Will a Black Metal Roof Make Your House Hotter?

As mentioned above, darker colors tend to absorb more heat than lighter colors naturally, so it would make sense that a black metal roof might make your home hotter than any lighter colored roofing. Metal also gets hot when it sits in the sun, so wondering if a metal roof of any color will Typically, metal roofs help reflect heat away from your home in the summer and reflect heat back into your home during the winter. That being said, research shows that a black metal roof is capable of absorbing more heat in the summer months than a lot of other colors.

Is a Black Metal Roof Energy-Efficient?

While research suggests that black metal roofs absorb more heat than other metal roofing types, that doesn’t mean they lose all their energy efficiency. Metal roofs naturally reflect heat away from themselves rather than absorbing it fully, allowing them to be one of the most energy-efficient roofing types on the market today.

Does a Black Metal Roof Fade?

A common question when it comes to metal roofing—even black metal roofing—is this: will the color fade? Unfortunately, the answer is… yes, it can.

Black Metal Roof Pros & Cons

Q: What is a Black Metal Roof?

A black metal roof is a type of metal roof that is made from black steel. Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors no matter the style, so what makes a black metal roof different from other types of metal roofs is simply the color.

Published on Friday August 2, 2024

A black metal roof gives your home unique charm and curb appeal. The style suits many different types of homes and matches practically any siding option available. It’s an excellent roofing option for many homeowners looking for a modern upgrade.

However, black metal roofs still have some drawbacks. Let’s examine the pros and cons of a black metal roof so you can decide for yourself whether one is right for you.

What is a Black Metal Roof?

Most black metal roofs are made from black steel. Because this type is naturally black, it offers a few different qualities compared to other metal roofs, which we’ll discuss below.

If you have the skills, time, safety materials, and confidence, painting your own metal roof can save money and add character to your home. However, it’s important to do the job correctly to avoid additional costs for fixing any mistakes.

Black Metal Roof Pros and Cons

Whether you already know that you want a black metal roof and are doing your due diligence or just want to learn more about it, we have pros and cons for you to consider.

Pros

1. Durability

When any metal roofing is installed correctly and maintained well, it can withstand rain, wind, snow, hail, and other weather conditions better than other roofing options. Additionally, metal roofing is resistant to fire, mildew, rot, and pest infestations. It’s non-combustible, earning a Class A fire rating, which is the highest level of fire resistance.

2. Unique Appearance

Black metal roofs automatically add a sleek, modern look to any house.

3. Heat Reflection

In winter, a black metal roof can help melt snow and ice to prevent ice dams and other damage.

4. Durability

Metal roofs of all types can last for 70 years or more. By comparison, traditional shingle roofs last 10 to 20 years.

5. Eco-Friendly

Black metal roofs are good for the environment in two major ways: first, they’re made of natural materials and fully recyclable. Second, because metal roofs reflect up to 70% of the sun’s energy, they can save you up to 40% of your energy bills when installed with proper insulation and ventilation.

6. Lightweight

Metal roofs are, on average, 50% lighter than asphalt shingle roofs. That means less stress on your house’s infrastructure.

Cons

1. Absorbs Heat

Anyone who’s ever touched a metal surface that’s been in the sun knows that it not only reflects heat but also absorbs it. This can quickly heat up your house on already hot days.

However, with proper insulation and ventilation between the black metal roof and your home, heat absorption shouldn’t be a major problem.

2. Cost

For all their benefits, metal roofs are more expensive to install. Due to their complexity, metal roofs should only be installed by professional roofers.

This cost, though, is usually offset over time by the roof’s longevity and savings on regular maintenance.

3. Noise

Heavy rain or hail can sound like hundreds of snare drums over your home as they hit the metal roof. You’ll need heavy-duty soundproofing to mitigate the noise.

4. Dents and Scratches

Speaking of heavy rain and hail, metal roofs may be durable, but they’re not invulnerable to dents and scratches from the weather.

5. Fading

Painted metal roofs fade over time due to exposure to sun, rain, pollution, extreme cold and heat, and other ordinary wear and tear. While black steel roofs aren’t painted, they may still fade after many years of exposure.

Upgrade Your Home with a Metal Roof Today

Black metal roofs can be an excellent investment for your home. But they should be installed by professionals who know what they’re doing and will make sure you have proper insulation and ventilation to go with them. That’s when Long Roofing is here to help.

If you’re considering a black metal roof for your house, contact Long Roofing today. We’ll give you a free estimate and answer all your questions!