Not too long ago, metal roofs were mostly found atop barns. People found the corrugated sheets of metal roofing so ugly that no one would even consider installing them on their homes. However, things really do change over time, and this is particularly true when it comes to metal roofing. Over the years, metal has enjoyed an amazing turnaround that has led to its current popularity with many homeowners.

In this post, we’ll discuss how metal came to be one of the hottest roofing materials today, why you should consider it for your next roofing project, and how to take care of a metal roof so that it lasts its maximum expected lifespan or more.

WHAT IS METAL ROOFING?

Metal roofing is basically a roof system made from pieces, panels, or tiles of metal. It is available in countless colors, styles, and textures. The material is popular because time has proven that it can provide reliable protection against the elements and, because it reflects away hot and harmful UV rays, it is also one of the most energy-efficient roofing options available on the market today.

A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF METAL ROOFING

The Romans have been using metal roofs since as early as 27 B.C., although the material commonly used during the time was mainly copper. The corrugated sheets of galvanized steel that we are accustomed to today, on the other hand, were first introduced in the early 1800s.

PART I - INTRO TO METAL ROOFING

The material’s popularity grew quickly in many different countries, including Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and India. However, the material was, at first, mainly used for industrial and commercial buildings, which would explain why metal roofing was to be found mostly on barns.

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

During the early days, homeowners were reluctant to use metal on their homes for one main reason: the lack of visual appeal. Several myths about metal roofing didn’t help much either: One such misconception was that lightning is attracted to metal more than it is to roofs made of other materials. Today though, we know better, and we also know that even if a metal roof were to be hit by lightning, the electricity would be spread throughout a wide area, causing no damage.

Another myth that’s been debunked is that metal roofs are noisy, especially when it rains. Surprisingly, metal roofs actually absorb noise, particularly when they are installed by high-quality experts.

There are more metal roofing myths, but fortunately, people seem to have forgotten most them by now. This is evidenced by the growing number of homeowners who have discovered the many advantages of the material, and now choose to have metal roofing installed in their homes. In the second part of this series, we’ll take a closer look at those advantages, so stay tuned!

PART I - INTRO TO METAL ROOFING

Metal roofs have an interesting history and it’s amazing to many that it took so long before it was accepted as an option for residential applications. Now a popular roofing material used on millions of homes, metal offers plenty of advantages, some of which are:

Appearance

When corrugated galvanized steel roofs first came out, they were only available in a plain silvery color. There weren’t many choices at all when it came to style, either. However, thanks to modern technological and manufacturing advancements, metal roofs now come in a wide variety of designs and colors.

Durability

Rust and steel can often be found in the same sentence, but when it comes to modern metal roofs, rusting can be considered history. Today, metal roofs are coated with substances that prevent oxidation, so it would be difficult to find one with any rust at all – yes, even in junk yards. Metal roofs can also withstand extreme punishment from snow, storms, and hail. The material dries quickly and easily because it is resistant to water and moisture. Furthermore, unlike other roofs that need to be replaced every decade or so, metal roofs can last for over 50 years, if given proper care and maintenance.

PART II - ADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFING

Lightness

Compared to other roofing materials such as concrete or clay shingles, metal roofs are much lighter. In fact, a square foot of metal roofing is 10 times lighter than shingles. This makes for easier installation and much less weight and strain on your home’s foundation.

Fire resistance

In the past, people thought that if lightning were to strike a metal roof, it would catch fire. Over the years, it has been proven that this isn’t true. In fact, metal roofs are actually fire-resistant and won’t do anything to worsen the fire – the material could, in fact, slow down the spread of flames.

Easy maintenance

Metal roofs are easy to clean and easy to inspect for damage. Unlike concrete roofs that can hide a leak, any damage to a metal roof will stick out like a sore thumb.

With so many advantages, you should consider metal roofing, especially if you are on a tight budget. Not only do they cost significantly less than other materials, they can last much longer as well. However, as strong as they are, metal roofs also need to be cared for. In Part III, we’ll discuss the proper maintenance procedures for a metal roof.

PART II - ADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFING

Metal roofs are durable and can last a long time, but they do need some care and maintenance, despite being easier to maintain than other types of roofing materials. If you’re considering a metal roof for your home or if you already have one installed and are wondering how to properly maintain it, below are some tips that will ensure your roof reaches or exceeds its expected lifespan.

Perform regular inspections

Like any other roofing materials, metal roofs can experience distress from the elements that can lead to sealant and fastener failure – one of the most common problems of metal roofing systems. Fortunately, these types of issues can easily be detected and fixed. It’s best to perform inspections on a periodic basis, and particularly after a storm. You should also inspect the drainage and gutters for any blockages.

Walking on a metal roof

When performing inspections, or in any other instance that you will need to walk on your metal roof, remember that you should walk over the purlins and joists to prevent accidental bending of the roof panels. Additionally, it is important to note that metal roofs aren’t ideal places to enjoy a sunny afternoon because they are prone to scratches that will expose the steel. If this happens and the scratch is not fixed, the steel can corrode over time.

PART III - CARING FOR METAL ROOFING

Cleaning

A metal roof can be cleaned with water alone. It usually doesn’t need to be scrubbed with detergent or other harsh chemicals, unless it’s covered with hard-to-remove dirt such as bird droppings, for instance. In the event that you do need to scrub a roof, do so with care so as not to scratch the coating and expose the steel. Additionally, if you need to remove a buildup of snow, use a roof rake that won’t scratch the protective surface.

Follow the pointers given above, and you’ll find that your metal roof isn’t all that difficult to maintain. However, if you want your roof to last longer, we recommend having it inspected by a professional, especially if the roof has a steep slope. Metal roofs can be slippery, and walking on one can be dangerous. If you aren’t prepared in terms of safety, then it’s best you leave the maintenance work to professionals.

PART III - CARING FOR METAL ROOFING

Earl W. Johnston Roofing

5721 Dewey Street Hollywood,FL 33023

(954) 989-7794

JohnstonRoofing.com