Have you noticed that metal roofs have been popping up more than ever before? Why are metal roofs so popular? We will take an in-depth look at what makes them so popular and why.
Metals roofs are popular for a variety of reasons including their durability, longevity, attractive appearance, safety, and energy efficiency.
This is a short answer to our question, but there is a lot more to look at. So, keep reading to find out all that you need to know about metal roofs and why they have become a top choice for homeowners.
What is Metal Roofing?
Shingles are by far the most popular choice of roofing for homes, but this doesn’t mean that other options aren’t used. These other choices are just not seen as often.
But what exactly is metal roofing?
Well, metal roofing is a type of roofing material that can be added instead of shingles and is usually made from copper, steel, or zinc panels. Metal roofs look like long panels with ridges between them that are laid vertically on the top of the home.
These panels typically last a long time and can be placed on top of other roofing options to help minimize the time it takes to install it. This can also help lessen the debris and dirt that comes from completing a roofing job.
Why are Metal Roofs So Popular?
There are several reasons why a homeowner might decide to use a metal roof over other options.
Because of the positives that come with installing and having a metal roof, they make a great option for many people!
So, let’s take a better look at all of the main reasons why someone might want to choose to have a metal roof instead of a more traditional option.
Durability
It is not complicated to say that metal lasts longer than asphalt shingles since metal is such a hard and durable material. So, it is no surprise that metal roofing is the most durable roofing material that you can find.
The metal stands up against multiple weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail better than other options. It also helps stop rust from forming on the roof from moisture and water getting into it.
Plus, if anything were to hit the roof of your home like if a storm caused a large tree branch to fall, you will likely have less damage overall.
With shingles, you might have a few that would break or come off, but the metal roofing won’t deal with either of these problems.
It will also hold up better against high winds, which could potentially tear off other shingles fairly easily.
Longevity
Not only do metal roofs stay durable over time, but they stay in good condition for much longer. This allows your roof to not need a replacement for a much longer time.
Traditional shingled roofs can last between 15 and 20 years. However, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 up to 70 years!
This means that they could stay intact for the entire time that you are alive to own and live in your home. This saves you a great deal of money since you may not need to replace it during your lifetime.
It also makes a great choice for those who are hoping to gift their home when they pass away to a family member. With a roof that will likely last many years before they need to replace the roofing, you are also saving them money on house upkeeps.
Attractive Appearance
It’s impossible to go any further without talking about looks!
Regardless of which material you choose for your metal roof, their rustic look creates a timeless elegance that attracts many owners.
Even when only used on accents, metal roofs can greatly enhance the look of a home by providing variety. They can also help a home to stand out in a neighborhood full of plain shingled roofs, which is always good for resale 😉
Safety
Another positive thing about having metal roofing is that the material is impervious to fire. This can be a huge plus if you live in an area where wildfires are rampant during the dry parts of the year.
The material will also not create sparks or flames if it happens to be hit by lightning. This can be very helpful in areas where thunderstorms happen throughout the year.
This will keep your house safer from extreme weather conditions at the worst of times so that you won’t have to deal with the cost of replacement, or worse, major damage to your home.
Energy Efficiency
Although you might not think of metal roofs as an energy-efficient option, they are one of the top choices. This is because they reflect solar heat and can help to keep your entire house up to 25% cooler.
This can help you to use your air conditioning unit less over the year and saves you money too. With the average family spending more on cooling during June, July, and August, this can make a major difference throughout the year.
Recycled Materials
Metal roofs can easily be made from more recycled materials, which allows them to be easier on the environment. Not only can this roofing material be made from recycled material, but they are also completely recyclable at the end of their use.
If you decide that you want to redo the roof of the home, then you can choose to recycle the metal roofing that is on there currently, which can help keep the waste to nearly nothing at all.
Unlike traditional materials, which have a high amount of waste at the end of the year, a metal roof can help reduce waste and keep the environment cleaner.
What Are Some Reasons To Choose Non-Metal Options?
Though metal roofing is growing in popularity, not everyone is jumping on the bandwagon to install this material on their roofs.
So, there must be some caveats to having metal roofs that we should discuss!
So, here are some reasons why people are choosing non-metal options.
High Cost
Not all families or homeowners will be able to afford the price of metal roofing, which is typically much higher than other choices.
Metal roofs can cost anywhere from two to three times the original cost of traditional roof options. This can make it out of reach for those who are on a tight budget.
Also, if you are not going to be staying in the same house for many years, then having this high cost would not make sense if you will not be able to get the benefits from it.
So, if you are only looking to stay in your home for a few more years, then spending that much could be a choice you are not willing to make.
Noise Level
Another issue that some people dislike is that the noise level can get quite high. This is especially true during a storm when hard rain or hail is hitting the roof.
If you live in an area where rainstorms are common, then this could be a continual issue for you.
There is a fix that could help, which is adding extra insulation during the initial installation. However, this will add to the already high costs of the roofing.
This might not be in the budget for homeowners who can’t afford to spend more than they already will. I cover this topic in more detail in this article if you’re interested in learning more as well.
Improper Installation
You will need to find a roofing company that has had experience with installing metal roofs. This is because they are different from other roofs and require a near-perfect finish.
If they are not correctly installed, then water pooling and damage could be an issue. Also, the materials tend to contract and expand.
If the metal is not installed properly, then the expansion can cause some of the panels to move out of place. This could cause you to need to replace certain spots that don’t fit properly or that get damaged.
Color Matching
Metal roofs can vary in color, which can make it difficult to match the exact color if you have to replace or repair damaged panels.
This could make the roof look spotty when there are different colors throughout the area. So, choosing a basic color that will be easy to match will limit your options.
This will also cost more to match, which will be another cost added to the high price of the metal roofing.
Final Thoughts
Metal roofs have become popular within the last few years and have stayed that way for some time. If you have been thinking that this roofing material would be a good idea for you, then taking into account all of the pros and cons will help you make your final decision.
Whether you are thinking about going with a metal roof to help provide a durable and long-lasting roof, it might be a good option for you. However, you want to know the good and bad before you opt for this expensive choice of roofing.
So, take another read through these points above to see whether getting this roofing material will be the best choice for your home and situation. If you decide that it is, then you can begin the process of getting the work done and have the best-looking roof in your neighborhood.
