Will a permanent roof make my home hotter in the summer?

No. Many Permanent Roof owners have experienced utility savings after installation. A properly vented Steel Roof System moves air between the steel panel and the underlying deck. Heated air dissipates through the ridgeline while cooler air is drawn through eave vents.

Are permanent roofs noisy?

Concern about noise of metal roofs has kept otherwise eager consumers away from the product.  While it is true that metal can resonate unlike tile or wood, studies confirm that a properly installed metal roof yields no significant increase in noise compared to other roofing alternatives.  Attic insulation and double-pane windows  -- combined with the fact that many metal roofs are mounted flush on a solid decking -- all contribute to acceptable noise performance of metal roofing.  In addition, the embossed textures of new metal roofs help to disperse rain, reducing noise even further. 

Are homeowner insurance discounts available if I install a permanent roof?

Yes. Many Homeowner Insurance Providers now offer up to 35% discounts on insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider.

How does a permanent roof stand up to high winds?

Extremely well! Many of the types of permanent roofs are warranted to withstand 120 mph winds.

Does an existing roof need to be torn off to install a permanent roof?

Not usually. Typically, permanent roofs can be installed over existing wood shingle, shake or composition roofs. Your local contractor will check local building codes.  

Can a permanent roof be walked on?

Walkability is a factor on most roofs, and permanent roofs are not immune.  In cases where permanent roofs -- such as panels -- are laid flat on a solid plywood decking, the risk of damage is low.  However, if the roof is laid on battens, such as metal tiles and shingles, care must be taken to walk on the supported areas only.  Excessive weight on the unsupported sections can potentially deform the surface, requiring replacement. Generally, a properly installed permanent roof should require virtually no maintenance, mitigating the need to walk on it at all. 

Does heat and cold make a permanent roof contract and expand?

Yes. But, unlike heavy concrete roofing, lightweight metal roofing is designed to protect your home against contraction damage.

Will hail damage a permanent roof?

No. Most permanent roofs carry the industry leading Class 4 Hail-resistant Rating. That means that hailstones as large as 2.5" won't do a thing to your roof.

Are metal roofs safe in a lightning storm?

Contrary to popular belief, a metal roof is no more likely to attract lightning than any other type of roof.  Consider trees (made of wood) which frequently attract lightning.  Studies prove that lightning is attracted to the highest surrounding objects, regardless of their composition.  In the event lightning were to strike a metal roof, it will not combust like wood.  

How do I take care of my permanent roof?

Permanent roofs are virtually maintenance-free.  Period rinsing with a hose or pressure washer can help keep the surface clean and free of corrosive residue, such as bird droppings and acid rain.  Generally, the surface of permanent roofs do not support the growth of algae.

Will a permanent roof really make my home safer from fires?

Since metal, tile, and slate is non-combustible, it will not burn or support the spread of fire.  For fires that originate inside the home, a wood roof generally accelerates the spread of fire, as the wood provides increased dry fuel for the fire itself.  A permanent roof can help to preserve the integrity of the roof structure long enough to ensure a safe escape. For fires that originate outside the home (such as wildfire, or neighboring homes on fire), a permanent roof won't give floating embers any fuel to burn. Your chances of remaining fire free are extremely high.

How can I decide between the various kinds of permanent roofs?

Your best bet will be to schedule a design consultation with a permanent roofing specialist to discuss the factors listed in this book and look at several samples and photographs. It really comes down to a personal preference in looks and advantages desired.