What are the Disadvantages of a Metal Roof?

Are you considering a metal roof? Do you need a break down of potential problems or disadvantages to determine if metal roofing is right for you?

Metal roofing's popularity is at an all time high right now in the United States. However, it's not right for every one. 

And the main reason for this comes down to some big disadvantages metal roofing has compared to other roofing materials. Well, other than the roofer you hire, choosing a roofing material is the biggest decision you'll make. 

That's why I'll help you determine if a metal roof fits what you're looking for in a new roof. 

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners determine which roofing materials fit their needs, budget, and aesthetic. So, let's put all the great things a metal roof can offer you to side for now and look at the cons that come with a new metal roof. 

Let's get to the disadvantages of a metal roof in general and based on metal roof system. 

What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?

Metal roofing's disadvantages range from aesthetic issues to climate impact to pricing. However, there are two types of metal roofs, and some of the cons are specific to the type of metal roof system.

So, even though I'll break down the disadvantages for metal roofing in general, I'll be sure to specify if it's only for one or the other. 

With that in mind, let's look at the following disadvantages of a metal roof:

•  Repairs are harder
• Oil canning
• Potential maintenance issues
• Noise when it rains
• Climate impact
• Pricing

Repairs are harder on metal roofs

Metal roof repairs are more complex and difficult than other types of roofing materials. This is mainly due to the panels being long and continuous from the gutter line to the ridge instead of individual shingles.

So, it's requires cutting out pieces, welding, and taking multiple panels off just to fix a problem. Metal roofing repairs are also expensive due to this difficulty and the skill required to do the job right. 

Oil canning is a possibility on standing seam panels

Oil canning occurs when metal panels are installed too tightly together. If this happens, it gives the metal panels room to expand longways but no room to expand sideways. 

(Oil canning on a steel standing seam metal roof)

Over time, the metal roof will show signs of oil canning that starts with a “bubbling” look that eventually turns into a wavy look on the metal panels. Keep in mind that this is only on standing seam metal roof panels. 

However, oil canning doesn’t cause any functionality problems, just an aesthetic issue that some homeowners don’t like. To avoid it happening, it's crucial to hire a roofing contractor with plenty of metal roofing installation experience. 

Replacing screws on an exposed fastener metal roof

While a standing seam metal roof is virtually maintenance free due to hidden fasteners, a screw down panel metal roof is screwed down directly to roof decking. 

(Screws backing out on a screw down panel metal roof)

This creates a lack of expansion capabilities that causes pressure to wallow out the screws as the roof ages. Because of this, your roofing contractor will have to replace the screws with a size up every 5-10 years.  

Failing to do this will lead to roof leaks until the screws are replaced, and ,f it gets bad enough, wind get under the panels during strong storms. This is just one reason a standing seam metal roof is the recommended metal roof system for residential purposes. 

A metal roof makes noise when it rains

One of the biggest disadvantages of a metal roof homeowners don't think about is the echo from rain hitting a metal roof. A metal roof installed over solid decking will help because the wood (decking) between the metal panels and your ceiling helps absorb some of the noise.  

You can also add wood fiber insulation boards between your roof’s decking and your metal panels to help with the noise. These boards will provide an extra layer to absorb sound, but they won’t completely block out a heavy downpour.

Metal roofing may not be right for your climate

Metal is a great and reliable material, but climate affects different types of metal differently. So, metal roofing or a specific metal may not be the best option in certain areas.

For example, Galvanized steel is suitable for most climates in the United States. However, it performs best in areas without excessive moisture or salt exposure, which makes it a great option for landlocked or temperate regions.

On the other hand, aluminum’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it a great choice for coastal and very humid climates. However, it’s also more prone to hail and other damage in areas with frequent storms because it’s a softer metal.

Metal roofing is a great option for every corner of the United States. Just consider how your area’s climate affects the metal you’re considering.

Metal roofing is expensive

The biggest concern when getting a metal roof is also the biggest disadvantage, a quality metal roof is expensive. A screw down panel metal roof is about $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, plus maintenance fees to replace the screws. 

While an exposed fastener metal roof is decently affordable, the screw replacements and shorter lifespan make the initial price lower than it will be in the long run. On the other hand, a new steel standing seam metal roof costs around $16.00 per square foot.

Compared to standard architectural asphalt shingles, this makes a metal roof around double and almost triple the cost. But if you want a roof you won’t have to worry about for the next 50 years, a standing seam metal roof is great if you have the budget.

Is a metal roof worth the investment?

After reading this article, you should have a good idea if metal roofing is worth exploring for your upcoming roof replacement. 

As I said, I recommend a standing metal roof over a screw down panel metal roof for residential homes. However, it's up to you to decide which metal roof system to go with. 

Just keep the disadvantages in mind as you dig deeper. Speaking of which, disadvantages are just one side of the metal roofing coin. 

They'll help you disqualify it as a roofing material, but you can't truly make the best decision without knowing the benefits metal roofing provides compared to the disadvantages. 

That's why I wrote another article breaking down why a new metal roof is worth investment if you have the budget. 

Check out Is a Metal Roof a Good Investment to learn why metal roofing is becoming more popular with homeowners for residential roof replacements.