Metal Roofing:
Questions and Answers

Can I walk on a metal roof?

Yes. It’s safer than walking on a shingle roof, but be careful.

Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?

No. The decimal levels for metal roofs are equal to other roofing products like asphalt or a wood shingle roof or clay tiles.

Is a metal roof damaged by hail?

Metal roofs are far more resistant to hail damage than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Many insurance companies, in Dallas and Fort Worth for example, even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

How about resistance to wind damage?

All metal roofing products are quite wind resistant. Many styles have been tested to withstand hurricane force winds; and wind warranties can be as high as 120mph.

Is a metal roof fire safe?

A steel roof classified as a noncombustible roofing material with a Class “A” rating - the highest rating given.

How does the weight of a metal roof compare to other types of roofing?

You may be surprised to know that metal roofs are much lighter than other types of roofs. Typically weighing less than one-third the weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles; and are as much as 75% lighter than clay, concrete or slate.

Will a metal roof rust?

Galvalume coated steel roofing panels are protected by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Industry studies have repeatedly shown them to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. They are available with warranty’s as long as 50 years.

Does the color fade?

Metal roofs are painted with high-performance polymers that have exceptional weathering properties. Over time you might notice a slight change in color due to the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or washing the roof with a garden hose (from the ground) will keep the roof looking new.

What about lightning?

Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than any other roofing material. Lightning most frequently strikes the highest point in any terrain; and if your roof is at the highest point of the surrounding terrain, you can install lightning rods.

If I'm reroofing, do I have to remove the old roof before installing the metal roof?

Not if you’re installing the metal roof over existing asphalt, fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). Ordinarily, the metal roof can be installed directly over the old roof.

Will a metal roof make my house hot?

No. A metal roof can save you money on your a/c costs. It has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass shingles, wood, tile. During the summer it keeps buildings cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted into the building. It also makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This good thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter, which is nice if you live in Austin or Dallas, Fort Worth

What is galvalume?

Galvalume is 55% Al-Zn (aluminum - zinc) coated sheet steel that is ideally suited for most types of roofing applications. An estimated 40 billion square feet of galvalume now covers buildings in all kinds of climates and environments throughout North America, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. Galvalume is an ideal material for roofing because of its extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and resulting long life. It is extremely popular due to its versatility, ease of use, aesthetics and long-term performance.