Metal roofing has been around for a long time, but it has only become more popular in the residential market over the last decade. The reason for this growth in popularity is because the materials are more refined, more affordable, and easier to install. Homeowners are also starting to see the benefits of using it. While it has become more popular, it’s not that well understood by most homeowners. There are still a number of myths that continue to persist.
Here are some common questions people ask about metal roofing.
Will having a metal roof affect my cell phone reception while I’m in my house?
There’s a good chance you regularly use your cell phone inside a restaurant, store, bank, or church – many of which have metal roofs or metal decks under a flat roof. If you already have a weak or spotty cell phone signal inside your home, a metal roof may be enough to create a “dead zone” inside your home. But if you have fair to excellent cell phone reception inside your house, a metal roof won’t have a noticeable effect.
How can hail affect a metal roof?
Many of the metal roofing materials being used today have enough strength to endure anything that Mother Nature throws at them, and some warranties will even have specific provisions related to hail damage. Metal roofing materials don’t lose their impact resistance as they age, so it has a significant advantage over other roofing materials that become more susceptible to damage with each passing year.
Will a metal roof be loud when it rains?
The deep-textured folds in many metal roofing products can minimize the “pinging” sound that you might expect to hear when rain hits a flat metal roof. So for normal construction methods, metal roofing won’t create any objectionable noise during rainstorms. Attic space and ventilation can also play a major role in absorbing the sound. In rare cases where the home’s construction can create a noise protection concern, foam inserts can be installed behind the metal shingles to deaden the sound even further.
Will a metal roof make my house hotter?
Because many of the materials have a coating that reflects the sun’s heat away from your home, metal roofing will cool your house down. They can reduce your energy costs by up to 20% each year and can even lower the temperature inside your attic, which can be an advantage during those hot South Texas summers.
Can attic vents be installed on a metal roof?
Attic ventilation is important for most homes, because it can keep moisture levels from getting too high (which can lead to condensation and even mold). It can also reduce heat gain inside your home, which may bring down cooling costs during the hot parts of the year. That’s why a metal roof can and should be vented.
Can skylights be installed on a metal roof?
Any normal protrusions won’t be a problem for any metal roofing installation, but they will need to be properly flashed and detailed. Skylights need to be curbed instead of flush-mounted. If you have any existing skylights that show signs of deterioration (or are more than 10 years old), you should get new ones installed. Even the best skylights have 20-year warranties, so it doesn’t make sense to install a roof with a skylight that will need to be replaced in the immediate future.
Will dirt collect on a metal roof?
The PVDF coatings that are used on quality metal roofs have a very light molecular bond that will allow dirt to wash off the roof. So in most environmental conditions, they will stay clean over a longer period. There are, however, some conditions that can cause dirt to collect on a metal roof. The worst of these is surrounding trees, which can be exacerbated by sap sticking to the roof and keeping dirt in place. Heavy pollen and airborne fungus can also land on and stick to your metal roof. If you live in an area where there’s a great deal of morning dew (such as in waterfront or near-waterfront properties), these issues can be even worse.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you with any kind of metal roofing installation, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!