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Deciding if a metal roof is right for your home is a big decision. Because it’s an important decision, you need to learn if it’s even the right fit for you.
But how do you do this? You can learn about all the great things a metal roof can offer you. However, knowing the disadvantages is the best way to learn if a metal roof is right for you .
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners figure which roofing materials fit their needs. Now we’re going to help you learn if a metal roof is right for you.
To start this article, we’ll briefly cover the two types of metal roof systems to determine which one is recommended for residential roofing. After that, we’ll give you the 4 disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof.
And at the very end, we give you a guide that gives you all the advantages and disadvantages of the different roofing materials to help you even further with your decision-making process.
The two types of metal roofs?
While the two types of metal roof systems (standing seam and screw down panel) have their place in the industry, one is recommended for residential roofing.
A screw-down panel (also known as exposed fastener) metal roof is just what it's called; it's screwed down. The screws are screwed through the metal panels, which leaves no room for the metal to expand and contract as it goes through thermal expansion.
Because of this, you’ll pay to replace the screws every 5 years or so to prevent leaks or before a strong storm tears off the entire metal roof.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. The metal panels are fastened under each of these ribs (standing seams), allowing them to glide back and forth when expanding and contracting.
You can get both types of metal roofs over your home. But a screw down metal roof is better used over a carport, garage, back screened-in porch, barn, commercial properties, and anywhere that’s not a living or workspace because of the lack of expansion and contraction.
On the other hand, a standing seam metal roof is a great option for every situation and is strongly recommended for use over a heated living or workspace. Because of this, a standing seam metal roof is the recommended choice for residential roofing.
The 4 disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof
I can give you the disadvantages of both types of metal roofs. But because you’re here, you’re probably considering a metal roof for residential reasons.
That’s why we’ll only be covering the disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof for the rest of this article.
1. It’s harder to repair a standing seam metal roof
The first disadvantage is that a standing seam metal roof is harder to repair. While standing seam metal roofs are durable, things can still happen to the panels.
This could be rusting from damage to the painted finish, storm damage, or damage from not walking on the metal panels correctly. But when one of the above happens, it takes experience and more skill to repair a standing seam metal roof than an asphalt roof and some other roof types.
It will also be more expensive to repair due to the difficulty and the skill it needs to do the job right.
2. Oil canning is a possibility in a standing seam metal roof
The next disadvantage for a standing seam metal roof is that oil canning is a possibility.
Oil canning occurs when installers fasten the metal panels too tightly together. If this happens, it gives the metal panels room to expand longways but no room to expand sideways.
Over time your standing seam metal roof will show signs of oil canning that starts with a “bubbling” look that eventually turns into a wavy look on the metal panels.
Be aware; oil canning doesn’t cause any functionality problems. But it does cause an aesthetic issue that some homeowners don’t like.
If curb appeal and aesthetics are a big deal to you, just know that oil canning is a possibility on a standing seam metal roof. To avoid this happening, hire a roofing contractor that has experience installing metal roofing.
3. The noise factor of a standing seam metal roof
The next disadvantage (and one of the most asked questions) is the noise factor of a standing seam metal roof. Just like oil canning, this isn’t a functionality problem with your metal roof.
No matter what, you will get an echo from the rain hitting your standing seam metal roof. But it’ll be quieter if it’s installed over solid decking because the wood (decking) between the metal panels and your ceiling helps absorb some of the noise.
You can also add wood fiber insulation boards between your roof’s decking and your metal panels to help with the noise. These boards will provide an extra layer to absorb sound, but they won’t completely block out a heavy downpour.
A standing seam metal roof will always make some noise when it rains. Even with what I mentioned above, it’s impossible to completely drown out the sound of rain when there's a heavy thunderstorm.
4. A standing seam metal roof is expensive
The last disadvantage (and biggest concern to homeowners) is that a standing seam metal roof is expensive. Let’s compare the cost of the most commonly used asphalt shingle (architectural) roof to the cost of a standing seam metal roof as an example.
A two-story house with architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles that has a little complexity, good accessibility will cost around $4.76 per square foot. You can expect a standing seam metal roof to be more than double and almost triple the cost at around $15.00 per square foot.
When most homeowners hear this, they avoid a metal roof and go with asphalt. But if you want a roof you won’t have to worry about for the next 50 years, a standing seam metal roof is great if you have the budget.
The guide that has all the advantages and disadvantages of different roofing materials
Now you know the disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof. Remember, you still can get a screw down metal panel roof over a heated living space, but I don’t recommend it.
After reading this article, you should have a good idea if a standing seam metal roof is an option for you.
But what about the advantages? Or what about the advantages and disadvantages of other types of roofing materials?
That’s exactly what The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof is for. The buyer’s guide includes the advantages and disadvantages of different roofing materials, how much your roof will cost, how to hire a great roofing contractor, and more.
