According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association residential metal roofing has become much more popular over the past 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. Once for the most part used for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They are quick to install and excellent reflectors of 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 is hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.

Most metal roofs are aluminum and/or steel, but copper and other alloys are as well used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a unquestionably 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 negatives which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner stays in the home for a long time 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 is louder than other types of roofs. Utilizing sound deadening insulation can help minimize the extra noise of a metal roof.

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 more they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This is not the case, in particular when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra 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.