The Advantages of Metal Roofing
The advantages of metal roofing materials are numerous, yet many people still stubbornly persist in their use of the old industry standards. Here are just a few ways that metal roofing is superior to conventional roofing materials.
Low Heat Conduction
Metal roofing materials are shiny, are reflect the sun’s rays on those hot summer days. This means that less heat makes it into your home, translating into less power used for running air conditioning. This means lower energy bills, which are always beneficial to the good old bottom line. This benefit will help you save money each and every month over the long run. This can even be enhanced with certain finishes or paints, which is why metal roof paint has special formulations.
Reduced Leaking
For roofs with low pitch, leaking is one of those possibilities that never goes away using conventional roofing materials, no matter how minimized it becomes through various tricks and techniques. However, with metal roofing materials gently pitched roofs can be covered with virtually no risk of leaking. The minimum pitch is 3 in 12, meaning a three inch rise every foot.
Non Flammable Materials
One of the great benefits of metal is that it doesn’t burn. Compare that with asphalt shingles, which are a definite fire risk. Metal roofing materials are inflammable and safe. This can go so far as to reduce your home owners insurance depending on your state and location. The other real benefit of this is that your home is practically immune to catching on fire from lightning strikes, no matter what the myths may say.
Light Weight
Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing materials actually weigh less than tile or concrete roofing. Much less. Metal roofing is super lightweight - 50 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet. Compare this to concrete at 900 or tile at 750 and its obvious just how much you’re saving. This keeps the supports in your house free of extra weight, meaning they’re less likely to break or require maintenance. You may even be able to reduce the number of supports you need. Different metal roofing materials have different densities, so don’t expect each to have the same weight. For instance, copper roofing will always be lighter than steel roofing for the same area covered.
Longevity
Longevity is where metal roofing materials really shine. Simply put, the metal roof should last as long as the house does. You’ll rarely need to do any maintenance or repairs since the metal is durable. It seals out water and is resistant to conventional roofing’s four biggest fears: fire, mildew, insects, and rot. You can easily measure your metal roofs lifetime in decades, not years.
Ease of Installation
Metal roofing installation is not as difficult as many would make it out to be. This is because it comes in multi-shingle sections, which skilled professionals can put in place quickly. Installing metal roofs can be difficult to do yourself, so you should generally consult local contractors before undertaking the task. With a metal roof, you won’t need to worry - you’ll be covered.
The Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
While the advantages of metal roofing materials far outweigh the disadvantages, for the sake of honesty and so that you can make an informed decision about metal roofs, I will discuss the minor drawbacks of metal roofing.
Metal Roofing Cost
The biggest drawback to metal roofing materials is definitely the cost. But that should be expected - you always get what you pay for, after all. While the initial cost of metal roofing is high, the cost over time is actually quite low. So if you plan on staying in your home for more than a couple of years, you’re likely to make money in the long run. However, the sticker shock that can accompany the initial price is sometimes enough to scare away the weak at heart.
The Thermal Cycle
It’s a fact of nature that everything expands when it gets hot and contracts when it gets cold. However, metal tends to do this more significantly than other materials. Most roofing systems will come with fasteners to counter any movement of the metal roofing material. Still, these fasteners could come loose over time.
Safety Issues
Metal roofs can be somewhat treacherous to walk across, which might complicate things if someone needs to access the chimney. Most modern systems can be walked, but it’s always important to contact the pros who installed your roof first. Depending on the pitch of the roof and other factors, there may be a correct way you should be following. In addition, you need to be extra careful when walking on the roof after a storm - metal gets slippery when wet.
Denting or Scratching the Metal Roof
It’s possible that the metal roof could get dented or scratched if placed under extreme conditions. Most roofs are guaranteed by their manufacturers for years. But like anything else, over time their finish will begin to fade. Metal roof colors need to be bold and strong in order to be most effective and aesthetically pleasing. Some upkeep and maintenance may be necessary in the long run to ensure that the quality of your roof stays pristine.
Modifications Could Be Difficult
Installing metal roofs is a costly and precise job no matter how it is undertaken. Some kinds of metal roofing materials are installed in large sheets or sections all at once. These are more difficult to replace than single shingles or units in other roofing systems. Since it’s far less likely that your metal roof will get damaged, this most likely will not be an issue, but it’s always best to prepare for the worst. In addition, it may be difficult to match the specific materials used to make your roof should you need to remodel in future decades. Metal roof installation is always costly, so it’s best to be absolutely sure about a modification before you attempt one.