Metal Roofing FAQ

Metal roofing has a number of advantages over traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles and wood shingles.

Some of the key advantages of metal roofs include:

  • Durability. Metal roofs last longer than other roofing materials, with an expected lifespan of between 40 and 70 years.
  • Weather resistance. Metal roofs can withstand strong winds, heavy rains and high temperatures. They are also fire resistant.
  • Leak prevention. Metal roofs are less prone to moisture damage than other materials.
  • Environmentally friendly. Metal roofing typically uses 25% or more recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
  • Energy efficiency. Because metal roofs are reflective, they can reduce your heating and cooling costs over the course of the year.

Yes, you can attach metal roofing directly over plywood. However, you should follow some crucial steps before doing so. 

First, inspect your existing roof and repair any damage such as rotten or warped plywood. Then, add a layer of roofing felt to prevent any rain or humidity from damaging the plywood beneath it. Lastly, you may want to install a slip sheet, heavy paper that protects the felt from the metal roofing sheets. 

Once you attach the metal roofing, make sure that it is properly fastened to the plywood, so that it doesn’t blow off in high winds.

Yes, you can install metal roofing over shingles. This is one of the reasons why metal roofing is quickly becoming such a popular option – you can install the panels without completely tearing off your existing roof. Adding a metal roof over your existing roof also adds an additional layer of insulation to your home. However, some factors you will want to consider before installing metal roofing over shingles include:  

  • Checking with your local building and zoning departments to ensure this type of installation is approved.
  • Addressing any leaks or other damage prior to installation.
  • Adding underlayment to the shingles to prevent corrosion.

Yes, you can attach solar panels to a metal roof. However, the best way to do so may vary depending on the type of metal roof you have. For example, attaching solar panels to a standing seam metal roof can be done using special clips that are specifically designed for this purpose. Alternatively, if you have a corrugated metal roof, you may need to use a different method for attaching the panels, such as screws or bolts.

Regardless of the type of metal roof you have, it’s important to make sure that the solar panels are properly secured and will not come loose in bad weather. Be sure to check with your local building department before installing any solar panels to ensure that they comply with all zoning and building regulations.

There are a few things that you can put under a metal roof to help protect it and prolong its lifespan. Here are a few of the most common options:

  • Roofing felt: A waterproof membrane that helps prevent water from leaking through the roofing material and damaging the underlying structure.
  • Insulation: Helps keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer and prevents moisture from condensing on the metal roof and leading to rust or other damage. 
  • Radiant barrier insulation: Reflects heat back into the building instead of allowing it to be absorbed by the metal roof, helping to keep the interior cooler in summer.

Yes, metal roofing needs underlayment to protect the roof deck and extend its lifespan. The type of underlayment you need depends on the type of metal roofing you have. There are three types of metal roofs:

  • Standing seam
  • Corrugated
  • Tile

For a standing seam or corrugated metal roof, you’ll need a synthetic rubber underlayment. For a tile metal roof, you’ll need an asphalt-saturated felt underlayment.

There are variety of underlayments

  • Felt: Traditional underlayment made of paper or fiberglass and asphalt. Fasten using nails.
  • Synthetic: Usually made of long lasting polymers that are stronger than traditional fely. Fasten using nails.
  • Self-adhering: Made of asphalt with its own glue to stick to the roof decking and will help protect the roof from ice damming and moisture. 

Furring strips are needed to provide a level surface for the metal roofing panel installation. The furring strip also creates a cavity between the metal roof and the deck, which allows air circulation and helps protect the deck from moisture damage. Additionally, furring strips provide a nailing surface for attaching metal roofing panels.

Snow slides off of a metal roof for the same reason that ice slides off of a metal roof: metal is a good conductor of heat. The metal roof warms up and melts the snow or ice, and then the water runs down the roof’s slanted surface.

The best way to prevent snow or ice from building up on a metal roof is to install a layer of insulation between the metal and the roof deck. This will help keep the metal warm and prevent snow and ice from accumulating.

Metal roofing can attract lightning strikes, but it depends on many factors. For example, if the metal roofing isn’t properly grounded, it can act as an antenna and attract lightning strikes. However, if the metal roofing is effectively grounded, it will actually help divert lightning away from the building. Overall, it really depends on how well your metal roof is installed and maintained.

Metal roofs are not hurricane proof, but they are more hurricane resistant than other roofing materials. Metal roofs are less likely to be damaged by high winds, and they are less likely to blow away in a storm. They also offer more water resistance than other roofing materials.

Metal roofing definitely has more long-term value than shingles! Not only does metal roofing last much longer than shingles, but it’s also more durable and weather-resistant. In fact, metal roofs often come with lifetime warranties, whereas shingles usually have warranties that only last for 20 to 30 years.

So, if you’re looking for a roof that will last for decades, metal roofing is the way to go! And thanks to its many benefits, metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.

A metal roof generally doesn’t increase the value of a home as much as other home improvements, such as a new roof, a new coat of paint, updated appliances, or installing central air conditioning. 

However, depending on where you live and the style of your home, a metal roof can be a desirable feature that could make your home more attractive to buyers if you ever decide to sell. 

In some cases, a metal roof may even provide savings on homeowners insurance premiums. So, if you’re thinking about replacing your current roof with a metal one, it’s worth checking with your insurance company to see if there are any potential savings available to you.

There is no definitive answer to this question, since it can depend on a variety of factors, including the age and type of roof you have, your insurance company, and your specific location. However, you can generally expect your insurance premiums to be somewhat lower if you have a tile or metal roof as opposed to a shingle roof. This is because tile and metal roofs are usually more durable and less prone to fire damage.