Metal roofing has now entered the mainstream in Canada. Longevity, high durability, low maintenance requirements, eco-friendly, and low installation costs are only some of its benefits.
However, despite knowing the advantages of these roofs, some people still feel reserved when it comes to metal roofing. Therefore, as experts in the field, we feel it is our responsibility to help them understand the merits of these roofs.
Here are 5 essential things to know about metal roofing that will help you make a clear decision about your roofing needs.
They Are No Longer “Unconventional” Roofs
In the beginning, metal roofs were only found on a few architectural-designed houses, and they seemed unconventional and expensive. Whereas, now they have become increasingly popular and are found on many residential houses. This is due to their increased availability, better manufacturing, and relatively low cost.
Metal roofs can be installed easily on any house, except for the homes that have very flat roof pitches, and come in various designs to help you improve the appearance of your building without compromising on the efficiency. For example, there are now shingle-style metal roofs that are no different from asphalt shingle roofs.
They Can Be Installed Over Existing Roofs
Installing metal roofs over existing roofs is a convenient option if you don’t want to get into the mess of tearing down your old shingle roof. The process is easy and even saves you a good amount of money since tearing down shingles raises the cost.
This option, however, can create a problem if you have moisture trapped between your old and new roof. It can cause mold and rot, and to avoid this, vented metal roofs can be used, or furring strips can be installed between the two roofs to leave space for ventilation.
To install metal roofs over old roofs, consult local building codes because some laws require the old roof to be torn off completely.
They Are Not Noisier Than Asphalt Roofing
It’s a common misconception that metal roofs are noisier than asphalt roofs when it rains or hails. Whereas, the reality is that if properly installed, they are no louder than any other roof type during bad weather. These roofs are installed over a solid substrate, and attic and insulation also provide a sound barrier, so people living under metal roofs rarely notice any difference.
Metal Roofs Are Insect And Fire Resistant
Being fire resistant is the most significant advantage of metal roofs. Since wildfires are on the rise due to climate change, many people are opting for metal roofs now more than ever. Moreover, these roofs are also resistant to insect infestation, and termites can never eat through them.
Hail Of A Golf-Ball Size Can Ruin Metal Roofing
Although metal roofs are more durable than asphalt or any other type of roofs, they are not indestructible. Pea or dime-sized hail is never a problem for such roofs, but if they are larger than a golf ball, they can surely leave a dent on the roof.
If you live in areas where such catastrophic hail storms occur, it is better not to get these roofs. However, if you have good home insurance covering the damage from a hailstorm, there is no reason not to install them. Hail of a golf-ball-size will damage even asphalt shingles.
These are a few things you should be mindful of before deciding on metal roofs. If you need help installing or fixing your metal roof, get in touch with Stahl Roofing. For a free consultation, Contact Stahl Roofing today.
