Debunking the Top 3 Misconceptions About Metal Roofs
When it comes to the choice of roofing material for your Floridian home, several factors come into play. An ideal roofing material must offer robust protection against outdoor elements and at the same time, contribute to the cooling of your home as it confronts the intense Florida sunlight.
Metal roofs are excellent choices that fit these requirements for the majority of homeowners in Florida. Unfortunately, there are several myths surrounding metal roofs, which deter many from opting for this superior roofing solution. This article aims to debunk three prevalent myths about metal roofs and shed light on their actual benefits.
1. Debunking the Myth: Metal Roofs are Prone to Rust and Corrosion
A common misconception plaguing the minds of many homeowners is that metal roofs easily rust and corrode when exposed to rain and humidity. This belief is amplified for those residing along the Florida coast, who fear potential deterioration of metal roofs due to saltwater corrosion. However, the reality stands contrary to this myth.
Indeed, not all metals rust, and manufacturers design metal roofs using metals that inherently resist rusting and corrosion. Aluminum and galvanized steel are two prime examples of such materials, both of which are popular choices in the metal roofing industry.
Aluminum is immune to rust, courtesy of its insignificant iron content, the element responsible for rust when it oxidizes. Galvanized steel, on the other hand, is a product of coating carbon steel (which does contain iron and can rust) with multiple layers of zinc. This zinc coating is rust-proof and effectively shields the underlying steel from moisture that could trigger rusting.
While both materials exhibit resistance to saltwater corrosion, aluminum roofs are superior choices for coastal homes. This is because scratches on a galvanized steel roof could expose the underlying carbon steel, making it susceptible to corrosion from exposure to moisture and salt.
2. Debunking the Myth: Metal Roofs are Vulnerable to Hail Damage
Another widespread metal roof myth is their supposed susceptibility to damage from hail. In reality, metal roofing is one of the most impact-resistant roofing options available, offering high resistance to hail damage when appropriately constructed.
Hailstones of small to average size rarely impact metal roofing. Even larger hailstones, which could cause minor dents on some metal roofs, don’t compromise the roof’s functionality. Such cosmetic dents are more common on roofs made from more malleable metals like aluminum or copper, as opposed to those fabricated from stiffer metals.
In contrast, less impact-resistant roof types like clay tiles and wood shakes can sustain extensive damage, breaking or puncturing when struck with large hailstones. For homeowners seeking a metal roof that is as dent-resistant as possible, opting for a harder metal like galvanized steel is a good choice. Furthermore, installing a solid deck beneath the metal panels minimizes metal flex, reducing the chances of dent formation during a hailstorm.
3. Debunking the Myth: Metal Roofs Increase Your Home’s Temperature in the Summer
One more metal roof myth suggests these roofs heat up considerably during the summer, subsequently transferring this heat into the home. This misconception originates from the fact that metal, a good conductor of heat, is often used in the creation of cookware.
However, contrary to this belief, metal roofs reflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it, hence transmitting minimal heat into the home. The average metal roof remains about 100 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the typical asphalt shingle roof. This attribute translates into reduced energy consumption for cooling, with some homeowners reporting around 50% less energy usage with a metal roof compared to homes with other roofing types.
Conclusion
Having debunked these common myths about metal roofs, it’s evident that metal roofing is a fantastic option for nearly any home in Central Florida. With their superior durability, heat reflection capabilities, and minimal maintenance needs, metal roofs are undoubtedly a smart investment for homeowners.
To discuss the benefits of metal roofing further or to explore metal roof installation options, contact the roofing specialists at Gold Key Roofing, Inc. today. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident in your roofing decisions.
About Gold Key Roofing
Our highly trained, certified roofing professionals inspect, test, evaluate and calculate all the necessary data from your project to provide your home with the ultimate protection – providing you with time-tested peace of mind.
In an industry where many roofers are in business today and out-of-business tomorrow, it is unusual to find a company like Gold Key Roofing with our experience and proven record of quality and reliability since 1975.
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