roofs are no noisier than any other roofing material. Professionally installed modern metal roofing systems include a roof deck, underlayment, and insulation, which reduces noise transmission. Hiring a qualified and experienced roofer can help ensure your metal roof is installed properly—complete with all the necessary layers to dampen and absorb weather-related noise.
Myth 2: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Another common metal roof myth is that a metal roof will attract lightning. This one makes a lot of sense considering that lightning rods are made of metal.
The Truth
Lightning rods don't attract lightning because they're metal; they attract lightning due to their pointed tip and their position at the highest point of a building. Lightning rods are metal because metal is a good conductor of electricity, allowing the rod to provide a safe path for lightning to travel to the ground, so it won't damage the building.
Similarly, metal roofs don't attract lightning. A building's height and location (e.g., isolated tall buildings or buildings on higher ground, like mountains or hills) determine its likelihood of being struck by lightning—not its roofing material. In the unlikely event of a lightning strike, metal roofs may actually be safer than other materials since metal is non-combustible and helps dissipate electrical energy, reducing fire risk.
Myth 3: Metal Roofs Can Dent During a Hailstorm
If you live in an area prone to severe hailstorms, you may worry whether hail will dent your metal roof, compromising performance. With the largest hailstone in the US measuring over 18 inches in circumference, this metal roof myth is a valid concern.
The Truth
Most metal roofs, such as the GAF TimberSteel™ metal roofing system, are tested and proven to withstand damage from falling objects, including hailstones. The TimberSteel™ system has a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact-Resistance rating (the highest possible rating), which means it's been tested to withstand a 2-inch steel ball being dropped from a height of 20 feet. In addition, GAF offers a limited 15-year warranty against leaks caused by hail.*
Myth 4: Metal Roofs Make Homes Hotter in the Summer
During the hot summer months, metal objects and surfaces absorb and trap heat. Translating this concept to a roof would seem to indicate that homes with metal roofs would be hotter.
The Truth
The science of metal roofing has advanced so that many products reflect and redirect heat to keep your home cool. In fact, when properly installed, metal roofs can help keep your home cooler than other roofing materials due to their highly reflective surface, which helps prevent your roof from absorbing the sun's rays.
According to Megan Sundberg, Product Manager - TimberSteel™ System, this comes with additional benefits: "With proper ventilation and insulation, metal roofs can significantly reduce air conditioning usage by minimizing heat retention, lowering energy consumption and cooling costs."
Myth 5: Metal Roofs Rust Easily
Some metals can rust easily, especially when exposed to oxygen and moisture, so it's easy to see why rusting and corrosion make the list of metal roof myths.
The Truth
Metal roofs are commonly made from galvanized steel or aluminum, which are chosen for their excellent durability, weather resistance, and ability to resist rust. In addition to material selection, modern metal roofing systems are often coated with protective finishes specifically designed to prevent rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting roofing option that can stand the test of time.
Myth 6: Metal Roofs Don't Have Curb Appeal
When you hear metal roofing, do you think of gray metal panels on a barn or industrial building? Many do. This may leave you feeling concerned that a metal roof wouldn't fit with your home's aesthetic.
The Truth
Metal roofing panels come in a variety of attractive colors and patterns meant to complement the style and aesthetics of just about any home. From sleek, traditional grays and browns to striking reds, greens, and blues, you can't go wrong with metal roofing when it comes to curb appeal.
In addition, the tough panel finish helps protect the underlying metal, preventing rust and keeping your roof looking sharp for years to come. Select TimberSteel™ system components in select colors are even eligible for a 30-year paint, finish, fade, and chalking limited warranty.**
Myth 7: Metal Roofs Are Excessively Expensive
Of all the metal roof myths, this one isn't instantly debunked. When you look at the price of a metal roof compared to traditional asphalt shingles, metal roofing generally costs more upfront. From this standpoint, metal roofs are more expensive. So, how is this a myth?
The Truth
When you consider the roof's life cycle, metal is an economical choice. Metal roofs are highly durable and low maintenance, which can save you on the cost of repairs and routine maintenance. Their ability to reflect sunlight and heat also helps reduce the need for cooling, lowering energy costs.
"Metal roofs are an upfront investment," says Sundberg. "Over time, the savings potential adds up, making them a cost-effective roofing material in the long run."
Dispelling Metal Roof Myths
Metal roofs are rising in popularity for a reason. Highly durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and aesthetically appealing, modern metal roofing systems offer some compelling benefits for homeowners.
Remember, metal roofs:
Aren't noisier than any other roofing material.
Don't attract lightning and may be safer than other roofing materials in the event of a lightning strike.
Are tested and proven to withstand damage from falling objects, including hailstones.
Reflect sunlight, helping prevent heat absorption and keep your home cool during the summer months.
Are specially designed to resist rust and corrosion.
Come in a variety of attractive colors and patterns meant to complement the style and aesthetics of just about any home.
Are cost-effective in the long term due to their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.
Still wondering if a metal roofing system is right for your home? Contact a GAF Metal Certified roofing contractor*** near you for more information.
*15-year limited hail warranty requires purchase of TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty and covers the following TimberSteel branded components only: field shingles, hip & ridge cap shingles, eave drip edge flashing and rake edge flashing. See TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.
** 30-year paint finish coverage limited warranty covers the following TimberSteel branded components only: field shingles, hip & ridge cap shingles, eave drip edge flashing, rake edge flashing and other metal components. All color variations (with the exception of Rustic Red) are eligible for 30-year paint finish coverage. Rustic Red is eligible for 20-year paint finish coverage. See TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty and TimberSteel™ Roofing System Limited Warranty, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.
*** Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use.
