Steel Roofing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it noisy when there’s rain coming down on my steel roof?

When properly installed, steel roofing should be no noisier than an asphalt shingle roof. Why this is is because steel roof panels are installed in a manner that leaves space in between the roofing material and the roofing deck. This is the same practice that is used when one soundproofs a space. The effect is similar when used in roofing. Depending on selection of steel roof panels, there may be additional noise reduction features incorporated into its design as well.

When it's been properly installed, how long does a steel roof last?

Steel roofing panels have the potential to last up to 50 years. Compared to other roof materials, steel does not peel, blister, crack, split, or delaminate. It's held up as one of the highest quality roofing materials in Canada and the United States. Some households may also appreciate the fact that a steel roof can be restored and recoated at the end of its traditional lifespan - estimated at fifty years - which can extend the lifetime of a steel roof even further.

Considering other roofing options, aren’t steel roofs one of the more expensive?

The upfront cost of a steel roof is higher than asphalt shingles however when considering the costs over the long-term, steel roofing avoids having to replace after 10-12 years. That’s what so many households struggle with, when working with asphalt shingles. Steel roofing is a cost-effective long-term investment that will outlast most other materials. Save hundreds of dollars down the line when you use choose steel roofing, one of the more affordable options.

Are there any ventilation requirements to consider when choosing a steel roof?

Any roof’s life expectancy depends heavily on the ventilation it receives. Depending on the type of material and its slope, a material like asphalt may require up to 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150-300 square feet. That equates to up to 7 vents for a 1,000 square foot asphalt roof, up to 10 vents for a 1,500 square foot roof, and up to 14 vents for a 2,000 square foot roof. Thankfully, steel roofing systems are designed with some of the most effective ventilation-friendly features, ensuring any property is thoroughly protected.

Does the color of steel roofing panels fade over time?

Many households and commercial properties who have chosen steel roofing may or may not notice a slight change in color. Depending on where you are situated in North America, the weather can affect color slightly. That said, the environment’s natural rain and/or washing the roof with a garden hose will help to guard against any fade. Note that any steel roofing product you choose in our catalogue comes equipped painted with high quality polyester at a thickness of 35 µm on granite deep mat wrinkled coating. This is applied to the galvanized steel substrate with a zinc coating minimum of 275 g/m² for granite.

Does Steel Roofers have a product warranty covering materials and installation?

Steel Roofers has a 55-year warranty on its roofing and offer an additional warranty with our paint manufacturers. Steel roofing as a material comes with its own unique warranty which applies immediately upon product delivery. The warranty is guaranteed to the client under the sole condition that an annual maintenance inspection is completed. Note that the guarantee does not depend on roof orientation though the slope of the roof has to be a minimum of 3/12. Also, registration is not required for your warranty.

Won’t a steel roof rust quickly over time with exposure to the elements?

What is easily one of the most frequently asked questions about steel roofing we receive is whether their steel roof will rust and the answer is absolutely not. Steel roof panels undergo several baths in the manufacturing process, oftentimes including rust-resistant zinc or aluminum coatings and/or similar coatings. The only opportunity there is for steel roofing to rust is if you are using an inexperienced professional roofing contractor who is using untreated steel. In that case, some rust may become present.

Is it safe to have a steel roof in areas prone to lightning storms?

There is absolutely no increase in the chance your property will be hit by lightning if you have a steel roof. For argument’s sake, if your home were to be struck by lightning, that energy would be safely dispersed across the steel structure. Unlike asphalt, steel is not flammable and is not combustible. Though steel is a good conductor of electricity, on a property, it works to direct the current around it and discharge it to the ground. Therefore, it works quite similarly to what would happen if you were sitting in a car that was struck by lightning. In fact, it’s a very healthy, low-risk option for properties in areas prone to lightning strikes and thunder storms.

Can my steel roof be damaged by hail and similar weather events?

As a roofing material, steel is highly resistant to damage from extreme weather and hail. Compared to asphalt shingles which can really take a beating during hailstorms, steel fares really well. They are, in fact, considered one of the best materials to handle hail and have the highest impact resistance.

Is it safe to walk on my steel roof?

Absolutely! After a steel roof has been properly installed, a property owner can safely walk across their roof without expectation of damage. That said, we always recommend you speak with your installer prior to doing this to ensure you are doing it most safely. Depending on the style of the steel and the pitch of the roof, there may be special considerations that have to be made as to how to safely walk across a property’s unique roof.

Is choosing steel as a roofing material an environmentally-friendly roofing selection?

Steel is one of the most environmentally-friendly roofing options in North America. As much as 56 percent of your steel roofing panels come from recycled materials and at the end of a roof’s lifespan, that steel can be reprocessed and reused again in other applications. According to some estimates, as much as 20 billion pounds of asphalt roofing shingles are dumped into US landfills alone every year. In comparison, steel is so much more eco-friendly and continues to be considered as one of the more environmentally responsible choices you can make for your roof.