When it comes to choosing the roofing material for your roof, you have a few options. The traditional option is to use asphalt shingles which are easy to replace and inexpensive. Metal roofs have increased in popularity over the years due to its ability to last for many years. However, it does have its downsides. In this article, we will review the pros and cons of metal roofing.
The benefits of metal roofing:
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Long Lasting
No one wants to spend time worrying about their roof, let alone replace it every 20-50 years (depending on the type of shingle). A metal roof means that the disruption and inconvenience of replacing the roof occurs every 50-80 years. That’s less headache and hassle for you and any future homeowners.
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Durability
Whether you live in hot or cold climates, metal roofing can withstand all types of weather. If your area is prone to wildfires, you can rest assured that the roof will withstand them because they are the most fire resistant. Heavy storms wreaking havoc on your roof is a thing of the past with a metal roof as well. A sturdy metal roof will be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
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Energy Efficient
There’s never a bad time to try to save a few dollars on your energy bill. A metal roof can assist with this, especially in the summer thanks to the metal roof’s ability to reflect sunlight. As a result, you won’t have to blast your AC in order to make up for your roof’s energy inefficiency.
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Aesthetically Pleasing
If you’re looking to increase your curb appeal, metal roofing is not a bad way to go. You can choose the color and shingle style of your roof to fit your more modern home. In addition, because the material is durable, you won’t have to worry about the roof looking worn out and outdated.
The drawbacks of metal roofing:
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Cost
The cost of a metal roof can leave a dent in your wallet. A traditional shingle roof is much less expensive than a metal roof because the materials and labor can cost more. However, given the longevity of a metal roof, the upfront cost of a metal roof can be worth the investment because it won’t require replacement as often as a shingle roof.
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HOA Rules
If you live in a home regulated by an HOA, be sure to check with the association before hiring a roofing company to install a metal roof. Many HOAs prefer that the roofs all look the same which means using traditional roofing materials. If you and other homeowners are interested in metal roofing, it may be worth bringing it up at an HOA meeting. You might be able to change their mind given the benefits of metal roofs over shingle roofs.
What are some things to consider when choosing to install a metal roof?
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Sound Insulation
A metal roof can be noisy when it’s raining. While some people like the sound of rain hitting their roof at night, those who don’t will be in for an unhappy surprise. To combat the extra noise, your roofing company can add insulation underneath the roof. Be sure to discuss the options with your roofing company beforehand so that they can add the noise insulation aspect to their plans.
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Material of the metal to prevent denting
A metal roof that has been hit by hail is not a nice aesthetic. To prevent denting, consider the types of different roofing materials before scheduling an installation. Some materials are tougher and can withstand the elements while softer materials can lead to a pockmarked roof. Your roofing company can walk you through the different types of roofing materials and help you find one that suits your needs.
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Roofing installation company
Barring an emergency, you wouldn’t ask a cardiac surgeon to perform foot surgery. While the cardiac surgeon can perform a surgery, their lack of experience working on feet means that they won’t do as good of a job as an orthopedic surgeon. The same is true for a roofing company that only works with shingles. They know their craft and can do it well, but without experience installing metal roofs, they may not install the metal roof correctly. Be sure to find a roofing company with metal roofing experience.
