The top roofing materials, according to HGTV, include asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles, slate, wood shingles and shake, and metal roofing. Metal roofs were once seen as only for barnyard or sheds. But in recent years, they’ve expanded on both styles and finish, to create a look that works well in residential roofing. With metal roofs on the rise, we see more homeowners adopting these over asphalt or fiber cement shingle roofs.
There are several benefits to installing a metal roof that every homeowner should know before deciding on how to invest in their home. Metal roof benefits include their durability, cost-effectiveness, their unique style, and more!
Metal Roofing is Extremely Durable
The one thing that your roof needs to do is protect your home from the elements. Intense storms that bring strong winds and rain can damage roof shingles, but metal roofing is built to stand the test. In fact, metal roofs can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Wow! Large hail will never penetrate it as it will with standard granule shingles. Plus, a rust-proof coating keeps the metal from rust and corrosion due to rain, ice, and snow.
One downfall to metal roofs is, depending on the type of metal roof, some softer material like copper and aluminum can be susceptible to dents from large hail or debris. Check with the manufacturer on those details and ideally find yourself a metal roof that has a guarantee against dents.
More Expensive but Very Cost-effective
The cost of a metal roof is much higher than that of other types of roofing material. Home Advisor gives a good comparison of how metal roofs compare to prices of asphalt shingles. First off, pricing is generally listed per square, which is 100 square feet of material. Second, the average price per square of asphalt shingles is $70 to $160 per square, while metal roofing prices can range from $120 to $900 per square depending on the type of metal. Despite its high cost, investing in a metal roof may end up being more cost-effective than any other roofing materials due to its long lifespan and durability.
Known for its Longevity
One of the most significant advantages of metal roofing is its long lifespan. A properly installed metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years—lasting as long as the house and even longer than a family’s stay. Most metal roofing manufacturers will also include a warranty lasting upwards of 50 years, making an investment in metal roofing worth the time you get out of it. In comparison, popular asphalt shingle roofs last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Thus, installing metal roofing systems allows homeowners to never have to worry about replacing their roof for the entirety of their mortgage and beyond.
Very Stylish, and Boosts Curb Appeal
When weighing the pros and cons of metal roofing systems, for many years, a major con was that there was one look, one style, and nobody wanted to have their residential home looking like a pole barn. Tamko carries a line called MetalWorks® AstonWood® Steel Shingles that displays eight gorgeous colors of metal shingles that can stand up against any other type or color of shingle on the market. You can have a steel roof that looks like your every shingle, with better stability and longer life than any of your neighbors.
Metal Roofing is Recyclable, Making it Environmentally Friendly
Metal is already made up of recycled materials, but the added benefit is that it is also 100% recyclable itself. While other roofing materials pile up in landfills, steel can continue to be recycled, melted down, resolidified, and so on, without ever diminishing in strength or durability. The long lifespan also limits its effect on the environment by not having to utilize resources more than once in its 50+ year lifetime.
More Energy Efficient Than Other Roofing Materials
Metal is a reflective surface and will bounce sunlight off of it, disallowing extra heat from the sun to absorb into it, making your house and your attic hotter. This can be incredibly useful in the summer, where a hot attic can cause your air conditioning systems to have to work extra hard to cool the entire home. If energy efficiency is one of your top priorities as a homeowner, a metal option may be your best bet for your new roof.
Resistant to Fire, Rot, and Termites
Not only is a metal shingle going to be resistant against severe weather, but it also benefits from being resistant to fire, rot, and termites. During a severe storm, a roof made of metal will not spark if struck by lightning. Since it is not made of wood or any similar materials that can rot, it will not fall suspect to mold or mildew, and termites and other insects will not be attracted to the steel. These benefits are something many homeowners might fail to consider, but ask any metal roofer, and they’ll tell you it is so worth it to have protection against fire, rot, and termites.
Increases Your Home’s Resale Value
As you weigh all of the pros and cons of a new roof, one of the biggest benefits to a new roof is prolonging your investment. Not only does metal roofing allow your family to have peace of mind when it comes to weather resistance, energy efficiency, and safety, but the value it will apply to your home is astounding. As many folks end up having to repair or replace their roof more than once during the lifetime of their mortgage or home, those who go this route will be able to resell their home with a roof that has more than plenty of life left in it. This can not only save money when it comes to getting your home ready to sell, but buyers will be happy to know their home is protected with a roof that continues to stand the test of time.
As a Tamko Certified contractor, we at Yellowfin Roofing are proud to be able to showcase high-quality materials along with our expert installation and guaranteed 2-week install. Fill out our contact form to get a FREE in-home estimate. We look forward to it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is metal roofing worth its higher expense?
While metal roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials, it’s actually the most cost effective. In the long run, you’ll actually save money on your roof if you build with metal because of how long they last. If you can afford it, metal roofing is worth its higher expense.
How long can I expect my metal roof to last?
Depending on where you live, and how you take care of it, you can expect your metal roof to last anywhere from 40 – 70 years. Typically, that’s longer than a family spends in a home, and sometimes outlasts the home itself.
Are metal roofs more or less energy efficient than other roofing materials?
If you live in a warm region, metal roofing could save you big time on your Summer energy expense. Since metal is a reflective material, it bounces unwanted warming sunlight away from your roof keeping your attic and home cooler, and lowering your energy bill.