Make the right purchasing decision and learn everything you need to know about your roof replacement by getting The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof now.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality metal roofing services to homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. No matter what your roof needs, you can count on us to provide education, guidance, and quality workmanship backed by a lifetime warranty.
If you’re local to Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Belle Meade, Sumner county, and other surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Here’s The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to help you find the right roofing material, hire a great roofing contractor, and so much more.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels
Steel Roof Panels have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at a few of them.
Advantages of Steel Roof Panels
1. Longevity
Perhaps the main advantage of steel roof panels have over other roofing materials is longevity. Asphalt shingles are very popular, but just in North America mostly. In Europe and other parts of the world – where the houses are hundreds of years old – homeowners are not interested in putting on a roof that they will have to replace in 20 years or less.
The greatest enemy of bare steel is rust. But the inventions of Galvalume (not recommended for animal confinement) and galvanized (great for residential) coatings that consist of aluminum and/or zinc, have greatly increased steel’s ability to defy rust. On top of that, specially engineered paint systems that allow manufacturers to offer 40-year or even 50-year warranties (often called “Lifetime Warranties”). Even a paint default does not signal the end of the roof because it can be painted again and again as needed. Did you know that well-maintained steel roofs have been known to last well over 100 years?
2. Durability
Another reason that steel panels can last so long is their durability. Steel is by nature a hard substance, and steel roofing is actually the recommended roofing material in hail-prone areas because of its impact-resistance, as well as in hurricane zones because of its wind-resistance, and in areas subject to forest fires because of its fire-resistance. The strength of the steel roof panel is usually tied to its thickness (measured in gauges). The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. (Example: 28 gauge is heavier than 29 gauge, and 24 gauge is heavier than 26 gauge.)
Note: Some roof manufacturers will deceptively advertise the thickness of their painted panels instead of the bare steel… which will obviously mean a heavier gauge reading without an increase in strength. (Example: After the paint is applied, the steel might cross the minimum tolerance threshold of 27 gauge classification, while the bare steel was only 28 gauge.) Make sure you always ask the manufacturer if the gauge is measured before or after the paint.
3. Energy Efficiency
Steel roof panels are more energy efficient than other common roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. We can categorize the energy efficiency of steel roofing under “Radiant Heat Block” and the subcategory “Solar Reflectivity.” While asphalt shingles absorb radiant heat, the physical properties of steel cause the radiant heat from outside (during the summer), or inside (during the winter) to bounce off steel roof panels. Meaning, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard when the heat is trying to get in, and your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard when the heat is trying to escape.
In addition to general radiant heat block, most colors of steel roofing are better reflectors of radiant heat from the sun than asphalt shingles are. But some colors are even better than others. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) shows the percentage of radiant heat reflected. Compare white-painted steel with an SRI of 83% to a light-colored shingle that might only be 22% reflective.
Note: Most of the panel colors available at A.B. Martin are Energy Star approved and qualify for the 2016 Energy Tax Credit.
See also: Why You Should Want a Metal Roof in the Winter
4. Aesthetics
Other advantages of steel roof panels include their clean, architectural look and vibrant colors. For these reasons, steel roofs are growing in popularity among homeowners. They like the unique look that can be modern or classic.
5. Environmental Friendliness
It’s almost not worth saying after talking about a steel roof that lasts for more than a lifetime, but, in contrast to other roofing products like asphalt shingles made from toxic materials that usually can’t be re-purposed and are dumped into a landfill after only 20 years of service, a steel roof that’s made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable after a long and useful life does seem like the more responsible choice.
Metal is “green” even when it’s blue, black, or red.
Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels
1. Styles
Style options are limited with steel panels. Asphalt shingles are made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Most steel roofs, on the other hand, are made with 2 ft or 3 ft wide steel panels that are either smooth with upright seams or corrugated with little ridges. Some manufacturers offer metal shingles, but they are frightfully more expensive. Which brings us to the next disadvantage.
2. Cost
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to steel roofing is the upfront cost. Although some steel panels (like the ABM Panel) are actually cheaper than shingles, other panels can cost 2x, 3x, or 5x as much as shingles. This upfront cost can be hard to swallow. But it’s hard to deny that, given their long lifespan, steel panels are going to cost less in the end.
See also: Does a Metal Roof Cost More to Install?
3. Colors
Color options are also limited with steel panels. Though some manufacturers offer dozens of colors, the options are still more limited than shingles. Plus, shingles are often multicolored to replicate the look of slate or wood shakes. With the exception of copper, it is hard to replicate that multicolored look with panels.
4. Installation
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you might be frustrated by the last disadvantage – installation. Shingles are relatively easy to install yourself. On the other hand, installing steel roof panels can be tricky or downright dangerous unless you know what you are doing. That means it is best done by experienced professionals with specialized tools.
Need a Pro? Search our contractor database.
If you’re curious as to why some supposed disadvantages didn’t make it on this list, be sure to check out The Six Myths of Metal Roofing.