When myths and gossip are repeated enough, people start to believe them. The roofing sector is no different. There are plenty of myths and half-truths floating around. You only have to raise the subject of metal roofs and everyone seems to have their own second-hand information.
Often these dubious horror stories happened to “friends of friends”, with no eyewitness to verify them and no further investigation carried out. Here we attempt to fact-check and debunk 5 of the most common myths surrounding metal roofing.
A Metal Roof Increases the Chance of Your House Being Struck by Lightning
This myth may have come from a very unfortunate metal roof owner, or it may have just come from cartoons where the character holding the piece of metal got repeatedly struck by lightning. Either way, it’s false.
It is true that metal conducts electricity, but it doesn’t attract lightning strikes. The biggest factor in increasing the likelihood of lightning strikes is the height of the object. Therefore, if there is a tree higher than your property, that is more likely to be struck by lightning, despite being made from wood.
Actually, in the event of a lightning strike, your metal roof could offer additional protection. Metal is not combustible. So, unlike a wooden roof, which could be susceptible to fires, the metal will not burn.
Metal Roofs Decrease Your Properties Resale Value
While this may once have been the case, new construction technology means this no longer the case. Metal roofs are now available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and finishes which are aesthetically pleasing and boost your property’s curb appeal for prospective buyers.
Metal Roofs Are Loud (Particularly in the Rain)
Metal roofs are often placed over existing roofing to provide additional protection. This existing roofing will have all the necessary insulation and attic space and therefore, absorb most of the noise. This makes metal roofs no louder than any other roof material.
Metal Roof Makes Your Property Colder in the Winter
Actually, it isn’t the roof material that dictates the temperature of your property in the winter. The insulation underneath is a far bigger factor in heat loss. Providing you have good insulation under the metal roof or any roof for that matter, heat escaping shouldn’t be a problem and your property will be toasty when the cold draws in.
Metal Roofs are More Expensive
Again, this myth is likely a hang up from days gone by. With modern manufacturing methods, metal roofs are far more durable and long-lasting. This means that even if the initial investment is slightly higher than other roofing materials, the return on investment is far better.
Also, metal roofs require less ongoing maintenance than other types of roofs. This means that you make further savings in upkeep. With everything considered, metal roofing represents a more cost-effective roofing solution than other options.
Let’s put these myths to bed and ensure only accurate, reliable information on modern metal roofs is doing the rounds from now on.
