Metal Roof Facts, Fiction & Benefits
FACT: Metal Roofs Have the Highest Rating for Hail Resistance.
The UL2218 Class 4 test, conducted by Underwriters Laboratories, is considered the industry standard for measuring the hail impact resistance of a roof. It simulates the damaging impact of a 2-inch hailstone from 20 feet or higher on a roof. Roofing materials are rated Class 1 through Class 4 based on their resistance to the impact of steel balls dropped from varying heights. To achieve the highest possible Class 4 rating, the roofing material must not exhibit any signs of fracture.
FACT: Metal Roofs Can Withstand Hurricane-Force Winds and Tornadoes.
Roof damage caused by wind occurs when the air pressure below the roofing system exceeds the air pressure above. This results in a push-pull force working together to separate the roofing materials from the roof deck. Traditional roofing materials have significant shortcomings when it comes to wind. However, metal roofing products are engineered to withstand high winds and feature a unique interlocking panel system that keeps the roofing panels firmly in place during hurricane-force winds—a must-have in hurricane-prone locations like Houston.
FACT: Metal Roofs Have the Highest Rating for Fire Resistance.
Metal is a non-combustible material, and metal roofing products carry the highest possible Class-A fire rating. This means that the roofing material has proven effective against fire and flame penetration, providing excellent resistance to surface flame spread without the need for chemical treatments or other fire-suppressing materials.
FACT: Metal Roofs Are Energy-Efficient
BENEFIT: Lower HVAC Bills
The inherent properties of metal reflect heat up and away from the roof and building below. Traditional asphalt roofs, on the other hand, absorb heat like a sponge and radiate it into the home long after the sun has set. Both the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy have verified the superior energy efficiency of metal roofing. What does this mean for building owners and homeowners? Because metal roofs are highly reflective and one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials, a new metal roof can reduce cooling costs by up to 40%.
BENEFIT: Insurance Discounts/Savings
Installing impact-resistant roofing products, such as hail-resistant or Class 4 metal sheets, may make you eligible for a discount on your home or building insurance premiums. Please check with your insurance agent before installing a new roof or replacing your current roof.
BENEFIT: Increased Property Value & Curb Appeal
A new metal roof can increase a property’s average value by 1–6% when compared with an asphalt-shingled structure. Additionally, you'll recoup an average of 85.9% of your costs on a metal roof. Plus, you can select from over 30 designer colors, with limited paint warranties of up to 45 years.
BENEFIT: Environmentally Friendly
Metal sheets have high recycled content and are recyclable at the end of their life. This reduces landfill waste and the need for new material production. Their durability and reflective "cool roof" properties contribute to energy efficiency, lowering HVAC costs and helping mitigate the urban heat island effect.
FICTION: Metal Roofs Make Houses Hotter in the Summer
False. Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient types of systems because they reflect heat up and away from the structure.
FICTION: Metal Roofs Are Noisy in the Rain & During Storms
False. Metal roofs are no louder than traditional roofing materials.
FICTION: Metal Roofs Rust
False. Metal roof sheets are coated to optimize corrosion resistance in moist and humid environments with high salt content, making them ideal for Houston building owners and homeowners alike.
FICTION: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
False. A metal roof does not attract lightning more than any other type of roofing material.