What are the pros and cons of having a metal roof?

According to the latest report by McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics, 11% of U.S. homeowners chose metal roofing for their residences. The roofing material you choose will make a huge difference in the overall cost, look, performance, maintenance, and durability of your house.

The roofing market is flooded with a variety of options like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, composite tiles, metal roofs, etc. Read ahead to know if metal roofing is the right choice for your home.

Benefits of having a metal roof:

1.     Longevity:Metal roofs are sturdy and long-lasting. The lifespan of a metal roof can be up to five decades! It can seal out water and survive strong winds. The metal is also resistant to fire, and insects, adding to its longevity and making it a perfect option if you’re looking for a roof that can be durable for years to come.
2.     Durability:When installed correctly, metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. If the proper type of metal roofing is installed based on your location and environment (coastal setting), it can be resistant to corrosion. Metal roofing doesn’t require periodic maintenance which means you get to save some cash. Metal roofs also do not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. They are lightweight yet durable.
3.     Energy-efficient: Metal roofs reflect the solar radiant heat instead of absorbing it. This can help in a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs. In fact, some metal roofing comes coated with special reflective pigments. This further helps to minimize heat gain, keeping occupants cool and comfortable.
4.     Stylish:Modern metal roofs have moved away from the typical corrugated tin roofs. Instead, they come in a wide variety of options. You can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel roofs; in a range of colors, finishes, and even shapes! Product types include vertical seam, pre-formed panels, and granular coated panels. Modern metal roofing comes in more than 100 different colors, including standard, premium, and custom hues leaving you with several options to choose from.
5.   Eco-friendly: Traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product and hence increase the dependency on fossil fuels. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are a more sustainable alternative. for several reasons. More than 25 percent of metal roofing is constructed from recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable themselves at the end of their lives. Metal roofing also provides an ideal platform for installing solar panels and rain-water harvesting systems.

Cons of having a metal roof:

1.     Affordability:Metal roofs can be two or three times more expensive than other roofing alternatives. The long life of a metal roof comes at a high cost. This cost can range from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet. The installation labor is also more expensive as it requires specialized skills. Investing in a metal roof is worthy only if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
2.     Prone to dents:Though modern metal roofs can withstand extreme weather conditions, heavy hail can cause dents in the roof. Nevertheless, selecting the right material can help you overcome this drawback. For instance, aluminum roofs and tin roofs being softer are more prone to dents than steel roofs which are quite sturdy. You may also choose the metal roofing which comes with a ‘no dent’ guarantee.
3.     Noisiness: Depending on the type of decking (spaced or solid) used during installation, metal roofs can make a bit of noise when it rains. The good news is that the noise can be controlled by using quality materials that have structural barriers to minimize the drumming effect. It can also be taken care of by applying the metal over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.
4.     Difficult to repair:Metal roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace than individual shingles. Also, if you remodel or add on to your home 10 or 20 years from now, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal. This could compromise the aesthetic appeal and the quality of the roof.
5.   Require efficient installation: Roof panels with exposed fasteners are particularly vulnerable to improper installation. The water may accumulate anywhere on the roof because of poor-quality installation and can cause serious damage. Low-grade metals rust more easily than others during certain climatic conditions.

The pros of metal roofing outnumber the cons by far. Metal roofing is a very durable, effective, lightweight choice that is relatively quick to install by professionals.

The popularity of metal roofing is gradually gaining on asphalt. If you’re considering a metal roof replacement or repair for your home, contact us today. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our knowledge, efficiency, and the quality of our work. We offer a range of quality metal roofs to choose from.