Residential Metal Roofing
By Gary Ng
The National Contractor's Association says that residential metal has become much more popular over the last decade. No, it isn't that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Once mostly used for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home...on houses. Metal materials have a number of other advantages. In addition to those already mentioned metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun. People think metal roofs make the home hotter because if they stand on a metal roof it's hot. But that heat is reflected away from the home. If it's hotter on top, it's cooler down below the roof. Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines. This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs do have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner remains in the home for a long time, and a metal roof helps save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. In a rain storm having a metal roof can be a little like living inside a drum. A metal roof is louder than other types of roofs. Using sound deadening insulation can help minimize the extra noise of a metal roof. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some

metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they're generally guaranteed for many years against such marring. A quick note on lightning for residential metal is don't be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn't the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection. In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal is sure to give, a homeowner a great experience.
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