One of the most common questions we hear is “Will installing a metal roof impact the temperature of my home?” While there are rumors that metal roofs can overheat your home and turn it into an oven, this is completely untrue!
But we can see why people believe it. If you touch something that’s metal when you’re outside in the heat, it’s going to be pretty darn hot. So, why wouldn’t that heat transfer to the interior of your home?
Believe it or not, metal roofs have the opposite impact on interior climate and your comfort. They are an excellent choice if you want to lower your energy use and have a sustainable roof. Here is what you need to know to debunk this myth.
All Metals Are Not Made Equally
That hot doorknob you touch probably isn’t made of the same material as a metal roof. Heat conductivity, which is the rate of transfer of energy through a material, varies depending on the type of metal. For example, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, but cooper is an excellent one.
High Heat Conductivity Isn’t All Bad
Even if you have a metal roof that conducts heat, it doesn’t mean that your home is going to feel like an oven. For example, asphalt has low conductivity, but it’s still going to be hot to the touch. It’s also incredibly slow to release heat and can be an inefficient material for roofing. A metal roof that has high heat conductivity will quickly release that heat in the evening, making your home cooler at night.
Heat Absorption is an Important Factor
Now that you understand a little bit more about heat conductivity, it’s clear that this isn’t the best factor to use when judging your roofing material. One of your primary considerations should be heat absorption, meaning how much heat the material absorbs from the sun. Metal roofing materials that are good at reflecting instead of absorbing heat will keep your home cooler.
One of the biggest advantages of metal roofs is that they can reflect heat better than other materials like asphalt. Lighter colors also do a better job at heat reflection than darker colors.
Metal Roofs Are Made of More Than Just Metal
Another misconception about metal roofs is that a panel of metal is all that separates your roof from your home. This isn’t the case. A metal roofing system includes an insulation layer that also works to keep your home cool and helps prevent heat and cool air from escaping.
Get Help With Your Next Metal Roof in Missouri
Now that you know some of the benefits of having a metal roof, it’s time to take it to the next step. Excel Metal Roofing, L.L.C. is one of Missouri’s premier metal roofing companies. Over the past two decades, we have installed more metal roofs on homes than any other company in the state. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
