Using a Contractor to Improve Your Home

Some of the Most Commonly Asked Questions About a Metal Roof


Even with all its advantages, however, homeowners often have some questions about getting a metal roof installed in their home. Note a few of them here and then discuss these with a contractor so you can determine if it's the right choice for you.

How does metal insulate a home?

Metal may seem like it wouldn't insulate a home very well since it tends to hold heat or cold; however, metal roofing contractors will often tell you that a metal roof works better to insulate your home. The reason for this is that metal roofing is installed in long sheets, not individual tiles like asphalt shingles, so there is less risk of losing your home's heating and cooling between those sections of roofing. 

Metal roofing is also installed with layers of other materials underneath; depending on the company you choose for your roof, this can be several layers of foam, a metallic coating over the flashing of your roof, and the like. These layers act to insulate your home and keep the metal quiet, and keep water and snow out from the roof itself. Because of how it's installed, metal is often a better insulator than many other roofing materials.

Doesn't a metal roof rust over time?

Aluminum doesn't rust or corrode, whereas steel does rust over time. However, the steel used for a metal roof is not left bare and exposed to the elements. Typically this metal is powder-coated, which refers to a color that is added in powder form and which is adhered to the metal with a slight charge of electricity. This powder coating helps to keep the metal protected from water and snow, so that it's less likely to corrode.  Check out a brand like Colorbond Roofing for more information about this kind of coating.

Steel can also be given a zinc bath; this zinc plating keeps it from corroding or rusting over time, and from being damaged by direct sun exposure. While you would still want to have your metal roof examined periodically for signs of damage, just as you would any other type of roof, rust and corrosion are not typically common problems.