Most of what homeowners believe about metal and steel roofing being noisy, rust-prone, or a lightning risk comes from older, uninsulated barn-style panels, not the engineered residential systems installed today. Here’s the reality behind the myths that come up most.
Myth: Metal Roofs Are Loud in the Rain
Reality: a modern metal roof installed over solid decking, underlayment, and attic insulation performs similarly to other roofing materials when it comes to noise. Most complaints about noisy metal roofs come from older installations without a solid deck or proper underlayment underneath.
Myth: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Reality: lightning strikes the tallest or most exposed point in an area, not a specific roofing material. A metal roof does not increase the odds of a strike. Since metal is non-combustible, a properly grounded metal roof can actually lower fire risk compared to combustible materials if a strike does occur.
Myth: Metal Roofs Rust Quickly
Reality: today’s steel roofing panels use factory-applied coatings engineered specifically to resist corrosion, often for decades. How well a specific roof resists rust over time depends on the coating and finish used and how well seams, fasteners, and cut edges are maintained, so it’s worth asking what coating and warranty back the product you’re considering.
Myth: Metal Roofing Isn’t Worth the Extra Cost
Reality: metal roofing does cost more upfront than asphalt shingles. Many metal roofing systems are built to last approximately 40 to 70 years, depending on the product, installation, and maintenance, compared to a considerably shorter service life for asphalt shingles. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and how you weigh upfront cost against long-term value, not a single right answer. 1st Choice Home Solutions also offers financing options to help make the upfront cost easier to plan around.
See Your Metal Roofing Options
1st Choice Home Solutions installs a range of metal and steel roofing products built for Ontario’s climate. If you’re weighing metal against asphalt for your next roof, book a free quote and we’ll help you compare the options for your home.
