Metal Roofing with the Appearance of Traditional Materials  

Metal roofing has been around a long time. That can be said in general terms as well as on specific buildings, which explains its well-earned reputation for long-term durability and enduring appearance. These longevity characteristics bode well in light of current demands for greater sustainability and better material choices in buildings. Metal roofing also supports a strong return on investment over the longer term since, in many cases, it can contribute to lower cost of ownership in terms of reduced maintenance, potential energy savings, and insurance premium savings. Given these popular advantages, it is easy to see why metal roofing has become a huge segment of the U.S. roofing industry at more than $4 billion annually. It is also the fastest-growing segment in the roofing industry with a forecast to be more than $7 billion by 2024, according to the industry market research firm The Freedonia Group.

All images provided by CertainTeed

Architects looking to achieve the look of clay tile, wood shake, or slate shingle roofing but want the durability and lighter weight of metal roofing can now design and specify metal roofing to meet these needs.

When thinking of metal roofing, however, many architects, owners, and others envision standing-seam or corrugated profiles as their only choices. In fact, those who look a little closer are also discovering that it is available in more looks, colors, and types than they may have thought. In particular, it is available in patterns that very effectively mimic other traditional residential roofing materials, such as clay tile, slate shingles, or wood shakes. This course will look at some of the current choices, options, characteristics, and green building properties of metal roofing available, particularly those with traditional appearances.

Building Designs With Metal Roofing

Standard metal roofing products come in some common types and styles that do include standing-seam profiles and corrugated profiles along with stone-coated metal panels. All of these are fairly versatile products and bring all of the desirable properties of metal roofing to a building, while also providing a strong, visible aesthetic for a variety of architectural styles. However, they also have some limitations that need to be taken into account when it comes to their use on traditional-style residential and light commercial projects.

Standing-seam metal roofing provides a defined pattern of clean lines with all fasteners and connectors concealed from view when the installation is complete. It can provide the roofing for a complete building or be judiciously selected for an accent section in contrast to other roofing materials on a building. Either way, the final appearance is limited to a selection of standard solid colors as available from manufacturers—patterns or textures are not readily obtainable. In some cases, the sleek appearance can clash with a traditional or historical design, particularly for a residential building since the standing seams can be seen as more of a commercial or institutional look. From a construction viewpoint, standing-seam metal roofing can be more challenging to install than other roofing materials. The individual panels are intentionally long and can be cumbersome to handle, all requiring specialty trades and tools for a successful installation. Of course, those needs contribute to higher installation costs compared to some other metal roofing options.

Corrugated steel roofing refers to any type of corrugation whether a low-profile and asymmetrical pattern or a full-depth, continuous corrugation across a roofing panel (i.e., with a similar look of cardboard corrugations.) The corrugations add strength to the metal panels and help facilitate the overlapping of adjacent pieces to maintain weathertightness. They are typically less expensive to install, which means they have been associated with agricultural and industrial buildings more than with residential and light commercial ones. The available colors are limited to the solid color choices provided by manufacturers, including “bare metal” galvanized choices. The final appearance usually includes exposed fasteners, which may or may not detract from the overall design but can certainly increase the potential for water leaks.

Stone-coated metal is available for installations where different colors or textures are sought compared to solid colored metal. However, the stone coating works best on smaller-sized panels, ultimately meaning more labor is needed to install more individual panels using more fasteners than painted metal panel options. In some cases, a batten system may be selected as part of the design, which increases the cost notably. The stone coating also inhibits the ability of the metal to be resistant to algae growth due to the metallurgical reaction between the coating and the base metal, thus requiring some ongoing maintenance.

While these three metal roofing options (i.e., standing seam, corrugated, and stone coated) provide solutions for many building designs, manufacturers have responded to requests for durable metal roofing products that can provide the appearance of more traditional materials to be more compatible with traditional and even historic designs. Currently, it is possible to select from at least three alternative metal roofing products that can enhance a residential or commercial building by blending traditional aesthetics with the modern performance of metal. Each are available in workable-sized panels that make them easy to install and integrate into a variety of design schemes. These alternative choices include the following:

• Clay tile roofing in metal: With its classic elegance and long history, the look of Mediterranean-style clay tile remains the most popular choice in many parts of the United States. Metal-tile roofing panels provide a new, improved way to create this desired style. These carefully designed metal panels provide the appearance of clay tiles but without the weight and breakage concerns of clay. The panels include edge reveals that provide a fully three-dimensional product with concealed fasteners for an authentic look. They are available in a range of colors, including browns, reds (terra cotta), grays, and greens in a finishing process that mimics the look of natural clay.

