Is a Metal Roof Good in Phoenix Heat?
More Valley homeowners are asking about metal when their old roof comes due. Some like the look. Some are tired of patching an aging shingle roof every summer. Some just heard a neighbor say it keeps the house cooler. Metal can be a great fit here, but it isn't the right answer for every home, and the decision goes better when you know the tradeoffs before anyone gives you a bid.
Licensed and insured · ROC #360606 · calls answered 24/7 · Based in Mesa
How metal handles the heat
Here's what we'd want a friend to know before switching to metal in the Phoenix Valley.
A metal roof doesn't hold heat the way a dark shingle roof does. Lighter colors and reflective coatings bounce back a good share of the sun, and the metal sheds what it does absorb fairly quickly once the sun goes down.
That said, the roof is only one part of how hot your house gets. Attic insulation, ventilation and the age of your AC all matter. Be wary of anyone who promises a specific drop in your power bill. Nobody can honestly promise that without knowing your whole house.
Related: Metal roofing · Mesa Metal Roofs
Expansion, fasteners and seams
Metal grows and shrinks as it heats and cools, and in the Valley the swing between a July afternoon and a January night is big. A well-installed metal roof allows for that movement. A poorly installed one can work its fasteners loose or stress the seams over time.
This is why installation matters as much as the material. Ask any roofer how their system handles movement, what kind of fasteners or clips it uses, and how the flashing around vents, chimneys and walls is detailed. A clear answer is a good sign.
Related: Tolleson Metal Roofs · Wickenburg Metal Roofs
Monsoon rain and hail
One worry we hear is noise. With a solid deck and underlayment under the panels, most homeowners find rain on a metal roof is not the drumbeat they expected. It's more noticeable on a patio cover or carport with nothing underneath.
Hail is a fair question too. Metal tends to resist hail from cracking or puncturing, but large hail can leave dents, especially on thinner panels. Whether a dent is cosmetic or a real problem depends on the panel and where it hit. After a big storm, it's worth having someone look, the same as with any roof.
Related: Hail damage
Check with your HOA first
It depends on your HOA. Some allow metal, some limit the style or color, and some don't allow it. Check your design rules first. We help with the HOA paperwork.
Permits and the old roof
A full roof replacement usually needs a permit, and the rules depend on your city or town. We pull permits where they're required. Ask any contractor whether the old roof will be removed or whether they plan to go over it, and why. The answer affects weight, how the roof breathes, and what can be inspected underneath before the new roof goes on.
Related: Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof? · Roof replacement
Is metal right for your house?
Metal tends to make the most sense when:
- you plan to stay in the home a long time - your current roof is due for full replacement anyway - your HOA allows it - you want a light, reflective color
It may not be the best fit if your HOA restricts it, if the rest of the roof has years left in it, or if your home's style calls for tile. Tile, shingle and flat roofs all have a place in the Valley, and we work on all of them.
Related: Tile roofing · Shingle roofing · Flat roofing
Ask about warranties in writing
Warranties vary by material and by product. Ask what warranty applies to the exact panels and installation you're being quoted, who stands behind it, and get it on paper.
Get a straight answer before you decide
If you're weighing metal against a new tile or shingle roof, we'll come out for a free inspection, look at what you have now, and talk through what makes sense for your house. Honey Roofing is licensed and bonded (ROC #360606), we offer Spanish-speaking service, and calls are answered 24/7.
Questions
Does a metal roof make a house cooler in Arizona?
Metal roofs, especially light colors and reflective coatings, don't hold heat like dark shingles. How much cooler your home feels also depends on insulation, ventilation and your AC, so be wary of guaranteed savings.
Will my HOA let me put on a metal roof?
It depends on the association. Some allow metal, some limit the style or color, and some don't allow it. Start with your design rules. We help with the HOA paperwork.
Is a metal roof loud during monsoon storms?
With a solid deck and underlayment underneath, most homeowners find it quieter than they expected. Rain is louder on open patio covers and carports.
Get a free roof inspection
Free inspection and a written quote. Call (480) 392-3582. Warranties vary by material. Ask us for the terms before you sign.