Wondering if a metal roof makes sense for your New England home? You are not alone. Over the last few years, more and more homeowners across Lexington have been looking past traditional asphalt shingles and asking about Metal Roofing. Skyline Roofing & Siding spends days up on local roofs dealing with everything from heavy winter snow loads to dense tree canopy debris, and Skyline Roofing & Siding gets asked a lot of questions about how Metal Roofing actually holds up around here in Lexington, MA.
These are the questions Skyline Roofing & Siding hears most often out in the field.
Will a Metal Roofing system turn my house into a drum during a heavy New England rainstorm?
This is easily the number one concern homeowners share, and it makes total sense. People picture an old tin shed in a downpour. But a modern residential Metal Roofing system installed by Skyline Roofing & Siding does not sound like that at all. Skyline Roofing & Siding installs metal panels over a solid roof deck with underlayment and insulation underneath. That setup absorbs sound. When it rains or hails, your home will be just as quiet as it would be under architectural shingles.
How do Metal Roofing systems handle the heavy snow and ice we get in Lexington winters?
Actually, Metal Roofing handles winter weather better than almost any other material. The slick surface of a metal roof means snow slides right off instead of sitting up there adding dead weight to your framing. That same feature prevents most ice dams from forming, which is a major win for historic and colonial-style homes around town. Just keep in mind that because snow sheds so efficiently, homeowners will want to install snow guards over walkways and doorways so an avalanche does not bury the front steps.
Are Metal Roofing systems prone to getting struck by lightning?
It is a fair worry, but metal does not attract lightning. Lightning strikes the highest point around, whether that is a tree, a chimney, or your roof, regardless of what material is up there. Even better, because metal is noncombustible, if lightning were to strike your home, a Metal Roofing system actually reduces the risk of fire compared to wood or asphalt.
Why is the upfront cost for Metal Roofing so much higher than asphalt shingles?
There is no hiding the fact that Metal Roofing costs more on day one. Homeowners are paying for higher-grade raw materials, specialized manufacturing, and the intricate labor required to install a system that expands and contracts with drastic seasonal temperature swings in Lexington. But an asphalt roof will likely need replacement every 15 to 20 years or more. A quality standing seam Metal Roofing system can easily last 50 years or more with virtually zero major maintenance. When you do the math over the life of your home, Metal Roofing usually turns out to be the smarter financial move.
Can I walk on my Metal Roofing to clean out the gutters or check things out?
You can, but you need to know what you are doing. Standing seam panels can be slippery, especially if there is morning dew or pine needles on them from local oak and pine trees in Lexington. Walking in the wrong spot can also dent or scratch the finish. If you need to get up there, wear soft-soled shoes and step only where the panels are fully supported by the decking underneath.
If you are weighing your options for a replacement and want an honest look at whether Metal Roofing fits your specific house structure, give Skyline Roofing & Siding a ring. Skyline Roofing & Siding provides Metal Roofing services for homes and businesses in Lexington.