Metal Roofing Savings
Metal roofing materials may cost more at first to purchase and install, but they offer huge benefits in long term savings. They do this through a variety of different methods which home owners can exploit, including low life-cycle costs, reducing energy costs and consumption, helping increase the property value of the house, and potentially lower home owners insurance. In the long run, the lesser costs of metal roofing combined with their other benefits make them a wise fiscal choice when considering a new roofing project.
Lowering Home Owners Insurance
This is a benefit that unfortunately is not available in every state. Since installing a metal roof makes your house less likely to catch fire or flood during sever rainstorms, many insurance companies offer discounts depending on the type of metal roofing material you choose to install. Make sure you look into potential benefits before you think about metal roofing costs.
Property Value Appreciation
Metal roofing materials are widely known as durable and lasting, and as such installing them on your home increases its overall property value. It’s typical to recoup between 75% and 95% of the initial cost of installation by the time you look to resell your home. Compare this with the regular upkeep and depreciation seen in many other roofing materials, and the savings look even more beneficial! This can significantly mitigate the initial cost of metal roofing.
Energy Consumption Reduction
You could see your energy costs reduced considerably depending on the type of metal roofing materials you choose to install and the kind of finish you apply. Unlike asphalt roofing materials which absorb sunlight, metal roofing materials actually reflect the sun’s rays, meaning you need less energy to keep it cool. This has been shown to reduce energy costs by as much as 40% on hot summer days. In addition, certain kinds of pigments can actually re emit heat back into the air, which in the long run saves you even more. Remember, the less heat that enters your house, the less heat you have to remove through air conditioning. This is especially important if you live in hot, sunny areas.
Life Cycle Costs
Unlike other roofing materials which need to be maintained and replaced every few years, metal roofing materials are widely known for their longevity. The metal roofing cost may seem intimidating at first, but in the long run you could actually wind up saving money, not to mention all the time and energy it takes to replace worn out shingles. Metal roofing materials last for decades, typically with a guarantee.
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.