Surprisingly, one of the main fears people hold about metal roofs is without merit: Metal roofs do not attract lightning.
Metal Roofs and Lighting
The misconception that metal roofs attract lightning is probably because metal itself is known as a good conductor of electricity, and people, therefore, assume that a metal roof must attract lightning. In reality, when lightning strikes, it is seeking a path to ground and almost always will strike whatever object is highest in the area that also has a direct path to ground. Your metal roof is not grounded, and thus lighting has no reason to strike it. A metal roof in no way makes your home more vulnerable or susceptible to lightning strikes.
Some Actual Disadvantages to Metal Roofs
Fear of lightning strikes may be an imaginary problem, but there are a few genuine disadvantages to metal roofs. The one disadvantage that poses an actual safety risk is the fact that metal roofs are indeed slippery when wet or when covered with snow. It is never a good idea to climb on a metal roof when it is moist or covered with snow. They are so slippery that snow “avalanching” off the roof is a definite hazard in areas that experience heavy snowfalls in winter. There are some advantages to this, since snow that slips off the roof can’t build up on top of it. People owning asphalt-shingled homes in heavy snow areas may need to rake snow off their roofs in winter, but this is never an issue on a home with metal roofs. But it is also possible for snow to avalanche off a metal roof in such quantities that it can damage decks, shrubs, cars, or even people. In ski areas notorious for heavy snowfalls, metal roofs are often equipped with snow guards—metal or plastic clips or even horizontal bars mounted to sturdy brackets. Homeowners can employ the same technology to prevent avalanches from the roofs of their homes. Other disadvantages of metal roofs are not matters of safety, but also issues of convenience or affordability:
Metal roofs can be loud during rainstorms or hail. It’s a simple fact that any object falling on a metal roof will be louder than objects falling on an asphalt shingle or wood shake roof. Modern installation processes can insulate somewhat against this noise, though, and over time, owners of metal roofs seldom view this as a serious disadvantage. Metal roofs can fade in time or may be susceptible to staining. If not installed correctly, metal roofs can fail at the seams. It’s essential to have a metal roof installed by a qualified, experienced contractor. Metal roofs are considerably more expensive than most other options. When compared to an asphalt shingle roof, for example, a metal roof is at least twice as expensive. Remember, though, that the average metal roof lasts much longer than an asphalt shingle roof.
Advantages Greatly Outweigh the Drawbacks
Metal roofs continue to grow in popularity, and one of their “disadvantages” actually turns out to be an advantage when viewed from the big picture. Although initially much more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof (for example), a metal roof lasts much, much longer, and in the final measure is usually the better investment. (Some insurers even offer homeowners a discount on their premiums for metal roofs.) Among the many advantages of a metal roof:
The life expectancy is 50 to 75 years or even more, as opposed to the 15 to 25 years of life for an asphalt shingle roof. The surface reflects heat, lowering cooling costs in hot climates. They are less susceptible to leaking than shingles when installed correctly. They resist wind damage better than other roofing choices. Metal roofs are fireproof, making them good choices in areas where wildfire is a risk. Metal roofs are recyclable when they reach the end of their useful life.
