If you’ve been experiencing issues with your existing roof or are building a new house, you might want to look into metal roofing options. Metal roofing material tends to be lighter, have a faster installation, and have lower maintenance costs association with it.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of metal roofing so you can see for yourself if this is an option you’d like to explore. No one roof is going to be perfect all the time, but metal roofing does offer a solid option for those looking for something other than asphalt shingles.
Pros
1. Lasts Longer
One of the main things to consider is that metal roofing, when installed correctly, can more than two times as long as asphalt roofing materials. Asphalt can last you between 12 to 20 years, whereas a metal roof will last between 20 to 50 years and in some cases up to 70 years. Imagine having one roof over your head for your entire life—literally!
2. Weight
In addition to lasting for decades, metal roofing is significantly lighter than other roofing materials. Slate, clay, and concrete roofs can weigh in at more than five times heavier than metal roofing.
3. Fast Installation
Installation is quick and easy in part because the metal roofing shingles come in larger pieces. Meaning you’ll save on installation costs and get a roof over your head faster! It’s a win-win!
4. Keep homes cooler in the summer
Since metal roofing will reflect the sun, it can help save homeowners as much as 25% on their cooling bills during the summer. This means the snow will also melt off your roof faster in the winter especially if you have a darker roof.
5. Good for the environment
Unlike asphalt shingles, which end up in landfills at the end of their lives, metal roofing is 100% recyclable and much of it is already about 25% recycled material. Making your home just a bit more environmentally friendly, is as easy as choosing a metal roof.
6. Fire Safety
Asphalt shingles can be highly flammable. They are, after all, made out of a derivative of petroleum. However, with a metal roof, you won’t have to worry about it catching on fire if there is a wildfire roaring nearby your home or severe thunderstorm and your home gets struck by lightning.
7. Resale Value
Because metal roofing has so many pros such as energy efficiency, fire safety, it’s long lasting, and more, there is an attraction to already having a metal roof on a home when buys go to look at houses.
Cons
1. Cost
While you will save money on the time of installation, decreased energy bill, and with the added life expectancy of your metal roof, the initially cost of the material can be up to three times higher than other roofing options.
2. Paint Finishes
Metal roofing comes in such a wide array of colors these days, however, if you do need to repair it later, getting an exact color match could be difficult.
3. Noise
There’s no denying that a major drawback to metal roofing is the noise factor. However, if you add some extra insulation layers beneath the roof, this can help drown out the loud noise from thunderstorms. However, this does add to the initial cost, which is already going to be higher than other roofing materials.
4. Denting
Some metal roofing can be dented quite easily by hail, falling branches, and by walking on the roof. Like with the noise con, there are options to help avoid your roof from denting. Namely, you can choose a sturdier metal such as steel.
5. Fire safety
Metal roofing is fantastic for protecting a home from a wildfire; however, it might be more difficult for firemen to fight a fire that starts on the inside of the home.
6. Leaking
Metal shingles can be prone to leaking if it’s not installed exactly as it should be. If the roof has screws that attach from the top rather than from a ridge below, it can be an indicator you might have issues with water seeping through those screw holes. Make sure that a special sealer is applied to fix this issue.
7. Home Additions
If you decide to build an addition on your home later, just like if part of your metal roof needs to be replaced, it can be hard to find matching roof tiles if it’s years down the road.
If you still have questions about what roofing material might be best for your house, our team at Premiere Roofing Services is here to help you navigate all the roofing options available to you. If you have any further questions, we are happy to help answer them. Just give us a call.