Top Questions We Get About Metal Roofing in Cortland
When Cortland homeowners call us about metal roofing, they're usually armed with myths. We get it, that lightning is secretly plotting with metal roofs against their homes.
These misconceptions aren't surprising. Most people's experience with metal roofing comes from old barns or industrial buildings, not modern residential installations.
We've installed hundreds of metal roofs throughout Cortland County, from historic homes in downtown to modern builds in McGraw. Along the way, we've heard every concern imaginable.
Let's tackle the questions we hear most often, with some straight talk and a touch of Amish wisdom.
Will My Home Become a Lightning Rod?
"Won't a metal roof attract lightning and make my home a target during storms?" This question tops our list of myths we regularly debunk.
The science tells a different story. According to the National Weather Service, the presence of metal makes absolutely no difference in where lightning strikes. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths
Here’s why metal roofs are safe and even advantageous:
No Attraction: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where lightning strikes, not material.
Faraday Shielding: Metal roofs disperse electrical energy safely to the ground if lightning does strike, reducing fire risk compared to combustible asphalt.
Proven Track Record: Our Amish craftsmen have installed metal roofs in Cortland, where thunderstorms roll in off Cayuga Lake, with no increased lightning strike risk.
In fact, metal roofs offer a safety advantage through Faraday shielding, which disperses electrical energy safely to the ground if lightning does strike.
Metal roofs don't attract lightning. They protect your home better if lightning happens to strike.
The Rain Drum Myth: What Really Happens During Storms
Many homeowners imagine their peaceful Cortland home turning into a percussion concert during rainstorms if they choose metal roofing.
They picture every raindrop creating a loud "ping" that echoes through the house, making it impossible to hold a conversation or sleep during Cortland's frequent rain events.
Here's what actually happens with a properly installed metal roof during a Cortland thunderstorm:
Sound Dampening: Modern metal roofs are installed over solid decking (typically plywood or OSB) with underlayment and insulation layers (R-38 for Cortland’s climate), absorbing and dampening sound.
Advanced Designs: We use standing seam or metal shingles, tightly interlocked to prevent vibration, unlike old corrugated panels.
Minimal Noise Difference: Acoustic studies show rain on asphalt shingles measures ~46 dBA vs. ~52 dBA on metal roofs, a difference most humans can’t detect (less than 8 dBA). https://www.metalroofing.com/news/metal-roofing-noise-level-tested/
Real-World Feedback: A Cortlandville client worried about noise now says guests don’t notice the metal roof until pointed out.
The result? During a typical Cortland thunderstorm, the sound is a soft, consistent patter, similar to rain on an asphalt roof.
Scientific measurements back this up. According to acoustic studies, rain on asphalt shingles measures at about 46 dBA compared to rain on a metal roof at 52 dBA.
Since most humans can't distinguish between sounds less than eight decibels apart, the noise difference is practically undetectable.
Beyond the Barn Look: Modern Metal Roof Aesthetics
"It'll look like a warehouse" is something we hear from Cortland homeowners considering metal roofing.
They picture shiny, corrugated tin panels like those on agricultural barns, imagining a stark, utilitarian look that feels out of place in Cortland's quaint neighborhoods.
The transformation in their thinking when we show them modern options is remarkable.
Today’s metal roofing comes in diverse styles, profiles, and colors that mimic traditional materials like shingles, slate, or cedar shake. Here’s what resonates in Cortland:
Standing Seam: Sleek, vertical panels with a modern look, ideal for contemporary homes and farmhouses in Cortlandville or Virgil, available in 250+ colors like charcoal or slate gray.
Metal Shingles: Textured to mimic asphalt shingles, perfect for bungalows and craftsman homes near SUNY Cortland, in colors like weathered gray or rustic red.
Slate-Look Tiles: Multi-toned to replicate slate, suiting historic homes downtown or near Main Street, with blended hues like slate gray or terracotta.
A Homer homeowner with a craftsman bungalow feared a "barn-like" look but fell in love with metal shingles in deep charcoal that matched their trim. "It looks better than our old shingles ever did," they told us.
Modern metal roofing enhances architectural character rather than diminishing it.
Rust Concerns in Cortland's Climate
Cortland's humidity, amplified by proximity to Cayuga Lake, makes homeowners worry that metal roofs will quickly rust, requiring costly maintenance or early replacement.
This misconception makes metal seem like a risky investment compared to familiar asphalt shingles.
Modern metal roofs are engineered specifically to resist corrosion, even in humid, snowy climates like Cortland's.
We use high-quality, corrosion-resistant metals like galvanized steel or aluminum, coated with Kynar 500 or similar finishes that protect against Cortland's humidity and snowmelt.
These coatings are tested for extreme moisture exposure, ensuring no rust even in damp areas near Cayuga Lake.
Every metal roof we install in Cortland includes these protective coatings, with warranties of 20-50 years against corrosion.
Our projects in McGraw and Homer have stood strong after decades with minimal upkeep, while asphalt roofs in the same neighborhoods have required replacement. Simple annual cleaning to remove debris that could trap moisture is all that's needed to maintain a metal roof's integrity in Cortland's climate.