Metal tile roofing provides the look of clay tile with less weight and more impact resistance.

• Slate shingles in metal: Slate roofing is a regional favorite steeped in tradition in many locations around the country. New technology allows metal panels to be pressed to create depth and patterns that match the look of slate roofing shingles. In order to achieve the desired traditional look, edge reveals and three-dimensional detailing are combined with concealed fasteners to replicate the authentic look of a slate shingled roof. To further enhance the design, a full range of colors is available that reflects the natural and varied colors of slate in different regions.

Metal roofing with the appearance of slate shingles provides clean lines, a traditional regional look, and great durability.

• Wood shake roofing in metal: Wood shakes have been a common traditional method of covering a residential roof. By recreating the look of shakes in metal, this roofing option provides deep profiles to create shadow lines along the edges and incorporates three-dimensional detailing for authentic appearances. The use of concealed fasteners, as would be done with wood shakes, helps assure the appearance is maintained. Metal shake roofing is available in a range of colors reflecting the natural, weathered colors of wood.

Metal shake roofing can provide superior durability, Class A fire classification, and a high degree of sustainability.

Clearly, there are modern and traditional options available when considering the use of metal roofing on a residential or light commercial building. That means that more building designs can benefit from not only achieving the desired look but also the needed or preferred performance over time.

Performance Characteristics of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing performance can be looked at in its own right for the specific characteristics provided by the material. In addition, it can be assessed by comparing it to the traditional roofing materials that can be replaced by metal alternatives. We will look at both in the following sections.

Metal Roofing General Performance

When reviewing metal roofing, there are some overall performance characteristics that are applicable regardless of the type or appearance style selected.

Weight: One of the more notable traits of metal roofing, along with its durability, is its lighter weight when compared to almost all other roofing materials. Even heavy-duty panels typically weigh less than traditional roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, slate, and tile. Less weight means less need to beef up the roof structure whether in a new or existing building.

Weather resistance: Virtually all metal roofing provides tested and proven resistance to natural and man-made conditions. In high-wind situations for instance, other roofing materials can be vulnerable to blow-off or other failures, which exposes the rest of the building to potential damage. Metal roofing has been independently rated to stay in place in wind conditions up to 130 miles per hour. Similarly, damage from impact due to hail, debris, or other items is a concern for all roofing. The industry standard for testing in this regard is UL 2218: Standard for Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials. Following the procedures in this testing standard, metal roofing is able to achieve up to a Class 4 rating—the highest possible under the test. Metal is also inherently algae resistant in most cases, with stone-coated steel about the only condition where that is not readily achievable.

Fire classification: For code and insurance purposes, a fire classification is important for all roofing materials. Class A is the most desirable in this regard and is typical for metal roofing due to the noncombustible nature of metal. That often means that code compliance is simplified, fire concerns are reduced, and insurance premium discounts may apply compared to other roofing materials.

Finish options: Metal roofing of all types is commonly available in a range of metal finishes from bare galvanized metal to fade-resistant fluoropolymer coatings (PVDF) that are rated for the life of the roof. There are also solar-reflective coatings available for metal roofing that meet the “cool roof” standards of national programs such as LEED and ENERGY STAR and state requirements such as CRRC/2016 California Title 24 Part 6 cool roof requirements.

Durability: This is the trait that metal roofing is probably best known for since it commonly outlasts most other traditional roofing materials and in some cases has even outlasted the building it is applied to. This longevity comes from the fact that galvanized steel is used as the base metal, which is known for resisting rust and corrosion. Adding a factory-applied paint layer, plus other protective finish layers, over the steel usually means that the roofing simply holds up well with little or no annual maintenance required (except for stone-coated steel that needs washing to remove algae growth). This proven durability is the reason that manufacturers offer warranties for 50 years or more up to the lifetime of the building.

All of these traits of metal roofing are inherent in all metal roofing products regardless of the final profile or appearance.

Metal Roofing Compared to Traditional Materials

When considering the use of clay tile, slate shingles, or wood shake roofing for a project, a comparison of performance attributes of metal are worth noting. Looking specifically at metal roofing materials that provide the appearance of these traditional roofing materials, there are some direct comparisons that can be made.

