Metal Roofing: How to Keep Noise Levels Down and Manage Rusting
Posted on: 16 December 2016
Metal roofing is one of the most widely used roofing types across Australia. There are so many reasons for this. For starters, metal roofing is strong and durable, meaning it can provide years and years of service before calling for replacement. Second, it is a low maintenance roofing type, thus keeping life cycle costs down. Third, roofs made of metal come in a wide selection of designs, colours and finishes, adding visual appeal to a building in a way that many other roof types cannot. And we could go on and on highlighting these benefits.
However, like any other roofing material, metal does have some downsides. It so happens that metal roofs are noisy and can become rusty. The good news is that these two problems can be kept under control.
Noise reduction
One of the most common things many building owners complain about when it comes to metal roof installations is that they are noisy. During hot sunny days, metal roofs can be heard making moderate sporadic noises as the metal expands and contracts. Noise levels are consistent and much louder on rainy days, as the rain hits the surface of the roof. This noise can be minimised.
Thicker varieties of metal roofing have less potential for noise-generation. Therefore, it makes good sense paying extra for a less noisy roof. In addition, you should consider insulating your ceiling with soundproofing material to further reduce noise levels. The denser your ceiling insulation is, the less noise the amount of noise you will hear.
Rustproofing
Rusting is not a problem that will show when a metal roof is still new; it is a problem that will gradually start showing as the roofing material ages. Usually, this problem arises when the protective coating applied to the surface of the metal begins to wear down, allowing the underlying metal to come into contact with oxygen in the air or water to form a brownish flaky layer of metal oxide. So how can metal roofs be protected from rusting?
The most effective way to rustproof a metal roof is to make sure the protective coating of paint or any other finish applied to its surface remains intact. The protective coating may wear out due to a number of different reasons including prolonged exposure to rain, UV radiation, or being scratched by small braches and twigs falling from adjacent trees. Building owners must make sure to inspect their roofs on a regular basis so as to identify any surface deterioration that may require immediate repair attention. If the surface finishes seem deteriorated, they should be refinished post-haste.
Share