Can I re-paint metal roofing?

There are several quality levels and coating grades of metal roofing.  For many owners of warrantied metal roofs installed in recent years, re-painting is not a decision they'll need to make in their lifetime.  But take a drive through the country and chances are you'll see agricultural buildings in need of a freshly painted roof.  These roofs are older and pre-date the technology incorporated into modern metal building materials. 

Yes, you can re-paint a metal roof.  If you are doing it yourself, follow the preparation directions given by the paint manufacturer.  When you're done, it'll look fresh and new... and there aren't many roofing materials you can "rejuvenate" like that!

What will my metal roof look like in 50 years?

Q.  All the contractors and manufacturers say that metal roofing will last up to 50 years.  What will it look like then?  Will it be rusty?  Worn out?  Will the color be faded?  Are there any 50-year-old residential roofs out there? 

A.  I hope others will comment and help to answer your questions... 

The 50-year warranty is based on extensive testing and trials by all of the major metal roofing manufacturers.  The result of all those test and trials indicate that in 50 years, your metal roof should still look great!  The color may not be as intense, but its integrity should remain high.  (We will do more research and get you some specific examples.)

I don't want to be the first on my block with metal roofing.

That can only mean you haven't seen how far the design of metal roofing has come in recent years.  Residential metal roofing isn't the long, straight, unimaginative panels you think of, with the regimented standing seams and smooth areas between them.  Today's metal roofing has style.  It can look like most any other roof you choose.  But why copy the past?  Your choices can encompass all kinds of patterns and colors and looks.  There shouldn't be ANY hesitation to be the first on your block with metal roofing.  It'll be a very short time before there are two houses on the block with metal roofing, then three, then four, then...

Will I need snow guards with metal roofing?

Snow will accumulate on a metal roof as it would on any other roof.  However, when it begins to melt, the smooth surface of a metal roofing panel can lead to large pieces of snow sliding off of the roof.  In many commercial locations, snow guards have been placed on metal roofing panels.  Snow guards help prevent the accumulated snow from falling in a large chunk.  Instead, the snow melts gradually.  The majority of snow guards are well designed and can enhance the appearance of a metal roof.  If you live in an area with heavy snow fall, they would be a good idea.

Why another Metal Roofing blog?

It seems that there are many metal roofing blogs on line.  Some focus on Green, some on resources, some on contractors... it's a long list of specialties.  Some are by contractors looking to generate more business.  Some are by manufacturers wanting to build their brand.  And some are by people associated with the industry who have something to say.  Some are attended to daily, some weekly, and some (like this one) start with good intentions, then sit on the metal roofing sidelines for a few years. If this is to succeed and be looked at by followers, there must be a niche/need that it fulfills.  Why else would you take the time to see what's been said any given day?

And that's where I'm at right now.  I have metal roofing knowledge, experience, connections.  I'll continue to play and see where we best mesh.  Thanks!

Seven Reasons Your Next Roof MUST be Metal

It must be metal for the warranty.

50 years is a very long time, and that’s what most metal roofing manufacturers provide. Traditional asphalt roofs are only warranted from 10 to 20 years on average.  Put on the metal and don’t think about your roof again for a long, long time!

It must be metal for the good looks.

There’s no end to the colors, the styles, and the unique appearances that are possible.  Metal roofing can look like shingles.  Meal roofing can look like slate.  Can shingle and slate look like metal?

It must be metal to stand up against the weather.

High winds, hail, storms – you’ll be glad you’re under metal when the storms hit.  Metal roofing is strong… stronger than shingles (but you already knew that!). 

It must be metal because metal is hard to burn.

Some insurance companies are giving discounts for metal roofing.  Insurance companies base their decisions on proven statistics.  Yes, metal roofing does not easily burn.

It must be metal because only metal is metal.

Metal is lighter than other roofing materials.  Metal is stronger than other roofing materials.  Only metal can be lighter AND stronger.

It must be metal for the environment.

Metal roofs are engineered to be efficient on your home.  Metal incorporates new technology.

It must be metal so you don’t have to worry about it.

Where will you be in 50 years?  At least you’ll know where your roof is!

Agricultural Metal Buildings

Many people think of the classic metal farm building when they hear the term Metal Roofing. The buildings were originally designed to enclose a lot of space in an economical way.  But today, like all metal construction, the designs have matured and moved into all areas of commercial and residentail building projects.  The primary reason this took place is the evolution of the metal panel.  New blends of steel and aluminum, new coatings, improved paints, advanced building technologies... they all contributed to the steel building boom.  Through it all, metal roofing has led the way.  If there is a "Marines" in the industry, it's the roofing!  It takes the heat, stands up against the weather, and protects everything underneath.

The use and acceptance of metal roofing is spreading rapidly.  Consider it for your next building project.  Be part of a bright metallic future, and not an asphalt past.

Top 10 results: Metal Roofing Information

If someone Googles "Metal Roofing Information," here are the results they'd see today on the first page.  Are they the listings you'd expect to see?

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/research-metal-roofing-prices.html

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/

http://www.themetalinitiative.com/

http://www.metalroofingtips.com/

http://www.mcelroymetal.com/content/residential/

http://www.metalroofingsource.com/installation_pro.htm

http://www.metalroofingsource.com/roof_measurement.htm

http://www.coolmetalroofing.org/

http://www.designandbuildwithmetal.com/MediaKit/Items/metal_roofing_information.aspx

http://ezinearticles.com/?Metal-Roofing-Installation---All-The-Information-You-Need!&id=606118

Choosing your metal roofing contractor

Here are a few things to check when selecting a metal roofing contractor.  These are the minimum basics you need to verify:

Does the firm have liability insurance - get a copy of the Certificate of Insurance and then call to verify. 
Is the contractor recommended by manufacturers?
Does the contractor have references from past customers?
Is the contractor familiar with local building codes?

Will metal roofing rust?

Metal roofing systems have come a long way in the past twenty years.  They are manufactured to be durable and long lasting.  Almost all steel metal roofing has a scientifically researched and tested coating made of zinc, or zinc with aluminum.  This extra layer is chemically bonded to the steel during the manufacturing process.  It stops rust from forming.  Paint formulated for harsh environments, often for specific geographic areas, is applied over the rust-preventing metallic coating.  Color is long lasting.  The panels do not rust.