While roof styles have come and gone, homeowners are showing renewed interest in metal roofing for a variety of different home styles. Because manufacturers can now produce metal shingles, shake and slate that imitate the look of more traditional roof materials, like wood, stone, or clay, metal shingles have become a versatile and durable option for today’s homeowner.
The metal roofs of today are much different from what they were in the past. For the last 100 years, when you think metal roof, you’d imagine something atop a barn or utility shed. However, thanks to modern advances in metal production techniques, the homeowner can now purchase roofs that fit nearly every architectural style, whether Cape Cod, colonial, Spanish, or modern.
We wrote this guide to help you understand the pros and cons of a metal roof, to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your home. Let’s get started!
Metal Roof Materials
They make metal residential roofing of copper, steel, or aluminum. Rolls of 24- or 26-gauge steel sheets are covered with a metallic coating to prevent rust and then given a baked-on paint finish. Aluminum sheets don’t require the metallic coating but do get painted. Copper, often referred to as a natural metal product, is neither coated nor painted because it does not corrode.
Steel roofing products are coated with either zinc or a mixture of aluminum and zinc. The amount of protection your metal roof receives depends on how thick these coats are. The thicker the coating, the longer the roof’s lifespan. However, this also raises the cost.
Metal Roof Finish Types
There are countless different finishes for metal roofs, which include powder coating. This is a newer method that is not only more environmentally friendly but is very durable and robust. The best part is after it has been treated, they can install it as interlocking panels with hidden fasteners, just as any other roof type. And, since they mimic the look of traditional roof materials, such as shingles and tiles, the naked eye can’t even tell the difference when viewing it from the ground.
Standing-seam metal roofs, which are long sheets of painted steel with vertical seams, are perfect for the contemporary home design. Stone-coated roofs receive an acrylic coating embedded with stone granules, offering a slightly less metallic finish.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come with a variety of benefits that help the homeowner get more out of their house. Let’s discuss some of the biggest advantages of installing metal roofing.
A Wide Variety of Metal Roofing Styles, Patterns, and Designs
The wide variety of metal roofing styles, patterns, and designs give the homeowner a wide number of options when choosing a new roof. Throughout the country, there are many area-specific preferences, and metal can accompany all of them. No matter what region, climate, or style, they can make a metal roof to match it.
Many homeowners and installers are shocked to find out that metal roofs come in a wide number of styles, perfect for any home or neighborhood. In fact, they can look just as good, if not better, than slate, tile, standing seam vertical panels or cedar shake roofs.
Durability and Longevity
Metal roofs have the most durability and longevity of any other type of roof. For example, an asphalt roof can require re-roofing every 12-20 years, whereas most metal roofs come with a 30 to 50-year warranty.
From normal weather, water, and sun penetration, an asphalt, wood, or tile roof will deteriorate over just a few years. A metal roof will not. And unlike these other roofing styles, a metal roof is the strongest protector against any storms that may fall upon your home. Even concrete tile, which seems like it would be superior in strength, has problems with harsh winter freeze cycles.
Long-Term Value
Perhaps the biggest benefit of installing a metal roof is its long-term value. Because of its durability, a metal roof system will keep your most important investment–your home–safe for years to come. Because of this, however, a metal roof will cost you more than a traditional asphalt system. However, it’s about the same as tile or shake, and more affordable than a slate roof. While these types of roofs will look good when they’re installed, and a few years after, only a metal roof can last for 30-50 years, saving you money.
When you consider all the maintenance costs that you’ll get to avoid, a metal roof is a simple decision. All you need to do is occasionally hose it down or power wash it with water, and it’s ready. Save yourself time, worry, and long-term costs with a metal roof.
Saves Money on Heating and Air Conditioning
Besides maintenance, you’ll also save money on heating and air conditioning when you install a metal roof. Metal roofs provide the best insulation for your home, keeping you comfortable no matter what the weather’s like outside. Light-colored metal roofing will deflect the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping your home at the right temperature throughout the year. Conversely, an asphalt roof deteriorates when the sun’s UV rays beat down on it.
Metal Roofs Allow You to Save on Insurance
While the upfront cost of a metal roof can be substantially more than an asphalt roof, overall it will save you money in the long term. In addition to the long-term savings benefits of a metal roof that we discussed above, you’ll also reduce your insurance costs. Many insurance companies provide discounts to those homeowners that install metal roofs.
This is due to the fact that you most likely won’t have to re-roof your home again. When you factor in all the savings from asphalt roof replacements, potentially two within the average span of homeownership, it’s obvious that a metal roof is a smart investment. Additionally, metal roofs provide more protection to your home, something that insurance agents take into account when calculating your homeowner’s insurance cost.
Metal Roofs are More Sustainable
Because it’s a cheaper, more replaceable material, asphalt is produced, used, and replaced very frequently. This means that landfills across the country receive more than 20 billion pounds of shingles every year. Metal roofs, however, are rarely in need of replacing and are generally made up of recycled materials.
Steel roofs are made up of 56 percent of recycled material from production to installation to reuse, making it far better for the environment than the asphalt alternative. Plus, they can often install a metal roof over your current roof, without removing what’s already in place. With their superior insulation capabilities, metal roofs can make your heating and air condition system more efficient.
A Metal Roof Warranty Is Amazing
A metal roof comes with a valuable long-term warranty from the product manufacturer, in addition to a service warranty from your roof installer. Most of these warranties also continue even if someone else buys the house. Warranties vary depending upon which manufacturer or installer you choose, however, most are between 30 and 50 years. That’s a good way to gain peace of mind, knowing the value of your home is protected.
A warranty acts as a guarantee, issued to the purchaser of the roof by its manufacturer, promising to repair or replace it if necessary within a specified period. This means that you’re covered in the off-chance that any issues arise with your roof, although that’s not likely.
Myths about Metal Roofing
Metal roofing carries many benefits to the modern homeowner. However, many myths about the material persist. Here are some common myths about this unique roof type, and facts to dispel them.
You cannot walk on a metal roof.
You can, in fact, walk on a metal roof. However, you should know exactly what you’re doing so you don’t cause any damage. Working at heights is always dangerous, so ensure that you’re using appropriate harnessing and protective gear.
Metal roofs are noisier in the rain.
The tin roofs of the past may have been noisy, but the superior metal shingles of today are actually quieter than other roof types. When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will actually silence noise from rain, hail, and bad weather better than other roofing materials.
Metal roofs are more prone to hail damage.
While large hail can damage any type of roof, metal roofs are more durable than others in the event of a hailstorm. With textured metal shingles, minor denting isn’t noticeable.
Metal roofs are more likely to be struck by lightning.
Metal conducts electricity, but it does not draw electricity to it, so your roof is safe.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to start your roofing transformation? Call us today at 636-699-0449.