Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What are the main features and benefits?

To the Homeowner

  • aesthetically pleasing roof designs and colors
  • long lasting and durable
  • non-combustible
  • energy efficient
  • low maintenance
  • resistant to decay, discoloration and mildew
  • environmentally caring
  • excellent qualities in wind resistance, and water, snow and ice shedding
  • upgrade home appearance
  • better resale value

To Builders

  • competitively priced in a stable market
  • faster installation and occupancy
  • wide selection of designs, colors, sheet thicknesses and finishes
  • a full compliment of matching trims, flashing and formed accessories
  • used for steep or low slope roofs
  • consistent in quality
  • light weight
  • easy to work with
  • will not warp, curl, or split
  • an excellent method for re-roofing existing roofs

To Architects

  • a broad spectrum of design opportunities for high and low slopes, dormers, valleys, mansards, and complex roof profiles.
  • a wide variety of colors, shapes, textures and shadow patterns low life-cycle cost fire resistant the opportunity to build both quality and enhanced appearance into the home good technical design support from the steel roofing industry

Environmental Benefits:

  • made of 100% recyclable materials
  • coil coating process is efficiently and ecologically managed
  • conserves valuable landfill area in re-roofing projects by eliminating the requirement for the disposal of the existing roof
  • excellent product for "sustainable" construction

Where can I buy a steel roof?

Steel roofing is normally purchased through distributors (e.g. building supply stores or lumber yards). Please contact us to provide a dealer near you.

How much does it cost?

Cost is determined on a number of things:

Amount of product you will need to complete the roof will have an effect on the total cost. Depending on how large the project is will be a large factor in price range.

Complexity of roof area is another factor in determining price. (i.e. valleys or transitions, dormers, number of hips, etc.)

Style type of the roofing desired; whether this is standing seam, vertical rib, or tiled, all different types of style vary in price.

Color and paint system can also impact the cost of steel roofing costs.

Because metal roofing is a premium, longer life home product, you can expect the initial cost to be more than an asphalt shingle roof would cost. However, no matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, its life cycle cost will be less. In the long run, a metal roof is less expensive than tile, cedar shake and slate roofing.

Where can I get an estimate?

To get an estimate you will need to contact a roofing applicator. Please contact us for a dealer near you. We also suggest to hire a professional to do the job. A dealer nearest to you would be able to suggest an applicator in your area that can quote on doing the job.

How can I find a contractor?

  • Yellow pages (A contractor that specializes in farm buildings may have the most steel roofing experience)
  • Inquire while pricing out the cost.
  • Always ask prospective contractors for references on jobs done in steel.

Is it necessary to strap the roof first before installing the steel roofing?

Not always. Some roofing requires strapping to fasten down their products, so we should be consulted before application.

In a re-roofing application strapping can be useful to provide better anchorage to the roof trusses and to level out the roof surface. There is also some advantage to having an air space behind the roofing, consult us about the product type.

Are steel roofs heavier than other roofs? Do they require additional structural support?

Contrary to popular belief, steel roofing is very lightweight compared to other roofing materials. Depending on the system, it can be up to 50% lighter than some asphalt roofs.

No additional support is needed. In fact, steel roofs can be light enough to be installed directly over existing roofs without stripping off the old material at a significant cost savings.

Does the installer have to remove the existing roof?

In some cases, strapping can be installed directly over top of the existing roof. Not only does this save the time and labor involved in stripping the old roof, but it also eliminates disposal costs and keeps hundred of pounds of roofing materials out of landfills.

Your individual contractor will have to evaluate whether this is a suitable option for your house.

What colors are available?

Steel roofing is available in a rainbow of colors. Click here to see our color variations.

What styles are available?

Residential steel roofing is available in a number of styles and types. In addition to profiles that are distinct to steel (like standing seam, vertical rib and corrugated), many steel roofing styles replicate other traditional roofing materials including shingle, slate, clay tile, and cedar shakes.

What types of paint coatings are available?

Paint coatings that are available include modified polyester, fluorocarbon (Kynar), and PVC (plastisol) coatings. The choice of a paint system will depend on the architecture of your roof, the local environment, and the desired performance.

Contact us to discuss the options with you and help you to determine which paint type would be most suitable for your particular home.

How long will it last?

While the life span of any building product will depend on the aggressiveness of the local environment, studies show that you can expect a steel roof to last at up to 2 to 3 times longer than a regular asphalt shingle roof.

In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond, where the average life span of an asphalt roof would be 12 to 20 years. Asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather.

Asphalt shingles are also subject to biological attack from mold and other destructive organisms. A metal roof, on the other hand, is inorganic and will never decompose. A steel roof will last even longer with minimal maintenance (e.g. periodic washing). Post painting when necessary will also extend the product life.

How well do steel roofs stand up to severe weather?

Steel roofs are designed to meet or exceed the strict wind and water penetration standards set out by the local building codes. Extensive testing is done to ensure they comply with these requirements.

In addition, steel roofs have some special characteristics that make them exceptionally resistant to severe weather. It will not chip or crack like slate or tile from hail or ice. Steel is good for preventing excessive snow build-up and ice dams.

How will my steel roof stand up to Wildfires?

Steel is a non-combustible material and will not spread fire. Consequently, it will resist the heat from windblown sparks that are commonly associated with wildfires, keeping your home safer.

Is it noisy when it rains?

Steel roofing not only provides strength, but also when coupled with high build finishes, absorbs and deadens much of the noise. With the home insulation standards of today, you should not notice any difference in noise levels between roofing materials.

Will a steel roof heat up the attic?

The characteristics of metal are such that it absorbs and dissipates heat quickly. As with any material, color is one of the governing factors related to reflectivity and absorption. Metal roofing on your home should not affect your energy requirements, and could in fact reduce it.

How will a steel roof affect the resale value of my home?

Steel roofing makes economic sense and adds to the value of your home. Your roof's long life, durability, low maintenance requirements, and lasting aesthetic appeal will all be strong selling points. Prospective buyers will take notice of this feature when the time comes for you to sell.

What sort of maintenance is required on a steel roof?

Very little maintenance is needed for steel roofs. The roofs can be periodically washed to remove any debris. In the long term, occasionally repainting your roof will extend its life by decades.

Can a steel roof help prevent snow build-up and ice dams?

One of the great features of a steel roof is its ability to shed snow and prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams are notorious for causing ceiling leaks and can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Will I have problems installing accessories like satellite dishes?

Methods of installing accessories like satellite dishes on steel roofs have been developed, and are easily followed. Your contractor or local building supply store should be able to give you specific instructions.

Does a steel roof attract more lightning?

No. Lightning is no more of a concern for a steel-roofed house than for a house with any other type of roof.

Will a steel roof affect reception inside my house?

No. Steel roofs have no notable effect on reception.

Why steel?

Steel has been successfully used for roofing on commercial and institutional buildings for over 50 years. This long track record has shown steel roofing to be an attractive, versatile, and durable product, with a lifespan 2 to 3 times longer than conventional roofing products.

In addition, over the product life cycle, steel roofing is extremely cost effective. Residential construction is just beginning to realize the numerous benefits of steel roofing. A steel roof will add a distinctive elegance to your home while providing this host of additional benefits.

Are steel roofs environmentally friendly?

Since it is 100% recyclable, steel is an inherently environmentally friendly material. Recycled steel is used extensively in the production of new steel. Therefore, not only does each steel roof contain a portion of recycled material, but it can also be completely recycled at the end of its useful life.

Steel roofs help keep hundreds of tons of used roofing material out of our landfills each year.