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Sheet metal roofing questions and answers and facts::::

How does the cost of a metal roof cost compare to other roofs?
Metal roofs are a premium product and cost somewhat more than a 20 year warranty asphalt/fiberglass shingle roof; however a metal roof can cost substantially less than many of the high-end architectural shingles now being sold. Additionally, metal roofs have many advantages and benefits over asphalt/fiberglass shingle roofs.

See our specials on Galvalume: Material costs are as low as a standard 30 years shingle. Why reshingle every few years due to hail when you can just be done roofing your home or business forever.

Can I walk on a metal roof?
Yes you can; however, like walking on any roof, you should be careful and hire a professional roofing contractor.

Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?
No, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains. According to one study, the noise levels of a metal roof are about the same as other roofing products such as asphalt or wood shingles or clay tiles. Old Tin roofs over 1x4 slat boards is where the "noisy" sounds of the rains pull through. Todays construction standards have eliminated noise reduction 100%

Is a metal roof damaged by hail?
Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage... much more so than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

• The Texas Experiment
  State insurance authorities in Texas are attacking the issue of hail damage by requiring premium discounts for consumers who install impact-resistant roofs. In January 1998, Insurance Commissioner Elton Bomer ordered homeowners insurance companies in the state to discount premiums up to 46 percent in some areas for policyholders who replace old roofs with certified impact-resistant roofs. All insurers subject to Texas rate regulations must offer the discounts.

How about resistance to wind damage?
All metal roofing products are very wind resistant. Many styles have been tested to withstand hurricane force winds; and wind warranties can be as high as 120mph.

Is a metal roof fire safe?
A steel roof is the most fire safe roof. It is classified as a noncombustible roofing material with a Class "A" rating - the highest rating given.

How does the weight of a metal roof compare to other types of roofing?
Much to many peoples surprise, metal roofs are significantly lighter than other types of roofs. Typically they weigh less than one-third the weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles; and are as much as 75% lighter than clay, concrete or slate.

Will a metal roof rust?
Galvalume coated steel roofing panels are protected by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Industry studies have repeatedly shown them to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. They are available with warranty's as long as 50 years.

Steel panels not mixed will rust if not coated properly. Durning installation, colored panels are scratched and need to be touched up to avoid rusting

Using what is called Spanish Galvalume will also give you problems in the future. Make sure you use a reputable supplier that does not cut corners. We prefer using DFW Roofing Supplies and M.R for all our coil stock needs. We fabricate all our panels on site to length

Does the color fade?
Metal roofs are painted with high-performance polymers that have exceptional weathering properties. Over time you might notice a slight change in color due to the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or washing the roof with a garden hose (from the ground) will keep the roof looking like new.

These colored finishes will fade in time and turn a chaulk white. Kynar paints are expensive and using a steel panel versus galvalume will require repainting with in 20 years or earlier.

What about lightning?
Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than any other roofing material. Lightning most frequently strikes the highest point in any terrain; and if your roof is at the highest point of the surrounding terrain, you can install lightning rods.

If I'm reroofing, do I have to remove the old roof before installing the metal roof?
Usually not if you're installing the metal roof over existing asphalt, fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). In most situations, the metal roof can be installed directly over the old roof.

Will a metal roof make my house hot?
Actually, a metal roof can save you money on your a/c costs because it has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass shingles, wood, tile, etc. During the summer it makes buildings cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted into the building. Likewise, it makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This good thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter.

What is Galvalume?
Galvalume is 55% Al-Zn (aluminum - zinc) coated sheet steel that is ideally suited for most types of roofing applications. An estimated 40 billion square feet of Galvalume now covers buildings in all kinds of climates and environments throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. Galvalume is an ideal material for roofing because of its extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and resulting long life. It is extremely popular due to its versatility, ease of use, aesthetics and long-term performance.

Advantages and Benefits of a Steel Metal Roof

• Doesn't rot, crack, warp, curl, split, flake, peel, break, burn, or blow off

• Most resistant roofing material to hail, wind, fire, and freezing/thawing

• Available in wide variety of roofing styles, patterns, designs, and colors

• Lightweight - most styles are less than one-third the weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles

• Energy efficient - can lower your a/c and heating costs

• Low maintenance

• Long lasting and durable

• Long warranty

• Can reduce the cost of your homeowner's insurance

• Can usually be installed over your existing roof (re-roofing)

• Can increase the resale value of your house