When it comes to protecting your home, few things are as important as the roof over your head, and when it comes to choosing the right roofing material, metal is quickly becoming a popular choice, all thanks to its exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and sleek appearance.
Now, homeowners also spend a lot of time deciding on other aspects of a roof, such as its aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right color for your roof has now become just as important as choosing the right material. In today’s blog post, we will discuss a crucial question that many people have about metal roofs. Do metal roof colors fade? What color metal roof fades the least?
Metal Roofs and Fading: What’s The Truth?
To answer your question, regardless of the color of a metal roof, it will fade over time.
The truth about metal roofing and fading colors is that it’s a common problem that occurs over a long period of time. But why do metal roofs fade? Let’s find out!
If your metal roof is painted, the pigment used on the panels is either chemical or non-chemical. When the roof is exposed to the sun’s UV rays for a long span of time, these pigments start to break down, resulting in the fading of the roof’s color. Other conditions that contribute to a fading metal roof include harsh weather and other environmental factors. Let’s take a close look at some of these factors:
UV Light
The UV rays from the sun can break down the pigments in the paint or coating on a metal roof, causing it to lose its vibrancy and become dull. The intensity of the sun’s UV light will vary depending on the location of a home and the time of year, which affects the rate at which the roof’s color fades.
Weathering
Weathering is another factor that can cause metal roof colors to fade. Extreme weather conditions such as high winds, hail, rain, and snow can cause physical damage to the roof and lead to the gradual loss of paint.
Organic vs. Inorganic Pigment
The type of pigment used for the roof’s coating or paint is also a crucial factor that affects the speed at which the color fades. Organic pigments are made up of carbon-based molecules and are typically more vibrant and bright compared to inorganic pigments. However, they’re less resistant to fading when compared to inorganic pigments, which are mineral-based compounds.
What Metal Roof Color Does Not Fade?
Not all metal roofing colors and materials are created equal. Some metal roof colors are more prone to fading than others due to their ability to absorb and reflect sunlight. That’s why choosing a color specifically formulated to resist fading is important, and considering other factors, such as the type of metal, coating, and application process, ensures maximum longevity and performance.
Based on industry research and expert opinions, certain colors are known to fade less on metal roofs compared to others.
Light Colors Fade The Least
White is the most reflective color and will reflect the most heat, making it the most energy-efficient choice for warmer climates. Other light colors like light gray, light bronze, light blue, and off-white are also less prone to fading compared to darker colors. This is because they reflect more sunlight, reducing the amount of UV radiation that hits the roof and slowing down the color fading process.
The Quality Of Paint You Use
The rate of fading will also depend on the quality of the colors you choose.
It’s important to note that while some colors may be less prone to fading than others, it ultimately depends on several factors, such as the quality of the paint, the quality of application, and the amount of UV radiation and weather exposure it faces. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a roofing professional before choosing the right option.
PVDF Paints
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) is a coating commonly used on metal roofs due to its durability and resistance to fading. PVDF coatings are known for their ability to maintain color vibrancy and glossiness for a longer time than other coatings.
SMP Coatings
SMP (Siliconized Modified Polyester) is a more affordable coating option that provides good protection against fading, chalking, and corrosion. SMP coatings are available in a range of colors and finishes, and the added silicone adds durability. However, this type of coating is not as good at color retention as PVDF coatings.
Matte Look
Matte colors are colors that lack any shine or gloss, giving them a flat, non-reflective appearance. These colors have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a modern and sophisticated look. Matte colors are generally less prone to fade than shinier metal roof colors.
How You Can Judge The Extent Of Color Fade
Delta E is a term used to measure the difference between two colors. It is often used in printing and graphic design to ensure color accuracy and consistency, but it also has validity in determining the level of fading in a metal roof’s color as well.
The E here refers to the difference between the current color of the roof and the original color. The lower the Delta E value, the harder it is to find a difference between the two samples. So, if the Delta E value of your metal roof is low, that means the current color of your roof has not faded as much when compared to the original color.
If the Delta E is greater than 2, it indicates a noticeable color difference and may require further adjustments to achieve the desired color accuracy.
Effects Of Metal Roof Fading
A metal roof that shows signs of fading can have several negative effects on your home, including:
Reduced curb appeal
A faded metal roof can make your home look old and worn out, reducing its overall aesthetic appeal. This can make it harder to sell your home or attract potential buyers.
Decreased property value
When a metal roof fades, it can reduce the value of your property, as it may indicate to prospective buyers that the roof is approaching the end of its useful life, which could lead to costly repairs or even replacement.
Reduced energy efficiency
A faded metal roof may absorb more heat from the sun, which can increase the temperature inside your home and result in higher energy bills as you use your HVAC systems more to cool the home.
Best Metal Roofing Services In Tennessee
We hope that now you can make a better decision when choosing a metal roofing color.
Despite issues with fading, metal roofs are worth the investment, and most metal roofing systems can easily last more than 50 years and now come with warranties on their color and coatings. If you’re looking for more information about metal roofing or are interested in installing a metal roof on your home, our team can help!
Miller Roofing and Renovation has more than 35 years of experience in the roofing industry, and are proud to be the best metal roof installers in Pittsburgh. We are associated with leading metal roofing manufacturers that make the best metal panels with high-quality colors. Improve your roof by contacting us today at (901) 457-9405 to book a consultation with our experienced roofing team.
