If you've been thinking about replacing your home's roof with something completely new, you may be exploring your options to find the best material for your investment. Many people pass over the idea of metal roofing because of a variety of mistaken beliefs and misconceptions. That can leave you settling for a less-than-perfect option simply because you don't understand the benefits of the alternative. Before you find yourself dismissing what could be a viable option, there are some key facts that you should understand.

Metal Roofing Doesn't Transmit Noise

Particularly for people familiar with older mobile homes, the mention of a metal roof conjures images of excessive noise from rainfall and other storms. The fact is that metal roofing isn't any noisier than other forms of roofing. Since metal roofing is typically installed over the existing roofing material or plywood for sound insulating benefits, you won't have the same level of noise transfer that you might have heard in an older mobile home in the past. Those older mobile homes lacked insulation between the roofing and the structure, so there was nothing to muffle the sound.

Metal Roofing Isn't Flammable

Many homeowners avoid metal roofing out of fear of a lightning strike causing a house fire. It's a common assumption that metal roofing could attract lightning, but that's a myth with nothing to substantiate it. However, even if your roof does get struck by lightning, metal roofing isn't flammable, so you don't have to worry about a house fire being triggered. In addition, a metal roof provides a wide surface to disseminate the lightning.

Metal Roofing Isn't Expensive

You might assume that metal roofing is going to be cost-prohibitive for your home. The truth is that the initial investment in the materials and installation may be higher, but you will save in other areas compared to other types of roofing. For example, the lifespan of a metal roof means you won't likely have to invest in roof replacement again for many years longer than you would with other types of roofing. In addition, the metal roof could also help you manage your home's electricity and HVAC costs.

Metal Roofing Is Protected Against Corrosion

Most everyone knows that many forms of metal are vulnerable to corrosion. As a result, they often shy away from metal roofing out of fear that the roofing may corrode as well. The truth is that metal roofing is designed with multiple protections against corrosion. First, the metal is coated with a corrosion prevention barrier. Then, it is painted to provide an extra layer of protection. That means your roof won't be susceptible to any kind of corrosion unless it suffers physical damage that scratches through the paint and the protective barrier.

Metal Roofing Is Highly Durable

You might worry that a metal roof will easily suffer damage from hail storms and other physical impacts. Whether it's tree branches, weather, or even walking on the roof surface, it will hold up to the strain far better than you might think. In fact, since metal roofing is installed in sheets and sits flat on the roof with the seams sealed, it is far less likely to blow loose from high winds. Things like asphalt shingles are more prone to damage and loss due to weather like this, so you do yourself a favor opting for metal roofing instead.

In addition, walking on your roof isn't going to damage the roofing itself. However, you do want to be cautious about your choice of footwear. Make sure you wear something with good tread because the smooth metal surface is slippery. If it's wet, it will be even more slippery and can put you at risk of suffering serious injuries.

If you're wondering if metal roofing is right for you, contact local roofing services.