4 Questions to Ask Your Roofer About Metal Roofing
If you're considering a metal roof for your home so you have improved protection against storms and other types of roof damage, talk to a roofer so you understand the important good and bad points of switching to a metal roof. A good point is that the roof lasts a long time because it's so durable, but a bad point is that metal is expensive when compared to asphalt shingles. Here are other things to discuss with a roofer.
1. Will Rust Be a Problem?
Rust isn't usually a problem with metal roofing. You can choose aluminum or steel metal panels. Aluminum doesn't rust and the steel panels are coated to protect the metal so that it won't rust.
If a steel panel is gouged or scratched so the coating is removed, it's possible rust could develop in the scratched area. If the panel gets rusty areas, these can be removed, and your roofer can cover the areas with paint and a new coating so rust doesn't come back or spread.
2. Should You Choose Aluminum or Steel?
Aluminum roofing is good for coastal areas since it doesn't rust. It's also good for when you need a lightweight roof since aluminum is lighter than steel. However, it's still durable, although it dents easier than steel. Steel roofs are more common since they're more affordable. Plus, since they're thicker and heavier, they tend to be a little more durable and stand up to fire and wind better. Your roofer can help you choose between aluminum and steel based on your budget and other factors.
3. Is Metal Roofing Noisy?
Metal roofing is often assumed to be noisy. It can be noisy when rain hits a metal roof that has nothing underneath it. However, your house has plenty of noise-muffling materials under the metal panels so that you won't even notice that rain is pounding down on the metal.
The panels have wood decking underneath them as well as the insulation in your attic that acts as a noise muffler too. You don't have to worry about metal roofing keeping you awake when it storms.
4. Can Metal Roofing Leak?
Residential metal roofs are often made with standing seam panels. These are made so the risk of leaking is low. Other types of metal panels may have screws and washers exposed to the sun, snow, and rain.
These could potentially leak if the screws back out. A metal roof might also leak if a panel is punctured somehow or if the roof is neglected and rust stays on the roof for so long, it eats through the panel.
Even though metal roofing is tough, it's still a good practice to have a roofer check your panels regularly for problems so repairs can be done before your roof starts leaking.