According to the National Roofing Contractor's Association

residential metal roofing has become much more popular over the last decade. No, it isn't that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home...on on homes.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They're quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun. It's a common misconception that because it's hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that's why it's hot above the roof. If it's hotter on top, it's cooler down below the roof.

Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.

This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. but unless the plan is to sell within a few years this cost will be recovered in the long run, and metal roofs help save money by minimizing the need for maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof is louder than other types of roofs. Using sound deadening insulation can help minimize the extra noise of a metal roof. Just like it can a car, hail can dent softer metal roofs such as copper and aluminum roofs. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they're generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

Don't be worried about lightning strikes with metal roofs. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn't the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal roofing is sure to give, a homeowner a great roofing experience.