FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? Chances are it’s here. These are some of the things our customers want to know.
Are metal roofs more expensive than a “traditional” roof?
A metal roof costs less than a slate roof, is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing, and costs roughly two to three times what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, metal roofs are much more durable and longer lasting than asphalt shingle roofs, lasting several generations, saving you money in the long run.
Do metal roofs last longer than asphalt or wood shingles?
Yes. A metal roof will last many times longer than a roof of asphalt shingles or wood shingles. Metal roofs can last several generations since metal roofs can often be repainted versus replaced.
The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is only 12 to 20 years and can be even shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather and UV rays, where as a metal roof will never decompose.
Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake, and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.
Are metal roofs noisier in bad weather?
Normal attic insulation absorbs most of the sound of weather on roofs. As a result, there is little difference between metal and other materials when it comes to noise from rain or hail.
Are metal roofs durable in extreme weather?
Metal roofs are incredibly durable. They can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds (withstanding wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour), heavy snow (metal roofs shed snow quickly, protecting the structural integrity of the roof), wildfires (protects against ignition if burning embers land on your roof) and more.
Are metal roofs too heavy for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch?
Actually, metal roofing is lighter than other roofing options. On average, it is 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes, and slate.
Are metal roof environmentally responsible?
Metal roofing is a green building material. A new metal roof contains steel with approximately 28% recycled content. At the end of its lifespan, a metal roof is 100% recyclable. In addition, metals roofs can be installed over asphalt shingles without tearing off and disposing of those shingles. This reduces shingle waste, which is already extraordinarily high. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end to end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago.
Product Specific Questions
Closure
Closure-foam seals off the building, keeping out dust and unwanted pests.
We apply a full ¼” bead of super strong M63 industrial adhesive to the flat or ribbed side of the closure strip, so the foam closure won’t move or blow away during the installation. This adhesive can stick to wet surfaces and in subfreezing temperatures.
You can choose from our hydraulically cut foam closure profiles to ensure a precise-fitting product for your application.
This roof sealant offers a beveled seal that can be custom made at any angle, so it fits all profiles to seal out wind, water, birds and noise.
It’s ideal for sealing the hips and valleys of standing seam roofs, such as barns, warehouses, homes and other metal roof structures.
This metal roofing sealant is made from crosslink polyethylene foam, the same materials as M-Cell closures. This product will last the lifetime of the building.
We wire cut the foam to match your panel profile for a true fit with fewer gaps. And our turnaround is quick, too.
Ventilation
With the Weather-Tite™ LP2 Ridge Vent, you get a roof ventilation system that is less expensive and simply vents the attic space better than traditional systems.
The screw bed and industrial-strength peel-and-stick adhesive pre-applied to LP2 means this roof venting product can be installed by just one person in three easy steps.
LP2 is a green building product made from our nonfabric-covered Python vent recycled material. It’s a strong, durable, modified polyester that never breaks down.
Custom contours keep dust, pests and water out, and bring air through the attic space. The low profile of this ridge vent works with any pitch of roof and with most all major metal roof profiles.
Absolutely. With the custom contoured fit and low profile, the only people who will know the ridge vent is there is the installer and owner!
Yes. When properly installed with soffit or intake vents, LP2 is building-code compliant.
The “one-size fits most” description is what gives Flex-O-Vent its name. It fits most panels of standing seam roofing. You won’t find a more versatile venting product anywhere.
One man can install this roof ventilation material with no problem. A double bead of M63 adhesive holds it in place until the ridge cap is installed. Flex-O-Vent can easily be cut with scissors.
An extremely durable, tear-, flame-, and clog-resistant polyester. The rubber texture won’t scratch metal roofing panels while you are venting the ridge.
This ventilation material will not clog as it prevents insects, animals and snow from entering attic spaces.
Flex-O-Vent is an extremely cost-efficient venting solution. It also provides substantial savings in utility expenses, and because of its durability, you won’t need to replace Flex-O-Vent any time soon.
It’s a modified polyester, non-woven, non-wicking, fiber-based matting that has no external baffle, so dirt and snow trapping is greatly reduced. It helps keep out insects, dust and moisture. And as a fascia vent, it helps eliminate mold build-up.
Python can be used with all roof applications. And with many sizes available—including for just about any fascia—you can take advantage of all the Python roof venting benefits on almost any building project.
Python is a light and flexible venting product that is very simple to install with no difficult fitting or wrapping. It arrives in a coil, and because you can use every inch of it, there’s no waste.
Yes–it’s a green building product for attic venting. It’s made from more than 90% recycled plastic material (more than 30% post-consumer content).
Because of Python’s low profile, you won’t see any puckering or buckling.
An ideal product for venting attics, Python must be installed on roofs with a minimum of 3/12 pitch (14°).
Flashing
Versatility. RoofBoots are a roof flashing system designed to form a seal on all types of roofing surfaces (metal, tile, plastic and more), and on most any panel configuration and pitch.
Absolutely. Choose the pipe opening and trim the sleeve, slide the boot over the pipe, form to the roof profile, apply sealant and fasten.
This roof flashing system comes in both round and square bases, wraparound retrofit boots, and many sizes in black, gray and other colors.
Like other Marco products, the RoofBoot roof flashing system is long lasting. Depending upon the product, our RoofBoots are warrantied for 20 to 35 years.
Accessories
Wood spacers warp and cause metal roofing to crease. RE2 never warps.
These roofing spacers uniquely allow airflow between the old composition roof and the new metal roof.
For your reroofing job, nothing is easier. RE2 roofing spacers eliminate the need to tear off the old roof, is lightweight, easy to handle, durable and very cost effective.
Resources
Dig deep with technical tools, reference charts, installation videos, and more.
