Metal roofing has been around for centuries and is now more popular. It lasts a long time and is low maintenance. It’s a great alternative to tile or slate roofing. Metal roofing has most commonly been used for industrial or farming roofs but is now being embraced for residential use.
There are great energy-saving advantages to metal roofs, depending on the color. Which will suit each home is subjective to the owner’s preference, environment, and budget – but textured metal roofs are a big trend currently.
Homeowners might wonder whether a textured metal roof is better than a smooth one. This article will outline which colors will look new the longest. Read on for a more focused look at the advantages and disadvantages of smooth and textured roofs.
What Is a Textured Metal Roof?
A textured metal roof is a material used for roofing that is made from metal and has been coated in stone or textured paint. This gives it a rough surface. Textured metal roofs are an advancement on traditional metal roofing and have plenty of features that make them a popular choice.
Textured metal roofs reduce glare from sunlight as the coating diffuses the light. This means there won’t be a harsh reflection on sunny days, creating a more traditional look like a tiled roof.
Textured metal roofs are low maintenance and sturdy, so they are unlikely to crack or bend. Designed to withstand environmental hazards, they should last longer than other roof types without needing repair.
A textured metal roof can last up to seventy years! That’s hugely appealing to many homeowners, as they are unlikely to need to replace their roofs again in their lifetime.
Extreme weather elements, including hail, high winds, rainstorms, and fire, will damage alternative roofing options more than textured metal roofs, as metal roofing is exceptionally durable.
That’s not to say textured metal roofing can’t be damaged; just that it tends to be more durable than other options.
What Is the Best Color of Metal Roof for Energy Savings?
White is the best color for a metal roof for energy saving. Lighter-colored metal roofs are also a better choice for energy saving, as they will reflect solar rays and reduce heat accumulation. However, lighter-colored roofs aren’t always as desirable.
Dark roofs absorb light and turn this into heat, warming the roof. Light roofs reflect the sun’s light meaning the roof stays cool, as does the home it’s covering.
Light blue, green, and beige are some of the most popular light shades and energy-saving colors used in metal roofing.
Metal roofs are an energy-efficient option because they provide great insulation for retaining heat in the winter and reflect the sun’s heat in the summer, keeping the home cool.
Other roof materials, such as shingles, can increase a home’s temperature by absorbing heat in the hot summer. Metal roofs help keep the house cool and comfortable by reflecting the sun’s heat.
This saves money on energy bills since we won’t rely as much on electricity (and on fans and air conditioning) to keep our homes cool.
Metal roofing can seem expensive as installation costs can be much higher than other options. Eventually, though, investing in an energy-efficient roof will save money on rising energy bills.
Metal roofs will also last a lot longer than traditional roofing, so it will be unlikely that we’ll have to replace a metal roof once it has been fitted.
Most metal roofing suppliers will have a selection of colors that will help improve the energy efficiency of a roof. When purchasing the roof, ask which will be best for energy savings. There may also be options that are still good for energy savings but aren’t white.
What Color Metal Roof Fades the Least?
Darker colors fade much quicker; choosing a light color for a roof will help keep the roof from looking faded and discolored.
Fading in a metal roof is when the color of the roof changes; this often results in the color looking dull or faded. Fading occurs when the environment, such as light rays from the sun, damages the pigment in the metal roof paint.
It’s hard to predict how long a color will last on metal roofing. The amount it fades depends on the paint type and the environment. Heat, light, and moisture will all cause the paint on metal roofs to fade.
If we live in an area with adverse and intense weather conditions, we might notice paint on metal roofs fading rapidly. In these conditions, choosing lighter paint is recommended to maintain the roof’s appearance.
The factors that paint is exposed to will impact how rapidly the color fades on the metal roof. If someone has their heart set on more vibrant colors or darker tones, they should consider a topcoat that will add more protection. This will, of course, lead to higher costs.
The fading of paint does not increase the chances of corrosion on metal roofs. If the metallic coating under the paint fails, the metal is at additional risk of corrosion.
What Is the Biggest Problem with Metal Roofs?
The biggest problem for metal is oil canning. Metal roofs can suffer from other issues common in different roof materials, but oil canning only impacts metal. Oil canning usually occurs when a roof hasn’t been installed correctly, resulting in wavy or bubbly-looking metal.
Oil canning doesn’t impact the functionality of a roof, so it doesn’t need replacing. It only influences the appearance of the roof. As the roof still functions correctly, this problem is unlikely to be covered under a warranty.
The causes of oil canning have not been identified, so there is no sure way to protect against it. Most important is confidence in the company that is installing the roof.
Make sure to read customer reviews and ratings and consult with the installation company about how to avoid oil canning. Other common issues can be a problem for metal roofing:
Leaking
Leaking can occur after strong weather events such as heavy rain, snowfall, or freezing conditions. We want our roofs to be watertight to avoid damage to belongings inside and the structure.