The Amish Craftsmanship Difference
What sets our metal roof installations apart from standard industry practices? The answer lies in our Amish heritage of handcrafted precision and comprehensive preparation. While standard industry practices often rely on speed and automation, our approach emphasizes quality through manual techniques and attention to detail. Each metal roof we install receives hand-measured cuts, custom-fitted panels, and individually secured fasteners. We avoid reliance on automated tools or prefabricated components that can lead to imprecise fits.
We hand-form flashing around chimneys, skylights, and valleys to ensure a perfect seal, tailored to the home's unique architecture.
Before installation, we conduct an exhaustive roof assessment, addressing underlying issues like decking rot, inadequate ventilation, or insufficient insulation.
Our crews, trained in Amish work ethic, take the time to double-check alignments, test seams, and verify weatherproofing, even if it extends the installation timeline.
This approach delivers tangible benefits that Cortland homeowners notice:
Enhanced longevity and weather resistance. A metal roof that withstands Cortland's 80+ inches of snow, 150+ rainy days, and humid summers without leaks, rust, or damage.
Flawless aesthetics and curb appeal. A roof that looks custom-crafted, with seamless lines, perfectly aligned panels, and flashing that blends into the home's architecture. Superior performance and comfort. A quieter, more energy-efficient home, with no noticeable noise during Cortland's thunderstorms and lower energy bills.
A client in Cortlandville noted their home stayed cooler in summer and warmer in winter after our installation, with a "barely audible" roof during rain.
The True Lifetime Cost: Numbers Most Contractors Won't Share
The sticker shock of metal roofing often turns Cortland homeowners away. At $15,000-$30,000 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home versus $8,000-$15,000 for asphalt, metal seems expensive.
But this initial comparison misses crucial factors that dramatically change the equation over time.
Let's break down the true lifetime cost for a Cortland home over 30 years with these key factors:
Replacement Frequency: Asphalt lasts 15-20 years in Cortland’s climate, requiring at least one replacement ($8,000-$15,000 plus $1,000-$3,000 tear-off), totaling $24,000-$30,000. Metal lasts 40-70 years, needing no replacements.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs save $150-$300/year ($4,500-$9,000 over 30 years) by reflecting heat, reducing cooling costs by up to 50% in Cortland’s humid summers, unlike asphalt’s higher energy costs.
Insurance Discounts: Metal’s resistance to snow, hail, and wind earns 5-20% premium discounts ($75-$300/year, $2,250-$9,000 over 30 years), unavailable for asphalt.
Maintenance Costs: Metal needs minimal upkeep (~$2,000-$4,000), while asphalt repairs for leaks or ice dams add $4,000-$10,000 over 30 years.
When all factors are calculated, the 30-year cost equation flips:
Metal Roof: ~$10,000-$24,000 (after factoring initial cost, minimal maintenance, energy savings, insurance discounts, and resale value)
Asphalt Shingles: ~$27,200-$49,700 (after factoring multiple installations, higher maintenance, energy inefficiency, and lower resale value)
A Cortlandville client was shocked to learn their metal roof's energy and insurance savings offset half the initial cost over 20 years.
The true cost advantage of metal roofing reveals itself over time, especially in Cortland's demanding climate.
From Skeptic to Believer: A Cortland Success Story
Last year, we met a homeowner in Cortlandville whose 18-year-old asphalt roof was failing from Cortland's harsh weather conditions.
They approached us with every skepticism we've discussed: noise concerns, aesthetic worries, and sticker shock at the $22,000 estimate for a metal roof.
After living through a full year of Cortland's seasons with their new metal roof, they called us with feedback that perfectly captures why we believe in what we do.
During winter, they were amazed that snow slid off the roof effortlessly, preventing the ice dams that had plagued their old asphalt roof.
"I was so worried about snow piling up, but you were right—it just slides off like magic," they told us.
Spring brought thunderstorms, and they discovered the roof was "as quiet as our old shingles" thanks to proper insulation and tight interlocking panels.
Summer revealed unexpected energy savings, approximately $150 on air conditioning bills, as the metal roof's reflective coating kept their home cooler.
By fall, neighbors were complimenting the roof's sleek, shingle-like appearance, and a realtor friend estimated a $20,000 boost in home value.
Conclusion??
Their conclusion? "I thought the price was crazy, but after seeing it handle Cortland's weather and save us money, I wish we'd done it sooner." This transformation from skeptic to advocate happens regularly with our Cortland clients once they experience the benefits firsthand.
Our Amish craftsmanship ensures these benefits are maximized through precise installation, corrosion-resistant materials, and Cortland-specific features like ice and water shields. The questions we get about metal roofing reveal common concerns. The answers we provide show why metal roofing, properly installed with Amish attention to detail, offers unmatched value for Cortland homes.
When you're ready to move beyond the myths and discover what a metal roof can do for your Cortland home, we're here to guide you with the same care we've shown hundreds of your neighbors.