Clay tile comparison: Both clay tile and metal tile can provide the roofing look that is still prominent throughout the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe and has become a part of the history and tradition of a number of communities throughout the United States. However, the weight of clay tile compared to metal is significant—clay tile can weigh 700–1,100 pounds per square compared to a dramatically less 98 pounds per square for metal with a clay tile appearance. That means clay tile may require extra structural support in the roofing system, while metal has no such extra structural support needs. This contributes to metal being installed quickly and cost effectively, while clay tile is considered costly to install.

From a finished appearance viewpoint, clay tile has surface pigments that fade, while metal tiles are typically finished with fade-resistant fluoropolymer (PVDF) coatings. The appearance of clay tile can also be affected over time since it is susceptible to cracking and chipping from being walked upon for maintenance or from hail, falling tree limbs, etc. By contrast, metal tiles can be specified with the highest available rating for impact resistance and remain quite unblemished. Clay tiles can require a lot of energy to produce and transport and can have lot of embedded energy as a result. Clay tiles also do not meet LEED, ENERGY STAR, and similar sustainability ratings for solar reflectance while metal tiles can.

Slate roofing comparison: Slate stone was found by many American settlers to provide a hefty roof while creating an endearing aesthetic that has become well known in a number of regions of the country. While not necessarily as heavy as clay tile, slate roofing can still come in at a hefty 600–800 pounds per square compared to a notably less 96 pounds per square for metal in a slate shingle appearance. Still, slate shingles may require extra structural support to install, particularly on retrofit projects, while metal has no such extra structural support needs. Similar to metal tile, metal slate panels also install quickly and cost effectively, while individual slate shingles are more costly to purchase and install.

Slate shingles may not fade the way that clay tile can, but it is still susceptible to cracking, chipping, or other damage from falling tree limbs or walking upon it for maintenance. By contrast, metal panels with a slate look can be specified with the highest available rating for impact resistance. Like clay, slate shingles can have higher embedded energy than metal due to their heavier weight in transportation, and slate does not meet ENERGY STAR, LEED, and similar sustainability ratings for solar reflectance. Metal panels with a slate appearance excel in both reduced embedded energy and meeting solar reflectance criteria. Perhaps most notable for building owners, slate roofing shingles require periodic repair and maintenance over the life of the building, while metal panels with a slate appearance typically do not.

Wood shakes comparison: The abundance of trees in Colonial America spurred the use of wood shakes and shingles in residential construction. While lighter and easier to work with than tile or slate, the weight of wood shakes can vary based on the moisture content and other features of the wood. Metal shakes by contrast are a predictable 96 pounds per square with no extra structural support required and no shrinkage concern due to drying. Metal panels with a wood shake appearance also install more quickly and cost effectively than individual wood shakes.

Wood exposed to the weather, even with some treatment, has some limitations. Commercially available wood shakes generally have a 20- to 25-year average lifespan, meaning they would need to be replaced at least one or more times on a building compared to metal shakes with a lifespan in excess of 50 years. After each installation, wood shakes typically require regular repair and maintenance due to rot, splits, and cracks, while metal shake roofing is virtually maintenance free. In terms of fire classification, many wood shakes are either unrated for fire safety or treated with toxic chemicals to achieve either a Class B or C fire classification. By contrast, metal shake roofing carries a Class A fire rating, the highest available. Metal shake roofing is also available to meet LEED, ENERGY STAR, and similar sustainability ratings for solar reflectance and recyclability, while wood shakes are not.

In all three of these comparisons, it is easy to see how the inherent qualities of metal roofing provide superior performance while being more economical and more sustainable than their traditional material counterparts.

Dispelling Some Myths about Metal Roofing

Any building material that has been in common use for a while often generates a few stories or tales that get passed from person to person without being validated by facts. The same is true for metal roofing with three things in particular that seem to be misunderstood.

