What Are Some Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing?

Date Posted:

July 29, 2024

Author:

Daryl Gentry

If you're looking for a new roof, the most significant decision you have to make is what roofing material you will choose.

Your roofing material will make a massive difference in your new roof's cost, look, performance, maintenance, and durability.

All types of roofs, including asphalt shingles, wood shakes, composite tile, concrete tile, and metal roofs all vary greatly.

Metal roofing products have risen in popularity lately and for good reason.

However, while metal roofs offer great benefits, many homeowners rush into getting a metal roof before looking into the downsides of a metal roof.

No roofing material is perfect, so we will discuss the disadvantages of metal roofs in the article below.

Why People Like Metal Roofs

Before we get into the potential disadvantages of metal roofs, we can talk about why metal roofing has become so popular.

First, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-70 years with proper upkeep.

That's longer than a typical asphalt roof, which typically lasts only 15-20 years.

And because metal reflects solar heat, it can increase energy efficiency during the summer.

It also keeps out harmful UV rays and radiant heat.

Steel is also the most recycled material on earth, and most metal panels are made with at least 50% recycled material.

Once your roof reaches the end of its life, it can be reused.

Metal Roofs Need A Special Insurance Policy To Cover Hail

There are several types of metal roofs, and if the gauge of your roofing is too low in a region prone to hail storms, severe denting and damage may occur during violent hail storms.

Insurance claims for hail damage to a metal roof are often denied, leaving homeowners on the hook to pay for damage or in a court battle against their insurance company.

That's why it's often in your best interest to purchase an insurance policy just for your roof.

Metal Roofing Needs To Be Maintained To Avoid Leaks

Just like metal siding, a metal roof reacts to the temperature.

Your roof will expand and contract depending on the temperature outside.

Just like siding, metal roofs react to temperature. They expand and contract.

If your roofing contractor fails to install them properly, the contractions will reduce the material's lifespan.

These movements will also dislodge screws and fasteners, weakening your entire roof system.

If you have a metal roof, you will likely need to change washers every ten years, otherwise, it will cause leaks.

Lightning Strikes

Many people believe that metal roofs are more prone to lightning strikes than other types of roofing.

This assumption is inaccurate.

A lightning strike will always strike the highest point, no matter what it's made out of.

But for your peace of mind, a lightning protection company can easily ground your metal roof.

Metal Roofs Need To Be Washed Twice A Year

Keeping your metal roof clean is an essential part of maintaining its appearance and keeping it in good shape.

Deep cleaning isn't required every year with most metal roofs.

Deep cleaning your roof every 2-3 years is recommended depending on your environment to ensure it looks its best.

But to ensure your roof performs to its best abilities and lasts as long as possible, you should do routine checks and light washes multiple times a year.

Metal Roofing Can Be Noisy

Metal roofs are noisier than asphalt shingle roofs or a thick slate or tile roof during heavy rainstorms or hailstorms.

But the idea of noise being a problem depends on construction.

Metal shouldn't be much noisier than thinner materials like asphalt or wood shingles.

Noise can and should be controlled by using quality materials with structural barriers and applying the metal over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.

And where possible, by having an attic between the roof and your rooms.

Industrial Look

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of metal roofing for most people is that they glimmer and shimmer like warehouse roofs.

Metal roofing materials can easily give your home an industrial feel if they don't have accompanying specialty protective coating.

This will drive the material cost further up, giving you better aesthetics.

This coating also introduces added UV protection and material durability.

High Upfront Cost

Another one of the biggest drawbacks of metal roofing is the initial cost.

Metal roofing costs the same as other premium roofing materials, ranging from $150 to $600 per square (100 square feet).

But because of the material's long-term durability, you ultimately save the difference (and more) if you stay in the house long enough.

But if you end up moving after a couple of years, you probably won't get a return on your investment unless your future buyer recognizes the long-term value of the roof.

Installation Can Be Tricky

Installing metal roofing systems requires extensive experience.

Unlike an asphalt shingle roof or most other roofing materials, fewer roofers are trained and familiar with the installation process for metal roofing.

A roofing contractor must install a metal roof correctly. If it isn't, you can have significant problems with condensation beneath it and leaking.

Some metal roofing products need to be installed by an experienced professional accredited by taking a few factory-taught classes.

Roof panels with exposed fasteners are especially vulnerable to improper installation.

If screws attach through the flat surfaces, rainwater can run down the roof and seep into the screw holes.

This is why special resilient washers must seal around screw heads.

Fire

Metal roofing is excellent at resisting approaching fires.

However, problems can arise if a fire starts within the structure.

Firefighters sometimes have to cut through a roof to extinguish a fire effectively.

If you have a metal roof, this process is much more complex and time-consuming in a situation where time is of the utmost importance.

Contact TK Roofing And Gutters

Like any other roofing material, it is important to consider the property's location, climate, and structure to maximize metal roofs and enjoy their benefits.

Installation is a crucial point capable of extending the life of metal roofs.

Therefore, only use the most reliable roofing contractors for your roofing installation.

For over 15 years, the roofing contractors with TK Roofing and Gutters have provided Northeast Ohio residents with the highest quality roofing services available.

With our customer-first approach, we treat your home as our own and ensure that it gets the care and attention it deserves.

As a CertainTeed certified roofing company, we can offer the most extended warranties in the industry.

That includes a 50 year no questions asked warranty on your asphalt shingles if you decide metal roofing isn't for you.

That warranty will help your asphalt shingle roof last as long as some metal roofs.

We are also insurance specialists.

If your home was damaged due to a storm, high winds, or heavy snowfall, we can start the insurance process for you.

To see how Ohio's Best Roof Replacement Contractors can help you with your new roof, click on the link below.