Are metal roofs worth it?
Is your home ready for a new roof? Give metal roofing some thought before you go with the standard asphalt shingle roofing. And no, this won’t be the old bent and rusted metal roofing like grandpa’s barn or the chicken coop. Today, they are making metal roofing shingles that look like asphalt shingles. Ceramic tile and even wood shingles can be mimicked in metal roofing today.
Today, metal roofing for homes has become more popular because of that, and because of an almost endless list of metal roofing colors now available. In addition to the various standard metal roofing colors, you can even get customized colors, though at a higher cost.
Are metal roofs more energy efficient?
One of the most aspects of metal roofing, and one of the metal roofing basics, is the energy efficiency they provide. Contrary to popular belief, even here in the southern part of Texas during the hot summer, homes can be cool and comfortable, and even have lower energy bills, with metal roofing.
How long does a metal roof last?
Another popular aspect of metal roofing that is attracting more and more homeowners is the longevity they offer. There are many benefits that come with metal roofing and a lifespan between 40 and 70 years is one of them. Factors that can give metal roofing a longer life include the quality of metal used, the quality of the installation, and the weather in your area.
With high-quality metal, a high-quality installation by a professional, and average weather, you can expect to see the 70-year mark, or maybe longer, barring any surprises. Compare that with the average 12 years you’ll get with an asphalt roof, and you can justify the higher cost because your metal roofing will outlive standard asphalt shingle roofing three times over.
What are all the metal roofing pros and cons?
The material choices in metal roofing today are numerous:
- Galvanized steel
- Galvalume steel
- Weathered steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
Metal roofing comes in different product types of granular coated panels, pre-formed panels, and vertical seam. The style choices, some of which we’ve already mentioned, include:
- Shingles
- Slate
- Tile
- Shakes
- Vertical panels
Once you’ve made your mind up to have metal roofing installed, work with a roofing contractor that is experienced with installing metal roofing on residential structures. The ideal roofing contractor will follow the local building codes, manufacturer’s guidelines, and know the proper installation method to keep your metal roofing in line for guarantees and warranties.
Make sure the metal roofing product installed on your home has been industry tested and is labeled and listed with a testing organization like FM Approvals, Intertek, or UL. You want your metal roofing to be able to stand up to all requirements and meet all fire, impact, and wind resistance ratings.
We have already mentioned, two of the most popular benefits that attract more homeowners every year are energy efficiency and longevity. Other benefits of metal roofing include:
- Durability: When metal roofing is installed correctly, it can withstand gusts of wind upwards of 140 miles per hour, is impact resistant, and won’t corrode or crack.
- Maintenance: Metal roofing should be inspected annually and after any significant weather event, but overall it requires little to no maintenance.
- Safety: Because metal roofing is fire resistant, it won’t ignite or spark flames from a lightning strike or wildfire. This is why it gets a high safety rating from insurance companies.
- Environmental: Metal roofing is made from as little as 25% and up to 95% recycled content, and when it has reached the end of its life (or if you’re just tired of it), it is 100% recyclable. The asphalt shingles that are torn off roofs every day can potentially another 20 billion pounds to our landfills every year.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles?
This is feasible in most cases, but there are determining factors, with the biggest one being the manufacturer of the metal roofing. Many will not honor their warranty when it is installed over existing roofing materials. Many contractors will not install metal over existing materials because of this factor, as it can reflect on their reputation if there is a problem.
Another factor that should be verified before scheduling installation for metal roofing is local building codes and requirements. A quality roofing contractor will check these matters out while pulling any required permits. It would behoove a homeowner to check themselves before getting too far into the decision-making process.
More to Consider
With all the aesthetics that metal roofing has to offer homeowners today, coupled with the benefits we’ve listed, it isn’t hard to see why so many have chosen this material. While the cost is the usual detraction, when the longevity it offers is taken into account, it doesn’t take long to see that you’ll save money by not having to replace it again for years, if ever.
Maybe you’re just tired of the color, and that’s no problem. Metal roofing can be painted with the proper preparation and a good quality exterior paint for metal. Do note that once you’ve painted it, you’ll need to repaint it every 3 to 5 years, taking away one of the benefits of low to no maintenance. If you’re ready to learn more about metal roofing, reach out to us by calling (832) 598-4245.
