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Metal Roofs: Pros and Cons

Jun 9, 2017 4:54:00 PM

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When it’s time for a new roof, homeowners have plenty of options to choose from. Those who are looking for ways to save costs on energy bills might want to consider getting a metal roof. This type of roof offers several advantages over other roofing materials, although there are also a few disadvantages to take into consideration. 

Lets take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of installing a metal roof. 

Advantages of Metal Roofs

Lower Cooling Costs

Some roofing materials, such as asphalt, absorb the sun’s rays throughout the day, which causes homes to heat up more during summer. This results in higher cooling costs and more wear and tear on air conditioning units. Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, which helps keep homes cooler. When you have a metal roof on your home, you don’t have to run your air conditioning as often, leading to significant savings on your energy bills. You can also have your metal roof painted or have a cool reflective coating applied to it to increase its ability to reflect the sun’s rays, which helps you save even more money on the cost of cooling your home. 

High Durability

Metal roofs are highly durable, which makes them a good long-term investment for homes. These roofs are able to handle severe weather conditions, including high winds, strong storms and hail. Some types of metal roofs are even able to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 mph without sustaining any damage. Metal roofs are also noncombustible or fire-resistant, so they won’t ignite if they’re hit by lightning during severe weather. This high level of durability saves you money in the long run in terms of maintenance and repair costs. Metal roofs don’t require much maintenance, and they’re less likely to need repairs over the course of their lifetime compared to other roofing materials, such as asphalt and wood. 

Long Life Expectancy

Metal roofs are among the roofs with the longest life expectancy. These roofs are designed to last for several decades. In fact, some metal roofs can last for up to 70 years. This is much longer than the life expectancy of other roofing materials, such as asphalt, which lasts for about 20 years or less. Keep in mind that proper installation plays an important role in the life expectancy of a metal roof. Improper installation can shorten its life expectancy considerably. Metal roofs are able to last long due to their resistance to fire, extreme weather, mildew and other moisture problems and insect damage. You can also have paint and coatings applied that make your metal roof resistant to rust and corrosion. 

Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

Higher Installation Costs

One of the main drawbacks of metal roofs is that they cost more to install than other roofing materials. However, they offer many factors that help you see a return on this investment over time. A metal roof’s durability, low maintenance requirements and energy efficiency add up to significant savings over the years, which help offset the initial cost of having it installed. If you plan on staying in your home for several years, you’re more likely to recoup the cost of metal roof installation. Keep in mind that having a metal roof might also boost your home’s value.

Expansion and Contraction

Metal roofs have a higher tendency to expand and contract compared to other roofing materials. This can cause the metal panels to loosen if they’re not installed with concealed fasteners that hold them together securely. They might also be more hazardous for homeowners to walk on when inspecting roofs for damage or other problems. If you invest in a metal roof for your home, use extra caution if you need to walk around on it. 

Noise Complaints

Metal roofs don’t absorb sound as much as asphalt, wood and other roofing materials. This usually isn’t a problem unless it’s raining or hailing. During this kind of weather, metal roofs can make a considerable amount of noise, which can be a nuisance for homeowners. If noise is a concern for you, you’ll need to take steps to reduce it. This might involve adding more insulation to block noise from the roof from reaching your home’s interior. You might also want to consider getting a metal roof made with materials that help keep noise out, such as those with certain structural barriers. This helps minimize the sound of rain and hail inside your home.

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