Noise from rain: It is sometimes speculated that rain falling onto a metal roof will create noise that will resonate inside the building. While some people report that they enjoy hearing the sound of rain on a porch roof in summer, others point to metal-roofed barns where sound from rain may be unwanted. In fact, the only way to really hear the sound of rain falling on a roof is when the metal is the only thing between people on the inside and rain on the outside. However, all residential and commercial buildings suitable for occupancy have more than just the metal roofing in the roof and ceiling system. At the very least, there is continuous sheathing under the metal that helps to absorb and dampen any sound of rain. In addition, the insulation required by energy codes in roof and attic spaces provide acoustical benefits as well as thermal benefits. Hence, any sound occurring outside on the roofing surface is likely not perceptible inside the building except in the most torrential of rain storms.

Taking a closer look at this misunderstood aspect of metal roofing, studies performed by The Acoustic Group at the University of Luleå in Sweden determined that rain on a metal roof produces a sound intensity of only 52 decibels.¹ This is equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation at home, which registers an average sound intensity of 50 decibels.² In comparison, sound is not interpreted as annoying by most people until it reaches the upper 70 decibels, which is actually four times louder than rain on a metal roof.² Hence, in terms of the sound of rain falling on a home’s roof, metal roofs are no different and transmit virtually the same sound intensity as other roofing materials.

Rusting: The myth of rust developing on metal roofing seems to be based on older, less fully finished roofs or cases where an older, inferior finish was damaged. In modern-day metal roofing, multiple coatings are applied that serve as the first and most effective line of defense against rust and corrosion. However, even if coatings are compromised for some reason, the steel itself is galvanized and resists rust and deterioration by the galvanic action. For appearance sake, if a coating is damaged for any reason, making a repair with spot coating on-site is possible if desired or needed.

The durability and resistant characteristics of traditional-appearing metal roofing are found in the multiple finish layers that are applied over galvanized steel.

Lightning: Some people have a perception that a metal roof will attract lightning more readily than other roofing materials. That simply hasn’t been borne out by the facts, including for roofs made of exposed copper without a painted finish. A painted metal roof is no more prone to a lightning strike than a metal car. Tall trees (i.e., wood) and building spires are actually more likely to be struck by lightning, mostly because they protrude up into the sky higher than things around it. Therefore, instead of questioning the materials used on the roof, it is more advantageous to consider an appropriate, grounded, lightning-protection system as determined by design professionals. This is particularly true for high points of a building and buildings exposed in open areas prone to lightning storms, regardless of the materials used.

Understanding the facts around each of these three misperceptions as they relate to modern metal roofing products will help design professionals and building owners make better, more informed decisions on how to address any concerns.

Green Building Contributions of Traditional Appearance Metal Roofing

The U.S. Green Building Council has developed the well-known LEED rating system to recognize and certify buildings that can be considered to be green or sustainable. The current iteration of this popular system is LEED v4, which applies to a range of building types. Metal roofing can be used to help contribute to earning LEED credits and ultimately certification at the Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels in several ways described as follows.

Sustainable Sites (SS): One of the concerns of an urban environment is the proliferation of dark-colored roofing and ground surfaces that are known to absorb sunlight and radiate it back as heat. Walking across a paved parking lot on a sunny summer day is ample evidence of how well this phenomenon works, especially if you have thin-soled shoes or are walking barefoot. The same thing happens on a roof surface that absorbs sunlight rather than reflects it back. Get enough dark, heat-radiating surfaces together, and an urban heat island is created, which can raise the surrounding air temperature by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the color and reflectance properties of any roofing material, it will absorb and reflect varying amounts of solar radiation. The way to measure that variation between materials is based on ASTM standards E903 and E892, which are used to determine the solar reflectance (SR) of materials. The test results are expressed as the fraction of solar energy that is reflected back on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paint, for example, has an SR of 0 (no reflectance, all absorption), and bright white titanium paint has an SR of 1 (highest reflectance). Applying this principle directly to green buildings, the solar reflectance index (SRI) has been developed as a measure of the ability of a constructed surface, particularly roofs, to stay cool in the sun. It relies on both an initial SR value as well as a thermal emittance value being determined for a material or product. Using ASTM E1980 and values from the Cool Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1), an SRI of between 0 (common black surface) and 100 (common white reflective surface) can be determined. The higher the SRI, the higher the amount of solar radiation that is reflected and thermal radiation minimized, thus creating a comparatively cool surface.

The ability of metal roofing to achieve a high solar reflectance index (SRI) rating is part of its sustainability attributes that can contribute to green building design certification.

