Are you in the market for a new roof? Whether you’re putting a roof on a new home, or your existing roof requires a total makeover, there are many materials available. But no matter what roof style you have, metal roofs can be an attractive option. Metal roofs are growing in popularity as a more durable, minimal maintenance, energy-efficient roofing option. And thanks to modern sheet metal fabrication, installing a metal roof is actually a quick and easy process. Wondering if a metal roof is right for you? Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of metal roofs.
The pros and cons of metal roofs
Pros of metal roofs
Durability
A properly installed quality metal roof should last from 40 to 50 years, sealing out water, surviving high winds, and easily shedding snow. The fact that metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot pays off big in longevity. So the roof is most likely going to outlast your time in the home, and the benefits will extend to the next homeowners.
Energy efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of metal roofs is their energy performance. Metal is a much more efficient option than other roofing materials. Because metal is naturally reflective, it repels the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. Plus, they are typically coated with reflective pigments and colours to boost the reflecting power. This helps to keep your home cooler in the summer, thereby saving you money associated with cooling your home.
Eco-friendly
Metal roofing sheets are also much more eco-friendly than other roofing materials. Asphalt comes from petroleum, which results from fossil fuels. And since they don’t last that long, they need to be tossed and replaced more frequently. Metal roofs, while not perfect for the environment, are a much better option. Much of the metal used in creating the sheets comes from recycled metal sources. And when the roof is no longer needed, the metal can be completely recycled, rather than sent to the landfill.
Increase property value
A new metal roof can also boost your home’s value. While it’s likely you won’t recoup your entire investment, a metal roof is still very attractive for buyers. They will be drawn to the benefits of the metal, including the unique appearance and the knowledge that they will likely never need to replace the roof while they are living there.
Lots of options
A metal roof gives you near limitless flexibility and design options. As mentioned above, you can choose from many different panels and styling options. You can also choose from lots of different colour options. Metal naturally holds paint very well. This makes it easy to offer this material in a large number of colours, unlike most other roofing materials that generally only come in a handful of colour choices.
Cons of metal roofs
High cost
The biggest drawback to a metal roof is the cost. Though metal is comparable to other high-end roofing materials, the initial installation cost will be significantly more than a standard asphalt roof. This is the main reason more homeowners aren’t choosing metal. The materials themselves cost a lot more money to produce. And the specialised labour and tools needed for installation add to the cost as well.
Metal can dent
Your metal roof isn’t going to break, fall apart, or have a hole torn through it. However, it can dent. Heavy hail has the potential to damage standard metal sheets. If you live somewhere that experiences regular hail or regular hurricane winds, you could invest in dent-free metal which will cost more. For those who like to get up onto their roof to clean it off or clean out their gutters, you’ll have to be careful when walking around. Stepping on the wrong spot could also lead to denting.
Installation is not foolproof
Installing a metal roof should be done by someone with plenty of experience. Unlike an asphalt shingle roof, a wood shingle roof, or most other roofing materials, metal roofing is a material that few roofers are trained and experienced at installing.
