We love metal roofs. We think that metal roofing looks fantastic, and is one of the best decisions that you can make to improve the longevity and look of your home.
While this versatile roofing material offers a range of benefits that other roofing materials can only dream of matching, many homeowners seem to hold misconceptions about metal roofing.
We’re willing to bet you’ve heard (and even thought) of at least one of these common myths. In fact, it’s entirely possible that one of these myths is the reason you’re holding out on committing to a metal roof.
Join us as we put on our lab coats, protective goggles, and rubber gloves to bust some common metal roofing myths.
Myth #1: Metal roofs are noisy
Without a doubt, the most common stereotype associated with metal roofing is that it’s noisy.
And it’s easy to see where this idea comes from. Anyone who’s stood under a metal carport, or slept in an older home with a metal roof overnight or even got stuck in a warehouse during a storm can attest to this!
While metal does make a much louder sound when struck than tiles or ceramic, when it comes to metal roofing for your home, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
For your house or business, metal roof contractors like Watermaster Roofing can begin by installing an insulating layer of sarking underneath your metal roof. This layer helps with your building’s insulation, provides an additional layer of protection against roof leaks and, importantly, provides a layer of sound protection.
Carports and garages lack insulation of any sort. So of course, the sound from the metal roof is going to be much more noticeable – after all, it’s not like anybody’s going to be sleeping in them! And as for older homes, sarking materials were generally less effective back then.
So when you choose a metal roof for your home or business, you can be confident that Watermaster Roofing will take all possible measures to maintain your peace and quiet.
Myth: BUSTED.
Myth #2: Metal roofs make your house hotter in summer
A close cousin of Myth #1, another common misconception many have about metal roofs is that they will make your house too warm during summer.
And much like the above myth, this one doesn’t apply when proper insulation is installed with your metal roof. Effective roof insulation doesn’t just keep the sound out; it also keeps the heat absorbed by your roof from seeping into the rest of your house.
Additionally, the amount of heat absorption can heavily depend on the type of metal that you use for your roof, its colour, and the treatment it’s received prior to installation.
Most metal manufactured for metal roofing is specially heat-treated to reduce the amount of heat that it absorbs – in fact, metal roofing is more effective at preventing heat from seeping in during summer and keeping warmth in during winter.
In summary, having a metal roof won’t necessarily make your house hotter than a tiled roof, especially if you have good roof insulation. In fact, a metal roof can even be better at keeping the heat at bay!
Myth: BUSTED
Myth #3: metal roofing attracts lightning
It’s a commonly known fact that metal conducts electricity much better than any other material. We all know that electricity is extremely dangerous, so why take that risk when it comes to your house?
The good news (and the myth we’re busting!) is that metal is no more at risk from lightning than any other roofing material. In fact, it can actually be safer than other roofing as metal is non-combustible.
While metal does conduct electricity, it doesn’t attract it. Nothing “attracts” lightning in the sense that it homes in on it like a beacon.
Myth: BUSTED.
But there’s more to it than that!
Lightning tends to strike the tallest object it can find in the vicinity of where it’s going to land. The general rule-of-thumb is that lightning only strikes the tallest object in the area that it’s poised to strike, with the radius being equivalent to the height of said object.
So if you have a 5 metre tall streetlamp, chances are it won’t be struck with lightning unless:
- It’s the tallest object within 5 metres
- If the lightning was already on course to strike within 5 metres of the streetlamp
So yes – your house is more likely to be struck by lightning than you. But the reasoning is because of the obvious size difference between you and your house, rather than anything to do with the roofing material.
Myth #4: metal roofing will rust
Another common myth we see as roof installers and repairers is this idea that the metal will rust quickly and frequently, requiring constant maintenance.
This one is patently false.
While it’s true that all metal inevitably rusts, it doesn’t happen anywhere near as quickly as some people think! In fact, metal roofs can go decades before showing any signs of rust.
Rust is caused by prolonged exposure of metal to moisture and oxygen. And almost all metal roofing nowadays – like Watermaster Roofing’s preferred choice, COLORBOND – is covered with a protective coating that protects the metal underneath from oxygen and moisture, which means no rust!
Myth: BUSTED
Metal roof installation myths: in summary…
There are many considerations to be made when thinking about metal roofing for your home or business. Don’t let these misconceptions cloud your judgement and affect your decision.
If you have any questions about metal roofing that you’d like answered, come to Watermaster Roofing for the answers. With over 20 years of experience in both plumbing and roofing, we know our stuff!
We’d be more than happy to answer your questions or take a look at your roof. We’re qualified metal roofing contractors providing new roof installation and replacement across Melbourne’s south and southeast.
Contact us now or give us a call on 1300 576 075 to arrange an obligation-free consultation.