Debunking the Myths of Metal Roofs

The installation of metal roofing on Kansas City commercial properties is gaining in popularity. Metal roofs offer many benefits to business owners: they’re energy-efficient, require minimal maintenance, and last a long time. These characteristics also translate to the residential sector, and today’s modern metal roofs are an excellent choice for Kansas City area homeowners.

However, metal roofs often get a bad rap with the general public. When homeowners are presented with this roofing option for their Kansas City home, they hear the word “metal” and immediately think of a dilapidated farm shed with a corrugated metal roof that’s rusting through. Metal roofs have come a long way since the days of the old farmstead, and today’s metal roofing is nothing like Kansas City homeowners imagine.

Debunking the Myths

Let’s debunk a few of the myths people are plagued by when thinking of installing metal roofing on their Kansas or Missouri home.

Myth #1: Metal roofs rust quickly.

This is an obvious conclusion for many people because they’ve seen old tin cans by the roadside that are completely rusted through. However, today’s modern metal roofs are bonded with a galvanized coating that’s constructed of alloys that resist rusting. Then they’re painted with a special paint that helps prevent the effects of weathering. Metal roofing will protect your Kansas City home for anywhere from 40 – 70 years, remaining rust-free that whole time. That’s a lot longer than any tin can will last!

Myth #2: Metal roofs dent easily.

Not true. The metals used in modern metal roofing are engineered to withstand years of use, which means they’ll hold up in Midwest weather without any problems. Worried about hail storms? Metal roofs are actually more durable than traditional asphalt roofs are. While severe weather conditions may damage any roof, metal roofs hold their own under intense weather and are generally only damaged by abnormally large hail – the same as any other type of roof would be.

Myth #3: Metal roofs are really loud when it rains.

Another logical conclusion, but also false. Today’s metal roofs are not like the corrugated sheet metal on that old farm shed. Metal roofing on Kansas City homes is paired with a roof deck filled with insulation. This combination works to insulate your home from all outside sounds, including rain on the rooftop. Many homeowners find that metal roofs are just as quiet – sometimes more so – as other roofs.

Myth #4: A metal roof makes the house too hot.

Wrong again. Metal roofing actually works to deflect the sun’s UV rays away from the house, keeping it cooler than many other roofing materials, especially asphalt. Also, metal roofs release solar heat much more quickly than asphalt does. This means a metal roof keeps your house cooler, maintaining a more consistent temperature throughout. In fact, metal roofs often reduce cooling costs by up to 40%!

Myth #5: Metal roofs are more likely to get hit by lightning.

When lightning is looking for a place to discharge, it’s drawn to the object that’s nearest it. That’s why trees and utility poles are often the points where lightning strikes. Metal roofs do not draw lightning to them. In fact, they help disperse the electrical energy throughout the structure of the home if it should be hit by lightning. Also, metal roofing on a Kansas City offers additional protection because it’s noncombustible. It won’t go up in flames, which can’t be said for a wood shingle roof.

Consider Metal Roofing for Your Kansas City Home

If you’re looking at roofing options for your Kansas or Missouri home, make sure you consider the merits of metal roofing. Shamrock Roofing and Construction can help you weigh the pros and cons of metal roofs against other types of roofs and help you decide which is the best fit for your needs. Contact us today for more information on metal roofing or to schedule a free residential roofing inspection.