
Choosing a Commercial Metal Roof
For businesses and industries, commercial metal roofing is one of the best ways to protect the structure, save on energy, and lengthen the timeframe it must be replaced. But there are many companies that are hesitant about having commercial metal roofing installed because of things they have heard, like the fear of lightning and the noise level.
So, we are going to address some of those concerns and their validity by answering some questions. Like, will a metal roof attract lightning? Not sure where or when this rumor became a fact, but there has been extensive research proving that commercial metal roofing is not any more likely to attract a lightning strike than other types of roofing material.
Yes, metal is a conductor of electricity, but it is also a Class A in fire resistance and is non-combustible. Homes and business structures in regions prone to lightning storms can often get a discount on insurance with commercial metal roofing.
When commercial metal roofing is struck by lightning, it is quickly conducted away toward the ground or another conductor close by. Where it is thought that lightning starts a fire on commercial metal roofing, it is because of the intense heat it produces catching something on the roof or inside the structure, not the metal roofing itself.
Are metal roofs noisy?
When installed properly, quality commercial metal roofing isn’t going to be any louder than other types of commercial roofing materials. You may be saying to yourself, “Wait a minute! I got caught in my grandpa’s old metal barn during a hailstorm and it was LOUD!”. Well, that would be because it wasn’t installed with roof decking, insulation, and underlayment under the metal roofing panels.
Will a metal roof make my office hot?
Right about now, the St. Louis, Missouri area is probably feeling as it is going to melt away. While a few parts of the country are still having snow, this area is having summer in June. Crossing a blacktop parking today, the temperature can feel another 20 degrees hotter than it is. Why? Because the material on a surface affects the temperature. Walk that same distance on grass, and the temperature cools down.
The same results with commercial metal roofing. Choose a dark color and it will absorb the heat UV rays creating, and the roof will get hotter. That hotter roof will make the interior hotter. Choose a light color, like white, and it is reflecting that heat from the UV rays back out into atmosphere.
Will a metal roof rust?
Well that depends on the type of commercial metal roofing you choose and if it has a finish on it that protects. Today, finishes, paint systems, and other technology can protect commercial metal roofing that keeps if from oxidizing or rusting. Some of those technologies used today to prevent corrosion and rust on commercial metal roofing are:
- Galvalume Steel: This coating is applied over the top of steel and is composed of aluminum, silicone, and zinc corrosion and rust resistance and has a matte-looking appearance.
- Galvanized Steel: This is a carbon steel with a zinc oxide for a protective alloy that keeps commercial metal roofing panels protected for decades. It has a resin coating that gives it a shiny, smooth finish that is scratch and scuff resistant.
- Weathering Steel: This type of commercial metal roofing panel will rust to a certain extent with a copper, phosphorus, and silicon coating. It is a strong option for a steel roof, and after the top coating is gone, it will ionize.
Are there different types of metal roofing materials?
There are several options for commercial metal roofing. Here we have four of the most popular choices:
- ALUMINUM: The third most abundant metal, meaning there is plenty to around for commercial metal roofing as well as residential.
- COPPER: Many will say this is the grandfather of commercial metal roofing because it has been around forever!
- STEEL: The cheap cost of this commercial metal roofing material is what makes it so popular! Within this group are the three primary types we mentioned earlier: galvalume, galvanized, and coated steel.
- ZINC: This commercial metal roofing material has stood the test of time, making it one of the most popular choices.
Which metal roof is best?
Commercial roofing experts and insurance experts both agree that exposed fastened metal roofing and wall panels are not only an economical option, but the sturdiest. Because the panels overlap and then are directly fastened to the roof decking or to the wall framing, making them more durable and stronger.
Can a metal roof be painted?
Yes, after a thorough cleaning and prepping, commercial metal roofing can be painted if desired. Make sure it is thoroughly cleaned of any debris, dirt, and dust, the primer any rusted areas, make any repairs to fasteners before painting.
How long does a metal roof last?
That is one of the benefits of commercial metal roofing – longevity! They are known to last up to 70 years or longer.

At The End of the Month – It’s All About Saving A Dollar!
The only thing a business owner likes better than a paying customer is saving money! And that is what a commercial metal roofing will do! So, is it cheaper to get a metal roof or shingles? No upfront, but at the end of the month when you’re reviewing your utility bills, you’ll find you saved as much as 30% on cooling or heating!