Every home needs a roof, and as time passes this roof will need to be replaced. These days, more and more metal roofs are being installed, that are made to look like shingles, as oppose to shingle roofs made of asphalt.
A regular asphalt roof typically lasts about 20 years, meaning that you’ll likely need to repair or replace it at least once while you own the properly. A small leak in the roof could lead to very costly property damage. So if the time has come to replace your roof, and you are considering a metal roof for your home, here are ten things to keep in mind.
1. Metal Roof Safety
A metal roof is very safe. Metal roofs, when designed and built properly, are extremely fire-resistant, and can endure hurricane-level winds. Contrary to what you might think, metal roofs do not attract lightning.
A metal roof is nearly fireproof. With the rise of wildfires in various countries, metal roofs have become increasingly popular due to their high fire safety rating.
2. Why Metal Roofing is More Popular These Days
There was a time when metal roofing was only common in farming or industrial settings. With modern production processes, however, metal roofs can be made to suit any architectural style. This versatility in the area of aesthetics has made metal roofing much more suitable for residential properties. Some estimates have the market for metal roofing rising at roughly 3% per year, with about 15% of all roofing installations using metal roofing products. Meanwhile, the market share of asphalt roofing has been in decline.
3. Metal Roofing and the Environment
Metal roofs are environmentally friendly. This is because they’re typically made from recycled materials. They can also be fully recycled with at the end of their life. Sadly, this is not the case with asphalt shingle roofs, which often end up in landfills.
Metal roofs are also much more energy efficient than a traditional roof. By using cool roof pigments, sunlight can be reflected away from the building. This lowers the amount of energy the roof absorbs. Also, with a high thermal emittance, metal roofs don’t keep most of the heat they absorb.
What this boils down to is that metal roofs absorb much less heat from the sun, which means less heat is coming into the home. This can results in very significant savings on cooling costs when compared to a traditional roof.
4. Metal Roofs Are Built to Last
A properly-installed metal roof should last between 50 to 60 years. This means that a metal roof will likely be the first and last roof you have installed on your home. An asphalt shingle roof, by comparison, would need to be replaced within 20 years. Additionally, a metal roof will look great for its entire life, while asphalt shingle roofs tend to look worn out after about five or ten years.
5. Metal Roofs Are Not So Noisy
A common misconception is that metal roofs are very noisy when hit by precipitation. When properly built, however, metal roofs aren’t any noisier than other types of roofs. Usually metal roofing is built over a solid substratum. The attic and insulation also provide a sound barrier. As a result, those living under a metal roof usually don’t notice any more noise coming from it.
6. Metal Roofing Can be Used on Low-Pitched Roofs
Another misconception about metal roofs is that they are only well-suited for roofs with a heavy slope. Standing-seam metal roofing, however, functions very well on roofs with a low slope. This style of roof comes in large sheets that are securely sealed together to keep water out. While some slope is needed to make sure the water runs off, most homes are suitable for metal roofing.
7. Metal Roofing and Hail Stones
When compared to asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs are much more durable. Despite this, however, very large hail stones can dent a roof made of copper or aluminum. Steel roofs tend to fare better in these types of situations. While small hail stones are not usually a problem, large hail stones the size of golf balls could destroy a metal roof.
8. Metal Roofs Typically Need Professional Installation
Building a metal roof on your own is not advised, as it can be dangerous. Also, it requires advanced knowledge and expertise. If a metal roof is not installed properly, it could leak or cause other problems, leading to costly damage. It’s therefore strongly recommended to contact a local professional in your area to have the roof installed. If you insist on doing it yourself, make sure you have a contractor or expert that you can contact if you have questions or problems.
9. Metal Roofs Aren’t Damaged by Rot and Insects
You’ll never need to worry about termites or other insects eating away at a metal roof. A metal roof can’t rot, and if it is installed properly, it can’t cause any problems with mold or mildew.
10. Metal Roofs Cost More
The price of a metal roof can vary, depending on the material used, the type of roof you have, where you’re located, and how difficult it is to remove your old roof. Generally speaking, however, metal roofs cost more than traditional roofs made of asphalt shingles. There are many people, however, who would argue that despite this higher price, a metal roof offers a better overall value.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! For most people, their home is their single largest investment. Replacing the roof is a big job, so it’s important to have the right information before deciding how to proceed. We hope that this article has provided you with some valuable information regarding a metal roof, and whether it’s a viable option for you.