You can find myths about anything these days, especially when it comes to metal roofing.
Most myths are like bad rumours. No one knows where they started, but they spread like wildfire. And if you believe them, you might end up making a costly mistake.
At Westman Steel, we think it’s time to clear the air. Let’s bust some of the biggest metal roofing myths and uncover the truth.
Myth #1: Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
Myth #2: Metal Roofs Are Noisy
Myth #3: Metal Roofs Rust Over Time
Ever been told not to hold a metal object in a thunderstorm because it ‘attracts’ lightning? That’s nonsense.
Metal doesn’t draw lightning any more than a wooden pole does. The reason we associate metal with lightning is simple: lightning rods, which are made of metal, are designed to direct lightning safely into the ground.
So what does that mean for your metal roof? Absolutely nothing. It’s no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other material. In fact, metal is a smart choice because it’s non-combustible. If lightning does strike, your roof won’t catch fire like shingles or wood.
Picture a tin roof on an old barn in a rainstorm. Loud, right? That’s because it’s installed directly over open beams. But that’s not how modern metal roofing works.
Most metal roofs are installed over a solid deck with insulation, which absorbs sound. In other words, they’re no noisier than asphalt shingles. And if you like the sound of rain? There are ways to adjust the installation to let you hear it more.
Rusty old metal roofs? That’s a thing of the past.
Galvanizing with zinc to protect the base metal from rust was developed in France in 1837. In 1857, the mint building in New Orleans used corrugated 20-gauge steel to fireproof the structure. Steel roofing history is over 100 years of proven performance.
Modern metal roofing uses coatings like Galvalume®—a mix of steel, aluminum, and zinc—to prevent rust. Plus, high-quality paint systems like Perspective Plus, which has a 40-year paint warranty.
It sounds logical: metal gets hot in the sun, so it must make your house an oven. But actually, the opposite is true.
Modern metal roofs reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, thanks to cool roofing technology. High Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) coatings bounce heat away, keeping your home cooler and cutting down on air conditioning costs.
The Bottom Line If you’re basing your decision on these myths, you could be missing out on a strong, long-lasting, and energy-efficient roofing solution. Don’t fall for the nonsense—go with the facts. And if you have questions, we’re always here to help.