Metal Roof FAQs

Yes you can; however, like walking on any roof, you should be careful.

No, metal roofs are not really all that noisy when it rains. According to one study, the noise levels of a metal roof are about the same as other roofing products such as asphalt or wood shingles or clay tiles.

Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage... much more so than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

All metal roofing products are very wind resistant. Many styles have been tested to withstand hurricane force winds; and wind warranties can be as high as 120mph.

A steel roof is the most fire safe roof. It is classified as a noncombustible roofing material with a Class "A" rating - the highest rating given.

Much to many peoples surprise, metal roofs are significantly lighter than other types of roofs. Typically they weigh less than one-third the weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles; and are as much as 75% lighter than clay, concrete or slate.

Genuine 55% Aluminum-Zinc coated steel roofing panels are protected by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Industry studies have repeatedly shown them to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. They are available from Colourcoil Industries with 25 year warranty* against corrosion.

Colour fading affects all painted surfaces when exposed outdoors. The question is when or rather how fast. Commercial Quality (CQ) pre-painted steel, coated with low quality paints will fade very quickly, sometimes in as quick as 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, Colourcoil high performance pre-painted steel are coated with special paints containing high-performance polymers that have exceptional weathering properties. The are available in a wide variety of colours and come with warranties* of up to 20 years against colour fading, chalking and delamination. Over time you might notice a slight change in roof color due to the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or washing the roof with a garden hose (from the ground) will keep the roof looking like new.

Contrary to popular belief, a metal roof is no more likely to attract lightning than any other type of roof. Consider trees (made of wood) which frequently attract lightning. Studies prove that lightning is attracted to the highest surrounding objects, regardless of their composition. In the event lightning were to strike a metal roof, it will not catch fire and combust like wood. Rather, it will help to disperse the electrical charge over a larger surface area.

Usually not if you're installing the metal roof over existing asphalt, fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). In most situations, the metal roof can be installed directly over the old roof.

Actually, a metal roof can save you money on your a/c costs because it has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass shingles, wood, tile, etc. During the summer it makes buildings cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted into the building. Likewise, it makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This good thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter.