Metal Roofing: Pros and Cons

Metal Roofing: Pros and Cons

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofs
A roof serves as an investment in your home, which is why a person must weigh all roofing options before deciding on a material. Residential metal roofing continues to increase in popularity, and many homeowners now look into this option when the time comes to replace their current roof. Before deciding, however, they must know the metal roofing pros and cons to ensure this offers what they need for their residence.

Metal Roofing Has Come a Long Way
When a person thinks of a metal roof, they may bring to mind green panels commonly seen on industrial buildings in the past. The metal roofing industry recognized people want choices with their roofing materials and now offers a range of design and color options to meet their clients’ needs. Vertical panels remain an option, but today consumers find they may also choose metal designed to mimic high-end architectural roofing.
Regardless of what the consumer decides on, metal roofing offers the performance and recyclability people have come to know with this material in its many other forms. This eco-friendly option comes with one of the highest returns on investment as well. Add to this the durability of metal and its ability to resist many common hazards, and it’s a wonder that more people don’t choose this option. The following summarizes the benefits and drawbacks associated with metal roofing residential applications.

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Durability
Metal roofs often last a lifetime. Today, most metal roofing products come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 50 years or more. In fact, copper roofs often outlast the owner, with some remaining on homes for 100 years. In addition, these products come with the best ratings in the industry when it comes to fire, impact, and wind resistance. However, the materials require little maintenance, something many owners appreciate. This depends on the material selected for the roof, and the installation team becomes of great help in comparing and contrasting the different metal options along with the advantages and drawbacks of each.

Environmentally Friendly Roofing
Metal roofing serves as an environmentally friendly option for those concerned about their impact on the planet. Many metal roofing manufacturers use recycled materials to create their products, and the owner may recycle the old metal roof to keep objects out of the landfill.

Steel roofing materials can be reused with no loss of strength. A steel roof on a home today could function as a roof on a home hundreds of years in the future. In addition, this type of roof serves as the perfect foundation for other eco-friendly measures, such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels.

Furthermore, owners learn they can choose a cool roof color to reflect solar heat. This reduces the burden of the cooling system during the summer months while still allowing the residents to remain comfortable while at home.

Curb Appeal
Metal roofing manufacturers produce a wide range of color and design options to make certain every customer finds the combination that best compliments their home’s architectural style. This includes detailed replications of traditional materials, including wood shake and slate. Other people cannot distinguish between the traditional materials and the metal roof in most cases, allowing an owner to have the home they love at a reasonable price.

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Weight
One reason many homeowners avoid traditional materials such as clay and slate when choosing a new roof involves the weight of these materials. They add to the stress placed on the structure, which may lead to the need for a structural assessment before any work begins. Avoid this step by choosing a metal roof that imitates these materials and get the best of both worlds.

Drawbacks of Metal Roofing
However, as with any roofing material, metal roofs come with some drawbacks. Homeowners must know these disadvantages when determining if a metal roof meets their needs.
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Cost
Although metal roofs cost less than slate, wood shake, or tile roofs, they come with a higher price tag than asphalt shingles. This shouldn’t discourage homeowners, however, as maintenance costs over the lifespan of the roof are less with metal roofs. Calculate the cost of an asphalt roof and a metal roof to get an accurate picture of the true cost over the years.

Location
The location of the home plays a role in the suitability of a metal roof for a home. Corrosion becomes a concern when the home sits near salt fog and saltwater. Review the warranty provided by the manufacturer to ensure you comply with the recommendations. No person wants to learn they voided their warranty by using a metal roof too close to saltwater.

Installation
The complexity of many metal roofing projects should not deter individuals. Skilled contractors require more time to complete some roofing systems than they would the same asphalt shingle roof. However, the time required to install a slate or wood shake roof runs about the same as the time required to install these high-end metal roofing systems.

Most problems seen with metal roofing systems occur because of installer error. Avoid this by choosing a contractor with a proven track record when it comes to these jobs.

Furthermore, some men and women find they struggle to locate a skilled metal roofing installer. Never choose a company that handles asphalt shingle roofing jobs and only takes on metal roofing projects occasionally. Avoid this by choosing a contractor with a proven track record when it comes to these jobs. Ask whether they have undergone specialized training by the manufacturer and what members of the team have done the same. Training becomes of great importance with this task, as minor errors can lead to major issues down the road.

Metal roofing doesn’t serve as the perfect choice for every home, but it is one option that should never be overlooked in your search for a new roof for your residence. As more people learn about the benefits of metal roofs, they will increase in popularity. However, a roof is only as good as the installer and the manufacturer that stands behind its products. Never settle in these two areas, as this is your home. It needs to be the best it can be in every way. A metal roof goes a long way toward achieving this goal.