The National Roofing Contractor’s Association states that the popularity of residential metal roofing has rocketed over the last decade. Is it that the corrugated tin barn look has come into style, or did pixies and elves with metal roof stocks skew the results? No. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Once generally used for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on on homes.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They’re quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun.  It’s a common misconception that because it is hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But that heat is reflected away from the home. If it is hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.

Most metal roofs are aluminum and/or steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some architects stick to a commercial look because of its clean lines.

This is the real world and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs have drawbacks which each homeowner must judge in relation to the advantages. Metal roofs are expensive, between $150 and $600 a square (100 square feet). But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner stays in the home for a long time  and a metal roof aids to save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. In a rain storm having a metal roof can be a little like living inside a drum. A metal roof is louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof. Another issue is marring, including chipping, peeling and chalking, but many metal roofs are guaranteed against this.

A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, do not be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This is not the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

When you wish upon a star and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light and be happy your choice was right.

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