Metal roofing of all types can be readily finished to achieve high SRI values, which means they minimize heat creation and reduce urban heat islands. Lower outdoor air temperatures help make outdoor spaces more inviting, particularly for restaurant, entertainment, and hospitality settings. In the Sustainable Sites category of LEED v4, Heat Island Reduction can be selected as a credit to receive either one or two points toward certification. This credit relies on both roof and non-roof strategies and looks for calculations of solar SR and demonstrated SRI levels on specified products such as metal roofing. In order to earn points toward certification, a low-slope roof (2:12 or less), needs to demonstrate a manufacture SRI of 82 with a 3-year-aged SRI of 64. For a steep-sloped roof (greater than 2:12) the initial manufactured SRI needs to be at least 39 with a 3-year-aged SRI of 32. Recognizing all of this, many manufacturers have tested their metal roofing products and published the SRI results, allowing design professionals to make informed decisions and specify roofing products that meet the LEED criteria.

Energy and Atmosphere (EA): Hotter outdoor air temperatures not only make the surrounding outdoor spaces less comfortable to be in, but they also impact the energy requirements for buildings that need to generate more air-conditioning to keep them cool. So, specifying a “cool roof,” as just described, can also have a direct impact on the building’s energy use and interior environment. Further, a metal roofing system with a proper slope has often been used as an ideal base to support solar panels. Either of these factors can be used to help model reduced energy use in the building or to contribute to the design of a successful onsite renewable energy system.

Materials and Resources (MR): A prerequisite for any LEED building is to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste by recycling, recovering, or reusing building materials. Since metal roofing products are shop-fabricated, there is very little waste to begin with. Any excess or scrap steel is readily and easily recyclable at the factory. It is also quite common to find that metal roofing contains a substantial percentage of recycled content.

Looking to the bigger picture, LEED v4 recognizes efforts to address the impacts of materials over their full life cycle. Toward that end, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) protocol is used to support certification points for this MR credit. Additionally, an environmental product declaration (EPD) based on the LCA and industry-wide product category rules help substantiate the green qualifications of metal roofing products. By using this information, where available, the environmental impacts of metal roofing can be determined from the extraction of raw materials through manufacturing and shipping (cradle to gate). The fact that steel products of all types contain a significant percentage of recycled material and can be again recycled at the end of the service life of the building contributes in producing very favorable LCA results (cradle to grave or cradle to cradle).

Specifying Traditional Appearance Metal Roofing

When specifying metal roofing, particularly those that have the appearance of traditional materials, we have seen that there are numerous choices and options to choose from. Coordination with manufacturers during the design phases of a project will help gain insight for project specific details, cost drivers, installation nuances, and the latest finish options. In a standard CSI or Master Spec format, the usual locations to include this specification is in Section 07.31.16: Metal Shingles (for slate shingle or wood shake appearance) or Section 07.32.19: Metal Roof Tiles (for clay tile appearance) or Section 07.41.13: Metal Roof Panels (general). Some of the relevant items to address in a standard three-part specification format are highlighted as follows.

Part 1: General

The scope of specification work can include all preparation work, substrate review, product choices, and final installation. In terms of specifying performance, the following testing standards can be referenced:

Submittals for metal roofing products should include the usual manufacturer’s data and information for all products used, plus samples or color and texture data to confirm that the correct appearance is being achieved.

Quality assurance is clearly an important part of any field installed system and the same is true here. It begins with the use of trained installers with a prescribed minimum number of years of experience. Evidence of such qualifications can be requested as a submittal, but it is important that the people actually in the field are the ones with the qualifications and experience needed. On-site protection of products should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Part 2: Products

All of the relevant metal roofing products used in the building should be called out and specified. If different metal roofing products are used, then they should be identified by type in the specifications, and the locations of the different types need to be clearly called out in either the drawings or specifications. The details of the specified products can include:

• Specific type, size, and shape of the metal roofing product(s).
• Specific performance criteria for weight restrictions, wind resistance, impact resistance, and fire classification.
• Specific color and texture or pattern. Manufacturers’ literature should be consulted for this as with any finished product.
• Indication of the minimum required SRI of the product for solar reflectance.

In addition, all trim, accessories, fasteners, flashing, and related items need to be called out in the specifications based on compatibility with the metal roofing. In some cases, a waterproof underlayment material may be appropriate based on the roofing design. If so, that material should be specified along with the specific locations where it is required and the restrictions (if any) of its installation (i.e., temperature, dryness of substrate, etc.)

