Question 1

Why is a metal roof better than shingles?

Accepted Answer

The average life span of an asphalt shingle roof is only 12-20 years compared with up to 50 years for a metal roof. In addition, a metal roof is more environmentally friendly since it is made up of at least 25% recycled content and then becomes 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Asphalt shingles on the other hand contain crude oil, and due to their low life-cycle, end up as part the 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles that are dumped into US landfills every year. In warm climates, asphalt shingles absorb and retain heat increasing the temperature inside a building by 20-25%, while a metal roof will reflect much of the sun’s heat away from a building while also re-emitting heat that is absorbed.

Question 2

Will a metal roof provide better protection from extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes, ocean air, or fire than other roof types?"

Accepted Answer

Yes! A properly installed and secured metal roofing system is a superior choice for a variety of weather and environmental threats, including hurricane and other high wind zones.  Since metal roofing is non-combustible it also offers a greater level of protection from wildfires. In marine and coastal environments prone to corrosive salt air and sea spray, aluminum and copper offer a lifetime of protection and will not rust.

Question 3

What is a Florida Product Approval and a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Product Approval System establishes accountability and a higher standard of practice for evaluating the integrity of covered structural products like roofing during hurricanes. Assessments can only be conducted by independent and nationally accredited and state approved entities, or by state licensed engineers and architects, ensuring uniformity and consistency of Florida Building Code enforcement statewide. A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance approval is a local product approval with more stringent code and approval criteria in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Extreme Metal is committed to rigorous testing and independent certification of all our metal panels so you and your customers can have the peace of mind you deserve.

Question 4

Do metal roofs leak?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed metal roof will not leak and should give you years of enjoyment and peace of mind. However, if leaking does occur, it is usually due to incorrectly installed fasteners on an exposed fastener system.  It is important that your contractor follow manufacturer instructions precisely. If screws are not installed properly, not attached in the correct location, or don’t have the resilient washers required to create a water-tight seal, leaking could occur. Talk with your roofer or contractor about water-tight guarantees they offer on their installation services.

Question 5

Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?

Accepted Answer

It is a modern myth that a metal roof is terribly noisy when it rains. Today’s metal roofing is installed with solid sheathing, which will actually silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather as well as any other roofing material, and in some cases better.  Sound absorption is also supported with insulation and attic airspace.

Question 6

Is a building with a metal roof more susceptible to lightning strikes?

Accepted Answer

According to the Metal Construction Association, “metal roofing does not in any way increase the risk of a lightning strike”.  This is because the height and size of a structure and its surroundings play a part in where lightning will strike, not the material the roof or any other part of the building are made from. In fact, in the unlikely event that lightning does strike your roof, having a metal roof can decrease the impact of the strike. Since metal is a non-combustible material, a metal roof can significantly reduce the chances that a lightning strike would lead to one of the most destructive consequences of lightning, the igniting of fire.

WHY METAL FAQ

Metal Roofing Systems Frequently Asked Questions