what are the benefits of a metal roof

Metal Roofing

• High longevity—Typically metal roofs last longer than their counterparts of any other construction material.
• Low maintenance
• Chic and popular (for now)
• Possible energy savings

Full Answer

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a metal roof?

Metal roofs are environmentally-friendly – Metal roofs are often manufactured with anywhere from 25% to 95% recycled materials and are completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan. The Disadvantages of Metal Roofing. Metal roofs can be expensive – Depending on the quality of the metal, a metal roof can be anywhere from two to three ...

Is a metal roof a good investment for your home?

To be fair though, metal roofs can make a good economic investment – but only if you stay in the home for a long time. If you move after just a few years, it is not likely that your home’s value will have gone up enough to cover the additional cost. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

What are the pros and cons of metal roofing?

One of many products offered at Bond Roofing, copper roofings installations offer many different pros, including efficiency in energy use, durability with long-lasting shine, and a product that stands out amongst other homes. Copper roofs are the future of ...

Why does a metal roof cost so much?

While the initial material and installation cost of a corrugated metal roof is higher than asphalt shingles or other standard roofing material, the longevity is far superior–lasting two to three times longer than a typical non-metal roof. Across the country, homeowners who invest in corrugated metal roofing get an average ROI of 85.9%.

Is it worth putting a metal roof on?

While there are cheaper options on the market, metal roofing offers performance, protection, and profitability. Today, a metal roof can increase a home's resale value up to 6% when compared to asphalt.

What are the advantages of using a metal roof?

The Advantages of Metal Roofing Metal roofs are long-lasting – In part because of their durability, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Metal is fire-resistant – Metal will not spark or catch fire. Metal is insect-resistant – Unlike other types of roofs, metal does not attract insects.

Is a metal roof better than a shingle?

Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2-4 times longer than shingles. Homeowners like the idea of buying only one more roof in their life instead of potentially several. Metal roofing outperforms shingles in cases of hail and other severe weather events.

Does a metal roof make the house hotter?

Metal Roofs Make Homes No Hotter Than Any Other Roof Any dark colored material, including asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, wood, etc., will absorb heat when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Metal roofing is no different.

What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?

Disadvantages of metal roofsAffordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. ... Noisiness. ... Expansion, contraction and fasteners. ... Inconsistency of color match. ... Performance.

What are the problems with metal roofs?

Top 7 Most Common Metal Roofing ProblemsOver-production—such as extreme pressure during the coiling of the metal.Frequent stress from coil slitting (cutting) and rollforming panels.Inadequate space allotted for thermal expanding and contracting of the panels.More items...•

Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?

Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.

Do metal roofs attract lightning?

As mentioned earlier, metal roofs do not attract lightning. In fact, a metal roof can actually make a lightning strike much less dangerous.

Do metal roofs interfere with cell phone service?

Despite what you may have heard, metal roofs do not disrupt cell service. That said, this misinformation probably comes from the fact that your metal roof can worsen existing service problems. If a utility tower sits close to a home or business with a metal roof, then you may experience interruptions to your service.

Is it OK to put a metal roof over shingles?

In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.

How do you maintain a metal roof?

Metal Roofing Maintenance – How To Care For Your Aluminum RoofingDon't let trees rub against your metal roof. ... Don't let debris accumulate on the roof. ... Clean your gutters. ... Try to keep people from walking on it. ... Avoid damage from paint overspray. ... Keep different types of metal roofing from touching. ... Fix fasteners.More items...

Can moss grow on metal roofs?

Moss clings to asphalt and metal roofs, as well, but doesn't degrade those materials. However, moss will lift the shingles, allowing water through to damage underlying materials. No matter what it's made of, roofs should be kept clean.

What is the cheapest metal roofing?

Corrugated steel panel roofs are the least expensive type of metal roofing, costing about $1.20 to $5.00 per square foot compared to the price of a...

Does a metal roof lower your insurance?

Insurers often factor the type of roof and quality of material into their rebuild costs. Metal roofs offer the best protection but also cost the mo...

How much does labor cost to install a metal roof?

Installing metal roofs is very labor-intensive. Such a project requires a competent contractor who has experience undertaking these types of projec...

How does metal roofing reduce energy?

What is known in the metal roofing industry as "cool metal roofing" can significantly reduce a building's long-term energy use. Through the application of heat deflecting metal coatings, energy costs can be reduced up to 40% or more, according to a study conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Why is metal roofing important?

A metal roof is one of the best investments you can make to boost your home’s value. Delivering beauty, longevity, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability—metal roofing offers benefits for any size home in every region of the country.

What is metal roof?

A Style for Every Home. Residential metal roofs are available in a wide variety of styles, types and colors. They can make a bold architectural statement or effortlessly complement any home and neighborhood. They’ll also maintain their great looks much longer than other roofing materials. Learn More.

Is metal roofing tough?

Tough in Any Condition. Unlike asphalt or other roofing styles, a properly constructed metal roof can handle just about anything Mother Nature can throw at it. Metal roofing can protect your home against extreme temperatures, high winds, hail, marine air and even fire—all with minimal maintenance. Learn More.

Is metal roofing sustainable?

Eco-friendly Roofing. Metal is considered the most environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing material available. Metal roofs are virtually 100% recyclable, and are made with a minimum of 25% recycled material, depending on the specific metal.

What is a Class 4 metal roof?

High-end residential metals roofs are rated to withstand wind, hail, and fire, and some home insurers will offer discounts of up to 30 percent to homeowners whose properties have Class 4 Hail impact-resistant metal roofs like stone coated steel shingles and tiles that are warrantied for hail impact damage.

What color is steel shingles?

