Don’t use Pole Barn Metal Roofing on your home! Here’s why

When it comes to roofing, the options are almost endless. You can choose between natural materials like cedar shake and red clay tile, or synthetic materials like pole barn metal roofing and tile. Each has unique pros and cons, and every home has different needs. But if you live in an area with a lot of rain, humidity or high winds – it’s worth paying special attention to your roof.

A modern metal standing seam roof will last 40 years on average and is among the strongest materials available for use on houses. They’re also extremely cost-effective, which makes them a smart choice for almost any house. However, not all roofs are created equal. If you’re thinking about installing a pole barn metal roof on your home, don’t do it! Let us explain why…

Pole Barn Metal Roofing Explained

Pole barn metal roofing held together by numerous exposed screws is known as screw-down metal roofing. It is screwed down onto a structure to create an exposed-fastener or through-fastened roofing system. It is one of the most basic metal roofing systems you will find, and it is especially popular over garages and unheated spaces.

Are there any pros to using corrugated metal panels for my home’s roof?

There are a few benefits to screw down roofing, it’s one of the cheapest options, plus its great for areas that you don’t mind if it has a few leaks. People with little expertise can easily install it since it does not require a lot of labor. Furthermore, since the roof is screwed down to the frame, installation is quick and simple.

Ok, so what about the cons of using pole barn metal for my roof?

Because screw-down metal roofs are affixed to their frames using only screws, they are susceptible to thermal expansions and contractions. When these pole barn metal roof panels expand and contract as a result of temperature changes, they exert a significant amount of force against the screws that hold them in position. This can lead to screws snapping off and shortening the life of the roof. In fact, typically contractors must come out every five to ten years to replace all of the screws on these roofs.

There are around 70 screws per square foot of metal roofing. A house of about 2,100 square feet has about 2,000-2,500 screws. Although the screws include a rubber washer that is supposed to make a seal against the metal to keep water out, the screw must be driven in correctly and to the proper depth. Under driving a screw will not produce a seal, over driving a screw will damage the rubber washer, and driving a screw at an incorrect angle will not produce a seal either. That suggests there might be as many as 2,000-2,500 potential leaks in the future. Now imagine trying to locate the leak, yikes!

The metal panel may last for 40-50+ years, but the rubber washers keeping water out will only last 9-15 years. Like we mentioned above, metal has the highest expansion and contraction rates of any other roofing material on the market, it expands and contracts each day as the temperature changes. This daily expansion-contraction process is too much for rubber washers, which gradually degrade and lose their seals as a result. The metal is great, but the process to install that type of metal is what typically leads to issues.

So what is the best metal roof type for my house?

Standing seam metal roofing is one of the most durable metal roofing materials, and it can last up to 50+ years. Since the fasteners on standing seam metal roofs are concealed, there’s very little possibility of leakage, while conventional pole barn metal roofing panels are typically screwed down with visible fasteners. In addition to its longevity, environmental friendliness, and efficiency, standing seam systems can also be put on top of an existing roof.

Another factor when considering a standing seam metal roof, cost and installation. Because the metal required for the job needs to be a thicker gauge, and requires more handling with care, having a professional and experienced installer is critical for the job. Picking the right contractor can make all the difference. While traditional roofing material may be cheaper and quicker to install, you’ll still have the downside that it requires more maintenance and needs to be replaced a lot earlier.

Using a residential and commercial roofing contractor like Royalty Roofing, who has been in business for 36 years, and has over 80 plus industry awards can get the job done quickly and at a fair price. A roof is a large investment in your home, anyone would agree that experience and proven ability can make all the difference in your roof repair experience.

With over 36 years in business as one of the best commercial and residential roofing contractors, and 80 plus industry awards, we know Royalty Roofing is the best contractor for the job. If you’re interested in learning more contact us at (812) 523-8392 or send us a message.