Myths About Metal Roofing:
If you’re thinking, Hy-Grade has heard it all regarding the myths about permanent metal roofing after having been in business since 1988, you’d be right. We have. And here’s just a few of the more common myths we hear:
- it will rust
- you can’t walk on it
- it attracts lightening
- It’s too noisy when it rains
- it’s vulnerable to high winds
- it will make my house hotter
- And the biggest myth we hear almost every day… “I can’t afford it!”
The source of most of these myths is outdated information and memories. Unfortunately, when too many people think about steel roofing to solve their roof problems, this is what they recall: standing seam metal also known as “barn steel”….
Hy-Grade’s unique shake design, made exclusively for Ontario’s temperature extremes, doesn’t resemble or perform like this “barn steel”. It’s made to last for many generations. Now, let’s dispel these myths…
#1 Too Noisy When It Rains…
With Hy-Grade’s steel roofing system and its wood strapping that’s attached to your roof deck, there’s a 2-3 inch gap between the deck and the steel shakes. Along with providing self-ventilation, this gap affords sound attenuation.
“…It was one of my concerns with this type of roof, whether it would make more noise during rainfall… but in actual fact, I would say it makes less noise”.
-Father Martin Vallely (formerly of) Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Kitchener, ON.
#2 It Attracts Lightning…
We often remove lightning rods from roofs, and have no need to re-install them. This is because the Hy-Grade steel roof is not “grounded,” nor is it combustible. Moreover, lightning is attracted to the highest point around. But even if that’s your roof, Hy-Grade’s metal roof dissipates any electrical charge if struck by lightning, which you wouldn’t even know if it was except maybe due to the thunderclap.
#3 You Can’t Walk On It…
It’s true you probably can’t walk on some metal roofs like aluminum, they’re just too thin. Hy-Grade’s metal roof shake is designed with ribs at the end of which are the unique fastening sockets. These ribs, which you should NOT walk on, provide strength for the flat areas in between them. Extreme care should be taken when walking on a Hy-Grade roof. If the roof is too steep, OR it’s wet, it is best to stay off.
#4 It’s Vulnerable To High Winds…
Hy-Grade’s warranty covers sustained winds that approach hurricane strength. The way Hy-Grade’s shakes are attached to the wood strapping system creates downward forces that resist lifting. The large upper center window in the house (to the left) was blown out by extreme winds caused by wind shear directly off of Lake Huron. But not a single Hy-Grade steel shake was lifted… plus Hy-Grade warrants its roofs to 120 kpm sustained winds. That’s just under Category 1 hurricane force sustained winds.
#5 It Will Make My House Hotter…
According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy: Buildings Technology Program, conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee Hy-Grade’s use of “Above Sheathing Ventilation” (ASV), as created by its double wood strapping system, can save up to 30% on your annual energy bills. Even Hy-Grade black coloured shakes afford as much seasonal cooling load as so called “cool colour” metal attached directly to the roof deck even through a membrane. Moreover, any company that claims their roof is Energy Star rated in Canada is mistaken at best and completely deceptive at worst as no roofs in Canada are eligible for Energy Star.
And The Biggie…#6…I Can’t Afford It…
This couldn’t be further from the truth. For those of you who have purchased asphalt roofs before, you know how their useful lives have grown shorter: Your first asphalt roof might have lasted 40+ years. We strap over shingled roofs as few as 5 years old on a routine basis, much to the dismay of the owners who thought they bought a “30-year” shingle. Click here to learn more about this.
With the average life now of around 12 years, you’ll buy four asphalt roofs before your Hy-Grade warranty even expires, and that’s about half of what we believe its effective life will be. Multiply the cost of asphalt by four, or more, and you’ll quickly determine a steel roofing system from Hy-Grade makes the most affordable choice… your 1st choice for your last roof.
Contact Hy-Grade Steel Roofing System For Your No Cost—No Obligation
Assessment Of Your Roofing Needs. 1(855) HY-GRADE 1-855-494-7233
