Roofing is a critically important consideration for any new home, and a significant replacement expense for existing homes. When selecting a roof, take into consideration initial cost, lifetime cost, durability, life span of the roof, appearance, and the length of time you intend to live in the home. When all factors are considered, metal roofs are an attractive choice for many homeowners.
In both appearance and functionality, modern residential metal roofing has improved greatly from the days of their corrugated, “tin shed” appearance. Metal roofs now are more aesthetically pleasing, while retaining all the advantages of the material. Metal roofs are extremely durable, fire resistant, light weight, wind resistant, reflect heat well, and are easier to install. Drawbacks include initial cost, louder noise from rain or hail, poor insulation ability, and easier chipping and denting.
Since metal does not burn except at extreme temperatures, metal types of roofing receive the highest fire retardant rating, which may be an asset in resale value and homeowner’s insurance rates as well as the obvious safety issue. Wind resistance is also excellent which has additional appeal in locations vulnerable to high wind exposure, such as hurricanes.
Metal roofs reflect the sun’s heat and reduce the cooling burden in the summer as a result. While they have almost no insulation value of their own, this can easily be gotten around by using a dead space between the metal components and the underlying roof components or by the use of insulating materials. Use of sound deadening insulations also reduces the objection to possible noise related to weather. Heat can also cause contraction and expansion of metal, and some loosening of connectors.
Metal roofs are very light, which means they require fewer structural supports and thus are less expensive to install. In addition, a metal roof can be installed above your home’s current roof before removing the existing roof, making the process cheaper and less time-consuming. Installation is simpler because such roofs come in large sheets, but this may make large sections harder to replace when necessary. Also, if you build an addition to your house, matching the metal roof can be difficult.
Metal roofs cost more than most other roofs, which is the main obstacle to installing them. However, discount metal roofing is available at lower cost. Even if you cannot get a discount, the durability of metal may make it cheaper in the long run. Most roofs made of metal will last for 20 to 50 years, or longer than the house beneath them. Metal becomes a greater bargain if you intend to continue living in the same house for a very long time.
Residential metal roofing has become more popular because it is lightweight, fire resistant, wind resistant, very long lasting and now even attractive. While metal roofs are still more expensive than most other types, they are more affordable than ever and discount metal roofing is available as well. The higher initial cost may be offset by lower maintenance costs and less need for replacement over the life of a house. Construction costs may also be less since these need less support. Metal can reflect the sun to make summer cooling less expensive and are easily insulated for winter warmth.
- Ryan McCall
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