Part 3: Execution

As with any site installed product, the installation requires multiple steps which need to be clearly articulated in the specification in order to achieve the best results.

• Examination and preparation: The importance of this step should always be stressed. In addition to the architect, the installer should review and examine the substrate for conditions affecting the performance of the roofing. Any issues will need to be corrected if they are found to be out of compliance with the requirements of the specifications. All surface defects must be repaired using appropriate materials. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a substrate surface that has been prepared to an acceptable level, is clean of all contaminants, and free of any debris.
• Attachment: Metal shingles, shakes, and tiles are commonly nailed in place according to manufacturers’ instructions and directions. Those should be consulted to assure that the system is installed to meet the wind resistance and other conditions for a successful attachment.
• Protection: Once applied, the roofing surface should be protected during any remaining construction work, including final mechanical or electrical trimming, painting of adjacent surfaces, or any punch list work.
• Cleaning: Upon completion, the metal roofing should be cleaned of any construction or miscellaneous dirt, debris, etc. Painted metal roofing is a maintenance-free product that requires little continuing care beyond cleaning of any unusual buildup. Stone-coated metal will require some periodic cleaning and maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.

When specified and installed correctly, the finished roof will provide the desired traditional look and long-term performance characteristics that are intended.

Conclusion

Metal roofing is no longer limited to corrugated or standing-seam profile panels. Instead, all of the appealing visual, green, and sustainable performance benefits of metal roofing are also available in products that have the appearance of traditional roofing materials such as clay tile, slate shingles, or wooden shakes. These choices and options not only contribute to great design, easier construction, and low maintenance, but they also bring green and sustainable qualities to the buildings on which they are installed. As Dale Walton, manager of residential product marketing at CertainTeed Roofing, sums it up, “Very few products today can live up to their hype…Metal lets its everlasting qualities speak for itself.”

METAL TILE CASE STUDY

Project: Villanova Home
Location: Suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type: Residential Remodel

The Project: The Main Line is an affluent Philadelphia suburban area where luxury homes are commonplace. Realtor and homeowner Krys Fox came across a 16-year-old fixer upper in Villanova, and she seized the opportunity to transform this aging, water-damaged structure into a Napa Valley-inspired dream home for she and her husband Dave.

The Challenge: During the planning stages of their remodel, the owners recognized that the home’s original slate-look asphalt shingle roof, while still functional, was not in line with their California vision. The Foxs’ first thoughts were to again use slate-appearing asphalt roof shingles since they had used them in the past and were pleased with the durability and slate-look aesthetic. They also gave consideration to a composite roofing material but were hesitant because of cautionary tales they heard about composite roofing’s long-term durability.

The Solution: Something new and consistent with the Spanish Mission look of California soon became the more desirable option for the home remodel. The solution was found in architectural metal roofing that had the look of clay tile. “My first thought was that it is very visually appealing. I really liked the look, and the color options were great,” Krys explains. In addition to replicating the Spanish barrel tile design seen throughout the Napa Valley, the metal tile also offered attractive sustainability benefits. “I was impressed beyond just the looks,” she adds. “Sustainability is important, and this roofing is very energy efficient. The high solar reflectance will keep us cooler in the summer, and it’s wonderful knowing that the entire roof is recyclable.”

Krys also knew from her experience as a realtor that a great-looking and durable metal roof would increase the value of the home tremendously. She says, “The roof is a major design element, and around here, a good roof is expensive, so why wouldn’t you go for something better? The last thing anyone would want is an inferior roof. With metal roofing often lasting half a century or more, chances are you will not have to worry about a roof replacement.”

The Results: Krys ultimately chose a metal tile roof in the color of Tuscan clay tile, and is pleased with how the three-dimensionality of the tile design accentuates her home. “I am very happy with the end result,” she says. “It’s a very complex roof with a lot of different roof slopes. I think it looks nicer than real tile with a great pattern and texture, and when the sun comes out, it really highlights the coloration of the roof.”

End Notes

¹“Sound Emission of Metal Roofing.” ATAS International. Web. 2 May 2018.

²“Noise Sources and Their Effects.” Purdue University. February 2000. Web. 2 May 2018.

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a nationally known architect, consultant, continuing education presenter, and prolific author advancing building performance through better design. www.pjaarch.com www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch

Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall, and ceilings. www.certainteed.com