Frequently Asked Questions

Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?

Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your new roof to cost more than what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less. No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you’ll never have to worry about your roof again. Most come with a true 30 to 50 year warranty. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you piece of mind that you’ll likely never have to re-roof again.

I’m concerned that a metal roof won’t match my home and the roofing style in my neighborhood.

Today’s residential metal roofing is made to look exactly like common roofing material – such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing – only stronger and more durable. Click here to see metal roofing’s wide variety of styles, colors and patterns – there’s certain to be a style and finish to match your home and neighborhood.

Does metal attract lightning?

Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. However, if your roof would be struck by lightning, a metal roof can help prevent your home from catching on fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. More importantly, it is noncombustible.

Can you walk on the roof?

Most metal panel systems can support the load of an individual walking on them. As with any roof system care must be taken to not cause damage to the roof due to abrasion or collapsing of raised portion of the panel. You can walk on metal roofing on the flat area where the roof has support. Appropriate OSHA approved safety procedures should also be followed.

Is metal roofing heavier than shingles?

Metal roofing typically weighs 2 pounds a lineal foot. The actual weight is dependent upon metal gauge and profile of the panel. Metal roof systems are considered a lightweight roof covering compared to their counterparts.
The following illustrates the different types of other roofing materials and their respective weights per square foot:

Asphalt Shingle: 2 – 3.5lbs psf
Textured Asphalt Shingle: 3.5 – 5lbs psf
Wood Shingles/Shakes: 3.5 – 4.5lbs psf
Clay or Concrete Tile: 5.5 – 10lbs psf

How much longer will a metal roof last than common roofing like asphalt or wood shingle?

You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. To put it in context, the average life span of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose. Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates. All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.

Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather than asphalt, cedar shake, tile and slate roofing?

This is a common question, and probably one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. People usually think of an old barn roof where the metal is visible to the interior of the structure. On a residence, however, metal roofing is often installed over a solid substrate. Further, attic space and insulation serve as additional sound barriers. Research has proven that metal is not any noisier than traditional roofing products. In fact, you’ll hear more bad weather noise from your walls and windows than you will from your metal roof.

How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?

A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 120-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 120 miles per hour – equal to an F2 tornado. Under high wind conditions metal roofing systems have wind resistance and uplift resistance that is above the new building code requirements. Naturally, this gives architects and engineers a sense of relief in that they can use the best material to meet those criteria. If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof. In fact, you should check with your insurance agent as it’s quite likely that the installation of metal roofing will save you money on your homeowners insurance.

Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?

Not only is metal roofing great for your home, it’s great for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse – far superior to asphalt. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago. That’s a lot of wasted asphalt. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what’s already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.

Would a metal roof be too heavy for certain types of homes, or for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch?

You’ll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue.

Can I add insulation under the metal panels?

Yes. Among the types of insulation that can be used under metal roofing, we recommend foil-faced plastic bubble insulation. This means you can save even more additional utility costs by making your roof more energy efficient through the use of this inexpensive insulation product.

How will metal roofing affect my power bill?

Very well, metal roofing, when installed properly, will cut your power bill on average by 30%. However, it is widely reported back to us, saving of 50% and more. Depending on the roof and attic configuration.

Will my insurance company pay for my roof to be replaced?

Yes, if there is damage caused by an act of nature such as wind or hail.

Does it matter how old my roof is?

Not as far as determining whether to pay or not, but it does affect how much the insurance company will pay if you have an actual cash value (ACV) policy.

How much do I have to pay?

This depends on your deductible and the type of policy you have. If you have a full replacement policy, your total cost would be the amount of your deductible. If you have an actual cash value (ACV) policy, the insurance company subtracts your deductible from the total amount, and then they subtract a portion for depreciation. Depending on the age of the roof. This depends on how they pay you. Some insurance companies will pay a lump sum at one time, while others will require the work to be completed before they release a final payment. If they pay a portion up front and are holding a portion back until completion, the final bill will be determined by the actual invoice not to exceed the adjusted amount.
EXAMPLE: The insurance company says it will allow $4,000.00 to replace your roof. Your deductible is $500.00. You will only receive $3,500.00 if the job costs $4,000.00. If the job costs $3,700.00, the insurance company will pay you $3,200.00 total, since your deductible is $500.00. They only owe the actual amount not to exceed the adjusted amount.

How can I avoid paying the deductible?

Legally, you can’t. Of course, a roofer in collusion with a homeowner can submit falsified invoices. However, doing so is insurance fraud. Please don’t ask us to do this.

What if your bid is greater than the insurance company’s estimate?

Let us know. We can almost always work something out with the insurance company or with you by adjusting our bid to meet their allotment.

Can I get upgrades on my materials?

Yes, however, the increase in price above the insurance price is your responsibility. This is a great time for upgrades since the insurance company is responsible for the bulk of the cost. Also, if you have another storm related claim, the insurance company will put you back in the higher grade materials the second time