Frequently Asked Questions

- Will a metal roof corrode easily?

- Is a metal roof noisy?

- Can you walk on a metal roof?

- Is a metal roof hotter?

- Why are metal roofs safer in an earthquake?

- Why is wind resistance so important?

- How long will a metal roof last?

- Are stone-coated steel roofs better than other types of roofs?

Will a metal roof corrode easily?

Metal tiles have great resistance to corrosion when contacted by water or moist air due to the protection offered by multiple layers of tough impermeable coatings that are applied to the metal tile surfaces during manufacture. For example, as shown in the adjoining figure, eight different coatings are applied to Metro Tile. Metro is so confident of the durability of their metal tile products that they offer a 50-year fully transferable limited warranty to homeowners.

Clear Acrylic Overglaze Stone Coating Acrylic Polymer Special Steel Primer Zincalume Steel Zincalume Special Steel Primer

Is a metal roof noisy?

No. Actually there's more than one homeowner who says their new metal roof is actually quieter. You won't hear any extra pitters patter on a rainy day.

Can you walk on a metal roof?

If you walk in the recommended areas you can. If you have an area of roof you feel will be heavily traveled, request that your contractor install support panels in these areas. The support panels will allow you or tradesmen to paint around a second story or to clean windows without denting the roof.

Is a metal roof hotter?

Actually a metal roof deflects much of the sun's heat, which a standard composition roof absorbs. So, you could see a noticeable reduction in your energy bills. Temperatures in the attic can be 30 to 40 degrees cooler.

Why are metal roofs safer in an earthquake?

They're much lighter. Most steel roofing tile is about 1/8 the weight of a concrete or clay tile installation. So, during a temblor, there's far less load on the structure, reducing the likelihood of structural damage and personal injury.

Also, a metal roof actually adds strength to your structure. It provides twice the shear strength of 1/2 CDX plywood.

Why is wind resistance so important?

Even if you don't live in tornado or hurricane country, standing up to wind is very important. High velocity winds caused by firestorms can blow burning embers. High winds will cause most roofing to blow off or in the case of concrete or clay tile to raise in the front allowing the embers to blow under the roof. Steel tiles are secured with four penny nails in the front and no flying embers can pass under a steel tile roof.

How long will a metal roof last?

It could easily outlast your home - 50 to 75 years is not an unrealistic estimate.

Are stone-coated steel roofs better than other types of roofs?

In our view, stone-coated metal roofing is superior to other alternatives in appearance, durability, safety and cost as summarized in the table below: