Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. However, if your roof would be struck by lightning, a metal roof can help prevent your home from catching on fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. More importantly, it is noncombustible.

Most metal roofing systems are now being coated with a heat-deflecting paint system, which allows roofs to be able to reflect up to 70% of the sun’s rays. Metal also has a low thermal mass, which means that is dissipates heat quickly once the sun goes down. All Metal Roofing & Siding manufacture and sell these Cool Roof products, which also qualify for up to a $1500 Tax Credit.

Metal roof systems in most cases weigh between 1 to 3 pounds per square foot. The actual weight is dependent upon metal gauge and profile of the panel. Metal roof systems are considered a lightweight roof covering compared to their counterparts. The following illustrates the different types of other roofing materials and their respective weights per square foot:

• Asphalt Shingle: 2 – 3.5lbs psf
• Textured Asphalt Shingle: 3.5 – 5lbs psf
• Wood Shingles/Shakes: 3.5 – 4.5lbs psf
• Clay or Concrete Tile: 5.5 – 10lbs psf

Span capability of a panel is dependent upon profile, gauge and width of the panel itself. Consult individual load tables and test results to see if the panel meets the actual performance requirements for your project.

You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. To put it in context, the average life span of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose.

Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.

All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.

Most metal panel systems can support the load of an individual walking on them. As with any roof system care must be taken to not cause damage to the roof due to abrasion or collapsing of raised portion of the panel. Appropriate OSHA approved safety procedures should also be followed.

This is a common question, and probably one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. People usually think of an old barn roof where the metal is visible to the interior of the structure. On a residence, however, metal roofing is often installed over a solid substrate. Further, attic space and insulation serve as additional sound barriers. Research has proven that metal is not any noisier than traditional roofing products. In fact, you’ll hear more bad weather noise from your walls and windows than you will from your metal roof.

A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 120-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 120 miles per hour – equal to an F2 tornado. Under high wind conditions metal roofing systems have wind resistance and uplift resistance that is above the new building code requirements. Naturally, this gives architects and engineers a sense of relief in that they can use the best material to meet those criteria.

Not only is metal roofing great for your home, it’s great for the environment.

The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse – far superior to asphalt. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what’s already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.