In this roofing section of Hometips for Home Improvement, I explain the drawbacks and disadvantages of metal roofing.

Though many pluses are associated with metal roofing, it also has few drawbacks or concerns to mention. Many of these drawbacks of metal roofing have been improved by most manufacturers, there still remain few concerns:

Cost: The first drawback with metal roofing is the initial cost. Metal roofing may cost about $150 to $600 per square feet, which is equivalent to other premium roofing materials. But, since the life of these metal roofing materials is good, it is worth investing in them. You get back the return if you plan to live in the house for long. In any case, metal roof installation allows you to save on engineering the supporting structure and on maintenance.

Noise: Many of you may like the sound of rain tapping on the roof, but for many others, it is almost like living inside a drum. In a rainstorm or hailstorm, living under thin sheets of metal on the roof is noisier than living beneath thick slate or tile. So, noise is another drawback of metal roofs. You can control the noise by using materials with structural barriers to minimize the drumming effect and by applying them over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.

Denting: A metal roof may dent if large hailstones fall on it. Metal roofing materials such as aluminum and copper are much softer than steel and are more prone to denting. Some types metal roofing metals are guaranteed not to dent. You don’t have to walk on your metal roof that doesn’t leak, but, occasionally, your plumber may need to snake out a vent pipe or a chimney sweep and may need access to the flue. It is notable that you can walk on some metal roofs but not all; it depends on how the product is made and the type of construction supporting it. Metal is slippery when wet and you need to be careful.

Marring: Metal roofing products and materials are guaranteed for many years, but some painted metal roof finishes can peel, chip, fade, scratch, or chalk. Walking on some types, particularly those with a granulated-stone surface may cause wear. Installers must be careful not to scratch or dent roofing during installation and panels must be treated with care. Some metal shingle systems are installed from the top down, thus eliminating the need to walk on them. After installation, it may be necessary to hose-off roofing from time to time in order to keep it looking good.

Expansion & contraction: Metal is a good conductor of heat and it expands and contracts as it warms and cools. Many new products have fastening systems accounting for movement. Otherwise, fasteners that secure roofing tend to be loose.

Modification: Another drawback of metal roofing is that metal roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles. Also, if you plan to remodel or add on to your home after 10 or 20 years, it may be difficult to match the material.

Lightning: It is assumed that because metal conducts electricity, it also attracts it. This, however, is not true. There are many documented instances of lightning striking trees or other high objects located near metal roofs rather than the roofs themselves. If desired, metal roofs can be easily grounded by a lightning protection company.