Steel shingles in Red color – metal shingle roof with snow guards. Compared to the more traditional asphalt shingle, metal is a far more durable and longer-lasting option for residential roofs. In fact, most homeowners who choose to install a metal roof on their home will never have to think about re-roofing again.

How fast can a metal roof be damaged?

In fact, metal roofs are rated for winds of up to 160 MPH, which is a category 5 hurricane. In contrast, 3-tab asphalt shingles can be damaged by winds speeds that exceed 70 MPH. Shingles can be damaged, or even blown off the roof, particularly if they have been poorly fitted.

How long do metal roofs last?

Metal roofs can last at least three times as long as asphalt shingles, without requiring as much maintenance. At least 30 percent of the material that is used to create a metal roof has been previously recycled. Some metal roofs are made of 100 percent recycled content.

What is a standing seam house made of?

The usual choice for houses is an architectural / residential standing seam, which is typically made out of Galvalume (zinc & aluminum coated steel) or G-90 galvanized steel, although other metals such as painted aluminum, weathered zinc, and copper are also used, albeit at a higher cost.

Why are metal roofs important?

This can be a particularly important benefit for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to wildfires. Metal roofs can also be useful in locations that experience other types of extreme weather, such Kansas, Oklahoma, and other areas where hailstorms are common.

Why do people put metal roofs on their roofs?

Metal roofs can help prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the roof, which means that ice dams are unable to form. A metal roof is one of the ways in which ice dams can be effectively mitigated and prevented from forming in the first place, so they are an ideal choice for cold climates.

How long does a metal roof last?

A properly installed metal roof typically will last as long as the house, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 70 years and, often, a 30- to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty to boot. (By contrast, traditional asphalt roofing typically lasts 12 to 20 years.) Thanks to the material’s unique durability, you can count on it to withstand ...

What metal is used for roofing?

While asphalt might offer 15 to 20 color choices, modern metal roofing comes in more than 100 different colors, including standard, premium, and custom hues. Steel and aluminum, the two most common metals used in residential roofing, are both designed to hold paint finishes well.

How often do you have to replace asphalt shingles?

Traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product and, as such, increase dependency on fossil fuels. Plus, they require replacement every 15 to 20 years, which means that nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Can you put metal roofing over asphalt?

Finally, in some re-roofing projects, a metal roof is so light—roughly one-third the weight of asphalt—that it can be installed directly overtop asphalt shingles without ...

Is metal roofing good for headaches?

If your current roof is the root of your headache (and maybe even a long list of costly home repairs), consider these metal roofing pros and cons before you patch it. You may find that these highly efficient, low-maintenance materials are just right for your home. Rain on a tin roof proves so soothing that it can be found on white noise machines ...

Is metal roofing the last roof you need?

While you might have to pay for replacing a conventional asphalt shingle roof several times over the lifespan of your home, a high-quality metal roof could very likely be the last roof your home will ever need. It’s as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”. Photo: istockphoto.com.

Can you walk on metal shingles?

Depending on the type of roof, you may not even be able to walk on the metal shingles without damaging them. If these drawbacks sound more like dealbreakers, rest assured that they can be sidestepped altogether if you choose the right shingle (preferably one that comes with a guarantee to never dent!).

Can a metal roof catch fire?

No roof can guarantee that a house won't catch fire, but incombustible metal roofs can eliminate the roof as a fire risk. Metal roofs are also smart choices in earthquake-prone areas thanks to their light weight and rigidity. Consider this - even the lightest of asphalt shingles is nearly double the weight of an average metal roof, and a standard concrete roof weighs in at 15 tons! Imagine that overhead when the walls start shaking. Another big advantage of a properly configured metal roof is tremendous resistance to high winds. In fact, there is no better material for resisting the damage of extreme weather.

Does metal roofing last forever?

Nothing lasts forever, but the right choice of metal roofing can endure for many lifetimes. Just take a look at the roofs topping countless famed cathedrals and castles in Europe and historic buildings like Thomas Jefferson's Monticello or the Washington Monument - all examples of metal roofs lasting centuries. If priorities for your roof include low maintenance and longevity, metal should be one of your first choices.

Long-Lasting

One of the most attractive benefits of metal roofing is its longevity. A metal roof can last 2-3 times longer than asphalt shingles if well installed and maintained.

Fast Installation

Another advantage of choosing a metal roof is the quick and straightforward installation. Because metal roofing typically comes in large sheets, this speeds up the installation process considerably.

Lightweight

The relatively lightweight nature of metal roofing doesn’t just affect the ease of installation. It can also help you to save on costs around engineering and building the supporting structure.

Reduced Pitch Requirements

Another area where metal roofing is unique is in its pitch requirements. Unlike certain other roofing materials, metal roofing can be installed on very low-slope roofs. If you opt for standing seam roofing, you can use this on shallow roof pitches, in some cases even as low as 1-in-12 (1-inch rise for every horizontal foot).

A Metal Roof Is a Sustainable Option

Not only is a metal roof incredibly long-lasting, but it’s also one of the most sustainable types of roofing. A primary reason for this has to do with the recyclability of steel. Unlike other roofing materials, steel can be recycled over and over again.

Metal Roofing Is Energy Efficient

Another reason why metal roofing is sustainable and cost-effective is its energy efficiency. Metal roofs have higher heat-reflecting abilities than most other roofing materials, which usually results in reduced cooling costs. Some metal roofing materials also come with reflective pigment coatings to further enhance heat reflection.

A Metal Roof Poses Less Maintenance

Along with being highly long-lasting, metal roofing is also a low-maintenance option. The amount and type of maintenance you will need with a metal roof depends on the product you have installed. If you opt for a standing seam metal roof, you will have a bare minimum of maintenance.