Metal roofs are increasingly popular in Phoenix, primarily because of their durability. The average wood shingle roof lasts between twelve and twenty years. In contrast, the average metal roofing in Phoenix lasts between forty and seventy years. 1
This additional durability and the other benefits of a metal roof require a substantial investment. Before homeowners make such investments, they understandably have some questions that only a top metal roofing contractor in Phoenix can answer.
Is a Metal Roof Noisy?
Excessive noise level is one of the most common misconceptions about metal roofs. Many imagine trying to sleep at night while listening to the hot Arizona wind rattle their metal roof tiles. That’s not a very relaxing picture.
The tiles themselves might be noisy. But a layer of protection, the roof deck, separates the roof from the living area. The noise cannot penetrate the deck, especially if it’s well insulated.
Additionally, many roofs have another layer of insulation directly under the tiles. This layer is essential if the attic doubles as living space, like a rumpus room or spare bedroom. Excessive noise is just one of the concerns that we carefully review with you before you sign anything on the dotted line.
Does a Metal Roof Get Rusty?
Yes, we only get about nine inches of rain yearly in Phoenix. But nine inches a year multiplied by seventy years is, well, a lot of moisture. If we’d paid closer attention to the Schoolhouse Rock Naughty Number Nine episode, we could tell you exactly how much moisture accumulates on, between, and under the metal tiles over time. 2
The materials matter. Metal roof tiles are made from copper, steel, aluminum, or galvalume. These metals corrode at different rates. Some are almost rustproof, while others look like the pre-oil can Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz after only two or three decades.
Concerns about rust could affect the choice of materials. A moderate amount of protection usually solves the rust problem altogether.
What Are My Roofing Options?
Metal roofs were trendy in the early 1900s. Then, they disappeared, except in warehouses and other commercial buildings, until about 2000, when they suddenly became popular again.
We mentioned the primary material choices in metal roofs above. Let’s break it down further and hopefully make your choice easier.
Steel
This material is, far and away, the most popular metal roof material. It’s the least costly material and, in many cases, is just as efficient as the other materials.
However, an additional investment is required. Because steel is a corrosive metal, steel roofing requires a paint finish. Paint finish warranties range between 20 years to 45 years, depending on the panel type, thickness, and metal roofing manufacturer you choose.
Nevertheless, steel roofing can be cost-effective. It offers a broader range of prices, mainly depending on the thickness of the metal, which profile you want, and the paint warranty.
Galvalume
These metal tiles have steel cores and aluminum finishes. This finish makes galvalume the most durable kind of metal roof.
Here’s the downside. Galvalume only comes as a mill-finish metal. If you want a color other than white, off-white, or whatever the factory color is, you must go with an aluminum or steel roof. There’s a silver lining. The unpainted tiles are slightly less expensive and easier to install. Painted materials easily get scratched during installation if mishandled.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most natural energy-efficient metal roof materials out there. It is highly reflective, fire-resistant, and non-corrosive. It’s available in many different thicknesses.
Aluminum comes in a mill finish or with a paint finish. Mill finish provides a raw metal look that oxidizes into a naturally beautiful finish. A wide variety of paint colors are available as well. Most paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty; some manufacturers offer a 45-year paint finish warranty.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
Paint and materials warranties vary significantly among different manufacturers. So, always read the fine print. Additionally, it’s not covered if the language doesn’t mention an item. Replacement tiles are usually the most significant issue to look for. Metal roofs are very durable and rarely need replacement, but the cost is substantial if that happens.
Can You Handle This Job?
Replacing a wood shingle roof with a metal roof is a huge and complex project. A metal roofing contractor in Phoenix should have a plan for your house, not just a general roof-installing plan. Keep looking if the contractor has no specific vision for your project.
Call us today to get started on your metal roof installation project.
Sources:
[1] https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/metal-roof-pros-and-cons
