Despite residential roofing being installed on homes all across the U.S. (and more than a few here in the Minneapolis area), the myth regarding it making a house hot in the summer remains.  We're not sure why, and nobody asks the reverse - will it make my home cold in the winter?  But the truth is, one of the best things you can do for your home to make it more comfortable in the summer months - and all year long - is to replace your roof with steel or other metal roofing.

Metal Roofing WILL NOT Make Your Home Hot in Summer

Where did this idea come from?  Probably from what people have experienced in pole barns in summer.  Pole barns often have corrugated metal roofing. But that roof is usually installed without any insulation underneath it, just un-coated metal.  But it's not a fair comparison, because metal roofing manufactured for homes doesn't function like those pole barn toppers.

Here's the truth about residential metal roofing, and hopefully as we get the word out, this myth will vanish:

  • Metal roofs are extremely energy efficient.  Some metal roofing colors are classified as 'cool' roofs because their color and finish actually reflect the sun's heating rays away from the home rather than absorb it (as much asphalt roofing does). Metal roofs in general have the reflecting characteristic, but light colored roofs are even better it it.
  • The process we use to install our metal roofing creates an insulating, cooling cushion of air underneath the roof, increasing the comfort level inside your home.
  • According to figures issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, temps on a roof can reach up to 150º when the sun is beating down on it. But with metal roofing, you can expect that temperature to be almost 50º cooler.  That's just one of the reasons a metal roof is so long-lasting. With asphalt, extreme summer heat can cause premature aging. 
So, with a metal roof on your home, you can expect to run your air conditioner less.  Than means lower utility bills in the hot months as well as less wear and tear on your A/C system.  An additional benefit is that spaces not normally air conditioned - such as an attic - stay cooler, which reduces the heat that can make its way into the rest of the house.

Got more questions about metal roofing?  We're happy to bust up any myths you've heard and give you the facts.  We believe there is NO BETTER roofing for Twin Cities homes than metal, and that's why installation of metal roofs is our specialty.  We are a licensed Minnesota roofing contractor.  Why not contact us today for a free quote?