According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association the popularity of residential metal roofing has rocketed over the last decade. Is it that the corrugated tin barn look has come into style, or did pixies and elves with metal roof stocks skew the results? No. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. In addition to those already mentioned, metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun. It’s a common misconception that because it’s hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that is why it’s hot above the roof. If it’s hotter on top, it is cooler down below the roof.

Most metal roofs are aluminum and/or steel, but alloys such as copper are as well used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.

This is the real world and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must judge in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. but unless the plan is to sell within a a couple of years this cost will be recovered in the long run and a metal roof helps save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. In a rain storm having a metal roof can be a little like living inside a drum. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise.

Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although once again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

Do not be concerned about lightning strikes with metal roofs. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, in particular when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for additional protection.

When you wish upon a star and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light and be happy your choice was right.

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