WHAT MYTHS HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT METAL ROOFING?

Fact: Research has proven that metal roofing is no more likely to attract lightning than other types of roofing material. In fact, as a non-combustible material, metal is one of the most ideal roofing solutions for homes in lightning-prone areas. Metal roofs provide an easier path to the ground, spreading the force of the lightning strike and preventing hot points, thanks to the highest Class A fire-resistance rating of non-combustible steel.

Fact: No, metal roofs are not noisy in the rain. The key to noise reduction is preventing sounds from hitting hard, flat surfaces. The thicker the coating and the more irregular the surface texture, the more effective a roof is at disrupting and dampening the reverberation of sound waves. DECRA stone-coated metal roofing products are peacefully quiet in the rain, due to their intricate textures and sound-absorbing cushion of roofing granules.

Fact: As one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials, metal reflects heat from the sun up and away from the home, unlike asphalt roofs which absorb heat like a sponge. In addition to the heat-reflecting characteristics of metal, DECRA roofs are installed with airspace between the roof deck and roof panel. 

In the winter months, this airspace provides an extra insulating layer to keep the warm air circulating inside your home without escaping. As a result, your house remains warm. 

In the summer months, this provides the maximum airspace to allow heated air to escape up and away from your home through the ridge vents or other vents on your roof. As a result, your house remains cool.

Fact: When choosing a roofing material, you’ll want to consider the short- and long-term value of your options. While asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material on the market, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. 

DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofs can last up to two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile and wood. Additional long-term value benefits include:

• Metal roofs can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
• A modern metal roof can increase home value by up to 6%.
• Homeowners who renovate their home with metal roofing are typically able to recoup an extremely high rate of the roof’s initial cost, 85.9% according to national averages, with homes in the Eastern states recouping up to 95.5%.

Fact: Raw materials, like a sheet of metal, can rust when exposed to the elements. To prevent this, metal roofing manufacturers combine aluminum and zinc into their products.

DECRA takes corrosion control a step further by using a metallic alloy coating, made up of aluminum, zinc and silicon. The aluminum component ensures that a barrier against corrosion remains in effect once the zinc coating is sacrificed. The silicon component provides superior alloy coating adhesion. This helps the coating remain firmly in place while the high-grade carbon steel is rolled, stamped or bent during the manufacturing process.

The strength of steel combined with the rust-resistance of aluminum ensure long-lasting endurance to the elements.

Fact: No, a garden hose and one of the approved cleaning products will do. Avoid using any copper or iron-based products to clean your roof, as copper can accelerate corrosion and iron can rust-stain your roof.

Fact: DECRA Metal Roofs carry the highest possible rating for hail impact resistance. In the unexpected event that your roof is penetrated by a hailstone up to 2.5 inches in diameter, your roof is covered by DECRA’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Fact: At just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot, DECRA Metal Roofs are one of the lightest roofing materials available, averaging just 3,700-4,500 pounds compared to clay and concrete tiles at 18,000 to 45,000 pounds and asphalt shingles at 7,500-12,000 pounds.