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Typical Questions Concerning Metal Roofing Systems for Residential Applications
1. What are the advantages to having a metal roof as opposed
to shingles?
2. Aren't metal roofs noisy?
3. Will the look of a metal roof fit into my neighborhood?
4. What is the life expectancy of a metal roof?
5. How well do metal roofing systems stand up to the elements?
6. What about lighting?
7. What does metal roofing weigh compared to other roofing materials?
8. How is metal roofing ordered?
9. How is metal roofing applied? To what substrate? Do I need to be experienced at working with sheet metal?
10. What is the cost of metal roofing compared to shingles? Compared to shakes? To other materials?
1. What are the advantages to having a metal roof as opposed to shingles?
Metal roofing is longer lasting, durable and more weather-resistant (and there is no warping, cracking and peeling). Metal is a much better overall investment: there are numerous colours and panels to choose from; it does not burn, rot, warp, split, or crack; and is impervious to termites and pests.
2. Aren't metal roofs noisy?
The noise generated by a metal roof that is properly installed over a flat deck and insulation is no greater than that of a shingle system.
3. Will the look of a metal roof fit into my neighborhood?
There are colours available that blend in with existing shingle colours. The local building codes and neighborhood bylaws should be addressed when considering metal roofing. Contact your nearest DOMTEK dealer for more information.
4. What is the life expectancy of a metal roof?
A quality metal roof that is properly installed should last the lifetime of the owner. In fact, because metal withstands so many elements, metal roofing is known for its attractive life cycle.
5. How well do metal roofing systems stand up to the elements?
Properly installed metal roofing will withstand inclement weather (high winds, hail, snow and rain) better than any other roofing material. Metal easily sheds snow and ice and does not absorb water, which can lead to cracking and rotting in the freeze-thaw cycling in other materials.
In testing, metal systems have withstood winds up to 200 M.P.H. and have historically survived hurricanes and wind storms when other materials have failed. In addition, metal does not burn, rot, warp, split, or crack and is impervious to termites and pests.
6. What about lighting?
The probability of a strike to a metal roofed structure are no more or less than any other kind of structure, as these probabilities have to do with the height and size of the structure and it’s surroundings, rather than its construction materials.
7. What does metal roofing weigh compared to other roofing materials?
Steel roofing weighs form .7 to 1.3 lbs. per square foot depending upon the gauge and configuration. Shingles average 2 to 2.5 lbs. per square foot. Clay tile weighs approximately 10 lbs. per square foot.
8. How is metal roofing ordered?
Metal roofing is custom cut to the inch based on individual project measurements and panels can be provided up to 40' in length. Color matching trim is available.
9. How is metal roofing applied? To what substrate? Do I need to be experienced at working with sheet metal?
Metal roofing should be applied over a flat deck and felt paper with woodscrews as recommended by the manufacturer. A basic knowledge of sheet metal work is required for trimming panels, cutting valleys, hips and penetrations, fitting of trim and proper application of fasteners.
10. What is the cost of metal roofing compared to shingles? Compared to shakes? To other materials?
Although the initial cost of metal roof systems may be higher than shingles, the cost/benefit ratio over the life of the roof is superior to either shake, slate, asphalt shingles or tiles.
NOTE: This information is to be used as a general guideline. Consult your nearest DOMTEK dealer for more information and specific parameters regarding your area.