Tom Black, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance answers frequently asked questions about the use of metal roofing in residential applications.

QUESTION: Is a metal roof louder during a rainstorm?

ANSWER: A properly installed metal roof with insulation is no louder during the rain than any other roof.

QUESTION: Does installing a metal roof increase the chances of home being struck by lightning?

ANSWER: No. Lightning always strikes the highest point. Having a metal roof will not affect this. If the roof is the highest point, you may want to consider installing a lightning rod. The good news is that if lightning did hit the house, a metal roof would actually help because it is fire resistant.

QUESTION: Does a metal roof have any insurance benefits for homeowners?

ANSWER: Weather-resistant metal roofing can provide long-term protection to homes and result in decreased insurance costs. Impact resistant UL Standard 2218 tested metal roofing and fire-resistant Class A, B and C metal roofing can protect a home during extreme weather events. MRA recommends that contractors remind consumers to check with their insurance company to investigate these discounts. In some areas of the country, insurers are offering discounts up to 30% for homes protected by a metal roof.

QUESTION: Does investment grade metal roofing reduce homeowners energy consumption?

ANSWER: As reported, metal roofing can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 degrees F. Combined, these benefits mean lower energy costs, less dependence on non-renewable energy resources and reduced general air pollution.

QUESTION: What are the environmental benefits of metal roofing?

ANSWER: Most metal roofing, including standard seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty. In addition, at the end of its useful life, metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable where other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the ton in landfills.

QUESTION: Does a metal roof protect a home from wildfires?

ANSWER: Most forest fires decimate residential communities through burning pine needles and other debris blown from roof to roof. A metal roof is non-combustible, and does provide protection from wildfires. More conventional roofs, such as asphalt, are petroleum products and therefore catch fire relatively easy and the home subsequently burns to the ground.