Frequently Asked Questions
Is metal roofing warranted?
YES! SemCoat Plus™, SemCoat SP™ painted and acrylic coated Galvalume all offer warranties. Warranty terms vary by paint system and coatings. Call Customer Service for more information: 1-800-690-7235.
Can I install it myself?
YES! Southeastern Metals™ offers a complete do-it-yourself detail manual as well as a toll-free customer assistance hot-line to answer any of your installation questions.
Can metal roofing be installed over my existing shingles?
YES! By utilizing the proper underlayment, it can be easily applied over existing shingles with minimal preparation.
Will it be noisy when it rains?
NO! Improvement in building codes require that most projects utilize wood sheathing and felt underlayment. These improved underlayments eliminate any concern of offensive noise. The noise that comes to mind is normally when people apply just a metal panel to create a porch. Metal Roofing, when installed properly, makes as little noise as possible just like your shingle or asphalt roof!
What about custom size panels?
Although the coverage width does not vary, the length can be custom cut to the closest inch and UP to 45’.
How do I determine the cost and the amount of material required for my roof?
The detail manual illustrates all the accessories needed to complete the entire roofing system installation. Southeastern Metals™ offers estimating services as well as technical support, pricing is readily available through your distributor.
How can I locate a professional contractor to install my roof?
Check with your distributor, local Building Department or Home Builders Association for a list of recommended installers. Your telephone directory may also provide a database of contractors who specialize in metal roofing installation.
Are tools required?
NO! Gloves, goggles, tin-snips and an electric drill should cover most applications.
What’s the difference in price in relation to standard asphalt shingles?
In the long run a metal roof is typically less expensive than shingles because of how long it last, as much as 2 to 3 times as long as a shingle roof. Truly comparing the “price” of a metal roof to a standard shingle roof is more complicated when you consider additional external contributors, such as ongoing energy cost, tax rebates, homeowners insurance differences as well as life span; however, what it sounds like you are really asking about is initial cost (out of pocket) for a metal roof, and that can be anywhere from the same to over double what a standard shingle roof is depending on what type of metal roofing and the complexity of your roof.
How is cell phone reception with metal roofing?
Cell phone reception is not affected by metal roofing
What are some benefits to metal roofing?
- Last Longer than conventional roofing
- Cost effective and energy efficient
- Withstands Hurricane force winds
- Fire Resistant
- Low Maintenance
- May Reduce Insurance Premiums
- Superior Warranties
- Impact Resistant
- Increases Resale Value
- 100% recyclable
Who do I buy my metal roofing from?
Southeastern Metals™ is a metal roofing manufacturer. As a manufacturer we have many distributors of our metal roofing across the Southeastern. To see where you can get your metal roofing from call 1-800-874-0335
What about insulation for metal roofs? Doesn’t it absorb more heat in the summer and release it in the winter? The opposite of what it should be?
Metal Roofing has two characteristics in regards to Heat, 1. It reflects more heat that almost any other type of roofing available (some colors more than others) and 2. The heat that is not reflected is conducted through and out of the metal very quickly, it does not hold heat very well at all. Installing metal roofing over rigid insulation is a very popular and extremely energy efficient method in commercial construction, and is increasing in residential applications as well.
Lightning?
A metal roof will not increase the likelihood of lightning striking your home. However, if your home were hit by lightning, your metal roof would disperse the energy safely throughout the structure. Since metal roofing isn’t combustible or flammable, it’s a low risk and desirable roofing option where severe weather is concerned, especially for lightning. If the user questioning has installed lightning protection systems or has referred to it respond with the following:
Are metal roofs noisier than other types of roofing?
A common misconception is that a metal roof will be noisier than other types of roofing. When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will actually silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather, many times much better than other roofing materials.
Will my metal roof rust?
Today’s metal roofing systems are built to last. Steel metal roofing has a “metallic coating” made of either zinc or a combination of zinc and aluminum. This metallic coating prevents rust from forming and is bonded to the steel at the factory. Paint is then applied over the metallic coating to provide the long-lasting color homeowners desire
Will my metal roof dent and damage?
In most cases, a metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like hail, high winds, and heavy snow. Today’s systems also have a 150-mph wind rating (equal to an F2 tornado), meaning your metal roof is also safe from wind gusts that can accompany hail storms.
How is the durability with a metal roof?
Many people think you can’t (or shouldn’t) walk on a metal roof, but the truth is that you can safely walk any metal roof without damaging it. Before you walk your roof, however, we recommend you talk to your installed or roof manufacturer first. They will have the details on how to walk the particular roof you have, based on the style you chose and your roof pitch.
Getting an Estimate
The two most important factors in calculating cost are the style of roofing and the shape and pitch of your home’s roof. A contractor can come to your home, inspect your current roof and then give you an estimate.
Can Ice Dams form on Metal Roofing?
Yes, it is made even more dangerous on metal roofs because when the snow or ice gives, it usually comes off fast and without prejudice. In areas of regular snow fall metal roofing has “snow guards” installed to keep the avalanche problem under control.