Steel Roof FAQ

1. Is a steel roof noisy in the rain?

The Metro steel roofing system is quiet. The combination of dead air space and the stone coating minimize outside sounds. One rural couple standing directly under a stone coated steel roof observed that they could hear the rain striking a metal building about 50 feet from where they were standing, but couldn’t hear any noise from the stone/steel roof directly over their heads.

2. How wind resistant is a steel roof?

The Metro roofing system has been proven to resist wind speeds in excess of 120-mph. One homeowner’s roof survived tornado force winds completely intact. "We lost 12 large trees…the shingled roof of our garage…a 14’ X 14’ (2" X 6") pump house deck slammed into the house and buckled the brick. You said it would hold up in a tornado. I’m writing to tell you it will." Bill Jamieson

3. Will a steel roof rust?

The steel substrate is protected from corrosion by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Metro utilizes an advanced metal composite developed by BIEC International and introduced in 1973 as aluminum-zinc coated steel. The composite improved earlier metallic coatings by applying an aluminum-zinc alloy to the steel in a continuous hot dip process. The aluminum creates an inert barrier coat while enhancing the long-term performance of zinc and its ability to protect breaks in the coating.

Galvalume coated steel has repeatedly been shown in industry studies, conducted over the last 20 years, to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. This is why the Metro roof system is referred to as "The final Roofing System", and is backed up with a 50 year limited warranty.

4. Does the color fade on a steel roof?

Though sized more precisely, Metro uses the same stone granules used by asphalt shingle manufacturers for over 50 years, so history demonstrates that fading is not a problem. Over time, a slight change in color may occur due to settling of airborne contaminants, however periodic rain or washing the roof with a garden hose will keep the roof looking new.

5. Is a steel roof fire safe?

Steel roofing is classified as a noncombustible roofing material (Class A). In new construction and in many re-roofing applications the metal roofing system is a Class A noncombustible roof assembly. In roof-over applications, where Metro panels are installed over old combustible shakes or shingles, the resulting roof assembly can be classified as A, B, or C depending upon the type of underlayment installed between the old and new roof.

There are many examples of the safe fire performance of stone-coated steel roofs in areas subjected to fire storms. Additionally, the lightweight strength of the steel roofing system precludes it from crashing down on occupants exposed to fire within their residence.

6. How long does it take to install a steel roof?

Usually only a few days. The complexity of the building’s roofscape is the primary factor in determining the time required. Complex roofs require more time than basic designs.

7. What does hail do to steel roofs?

Metro roof panels received the highest impact resistance rating from Underwriters Laboratories. Except under the most extreme storms, Metro panels show no visible effects from impacting hail stones. Some insurance carriers extend a discount on premiums to homeowners that have a Metro roof.

8. Are steel roofs more susceptible to lightning strikes?

Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than other roofing materials. It has been demonstrated that lightning strikes most frequently the highest points of terrain. Where concerns exist, lightning rods can be installed on roofs that are the highest point of surrounding terrain.

9. Is a metal roof environmentally responsible?

Not only is steel roofing great for your home, it's great for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 28% from production to installation to reuse - far superior to asphalt.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago.

That's a lot of wasted asphalt. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what's already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.