Metal roofs should be watertight, and if there are problems with leaking, this could be due to an error when the roofing was installed.
Scuffing and scratches
In the journey from manufacturing to the home, it’s possible that metal roofing can become scratched. Some scuffing or scratching can be aesthetic and fixed easily with paint.
If a scratch has gone through the paint and protective layer of the metal, let the supplier or contractor know. Deep scratches compromise the stability of the metal and can lead to rusting and weaken the roof.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a common problem with all metal products; a metal roof will be protected against corrosion as a standard. If damage occurs during the installation process, this can increase the likelihood of corrosion.
If we notice corrosion, we should speak with the supplier immediately to find the best solution.
Corrosion can compromise the stability of the roof if it spreads. As an additional measure, check the roof regularly for signs of damage. If there are any issues, have the roof checked over and get ahead of any potential problems.
No roof is perfect, and metal roofs can have their issues. Most of these can be avoided by purchasing quality materials and enlisting experienced professionals for the installation.
If we invest in the best setup for our roof, the chances of a problem occurring are massively reduced. With a comprehensive warranty or insurance, we should be able to resolve any issues quickly.
When Should You Use a Textured Metal Roof vs. A Smooth One?
Use a textured metal roof when looking for a durable roof that will be sturdy during adverse weather. Textured roofs look more natural and are well-suited for residential homes. Smooth metal roofs can also be used, but they won’t look as natural on a home as a textured metal roof.
Textured metal roofs are very rigid, so even during the installation process, the roof shouldn’t get bent out of place. It’s also good to know there is a sturdy roof if we’re used to heavy snowfall, which can create a lot of weight on a roof.
Another reason textured metal roofs are so popular is their appearance; the textured paint or coating is less reflective. So, there won’t be an issue with glare no matter where the sun is.
Textured metal roofs are also more natural, creating a similar appearance to traditional roofs. If you have a historic home, you might want to maintain that appearance with a textured metal roof that blends in with the style of the house.
Textured metal roofs have excellent weather resistance, and owners should use this type of roof if they live in an area that experiences strong weather events. The textured coating will absorb the sound of rain and hail.
There is also good traction on the roof if you need to access it from time to time and oil canning is less of a concern with a textured metal roof. Its rough surface can help prevent minor damage, such as scuffs and scratches.
When Should You Use a Smooth Metal Roof Instead of a Textured One?
Use a smooth metal roof with a smaller budget when there is no concern about the aesthetic appearance of the building. Smooth metal roofs conduct noise more, so this might not be right for a residential home, depending on preference.
A smooth metal roof can be finished in assorted colors and styles. While the finished installation will look sleek, it might not suit a more traditional home. Smooth metal roofs can often be found on industrial buildings, farm structures, and modern homes.
A smooth metal roof will work well if we’re building in an area with milder weather. It will protect us from the elements, but we’ll be able to hear rainfall or hail clearly as it has no coating to absorb the sound.
As with any smooth surface, a smooth metal roof won’t have much traction, especially if wet. Most people don’t spend a lot of time on their roofs, but it’s good to be aware that walking on your smooth metal roof may be unsafe due to slipping risks.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
When considering metal roofs, deciding whether the smooth texture is better is hard. It’s all about what roofing will work best for the project. Textured metal roofing is more durable and natural looking but will cost more.
If we are confident in the climate conditions and enjoy the modern style of a smooth metal roof, then let’s take advantage of the more affordable product.
There is plenty of information available about metal roofing, and whichever style is chosen, we’ll select an eco-friendly product that will save money on energy bills. Use experienced and well-reviewed suppliers and contractors when purchasing and installing a new roof.
Thinking of putting on a new roof? Many roofing companies will do the gutters at the same time. Or, if you’re doing your own roof, think about doing the gutters simultaneously.
Read our guide, How to Choose Gutter Color (What Colors Work Best)! That way, you’ll have the roofing and gutters all planned out whenever they’re replaced.
Resources
Learning from your own experience is important, but learning from others is also smart. These sources were used in this article and our research to be more informed as we DIY and decorate our homestead.
- Calapa, J. (2022, February 9). Metal Roofing Problems: 7 Common Issues That Could Affect Your Roof. Sheffield Metals. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://sheffieldmetals.com/learning-center/metal-roofing-problems/
- C, D. (2020, October 19). The Pros and Cons of Stone-Coated Steel Roofing v. CMR Construction. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://cmrconstruction.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-stone-coated-steel-roofing/
- Energy Saving Metal Roofs. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.metalroofing.com/residential-metal-roofing/benefits/energy-savings/
- How Does Metal Roof Paint Wear Out? Chalking And Fading. (2018, May 21). YouTube. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA9_DscJNJQ
- Yoder, K. (2018, July 18). Why Textured Paint is changing the Metal Roofing Industry. Classic Metals. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.classicmetals.com/textured-paint-is-changing-the-industry/