Well, maybe not all about metal roofs but really a lot.

I decided to build this web site because in my 12 years of inspecting, selling and installing residential metal roofs I have been unsuccessful in finding a comprehensive web site with enough information that will give most people the data they are looking for to compare the various types of metal roofs available in the residential market today.

So, we will focus our research on residential metal roofs. We probably won't be too flashy; but hopefully informative. This site is an evolving source of information and research providing answers to hundreds of questions I have been asked over the years. No implied or expressed warranties or guarantees are provided here, just information that will allow you to research the various types and styles of residential metal roofs.

While more houses have asphalt-shingled roofs than metal roofs, the metals are gaining ground. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, the percentage of residential roofs that are metal is 8.3, up from 2.3 percent five years ago.

"They're especially popular in what I call the `calamity belt,' where there are a lot of hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, because they hold up better," reports MRA spokesperson Scott Kriner. New Englanders are fond of them, too, because they shed snow.

In the deep south where I live and work we have been pounded by hurricanes Ivan, Katrina and Rita. On the Gulf Coast where I do most of my inspections and work I found that 90% of the shingle roofs were damaged and 90% of the metal roofs were intact.

As a result of hundreds of inspections of metal roofs in South Alabama I found two reasons some metal roofs did not hold up. The number one reason of failure was improper installation (poor workmanship). I have included some pictures of metal roofs that have been installed improperly and some that have been installed properly.

Also, winds can gust far in excess of stated velocities.  Sometimes structural elements of the building are compromised in severe storms, contributing to roof failure.

What I do know is that metal roofs withstood the ravages of three major hurricanes much better than did asphalt shingle roofs. I witnessed the same shingle roofs being replaced or patched after Ivan, Katrina and Rita.

I just started this project in December 2005 and have to work on it when I have time so please be patient and over the next year I promise to have enough really good research data here to enable you to make an informed decision about one of the biggest investments you will make in your home.

I do not intend to copy a bunch of data from other web sites to this one. If I find something interesting on another web site that I think will be useful I will put a link to that web site. You will have to use your back key on your web browser to return to this site or better yet put this web site in your favorites.

I also want you to understand that I am not a professional web master, writer or researcher; I am a roofer and amateur photographer. So please be understanding in my design shortcomings and writing skills. If you are either or both and would like to tackle proofing and re-writing just let me know. The pay is not very good but the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to this worthwhile task would be sufficiently rewarding.

If you find a link on the web that would enhance this site please let me know. I will do my best to keep up to date information that is accurate and factual. I value your input and opinion and appreciate your time and consideration.