Metal is one of the most practical roofing materials on the market today. It offers a lifelong alternative to problem-plagued roofing materials such as asphalt, clay, wood and gravel.
Metal roofing is available today in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you prefer the look of tile, slate, wood shake or traditional standing seam, there is a product to satisfy your taste.
Southwest Metal Roofing Systems steel products are manufactured from Galvalume, which is the most rust resistant coating on the market today. In addition, they are painted with high performance Kynar500 or Hylar5000 baked enamel.
All Southwest Metal Roofing Systems painted products carry a Lifetime, Non-Prorated Transferable warranty. The Kynar500 / Hylar5000 finish is warranted against fade for 20 years. There are metal roofs that have been protecting structures for more than 100 years.
One of the benefits of metal roofing is its light weight, which allows it to be installed over existing roofing materials. However, Southwest Metal Roofing Systems prefers to remove existing roofing to insure a smoother surface, and to address any possible water damage to decking.
This is a common question, and probably one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. When it comes to this, people think of an old barn roof where metal is visible to the interior of the structure. On a residence, however, it is often installed over a solid substrate. Further, attic space and insulation serve as additional sound barriers. Research has proven that metal isn’t any noisier than traditional roofing products.
Metal reflects 70% of the sun’s energy. This minimizes heat retention, and as a result, less heat is transferred into the building’s structure. Additionally, research done in 1985 by the Florida Solar Energy center showed that metal experiences 34% less heat gain than asphalt shingles. Results also indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to R-11 insulation on top of the roof during sunny conditions.
Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. A metal roof struck by lightning can help prevent your home from catching fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. Very importantly, it is noncombustible.
Metal is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Hail causes extensive damage to roofs because it can break, split and cause tear-off damage to traditional roofing materials. Hail will not penetrate a metal roof. In the most severe case, the various styles and finishes available in metal roofing can even help camouflage any cosmetic damage.
