Quick! What’s the hottest trend in residential roofing today? Metal. But first let’s first dispel a few myths about metal roofs:
Myth #1: Metal roofs are hot and don’t insulate the house as well as asphalt shingles.
Truth: Metal roofs actually save money on heating and cooling bills when properly installed. Depending upon the finish of the metal and the net air space created, metal roofs reflect much of the solar radiation typically absorbed by an asphalt roof. The result is a home that stays a more consistent temperature, which means no more wild temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
A metal roof can be designed as a work of art just by changing the angles, curves and colors. Tracy Scott of Best Metal Roof Period, St. Louis, MO, says being a metal roofer "is a very artistic trade to be in." The design on this house is called "vertical panel" or "standing seam."
Myth #2:
Metal roofs attract lightning.
Truth: According to the Metal Roof Alliance, a metal roof does not increase the likelihood of lightning striking your home. But if your home was hit by lightning, the metal roof disperses the energy safely throughout the structure. Besides the strike itself, the big concern with a lightning is fire. The great news is, metal roofing isn’t combustible or flammable, so it’s a low-risk and better roofing option where severe weather is a concern.
Myth #3: Metal roofs don’t last as long as asphalt shingles.
Truth: Quality metal roof workmanship warranties come with a 20-year guarantee, unlike asphalt roof warranties that are at the discretion of the roofing contractor, says Tracy J. Scott, owner of Best Metal Roof Period in High Ridge, MO. The key to metal roof longevity, Tracy says, is a comprehensive installation by a master metal roofer. Metal roofs require special skills and knowledge to be installed properly. “Not just anyone can install a metal roof properly,” he says. “It takes at least 4-5 years to become proficient at metal roof installation–and proficient is the minimum standard homeowners should look for when seeking a contractor.”
Myth #4: Metal roofs don’t offer much benefit.
Truth: First, see #1 above. Currently, you can also receive a $1,500 tax credit on most metal roof products and/or installations that meet energy star ratings. Energy Star-qualified roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed by reducing peak cooling demands by 10%-15%. (You can find out more details about Energy Star requirements from the EPA’s Department of Energy website.)
Myth #5: Metal roofs are cost-prohibitive compared to asphalt roofs.
Truth: Metal roofs may cost more than asphalt shingles up front. However, as petroleum-based product costs go up – and asphalt shingles are petroleum-based – the cost difference is less than it was a few years ago. Typically, you can expect to pay two to four times more for a metal roof. But if you run a pay-back analysis and figure in the annual energy savings in your heating and cooling bills (depending upon the region you live in), plus the $1,500 tax credit, a metal roof can pay for itself in just a few years. Additionally, according to the Metal Roof Alliance, asphalt roofing has a higher lifecycle cost, needing replacement 2 – 4 times as often as metal roofing. And what happens when you claim frequent roof repairs on your homeowners policy? So doing an apples-to-apples replacement roof comparison requires looking at all the costs: homeowner premiums, electrical costs, and warranties. Comparatively, metal roofing can be a “once-a-lifetime” installation.
Slate and tile cracks and breaks. Wood shakes burn. Metal has none of those problems, says Tracy Scott. "We've come full circle with metal roofs, which can be designed to look like slate and tile."
- Be sure contractors you request bids from are metal roofing contractor experts. How do you know if they’re quality metal roof installers? One way is to find out if they specialize only in metal roofs or install more metal roofs than any other kind of roof. “The manufacturers will ‘certify’ anyone,” Tracy says. “They’re focused on selling more product. A contractor can have no prior roofing experience–even no construction experience–and still pay to take a 2-day roofing certification class. The homeowner needs to do his homework to find out who’s really going to work on his job?”
- Closely related is the qualification process. How long have they been in business? How many years have they installed metal roofs? What trade associations do they belong to? What certifications do they have? Make sure you receive acceptable and reasonable answers to these questions or don’t use that contractor. One tip, says Tracy, is metal roofs should always be screwed, never nailed. If a contractor submits a bid using nails, he’s not a metal roof expert.
- Talk to the installer or the project foreman who will actually do your roofing job. Sales reps may know the roofing process, but they’re only in your home to quote a price and get you to sign a contract. They won’t be installing your roofing job. Only a professional can point out specific conditions that may affect the quality of your roofing job.
- Get at least 3 estimates–not just to judge price, but to check out workmanship, materials and design.
- Ask for and check references. Obtain names and phone numbers of several former customers of each contractor you’re considering. Then contact these homeowners. Nothing sells future jobs for contractors better than a string of happy customers willing to talk about their experiences. Beware of contractors who only provide address lists. You can’t tell whether the contractor performed the work unless you talk with the homeowner directly. Don’t settle for drive-by references.
- Demand a minimum 20-year, transferable workmanship warranty (material warranties last from 30-50 years). Missouri State law stipulates workmanship warranties must be at least one year. It’s unusual for a contractor to allow you to transfer your workmanship warranty. Short-term warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on because they scream “poor installation.” A 20-year warranty is industry standard and should be transferable to the new homeowner if you sell your home.
In sports you often hear that the best defense is a good offense. This is expecially true in the home improvement industry. “Do your homework before you spend that $15,000,” Tracy says, which is the average cost of a metal roof in St. Louis. “A metal roof will help your home appraise for up to 3% more if you don’t plan to sell right away. That’s a pretty sound investment.” His final advice? Arm yourself with knowledge so that when you talk metal roofing, you understand the language, terminology and requirements necessary for a quality installation. Don’t be in a hurry to get it done. You may be able to put up new asphalt shingles fast, but, “Just like driving a car, speed kills.”
Originally posted 2009-06-10 09:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent myth busting article about Flat Roofing Toronto. Thanks
This is a great article…we did a 5 part series too on items every homeowner must know when choosing a metal roofing contractor… http://greenisglobal.net/the-5-must-knows-part-v-mra-certified
Adam, thank you for your comment! You did a very nice series on metal roofs. Given that most homeowners don’t know about these types of roofs, more information versus less is better.
Thank you Lisbeth for this great article.
I’m just now planing on changing the roofing tiles at my house, and that is how I got to you.
That info helped me a lot
Thank you very mach
Emma
Emma,
Many thanks for your comments! I’m so glad this was helpful for you.