While asphalt shingles were the standard roofing material for decades, metal roofs have recently gained popularity as a residential roofing option. There are many reasons for considering using metal roofing instead but, is it the best option for your house?
Here are a few things to think about before installing a metal roof.
Longevity and Resilience
A metal roof can last for 50 years or more, which is twice as long as a conventional asphalt roof. They are not only more resilient, but they also last a lot longer. Some metal roofs can withstand gusts of up to 140 mph if they are built correctly by certified roofing contractors. In hurricane and storm-prone places like Hampton Roads, this is a significant advantage. Metal roof systems are less likely to catch fire from a spark or stray flame in wildfire-prone locations, making houses safer.
Sustainability
There are various factors to take into account regarding the environmental friendliness of your selection while considering a roof replacement. The content itself is one. Metal roofs are made entirely of recyclable materials and often contain 25 – 95% recycled material. The energy effectiveness of your roof is another factor. Metal roofs reflect UV rays, which lowers the surface temperature and can cut cooling costs for your home by 10 to 25%. This conserves energy and fossil resources.
Affordability
Even though metal roofs have many advantages and their popularity has grown, they are still much more expensive than conventional asphalt shingles. It could cost two to three times as much as replacing architectural shingles, depending on the sort of metal materials used. For the reasons outlined above, metal roofs can save you money over time, but you should think about how long you intend to stay in your house and whether you’ll stay long enough to see a return on your investment.
Sound
Metal roofs are still noisier than conventional roofs, even though modern construction techniques do provide a little bit more sound insulation than in the past. While some people enjoy the sound of rain on a metal roof, others may eventually find it annoying. This element of metal roofs is neither good nor negative, but it is something to consider when making a choice.
Snow
Metal roofs generally require snow guards in commercial roofing or in places where snowfall is frequent. These tiny metal semicircles or horizontal metal strips prevent snow from dropping off the roof in big clumps onto people or objects below. You will require snow guards on steeply pitched roofs such as front porches and porticos even if you don’t live in a region that frequently has snowfall. The best ways and locations to put snow guards on your metal roof will be known to a skilled roofing contractor with experience with this material and installation.
Style
The style and color selection of metal roofing has undergone significant advancements from manufacturers of metal roof systems. From a distance, metal roofs can occasionally even resemble conventional shingles. However, metal roofs typically have a unique appearance and style that may or may not match your property. On the websites of some roofing companies and manufacturers, some tools allow you to imagine how various roof materials and colors would look on a house comparable to yours. Alternatively, you might want to spend some time looking through images of houses with various styles of metal roofs on the internet.
You can also get help from a skilled roofer in terms of conceptualizing and selecting the right material. In our experience installing metal roofing on numerous homes, we’ve found that combining different types of roofing materials has proven to be a successful strategy with our customers. Architectural asphalt shingles may be used as the principal roofing material for the house, with complimentary metal materials used for any tiny overhangs, porches, or dormers. Both Craftsman-style homes and more contemporary architecture look fantastic with this style. Additionally, it provides the house with a metal-like, high-end appearance without substantially raising the price.
Contact AllRoofs Inc. if you’re thinking about installing a new metal roof to replace your old one or if you simply have concerns about what kind of residential roofing is best for your re-roofing job. Due to our extensive experience working with clients, we are knowledgeable about the best products, methods, and applications for all kinds of traditional and advanced roofing systems.
