Interested in Metal Roofing? Start Here
You might associate metal roofs with barns, but residential metal roofing has grown quickly over the last decade — including here in Central Ohio. Metal used to be mostly for industrial, commercial and agricultural buildings. That is no longer true.
What are the benefits of a metal roof? How much does one cost? How long does it last? Will it make home insurance cheaper? Here is what you need to know.
Better Protection
Metal roofs offer better protection from the elements. Many steel roofing products carry a Class 4 impact rating against hail, the highest rating available for residential roofing. If hail is big enough to damage a metal roof, it would have damaged an asphalt or wood roof too.
Metal also holds up better against:
- Storms and high winds
- High temperatures and rapid temperature changes
- Ice dams and heavy snowfall
- Fire
- Direct, beating sunlight
Central Ohio is prone to severe weather in mid to late spring, and high winds are particularly hard on shingle roofs. Metal roofs are also immune to rot and insect damage. Overall, you are less likely to need a roof repair or early replacement — and if you do need storm restoration, there is usually less of it.
Some insurers offer discounts for impact-rated roofs. It varies by company and policy, so ask your agent.
Environmentally Friendly
Millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste go to landfill in the United States every year. Metal roofing, by contrast, is fully recyclable at the end of its life, and steel roofing typically contains recycled steel to begin with.
Metal roofs are also more energy efficient. With a reflective finish, a metal roof reflects much more of the sun’s heat than dark shingles, which keeps the attic cooler and can noticeably reduce cooling costs in summer. And if you are thinking about solar panels in the future, they are easier to mount on some metal roofs than on shingles.
Installing Over an Existing Shingle Roof
In some cases a metal roof can be installed over a single layer of existing shingles, which saves the cost of tear-off. Done incorrectly, it can trap moisture and lead to mold and rot, so it needs proper ventilation and an underlayment designed for it — and a sound deck underneath.
In most cases we recommend tearing off, because it is the only way to inspect and repair the deck. Talk it through with us at your estimate and we will tell you what is right for your house.
Avoid the Myths
Two common myths are that metal roofs are very noisy in the rain and that they attract lightning. Neither is true.
Over solid decking, underlayment and an insulated attic, a metal roof is not much louder than any other roof. And a metal roof does not make a lightning strike more likely. Because metal is not combustible, it is actually safer than asphalt or wood if lightning does strike.
More Cost-Effective Over Time
Metal roofs cost more to install, but they can save money over the long term: lower cooling bills, a lower chance of weather damage, and above all a much longer life. Estimates suggest a metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years — roughly twice to three times the life of asphalt shingles.
The Main Types of Metal
The price of a metal roof depends on the metal, the panel profile, the finish and the size and complexity of your roof. The four main metals are:
Steel
The most common and most affordable choice. Residential steel roofing is protected against rust by a zinc coating (galvanized) or a zinc-and-aluminum coating (Galvalume), then usually painted at the factory. Stone-coated steel adds a granular stone finish that can look like shingles or tile.
Aluminum
More expensive than steel but naturally corrosion resistant, and lighter. Aluminum is usually painted for color and extra protection.
Copper and Zinc
Premium metals with life expectancies well over a century, and very resistant to corrosion. Their cost means they are mostly used for accents — bay windows, porches, entry roofs — rather than whole roofs on homes in Central Ohio.
Because material prices change year to year, we price every metal roof from an inspection rather than a per-square guess.
Metal Roofing in Central Ohio
Metal roofs offer a strong alternative to asphalt: better protection, lower long-term cost and a smaller environmental footprint. Learn more about our metal roofing services, compare metal and asphalt shingles, or get a free estimate.