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Does a metal roof attract lightning? Will I have to remove my existing roof? What does the “gauge” of the metal mean?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. People who’ve experienced barns or other structures where the metal roofing is visible from the interior can recall the “pinging” noise that rain makes when it hits the roof. In these applications, the metal is installed without a solid roof deck, so there is no dampening effect when something contacts the roof. In residential applications, metal roofing is installed on a solid plywood deck, just like shingles. When installed in this manner, metal roofing is no noisier than other roof materials. Union’s premium roofing products utilize high strength Metal Construction Association (MCA) certified steel that’s protected by an aluminum, zinc, and silicon anti-corrosion coating, commercially known as Galvalume®. The corrosion resistance of our steel is so outstanding, even our unpainted panels carry a 30 year limited warranty. We use this same high performance steel with our 300 and 500 series paint systems, giving you the highest level of corrosion resistance you can get in the industry. Beware of metal roofing that is not MCA certified as it could be constructed with inferior steel and paint systems. Many companies will advertise a paint warranty, but the underlying metal will not be warranted against corrosion. Be sure to ask about base metal warranties before you buy. Does a metal roof attract lightning? A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. Lightning typical targets the highest point in a given area, regardless of material. In the event that your roof is struck by lightning, a metal roof can actually help prevent damage by dissipating the electrical charge. Also, a metal roof is non-combustible. As with most roofing options, installation is a large percentage of the total cost, and this varies widely depending on your specific geographic area and the complexity of your roof. Depending on the metal roof purchased, the total installed cost could vary from $125 to $1100 per square. A square is equal to 100 square feet and is the measurement that is used to determine the size of your roof coverage area for quoting. Since metal is a premium upgrade, you can expect to pay more up-front than you would for a quality asphalt shingle. However, over the life of the roof, metal can save you over 60% in total installation and maintenance costs. To make an informed decision, make sure your dealer or contractor quotes the full range of paint grades and gauges available. Stepping up to a premium grade typically adds very little to the overall cost since installation is such a large component. In many cases, a few hundred dollars can mean the difference between getting an unwarranted low-end grade or a premium grade with a Lifetime transferable warranty. Will I have to remove my existing roof? Because metal roofing is so lightweight relative to its strength, it can usually be installed over existing roof materials. It’s very common for metal roofs to be installed directly on top of asphalt shingles. This saves on labor costs and disposal fees for stripping the old roof, not to mention reducing landfill waste. Local building codes and the condition of your current roof’s substructure will ultimately determine if you can install in this manner. What does the “gauge” of the metal mean? The gauge is a measure of the thickness of the metal, but it’s important to remember that the metal increases in thickness as the gauge numbers decrease. Union offers several gauge options. Listed in order from thinnest to thickest, they are Utility, Econ 29, 29, 26, and 24. It’s important to note that 29 gauge is the thinnest metal recommended for residential applications. Our heavy duty 24 gauge is recommended for those areas with severe weather, high winds, or hail.
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